Question:
No matter what kind of protein drink I drink, they upset my stomach...

hi everyone... i'm exactly three months post-op open rny... 65 lbs gone so far...woohoo... BUT ~ no matter what kind of protein shake or drink that i try, they upset my stomach... and then i end up sitting in the bathroom within a half hour of consuming them... what's up with this? has anyone else had this problem? and if so, how did you resolve it? i'm afraid of not getting in enough protein each day. i can do the protein thru foods, but i really wanted to suppliment with a protein drink at least once a day...    — Karen D. (posted on March 5, 2003)

March 5, 2003
Are you mixing your protien powder with milk? Maybe you are lactose intolerant. Can you handle orange juice? I have been mixing 6-8 oz. of OJ with 4-5 ice cubes and a scoop of vanillia protien powder in the blender. It tastes like an Orange Julius (remember thoese?) This has been a lifesaver for me, and goes down so much easier that a thick shake! Hope it helps.
   — CJ B.

March 5, 2003
I agree with the possibility that you are lactose intolerant. I never was before my surgery, but afterwards I could not tolerate milk. I tried Lactaid milk, same as Dairy-ease, and that helped with the problem. I for one, would not agree with mixing your protein powder in OJ. Juices are very high in concentrated sugars. You could have dumping from OJ.
   — Kathy H.

March 5, 2003
I don't use any protein powders or shakes. The dietician who taught the classes I was required to take was adamant about getting all your protein from food. Early on, I was getting protein powder at a skilled nursing facility. I used UpCalD and ProCel for a short time once I got home. They can be mixed into anything and don't alter the taste of what they're mixed into. I was mixing them into Crystal Light. You might try that if you can't get protein in any other way. I am able to get sufficient protein in via food, but I am also nearly 10 months post-op.
   — garw

March 5, 2003
I couldn't really stomach most of the protein drinks I tried either. I would usually get very nauseaus after drinking any, and I tried many w/o milk. After a few months, it got alot better and now I drink ISOPURE, it is like a gatorade consistency and has 40grams protein per bottle. SOme people love it, I'll be honest, it's really just tolerable to me. But it goes down like water, it's not thick or anything, and that is how I supplement my protein. At 3 months, even when I tried, there was no way I could eat all of my protein. I'm 9 months and minus 110 lbs. and still supplement, i find it easier sometimes. Goodluck to you, hope you find something that works.
   — Lezlie Y.

March 6, 2003
Depends on what liquid you are mixing your protein powder with. I had a problem with all kinds of milk, even skim. Turns out I was lactose intolerant. It was bad, for everyone around me, that is. My dietician told me to switch to soy milk. I've had no problems since.
   — aprilbaree