Question:
Will post-ops please share info on "Great" protein bars?

Also, does anyone know how well we digest the protein, and how do you use it in your diet? Thanks so much.    — Dot W. (posted on January 7, 2000)

January 7, 2000
I tried many proteins supplements pre-op.. narrowing the field to Promax (lemon chiffon) has 17 grams and is very good.. it's very filling. It's rather chewy so eat slow and take tiny bites.. I doubt you can eat more than 1/3 at a time post-op. Also I like the liquid protein from GNC called Challenge flavor is Wild Cherry, three tbls is 17 grams it mixes well with anything and flavor it not gritty to taste like most powders.. As far as how it digests or how much our new anatomy absorbs..well, I'll pass that on to the site surgeon to answer... Victoria Lynn
   — Victoria B.

January 7, 2000
Check out www.vitalady.com On this site there is an explaination on how we break down the protein and why we post-ops need protein supliments. Also they sells the suppliments, bars, and vitamins that we need post-op. The couple that has this business have both had WLS and are very knowledgable about WLS and the products the offer. Good Luck & God Bless!
   — Angel G.

January 7, 2000
The protein in the powders and liquids is predigested. Ready to be absorbed when it his that intestine. Protein food can't go through the stomach to be digested properly, nor can it be asborbed in the first 18" of intestine where it would most like to be. Protein bars come in as many varieties as you can being to imagine. Some are candy with a bit of "health" in 'em, some are serious and make an excellent snack food. Look for high protein, and less than 6g of sugar. Protein bars are not predigested, though, so they don't count the same as a liquid supplement. I count them the same as food protein, 0. I'm not willing to gamble my weight loss on the idea that I "might" absorb something!
   — vitalady

January 8, 2000
I've had great luck with the "Cliff" Luna bars. Luna bars are "designed" for women. They are crunchy and filling and they taste pretty good. The ingredients provide 10 grs. of protein along with extra iron and calcium for a total of 180 calories. I do worry about the candy bar appeal of these snacks but getting in all the required protein is important to me and I couldn't manage it without the help of thses bars and the powdered drink I have each morning. I've been loosing well with one of these included each day so far.... I hope that continues and I plan to remain vigilent about crossing the line from protein bars to candy.
   — Carol M.

March 17, 2000
I have not had my surgery yet, but I have been looking at protein sources, etc - getting ready for my post op diet. Today at Trader Joe's, I found Worldwide Sports Nutrition Pure Protein bars. They make ones that are specifically low carb. Chocolate deluxe - 180 cal (30 from fat), 9g carbs, 21 g protein; peanut better - 180 cal (35 from fat), 6 g carbs, 21 g protein; chewy chocolate chip - 180 cal (30 from fat), 10 g carbs, 20 g protein; and white chocolate mousse - 190 cal (35 from fat); 10 g carbs, 22g protein. They were all $1.69 each. I also saw another brand called Ultimate Lo Carb Bars - from Biochem. They only had 2 g of carbs (!!!) but were also higher in calorie - 230 (50 from fat). They had 20 g of protein.
   — Paula G.