Question:
Is it ok to comsume protein intake in a small portion?

I am still pre-op but have been trying out some different kinds of protein. I hate all the shakes so I got a powder form. The thing is that I hate it too. So I was wondering if 1 scoop of protein powder has like 20 grms of protein in it. Is it ok to put a scoop in like 1oz of water and just drink it? Or do I need to use more water or milk or whatever?    — Christy M. (posted on May 6, 2003)

May 5, 2003
Doesn't matter how much water you use. Try vitalady.com samples but wait til after your surgery. You're tastes will change and when you CAN eat, you'll like the taste of anything.
   — Kimberly L.

May 6, 2003
You can put one scoop in only an ounce, but chances are you won't want to drink it like that- the taste will probably be too strong and pretty gross consistency. And your tastes do change post-op, so be careful with buying proteins now- you may hate them later unfortunately! Or since you hate it now, you may like it later! lol You could make 1 scoop with about 4 or 6 oz and drink it over a longer period of time- there is no rush, and very soon post-op you will not be able to drink fast either, so you'll have to do it slow! Try Isopure pre-bottled zero carb drink. 40 grams per 20oz bottle- its alright tasting, but goes down like gatorade (not a shake) and it's the only one I can still stand after a year! Goodluck to you
   — Lezlie Y.

May 6, 2003
I am 7 weeks post op lap RNY and have tried several protein supplements and was unhappy with most until I added a teaspoon of sweetner. It made all the difference. Are they delicious? No. Are they pretty good compared to not adding sweetner? Absolutely. And, yes your taste does change following surgery so wait on buying something you may not like following surgery. Good Luck!
   — Rebecca L.

May 6, 2003
I also suggest vitalady.com for samples (my fav.), or wlssuccess.com. Stuff I found at the grocery store (CIB, Atkins, Spirutein, etc.) really didn't speak to me at all. Unlike some folks, my tastes didn't change after surgery -- the Proscore 100 Chocolate protein powder that I found as a pre-op, I still use now almost a year post-op. The ProBlend 55 Swiss Chocolate I also found back then (which you can also get at GMC) is still my "backup" brand.<P>When you're first experimenting with protein powders, try adding small pinches of sugar free jello or pudding powders to sweeten them, in different flavors -- try mixing them with ice water, or with a bit of crushed ice -- try freezing them for a few minutes to make them colder -- try using a hand/stick blender (don't just shake them up) -- try using DaVinci sugar-free syrups (which come in many flavors) to make them better -- just keep trying different things until you find one you like. If you just force it down like medicine, guaranteed it won't work for you. I see so many people who taste a few gross shakes and then give up on 'em, and I would've been one of them if I hadn't had a lot of "duds" before I found the good ones (for me). I know they helped me get protein in as an early pre-op, I'm sure they helped me get in shape and reach goal faster, and I'm also sure they'll help me maintain more than any other single habit I've developed as a post-op (except for the formerly dreaded "exercise"). Hang in there and don't give up! :~D
   — Suzy C.