Question:
Are protein shakes effective for weight loss?

I am trying to lose some weight on my own (before considering surgery). I bought some Special K protein shakes (I am going to replace 1 for my breakfast). Will this help me?    — ebonyeyes26 (posted on October 20, 2009)

October 20, 2009
Actually, you will gain weight if you drink those to lose weight. You need like Slim Fast, if you choose to use the liquid weight lose shakes etc, not protein shakes to lose weight. But you also need to follow a diet plan low fat, calorie counting, low carbs more veggies, excercise to lose weight from those shakes. If you eat normally with those shakes you will see a gain. If you can try Weight Watchers for a short period of time or Jenny Craig. They will teach you portion control. You can always use the Weight Watchers food in the grocery store, but you need to use them as a meal, not a snack. Those are actual portion size meals. If you eat salad with each meal, veggies and a good carb, with a healthy snack in between meals, 6 small meals and snacks you should see a lose. Also bump up your water intake and try to get in some walking. Even out to your mailbox and back everyday, then to the neighbors house. That is excercise. If you only drink those shakes and eat no food, your body will go into starvation mode. Hope you find this info useful. Please feel free to email me if you need help.
   — Kristy

October 20, 2009
if you drink a protein shake for breakfast and then eat two sensible meals throughout the rest of the day, don't snack, don't overdo it on carbs, don't eat fatty foods, don't drink your calories and exercise faithfully for the rest of your life, of course you will lose weight.
   — greenpunchbuggie

October 20, 2009
Pre op my Dr. had me drinking 3 shakes a day, nothing else but water and clear soups. Since my surgery, I have to have 60 grams of protein, and I have a difficult time with getting protein from meat, chicken, and fish, so I do supplement with 2 protein shakes a day. My nut told me to.
   — FSUMom

October 21, 2009
try the rules...waiting 5 mintues between bites, chew chew chew, meals to last atleast 20 and not longer than 30 minutes, protein first, vitas journal..if you follow this and try to eat healthily, you will lose weight. Noneed for protein before to lose weight, and your tastes may change to where you don't like them. Best of luck to you! hugs, KIM
   — gpcmist

October 21, 2009
I am confused, what does that mean, "Noneed for protein before to lose weight?" My Dr. told me protein and 60 grams of it.
   — FSUMom

October 21, 2009
My nutritionist said the best for weight loss are the Atkins Advantage since they are very low in carbs. These are what I used in my two weeks pre-op and lost about 12 pounds in 14 days. I still occasionally drink one -- maybe once a week or so. I'm trying to use up my supply. I had bought a bunch when Wal Mart had them on sale 6 for the price of 4.
   — rkurquhart

October 25, 2009
Don't do protein shakes after surgery. (I am 5.5 yrs out and never did one. Everyone I know who did protein shakes gained there weight back a few years later) They are made for body builders to bulk up not for weight loss.
   — Kimberly Ten Kate