Question:
Protein pills

I am seriously considering looking into maybe getting protein pills. I try and make sure I eat mainly protein at every meal, but I know it's just not enough. Has anyone heard of pros or cons to going this route or used them personally?    — juliebelle0402 (posted on November 3, 2007)

November 3, 2007
I am 18 mos post lap RNY and I have used the Solgar Protein pills since about 6-8 mos- I could 't find any protein drink I liked. My dietitian and NP have had no problems with me using them. I don't take them as often now but I was chewing 5 of them each morning just to ensure a boost in protein to start the day- each tab is 11 gms protein- chewing it was too bad- taste not the greatest but not the aftertaste of the protein drinks. You can swollow them but I have problems with BIG pills even though they are caplet shaped. I get them on-line via the Vitamen Shoppe. Donna 286/131
   — dabby

November 3, 2007
Most protein pills are appx 3 pills = 1g protein. It's good to check the serving size on anything you take, of course. To get 30g of whey protein, it takes from 1/3 to 1/2 cup of powder (dry), so you can see the problem with trying to stuff all that into pills! I used a veggie based protein pill back in the 90's, and it was 3 = 1g, but being veggie protein, I probably absorbed nothing at all. But I thought I was at the time! When you are checking the pill forms of protein, check the source of the protein and be especially careful of serving sizes. I take 180g of whey protein supplement daily, 6 drinks of 30g each, made with water. That's more than most ppl want or need, but I have several reasons for doing it. (1) I'm very distal, so need more than others (2) I'm 13 yrs out, so the longer I go, the more likely my intestine will try to regrow what has been bypassed (bad thing, regain) (3) I use it for volume, appetite and craving control, as well as getting protein on board. (4) If stressed, I tend to drink them back to back, which doesn't get me much protein but it's a WHOLE lot better than jumping in the car to chase down a donut or something (5) I'm quite determined to hold onto my wt loss as long as I can, so the more protein on board, the less likely I am to wander off the straight and narrow (not impervious, mind you, just less likely!)
   — vitalady

November 3, 2007
I have never used protein pills, but as a vegetarian, 4 weeks out from RNY, I am also struggling to get enough protein in. A friend of mine that had RNY 2 years ago suggested (and swears by) 2 supplements - liquid protein shots (42g of whey protein in a 3 oz "shot" made by IDS) and UNFLAVORED protein powder (Unjury is the brand she uses). Unjury is available at www.unjury.com, and the liquid protein shots are available online and at places like GNC. I ordered my Unjury on Tueday, and I had it at my house on Thursday. Their shipping charges are very reasonable and they sell single-serve sample packets, so you can try different flavors (or unflavored). I've just ordered the liquid protein shots yesterday, so I don't know exactly how good/bad they taste, but I figure since it's only 3 oz, I can deal with it for 42g of protein! Good luck!
   — sbonner

November 3, 2007
I too can't seem to choke down the shakes, so I am asking my Doctor if I can take pills as well, here is the link to the one's I am curious about. http://www.nashuanutrition.com/store/index.php?target=products&product_id=349 Let me know if you find something better! :O) Good Luck ~Suzanne~
   — smf0926

November 3, 2007
I also use the protein shots. Just a tip about them, since they are highly concentrated, I got sick the first couple of times I downed them, my doctor told me to sip it and I was fine, great source of quick protein that comes in flavors, the peach is pretty good. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a boost, also great when going on vacation or away at least you know you will get in your protein. Good luck.
   — noboat4u

November 4, 2007
I know its difficult, but you would probably be better off, health and financially, by trying to get your protein from real food than pills. When we eat protein rich foods, we get more than just protein--we get vitamins, minerals, amino-acids, etc... stuff that you really really need to be healthy. A couple suggestions for you... eggs! I make a dozen deviled eggs every week and use them as snacks--boil, peel, and slice your eggs, toss the yokes, mayo, salt, pepper and garlic into a gallon ziplock bag, seal it, knead it with your hands, cut off a corner, and squirt the yolk mixture into the holes--cheap, fast, and tasty. You can also add non-fat dry milk powder to regular milk, cream, yogurt, into sauces, ice cream etc. for extra protein and calcium. I have tried tons and tons of protein drinks/shakes/powders but apparently have very sensitive taste and cannot keep any of them down. I have found that No sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast adds protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber to my diet without the gross taste... I even use it to make ice cream!!! It's much cheaper than any of the protein shakes, bullets, or pills and to me tastes much better. Good luck to you... I'm sorry I don't have any experience with protein pills other than knowing that they are expensive, often taste/smell funny, and given the large size, don't contain as much protein as you would hope.
   — mrsidknee

November 5, 2007
I HAVE NOT TRIED THE PROTEIN TABS AND HAVE HAD A HARD TIME WITH PROTEIN DRINKS. HOWEVER I DID FIND ISOPURE POWDER FLAVORED ORANGE, PINEAPPLE & BANNA, I PUT IT IN THE BLENDER WITH THE FOLLOWING: 1/2 CUP STRABERRIES 1/2 CUP BLUEBERRIES 1/2 BANNA 1 CUP SKIM MILK 1 SMALL CONTAINER OF FLAVORED YOGURT (DANNN FIT & CARB CONTROL) SPLENDA TO TASTE ICE MIX IT ALL UP AND IT TASTE GREAT! I GET ABOUT 60 TO 65 GRAMS OF PROTEIN AND MY HAIR QUIT FALLING OUT! GGOD LUCK
   — Carmen Drury