Question:
How many protein shakes per day can you have.

I am 3 months out (RNY 9/26/08) and am only getting in about 45 grams of protein. Can I have more than one 8-9oz. protein shake a day? Thank you.    — twinsplusone (posted on January 3, 2009)

January 3, 2009
I really recommend double checking with your surgeon or nutritionist, but my surgeon has no problem with having protein shakes for 2 meals a day - but does urge us to have at least one meal a day that is regular food (mostly protein). I am still having difficulty digesting meat and fish, so sometimes if I just can't handle eating I will have shakes for 2 meals. But you can also try things like cottage cheese with a little fruit, yogurt, refried beans - all a great sources of protein, and easier to digest for many. How many grams of protein are in your protein shake? My surgeon told me that I needed to put 3 scoops in a shake - each scoop is 10 grams of protein - so that is 30 grams of protein at a meal - and your body really can't process more protein than that at a time. And we are suppose to get 60-70 grams of protein a day - so if you had two shakes, you would have your protein in - more if you mix it with milk. Also, if you add 1/4 cup of powdered low-fat milk with 1 cup of milk, you double the amount of protein in it. Use this "enriched" milk to make sugar free puddings, or in your shakes, etc. Also, when I am on the go during lunch time, Costco has some great protein bars that have 30 grams of protein per bar. They are Premier Nutrition Protein Bars - at Costco, you get 24 bars for about $18. (I am 4 months out, and it is starting to get a little easier, but be sure to get all your protein in! I know most people start losing their hair about 3 months out, but I haven't had that problem yet, and I'm crossing my fingers that if I keep my protein up, I won't lose any hair!)
   — Wendy M.

January 3, 2009
You can have protein intake WITHOUT 8-9 oz of liquids at one time. BariCare offers a protein supplement that has 20 gr of protein per serving, mixed with 2,3, or 4 oz of water. You can also mix unflavored protein with SF pudding in 3 to 4 oz servings also. My profile page talks about these. Consuming 8-9 oz per protein serving is difficult for new post ops, so I'd find an alternative protein source--I'm assuming you possibly are using a ready make protein in a can, as you indicated the 8-9 oz size? DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

January 3, 2009
I did two shakes until my 4 month check up. Also..if you can drink milk..it has 1 gram per ounce. Good luck!
   — gpcmist

January 4, 2009
My surgeon and Nut were strictly against using protein supps as meal replacements! Different docs...different protocol. I was only to use protein supps til I could eat all my protein in foods. The average is 3-6 months before one can eat 60 gs with not supp...Some take longer like a year...I took 3 months for the most part. I have NO probelm now...but...I do use 1 protein supp for breakfast rather than a high carb cereal or my sugary fru fru creamers in my coffee...So I use a protein supplement to supplement my OLD addiction to a carby breakfast! LOL It's a better choice for me since carbs first thing in the morning make me want more carbs all day! Not good for me personally!!So I ignored my nut's suggestion and drink a protein drink for breakfast! Sorry! It works for me! One diet plan does not fit all! ...I use a full serving of protein in only 6 ounces of liquid (I put it in my coffee with a little cinnamon)...I cannot drink a large protein shake...not newly post op and not 5 years later! 45 gs of protein is not horrible for 3 months out but you are probably getting more than you think...You should be able to eat most of your protein then add only one protein supp, no? You can't eat a few ounces of chicken or meat and add a slice of LF or no fat cheese for extra protein? A side of cottage cheese? No? A handful of almond as a snack? My protein has 28 gs of protein for two scoops...That's more than half of what you get all day! Are you certain you are only getting 45 gs's of protein? Most meats per two ounces have about 13 gs of protein...If you eat 3 meals a day of ONLY 2 ounces of meat and NOTHING else and have one protein shake you will have eaten 67 g's of protein...Or add a little cheeses or an egg or protein snacks and you should have no trouble eating 60 g's of protein a day...If you are really only able to eat that little...then you should be drinking a high protein drink or two and try to eat more protein...Do a search for high protein foods...Make sure you are eating mainly protein at 3 meals a day....Good luck!
   — .Anita R.

January 7, 2009
Each nut and dr is different, however, I was told that as long as I am trying to eat if at the end of the day I am not getting enough protein or if my very crazy schedule would lead to eating junk or what they call "dash board eating" the drinks are better. I use the bullet and take one "shot" (1.5 oz) at a time. that is 20grams per shot.... BUT each Dr is different so just call the dr or nut they will let you know what they prefer...
   — phyllismmay