Question:
Would any RNY post ops use or have used protien that is NOT labeled for bariatric use

I have not had my RNY waiting on insurance approval (keep your fingers crossed) and I am trying to educate myself as to the dietary needs I will have post op. A friend of mine at work suggested I try a protien powder sold by melaluca but these are my issues...it is not SF, it can only be mixed with skim milk or OJ, and it seems to be low on the protien side with only 20 grams. She tells me her best friend had RNY and uses this protien but I want to make sure I am giving my body the best protien I can...any thoughts?    — maggiesmiles (posted on February 17, 2009)


February 17, 2009
I try all protein drinks, that are just that, protein drinks. Some are labeled protein shakes, but are low in protein and high in sugar. I like variety. I am 5yrs. out and still use protein shakes. My favorite is "My Victory" chocolate. Syntax (from bariatriceating.com)is good, they have so many flavors. My favorite, vanilla bean. Mixing it with skim milk is not bad as long as you can tolerate the milk after surgery. Your best bet would be to try them all and make sure they are high in protein. 20 grams sounds good. Keep in mind that your tolerance and taste buds may change after surgery. So what works before, may not work after.
   — bariatricdivalatina

February 17, 2009
I looked at the label and right away I knew I would not drink this particular brand...I personally will not use a protein powder "ENRICHED" with vitamins and minerals. (As I learned from My Registered Dietician) I want protein for the PROTEIN supplement and I take my VITAMINS very carefully in the correct doses for my particular labs and levels and in the correct form of that vitamin for RNY anatomy. I take vitamins on a schedule all day long...What a chore...So I will NOT take anything enriched with a whole slew of vitamins... PERIOD! Not all vitamins are friendly and when a product is "enriched" with vitamins...It's not something I will buy. After having lost all my weight I maintain the loss and EVERYTHING that goes in my body is about my health now...well except for the occasional nibble or two of pure unhealthy crap that I can't always resist! Perfect I am not! But I would watch the enriched stuff...RNYers cannot take all vits at the same time as some vits block absorption of others and too much of some can cause a deficiency in another! Just something to think about...Plus make sure the protein you use has all the essential amino acids for a complete protein...If you are lactose intolerant, choose Isolated proteins...They are a higher quality as well!
   — .Anita R.

February 17, 2009
In general, I would not use a protein drink (or powder) that contained more than a few grams of carbs-- and I was overly cautious about using anything that contained added sugar. With Isopure Zero Carb drinks and shake mixes available, I wouldn't even think about trying something like Melaluca (which is a product line of which I am not a terribly big fan anyway). Also, if you go to a Vitamin Shop or a GNC, and you have some time, check out the labels of the other powder mixes that they have-- some of which are labeled for elderly people or bodybuilders may have high protein content, but might also contain high sugars, so you need to be careful. However, I am always surprised to find that a WalMart or Costco has a brand that I've never heard of but which contains high protein and very low carb grams.
   — SteveColarossi

February 17, 2009
Protein is protein, and it does not matter if it is labeled for bariatric use or not. What IS important is if it is USABLE by the body or not. Some proteins are not COMPLETE proteins, and need to be COMBINED with OTHER proteins to make a complete protein that your body can use. Meat protein is a complete protein, and you body can use it without combining two different sources, but dairy, grain, and bean based proteins all require a SECOND source to be combined with them to COMPLETE the protein and make it USABLE for the human body. Check your protein source to see if it has TWO sources of protein, either Dairy (whey), Grain (rice, oat, or wheat), or bean, (most commonly soybean). If it does not, buy TWO sources of protein, and mix them, YOURSELF. This is what I used to do. I also used to avoid the protein powders that had sweeteners, and I used to sweeten the mixture myself with an artifical sweetener. I am allergic to sugar, so it is one of my problems. Most of the mixes that I found HAD sugar or some sort of artificial sweetener that I was sensitive to, so I had to make my OWN mix. I also preferred the chocolate flavored mixes, and used them to make smoothies with frozen bananas as the base. That gave me my fruit and protein for the day. I hope this helps. Hugh
   — hubarlow

February 17, 2009
I used the protein that my Dr. recommended which was Bariatric Essentials. I was on that the first 6 months after surgery. Now I use a whey protein. I would ask the nutritionist involved if you are unsure. Good luck!
   — JaimeK

February 17, 2009
I've never used a protein shake that is specifically labelled for Bariatrics. You need to read the label and look at how much sugar and carbs it has. I used Muscle Milk Light which I get from GNC, and also Isopure from the same place. Good Luck!
   — Shirley D.

February 17, 2009
Go to Vitalady.com she has available for purchase sample packages of protein to try. That way you can find the one you like without buying a whole container of something and then find out you hate it. . I use "Nectar", It mixes with water and has a good deal of protein and no sugar and comes in several flavors. I like the Cappucino and the Roadside lemonade. Good Luck
   — sblady329

February 17, 2009
Make your own protein drink - 1% milk, low fat yogurt, banana, berries and a scoop of powdered protein. Make sure it is an isolate protein. Good luck on your surgery. You will be very happy you made the decision. I'm 2 years post op and am enjoying my new life. Maureen, Akron, Ohio
   — Muggs

February 17, 2009
My surgeon recommended Beneprotein. It is made by nestle and is flavorless. I add it to my foods especially SlimFast low carb to boost my protein intake. I also add it to skim milk mixed with a sugar free flavoring (like DaVinci which is used to flavor coffee). I use profect as a clar liquid protein supplement. It is sugar free and comes in a container that looks like a test tube. It has 25 grams of clear clean whey protein. This was recommended by my nutritionist. Hope this will help. (p.s. I am 6 weeks out from my lap rny and doing great. 37 lbs. down today... :-)
   — gramX6

February 18, 2009
Maggie, I have researched and researched and so far I have found everything I need on one website. I have already started the liquid vitamins, ordered the unflavored whey protein isolate, the edamame peas for snacks later on when I can eat real food again! Anyway, please take a look and see if any of this might be what you are looking for. I am not a distributor nor do I make any money from referring you to the website. As a matter of fact the owner and supplier is a WLS patient himself. Here is the website URL http://dried-peas.com/driedpeas/index.html
   — allbright1

February 18, 2009
Your doctor or nutritionist will specify how many grams of protein, fat, carbs, and sugar alcohols are ok. Follow their directions and compare the limits to the product. Protein isolate is easier to digest at first also. Stick to that as your guide and you will do terrific.
   — lorannw




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