Question:
Getting down protein
I have tried to get down my protein but it is very difficult. I have tried the protein bullets from GNC which make me gag and the protein shakes that also make me gag. I am able to eat now , but I know that I am not getting in my required amount. I have even tried the unflavored whey protein and mixing the bullets into a drink and nothing works. Any suggestions on how I can get my protein down??? — lajean77 (posted on August 16, 2008)
August 15, 2008
There are many brands of protein shakes available. Your "taste
buds" will tell you which ones you can tolerate. Vitalady.com has
sample packs for sale, offering you a single serving choice of many flavors
or brands. On the subject of pretin bullets, make sure they are whey
isolate protein, as that is absorbed easiest. From going to dozens of
support meetings over the past 2 years, here is what I've heard: Many RNY
post ops have tried the "bullets" and most find their flavors
somewhat objectionable. The vast majority of patients who have voiced their
opinion on protein bullets, say that they mix other flavors with these
bullets. They usually pour half of the protein bullet (most bullets contain
40-42 gr. of protein--too much at one time for recent post ops to digest
completely) into a water bottle, and fill remainder of bottle with water.
They then add a "like flavoring" of a sugar free
flavoring--Crystal Lite, WalMart brand, etc. to augment the flavor of the
bullet. Some post ops also have used vanilla or "unflavored"
whey isolate protein, and added fruits for flavorings, or SF flavorings,
locally available or from the Vitalady site. Many patients experience a
"change in taste buds" as a post op, so finding a tolerable
flavored protein source may be difficult. Healthy snacks, such as dried
peas or dried edamame (both high in protein) have been a benefit to my post
op protein intake. 1/4 cup of the dried peas have 6 grams of protein, and
the edamame has 14 gr. of protein for the same 1/4 cup serving size. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
August 15, 2008
UNJURY all the way for me!!! Ordered off unjury.com and that is the only
way you can buy this product. I enjoy the chocolate very much and have no
problem getting 3- 8oz glasses of this mixed with milk down a day.. That
way I get my calcium in also. Right after surgery I found it VERY
difficult to find a protein drink that would agree with me, but as soon as
I could feel that I was not able to get enough protein down from eating
normal foods and getting weak I RE-TRIED the protein drink and was so happy
to see that I was able to drink it and even enjoy it.
— usfour
August 16, 2008
I had the exact same problem after surgery; I stocked up on protein bullets
and protein shake powder, then couldn't tolerate them, the taste bothered
me. I thought I had wasted my money, but after several months I find for
some reason I can now tolerate them; however I never drink them quickly, I
take a drink, wait, and make it last over about 2 hours. If I try to drink
it fast it makes me nauseous. I know this doesn't help you at this moment,
but maybe, like me, you'll be able to tolerate them better after several
months. Best wishes!
— Gina S.
August 16, 2008
At 5 months post op I still struggle with protein. I found I tolerate the
protein bullets better at room temp rather than cold. I am not sure if it
is because of the texture or the taste, but they go down better at a warmer
temp. Good luck to you.
— Gena L.
August 16, 2008
Work your way up to eating it...This is what I had to do too. I did very
little protein supplements because my pouch just did not do well with
proein supps. I ate 6 meals a day...Most everything I put in my belly was
protein, all my snacks, my side dishes, my desserts...I had some fruits and
veggies too, but always with some sort of cheese or peanut butter...and by
the time i could work do some really good workouts at 6 months....I was
eating plenty of protein, but i cannot eat it all in 3 meals...I still eat
6 small meals that are mostly protein. Protein drinks and powders and bars
are made mainly for body builders. They really are not intended to help us
lose weight. We need protein to heal and feed our muscles while we are
burning tremendous amounts of energy (Fat AND MUSCLE) The purest forms of
protein are meat...PLAIN AND SIMPLE! Make broths and puree chicken or beef
and make a thick soup... It's just as good as protein drink but without the
chocolately, vanilla, mocha choca-fru fru swirl that for some of us
triggers old cravings for sweets and desserts. Anyway...by the time I was
body building, I was drinking one Isopure (no carb) clear bottles. They
are about 3-4 dollars a bottle...but it was all I could handle in small
sips. Eventually I just gave up on protein supps and just lived a normal,
smaller person type life...eating regular lean, near sugar free, healthy
life. 4 years post op I do no drink a protein powder in my coffee every
morning to keep my carbs down and my protein up. Otherwise, I eat all my
protein in fish, meat and cheese and beans, seeds and nuts, soy products,
eggs. I use EAS Whey Soy-Isolate Premium Blend Protein Powder from Costco
for 30 g of protein on top of the 70 g that I eat in real food.
I have heard there are "egg protein drinks" out there...Theya re
not easy to find in stores...so you might do a google search for
"protein supplements" and find an alernative to whey...
— .Anita R.
August 16, 2008
I know of someone who mixed the bullet with crystal lite (Grape) and I was
dumbfounded that I didn't even know it was in there! You might try that.
Granted..it would probably have to be the grape flavor Bullet and she may
have diluted it. As for me...I use Body Fortress Protein Whey Chocolate
flavor. It's about $13.00 at Wal-Mart.
— wowmomma
August 16, 2008
i really grew to like slim fast high protein shakes in chocolate...they are
15 grams.
— buttrfli1
August 16, 2008
I really like the protein puddings by Snack & Slim- they have chocolate
and vanilla. Instone has chocolate, vanilla and banana pudding which is
YUMMY!!! Each container has 20 gms of protein or more and only 2 carbs.
If you have a Smoothie King near you, they have low carb smoothies. I
order the chocolate banana low carb smoothie with an extra scoop of protein
powder. Yummo! Remember that the smoothie is a meal and not a snack.
Only 7 carbs and 40 gms protein.
Good luck,
Dawn
— DawnVic
August 16, 2008
I forgot to tell you the recipe for my favorite home made protein shake:
1 atkins shake- flavor of choice
1 scoop protein powder of choice
10 frozen blueberries
3 frozen strawberries
A few ice cubes
Throw all into blender and whir- yummo!!!
Enjoy,
Dawn
— DawnVic
August 16, 2008
I like the ISOPURE flavored water. There is 40gms protein in each 20oz
bottle. I like the grape frost the best so far. Just as good as Crystal
Light. You can get them at Vitamin store and GNC
Goodluck
Paula
— urbrat2
August 16, 2008
I just had surgery 3 weeks ago and found that if I dilute the protein
bullet in some water so it is not as strong and then freeze it in mini ice
cube trays they're kind of like popsicles you can let melt in your mouth -
they're actually pretty good that way.
— Mirror-Mirror_On_The_Wall.....
August 16, 2008
I'm 2.5 weeks post op and struggle with protein too. I found out I can
tolerate it better if I have it before breakfast. The problem is messes up
the schedule with the meals but at leas I know I have my first one down.
The second one I have it late at night hours after dinner, again when I
know my stomach is probably as empty and ready as possible.
— far2be
August 16, 2008
I had the same issue of gagging, shivering and it was pretty discouraging.
I tried so many different powders and most were not at all palatable even
after doctoring them up with fruit. I thought that Designer Whey sold at
Meijer (and other places I am sure) was decent but my absolute fav is
Myoplex chocolate ready-to-drink shake. The 17 oz carton supplies 42 grams
of protein and it is really good. Tastes just like chocolate milk. ( I
thought the vanilla was WAY too sweet). Sometimes I add ice cubes and a
half of a banana to my protein and mix well with my Bullet and it ends up
like milkshake. I know Myoplex sells a powder also which is available at
Costco but I have not tried it yet. Best wishes with that issue. I hope
you can find a protein source you like.
— ChelleBelle
August 16, 2008
Try mixing the bullets with a lot of water. I take at least 32 oz of
water/ice and mix it with one of the bullets. I sip on it all day. I get
my protein and water at the same time.
— doreenh
August 17, 2008
I actually chill the bullets in the fridge before I drink them and then I
only drink 1/2 at a time. They have a screw on top so you don't have to
drink the whole tube in one going. Since they are 45 grams on whey isolate
protein and my body can only absorb approx 30 grams at a shot, I can safely
swallow half the tube. Have you tried the 20 oz Isopure drinks? I buy
them at GNC I found I only like the fruit punch and the apple melon, I put
them on ice and drink them thru the day. They have 40 grams of protein.
Also another source of protein is jerky. You just have to chew it really
well. Jerky is high in sodium so there is a trade off, but about 1 oz of
jerky has about 12 grams of protein. Also, egg whites have protein as
well. Good luck in your search!
— irish4girl
August 17, 2008
Adkins also makes "granola" bar that has 17 gm protein, maybe 1
sugar. They taste OK and aren't very big.
— JODI_13
August 17, 2008
I just starting using "New Whey liquid protein" that is sold at
GNC for about $3.50. It comes in a 3 oz vial shaped container that has 42
g protein, no sugar and no fat. I mix half a 'vial' in the morning and
night with about 4 oz water or sugar free lemonade and it goes down much
easier for me! (not so much volume!) It comes in grape, blue raspberry,
fruit punch and orange flavors. Try it out and good luck!
— Mary714
August 17, 2008
I'm 3 weeks post-op and I've been using the Profect 25 gram 3 oz bullets
from Protica.com. They work well and there's a variety of flavors to
choose from. They have a trial version that is 4 vials of different
flavors for $11.99. So far so good for me with them. My BFF is 3 yrs
post-op and she struggles with enough protein too, so I hooked her on the
Protica bullets & she recommends them too. Best Wishes!
— JenStock1970
August 17, 2008
i have tried many different types of protein drinks. i love the protein
drink i found, and actually my surgeon
recommended it. it's called, "whey gourmet" by PVL. you can
order it online. they have awesome flavors. my favorite is peanut butter
chocolate. it taste like a reese's pb cup. my husband and i have no
problems with this brand. it breaks down well, when you shake it. it
taste awesome.
— DENISE J.
August 18, 2008
I used Carnation Instant Breakfast for my protein. It doesn't taste bad
and if you add 1/4 cup of fat free powdered milk to it, the protein is
increased to 20 grams per serving. Just make sure that you get the one
that says "No Sugar Added" on the box. That's very important. I
didn't find it difficult to get down at all. Good luck.
— deebunny38
August 18, 2008
I love unjury. I make a shake with 6 ounces of skim milk, one scoop of
choc. unjury, ice cubes and 2-3 packets of splenda. They are great. OR I
make a strawberry shake with 6 ounces of skim milk, lots of frozen
strawberries instead of ice and a scoop of vanilla or strawberry unjury
& splenda. It doesn't taste chaulky at all. I had to lay off the
bullets for a couple of weeks and when I tried them again - they weren't
bad - I like the grape in them. Everyone is different - you just have to
find out what works for you. Good luck.
— SLittle1
August 20, 2008
I like the Whey Gourmet available by PVL, available at Walmart. I add it
to about 4 oz of ultrafiltered skim milk that tastes like 1% - I can manage
this much for breakfast but not much more (I am 2 mths post op). I also
use IsoWhey unflavoured powder (30g/scoop) which I add to either applesauce
(unsweetened and sometimes flavoured with grape, peach, pineapple etc.)also
available from Walmart in individual servings, or to low fat yogurt such as
"Source". It takes a bit of effort to get rid of the clumps of
powder in the applesauce but it completely dissolves in the yogurt and even
makes it quite a thick liquid. I enjoy either of these served cold and if
I have to take it to work or elsewhere I will freeze the mixtures
overnight. That way by the time lunch or break arrives at work, it is
thawed but still icy cold. If the yogurt is still frozen it is like a
sherbet - yummy! The applesauce mix is a safe bet if you travel a lot in
the car like I do and like to keep something handy to snack on between
stops. The applesauce will not go "off" if it happens to get
too warm while sitting in the car. I have also added some Isowhey to a few
oz of fruit juice and frozen it into popsicles or simply drink it that way.
Don't forget you don't have to use the entire scoop. I like the ISOWhey
because it really packs in a large amount of protein into a relatively
small amount of powder. I have difficulty getting in enough fluids or food
- never hungry and seldom think of eating unless I see a food ad! So for me
the more protein I can get in as small amount of food or drink, the better.
The dietician also told me that the protein, especially when present in
large amounts such as in a shake, will stay in the pouch longer than
perhaps regular food. Just something to keep in mind - I do find the
shakes fill me up fast despite taking an hour to drink it and there are
days when I just can't get it all down. I perservere because as long as we
take in protein our bodies will burn off the fat and not attack the
muscle.
Duckie
— Duckie
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