Question:
How long are we on the protein drinks

Are we on the protein supplement drinks just wwhile we are recuperating or for life? My DR recommends Carnation Instant Breakfast sugar free, or Ensure after sugery. once we can eat pured foods,is there still a need for the protein supplements?    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 3, 2001)

May 3, 2001
You are going to get varied answers on this. My surgeon does NOT recommend protein drinks at all. However, in the initial postop period you will need to get the protein in somehow, either milk products (yogurt, creamed soups, pudding) or some type of protein drink. After you are on real food, you CAN get your protein in with food and you NEED to learn how to eat properly and in a controlled manner. You don't learn this behavior by reliance on protein drinks. Some docs recommend mainly protein until the bulk of your extra weight is lost. You will, however, need some fats and some carbs in your diet for balance and good health. Just remember, fruits and veggies are good carbs and then potatoes, breads, and pastas are starches (other carbs sometimes referred to as bad carbs) which you may wish to limit for the best weight loss results. Best wishes. Oh, by the way, Ensure drinks have too much sugar unless you get the Diabetic Ensure. Read labels carefully.
   — Cindy H.

May 3, 2001
I specifically asked my Dr. about protein drinks since it was never mentioned to me by him nor his staff. Surprisingly, he said he doesn't suggest them. I am getting enough protein just from my regular food. But as always, ask your Dr. first before dropping them all together.
   — Carina H.

May 3, 2001
I'll be using protein supplements (not Ensure types, which are weight gainers, but just protein) as long as my surgery remains intact. Should I have a car accident or somehow cause my body to return to its pre-op condition, then I'd be able to digest & absorb foods again. However, since I have now had surgery twice to maintain my malabsorbing condition, I am not willing to give any of it back. I eat normal healthy foods, avoid milk & sugar, and take in 120-180g of protein supps a day. Lost 150# almost 7 yrs ago and maintain my weight (110# or so) as long as I stick with the same regimen that got me here. I know some people WANT to have "normal" eating, but that was killing me, so I am happy to stay in this "abnormal" condition which I have paid so dearly to maintain. That's why we're all different. But then, I'd like to be a "stick", 98#, with top end labs. And not everyone wants that!
   — vitalady

September 12, 2004
Yes, for most the are unable to consume the protein needed after WLS. Liquid Protein is necessary to keep up the protein levels. I'm on Pro-Stat64 liquid supplement. It gives you 15 gr of protein per 1 ounce serving. I take three times a day. You can check it out at pro-stat64.com. Good luck!
   — Denice A.

September 12, 2004
I drink one 20oz Isopure ZeroCarb protein drink a day. ( half in the morning and half in the evening. It gives me 40 gms of protein, My Dr recomends at least 70 grms of protein for me a day. He is in favor of protein drinks. I don't think I could get 70 grms of protein from food. I can't eat that much. I will probably do that , God willingly, for the rest of my life. My Dr is against the ENsure, that's designed to help people gain or maintain body weight I think. Personaly I don't like Carn Inst Brkfst. RNY 5/13/03 down 126 lbs. start: 282 now 156. Good luck to you!! :-)
   — KellyJeanB

December 31, 2005
I've been getting Pro-stat64 from www.cwimedical.com I think they just came out with Pro-Stat AWC that has 17g of liquid protein and has added vitamins and minerals.
   — aenl200

December 31, 2005
Carnation instant breakfast doesn't give you enough protein, and Ensure is just way too nasty. I bought a protein powder at Walmart-Body Fortress-and it's really good. I put the vanilla in the blender with some orange Crystal Light and some ice. It has 20g of protein-some say to use skim milk or add some powdered milk to up the protein. The chocolate-I put with skim milk-you could also add your CIB to the blender to get some extra. I think until you can get the 50-60 grams from the food you eat, you should probably stay on the protein powder.
   — janh