Question:
Protein Drinks or Bars?

Does our new stomach digest the protein in drinks or should we be eating bars? I went to a support group last night and heard some interesting information that I never thought of. Since protein drink are liquid do our bodies have enough time to process any of the protein before it is passed through our system. If it does it is kind of a waste to drink these products and we should be eating protein bars which take longer to digest. Any thoughts???    — Kelly T. (posted on December 4, 2002)

December 4, 2002
If we had trouble extracting protein from shakes, I very much doubt they'd be recommended by nearly every WLS surgeon I've ever heard of.
   — Roxanne M.

December 4, 2002
The other way around. Bars are iffy (you need a stomach to "digest", break them into absorbable particles), shakes are more of a sure thing. Depending on the shake, of course. Good protein is pre-digested, so when it hits that intestine for the short trip down, it's ready to be absorbed.
   — vitalady

December 5, 2002
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT ANYTHING LIQUID ABSORBS IMMEDIATLEY. I HAVE NOW STARTED TAKING A LIQUID VITAMIN AND IT IS WONDERFUL. GOOD LUCK!
   — DRutherford