Question:
Do NOT like any of the drinks I have tried

PLEASE HELP !! I almost 3 weeks post-op and can NOT get my protein drinks down. I take 2 drinks and my stomach just starts doing flips, and then I can't finish it. I have tried mostly the Myoplex and a few others. I had the strawberry-banana and added skim milk and a few ice cubes as well as 1/2 banana to the blender. Loved the first drink then after that.. YUCK !! PLEASE HELP I do NOT want my hair to fall out ( i know it will thin, but don't want to make it noticeable ) Any suggestions on high protein foods? also cheese, milk and tuna are not doing so good with me right now either. Any suggestions will help.. !! thanks    — kelkel319 (posted on September 25, 2003)


September 25, 2003
My doctor wanted me to use the carnation instant breakfast (SUGAR FREE) in the blue box. I didn't like the protein drinks either, but I put it in the freezer to get icy... and kept it in there until it was time for me to drink again.
   — Lynette H.

September 25, 2003
Kelly, Also, I bought one of those tupperware shakers so the dry mix would blend with the milk well. That really helped. Oh, and as far as tuna... well, I'm 6 weeks out and I still can't handle tuna. If you want to get some protein in, you might want to boil an egg and make egg salad with fat free mayo... I lived on egg salad for several weeks!!! (I still can't do scrambled eggs either...I think there must be too much air in them or something. Who knows.)
   — Lynette H.

September 25, 2003
I had the same problem.. I tried the Ultra Pure Protein in Creamy Vanilla and love it! It is a little on the expensive side but well worth it. You can get it at GNC or Trader Joes. Give it a try.. it just might work well for you. Open RNY 08/06/03
   — Sixftmommy

September 25, 2003
I don't know if you tried the medifast. They have soup, protein drinks that have a lot of protein in it. I used it after I had surgery. I used to freeze my protein drink and eat it like a slush.
   — Sharon T.

September 25, 2003
I also could not stomach the protein drinks at first. Just thinking about them would make my belly churn. Now, however, I'm happy to say that I get down 2 of them a day with no problem. I buy the GNC brand...it doesn't take much stirring to completely dissolve and I can mix 1.5 scoops for 30 grams of protein in 4 oz. of water. So, hopefully for you, in time you will be able to get them down. In the meantime, try some cottage cheese, low fat mozzarella cheese sticks. At three weeks, it's a little early yet so it's just going to take a little time. Good Luck.
   — Carolyn M.

September 25, 2003
It seems like I have read somewhere that there is a difference between Meal Replacement Protein and Protein Supplements. Meal Replacements are supposed to actually be in place of a meal. But the Protein Supplements are supposed to be in addition to meals. Somebody had told me that Meal Replacements have too much sugar in them. Myoplex (which is nasty tasting in my opinion) is a Meal Replacement. Sugar, unfortunately, does not bother me but that could possibly be your problem. You may want to check out www.vitalady.com for some supplement ideas. :)
   — Michelle_S

September 25, 2003
Kelly, I hate to say it but if your hair is going to fall out, it's going to fall out protein or not. (take a look at the archives on the subject) Many people (including me) on this website have had the proper protein and nutrition from day one, and have still lost hair. I will let the other's answer about protein, I have not had any problems with drinking the shakes. My best wishes -
   — M B.

September 25, 2003
Hi there and congrats on being post op! I am 6 months out and remember those earlier days when nothing felt good on the new tummy. I have discovered UNJURY and have been very pleased with it. My favorite is the chocolate flavored mixed in a warm (not hot) cup of decaf coffee. My second favorite is the vanilla flavor mixed in wylers sf orange drink. They both mix very well w/ no clumping and are very easy on the tummy. I've been ordering from them for quite some time now- I also like the Nectar Apple ecstasy drinks-I put them in the freezer and it makes a great treat! If you're interested in checking out Unjury- they have a website - I think it's UNJURY.com???? not sure- if you have any problems finding it - feel free to e-mail me. Good luck and be patient- things will get easier and believe it or not you actually reach a point when you will feel "normal" again!!! OH- almost forgot- Dannon's light and fit creamy 0 fat yogurt is also refreshing- the sugar grams are minimal.
   — lyndaleigh

September 25, 2003
Have you tried the CARBSOLUTIONS
   — wizz46

September 25, 2003
Have you tried the CARBSOLUTIONS in a can premixed? They have 21 g of protien per can and they comein a 4 pack I get them at walmart, and I like the chocolate, they are very satisfying, I keep them in the refridgerator. They cost $5.89 at walmart for a 4 pack.
   — wizz46

September 25, 2003
Mix your powder in with sugar free pudding. Will taste like cake mix. Watch the amount, don't put more than 20 grams in. I did that and got sick once.
   — mrsmyranow

September 25, 2003
I used to use Vanilla Carbsolutions with skim milk but began having problems with the milk. I now mix 2 scoops of Carbsolutions Vanilla with 1 bottle of Isopure Zero Carb Orange or Blue Raspberry drinks. One bottle lasts 2 meals and I get 30 grams of protein in each drink. I didn't care for the Isopure on their own - left an aftertaste but now they are like a fluffy thick shake.
   — Dianne C.

September 25, 2003
I hated those protien drinks! I was able to tolerate the powder Met-Rx Vanilla Bean Protien Plus and I did as it said and then mixed in a scoop of No Sugar Added Chocolate Milk Powder by Nestle Quick and for the already mixed, I could only handle the Adkins protien drinks. Everyone has different tastes and Ideas, just try a few and see what works for you :o) Good luck hun!
   — Sandy M.

September 25, 2003
Hi I'm almost 3 weeks myself and am trying protein drinks later this week. I'm too chicken right now, and having too much discomfort eating to try anything thick but I do have a suggestion. Farmland's SkimPlus has 11g of protein per 8 oz and I add Carnation No Sugar Added for 4g more and then 1/3 cup dry milk which makes it a little thicker and adds 8g more. So its 23g of protein for a chocolate shake, its not bad tasting at all. I can usually drink about 1/2 of that over 35 mins and then have some more for lunch. Goodluck getting it all in.
   — poohniki

September 25, 2003
At that point, my surgeon told me not to worry about the protein drinks - just to eat what I could of soft foods that were high in protein - but no dairy except for cheese and cottage cheese and yogurt. I ate scrambled eggs, cream of wheat, oatmeal, baked fish, salmon, tuna. It's very important that the food be really moist and you MUST take tiny bites. He told me not to worry about getting the 50 - 60 g of protein til I was about 10 weeks out. By the way, I lost very little hair - not nearly as much as I did with my C-section.
   — Patty_Butler

September 25, 2003
We all have such different tastes and honestly, I don't think most of us "like" protein to begin with. What I did though was to order about 10-20 samples from vitalady.com and tried them (all mixed with water only) with the mindset that I had to find at least one or two that I could 'get down' without gagging, feeling sick, or dumping. I know it might seem a bit expensive to do this but, it was the only way I could find the few things that I actually 'liked' without throwing away numerous $25 containers. It does get better...hang in there.
   — eaamc

September 25, 2003
In defense of Real Meals - they are meant as meal replacements if you're an athlete but are to be used as a supplements if you're a WLS patient just like all the other proteins. Only 2.5 grams of sugar with 60 grams of protein. The vanilla is YUMMY - the chocolate is......well, I just stick with the vanilla - ha ha. All the other advice you've been given is great! It's true - it takes alot of trial and error. The hairloss is actually an unexplained phenomenon and, as a previous poster said, protein won't prevent it but it will sure help it come back faster. There is another premixed product out there called Extreme Smoothie made by Van Horn Technologies. The Chocolate is VERY popular but I think the Strawberry is to die for! The vanilla is good too. It's caseinate protein which I'm told by our nutritionist and exercise physiologist is a good high quality protein. I haven't discussed it with the vitalady who is the goddess of all things protein but lots of folks in our support group use it and are experiencing great success. Hang in there and best wishes to you!
   — ronascott

September 25, 2003
Many post-ops cannot tolerate the milkshake consistency of protein shakes for a while. I used Isopure Zero Carb protein drinks in the 20 oz glass bottles-they come in flavors like blue rasberry, grape frost, and look like koolaid. 40 grams of protein per bottle and I'd pour over ice and cut in 1/2 with water and sip all day. As for your hair, no amount of anything will help altho others may differ with my opinion. You just have to ride it out. It doesn't last forever! I had my hairdresser give me a short doo when it started falling out.Got more compliments from the new short doo than I expected!
   — Cindy R.

September 25, 2003
i have read everyones choice of drink, i never realized how many there are. well i will add mine , i tried samples from vitalady and could not tolerate them, my angel chris gave me some shake powder from price club ( costco ). it was good . i mix 6 oz water with one scoop and i add 1 tsp of dannon lite and lively vanilla yogurt for creamier taste and it is great. it is good without the yogurt too. it is called pro-rated barvarian chocolate. it costs $ 19.80 for a 6 lb container. i can tolerate it and it helps get the protein in. i do 3 a day. good luck, i hope this helps someone.
   — linda W.

September 25, 2003
Have your tried "Boost Plus"? My son is a HS basketball player and loves the strawberry flavored. Boost comes in regular and "plus". "Plus" has more protein. Hope they work for you.
   — Cindy D.

September 25, 2003
Kelly, you might want to try the Nectar Protein from www.syntrax.com. It comes in fruit flavors and really does taste good. I am not fond of all the flavors but I think the strawberry kiwi is really delicious. You can get it at a good price at www.wlssuccess.com
   — Ann B.

September 26, 2003
I have your solution! I too have had so many problems with protein drinks. Last night at my support group they brought us a powder called Procel. They mixed it with lemonaide and you CAN NOT TASTE IT AT ALL! Its the best thing! I am buying 3 cases today! lol get it at http://www.globalhp.com
   — hla97

September 26, 2003
you can get the zero carb isopure drinks at www.isopure-outlet.com they have 40 grams of protien per bottle, and they taste like koolaid! no sugar either! good luck!
   — Katrina K.

September 26, 2003
I was the same way until about 4-5 months post-op. I tried almost everything. Here are the things that DID work (everything else I tried felt to heavy or just plain made me feel sick), but try these. The easiest for me to keep down was Herbalife's Thermogetics Peach-Mango or Wildberry, I found a site on-line to order it (it is a bit more expensive, but I was able to tolerate palate wise and I was able to drink the whole thing without my pouch going crazy and making me sick) also a newer one that I tolerate real well, (did not find it until recently, but I feel that it would work) it the Nectar mixes (try and order samples first at vitaladay.com - they come in Apple, cherry and another flavor - can't remember, but I didn't like that one - carribean something....???) Another one you can try is Sugar free instant carnation breakfast with a little protein powder (vanilla) and a little swiss miss (no sugar added) hot cocoa, mix all to your liking and add to warm/hot water. As far as your hair, I am a firm believer that if you lose it you lose it (And I LOST it). I followed ALL of the rules, vitamins, biotin, nioxin shampoos, all my protein, zinc... you name it, I was doing them all, and I still lost almost 1/2 of my hair. A good beautician can cover that up pretty good though. Just take care of yourself and keep on trying, it does get better. Try Tofu (soft creamed well with mixer) add Sugar free Vanilla pudding mix (instant kind) 2 tsp vanilla and 1/4 cup splends mix very well and fold in 1 cup light cool whip. To add more protein dish up your serving and add a litte vanilla protein powder and let sit for 5 minutes, stir again, and enjoy. Feel free to email at anytime if you have any questions.
   — Dana B.

September 26, 2003
Order a bunch of samples that you think you'll like from VitaLady.com. Mix 1/2 sample with about 2 oz of water, and some ice ONLY. Sip thru a straw. Use the other half sample at a different time, "tweaking" the amount of water, or adding some SF syrup, or extracts, or Koolaid powder (unsweet or SF), to change the flavor. I love Champion Nutrition's Pure Whey Stack - all flavors. I mix 'em, change 'em . . . like 1/2 scoop choc, 1 scoop of Cocoa Mochaccino, shaken with 4 oz of water. I then add 1/4 teaspoon of orange extract, and a handful of ice. Voila! Iced Mocha Valencia (used to be my fave StarBucks concoction!) I mix choc and banana, choc and strawberry, choc and vanilla, strawberry and banana, etc. I also LOVE the Labrada Proplete Gold, Pineapple Vanilla and Berry Blast; Nectar Apple, Strawberry-Kiwi, and Cherry Berry; Weider's Trop. Punch and Grape. Your problem MAY be either the smell, which most of us don't like (even if the smell doesn't seem bad to you, try the straw anyway), or the milk/banana. I am almost 7 months out, and carbs still make me queasy. Milk not only makes me queasy, it'll make me dump.
   — RWH G.




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