Question:
Protein Drinks As High Caloried Liquids.....

Ok...it's been a long time since I posted a question so here goes...I am 4 1/2 Months Post op(LAP RNY 65 Lbs Down)and life is a lot different between 3 weeks and 4 1/2 months...I have stopped drinking protein drinks because they are high caloried and go right through us....I try to eat balanced meals(little of course) to keep full etc...But, I am a little confused why other RNY's are still drinking protien drinks at this stage of the game...How are you keeping the caloires low when you are drinking high caloried protein drinks? I would like to hear lots of opinions on this..good and bad. My protien drink I had every am was about 300 calories, my weight loss is down to about 10lbs a month, so..something has to give.    — Debora H. (posted on May 29, 2001)

May 29, 2001
I am just about 6 months post-op and still drinking my protien drink. I'm down 78 pounds and believe that the protien drink is what has helped me so much. It gives me energy, keeps me "regular" and the calories are worth it. I went to a doctor the other day for something completly unrelated to my surgery. She had no idea I had even had the surgery. When I told her, she was so surprised! She said she couldn't believe I once weighed 250 pounds, and couldn't believe how "firm and taut" my skin and muscles are! (Wow, that felt good to hear!) I really believe it is because I have made certain I get plenty of protien everyday, mainly from my protien drink that I mix with 2% milk. I stick to about 800 calories a day, and the 250 I get from my drink is well worth it!
   — Marnie K.

May 29, 2001
My surgeon tells us not to drink protein drinks unless there is an extreme reason to do so. He believes they are high in calories and don't do a thing towards teaching us to eat 'correctly' following the surgeon which should be our long-term goal. As Barb said, you can comparison shop for a protein drink, that is for sure! Some have loads more calories than others. I don't use protein drinks regularly, but have occasionally had one. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

May 29, 2001
I'm coming up on 7 yrs post-op, I drink even more protein than I did before. Mine are fairly low calorie, high protein, though, more loke 160 cal per 30g protein, 0 to 3g of sugar. I mix with water, so am getting no wasted calories in the "mixer". I drink 4-6 per day, and have held my weight at 110-115# for years now. It keeps my appetite under control, so I don't overeat. Very possible at this time, since I feel so normal, get eating & talking, talking & eating, OOPS. At this point, I feel like those 120-180g are what is keeping me at goal wt and away from sugars & things that will undo me. I don't count calories, never did. Supplemental protein g IN, sugar g OUT.
   — vitalady

May 29, 2001
What are you using for a supplement? Many people, including MDs, think high-cal, high-fat/sugar drinks like "Ensure" and "Sustacal" or Instant Breakfast (which is only milk plus a few vitamis and carbs) are all that's out there, or that designer protein drinks are similar. NOT! They have almost no extra calories if made as directed, and calorie for calorie, are more protein/nutrition-loaded and lower cal than many of the finest foods. They stave off cravings, too, and often have added vitamins and minerals. (Personally, I am a fan of Spiru-tein, available in about 7 widely varied flavors, at health food stores. I'd like to try ProScore grape drinks, too.) It is very important to get adequate protein to maintain muscle mass--and thus metabolic rate--and the sooner you can do it, the more FAT vs. muscle you will be losing post-op. Show your MD one of the drinks Michelle uses and see what he says then. Best Wishes --Jesse
   — Jesse M.

May 29, 2001
Jesse and Michelle were right on and gave you good info on how and what kind of protein we all need to maintain good health. Let me touch on why I would never be without mine. VANITY , pure and simple. At 51 years old I look great! My hair , skin, muscle mass,and nails. Everything that shows on my outside is protein enhanced! And I also use only the good kind and I do watch my calorie intake but never count my protein,I think Michelle once said it wasn't necessary because of how we absorb it, and I believe everything she says becqause she LOOKS great and I am a very superficial person!!LOL
   — Rose A.