Question:
I am 2 weeks pre-op (surgery 2/22/02) and need protein supplement advise.

I have been experimenting with differnet supplements to find something I like. I found some pre-mixed myoplex low carb. (120cal, 20 gm protein, 4 gm carb) is this too many carbs? It tasted pretty good. Also I found another premixed drink called lean protein. I tried the grape flavor (110 cal, 25gm protein, 2 gm carb). I found it to be a little strong, but if diluted with water tasted like koolaide. Wouls this be OK. I am not sure of the carbohydrate limits when I am reading a label. How much is too much? Any advise is appreciated.    — Kathryn L. (posted on February 10, 2002)

February 10, 2002
I found Eas Whey Protein at Walmart (8.99 for 12 servings). I bought the vanilla, though there was also chocolate. I just prefer the taste of vanilla. I usually make a fruit smoothy with it and have it for breakfast. I mix it with a cup of 1% milk and some frozen fruit and blend it. When I use frozen strawberries (not the kind in syrup), it tastes just like a milkshake. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry, I just mix it with plain milk. The milk adds another 8 grams of protein. The powder has 21 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, 3 grams of sugar and 115 calories. I get half of my protein requirements in this way and it makes it so much easier when I don't feel like eating which is how I usually feel in the morning. Good luck.
   — Donna L.

February 10, 2002
Good luck on your upcoming surgery! Both of those protein supplements would be OK by my surgeon, but you really should consult your own to see what his or her guidelines for carbs are. Personally, I really don't care for any of the protein supplements. That being said, I use Iso pure Creamy Vanilla because it dissolves really well and one scoop (25 gms protein, 0 carbs) can be stirred with a spoon into only 4 oz of water. GNC sells it, and if you try it and don't like it, keep the receipt and they will refund your money when you return it. If you like it, it can be found for less $$ on the internet. I found that my taste for things changed after surgery and some things that tasted OK before surgery, didn't after. Again, good luck to you! Mary (-80lbs Lap RNY 9/27/01)
   — Mary O.

February 12, 2002
actually saw the dietician today. she recommended we use enriched milk. take a quart of skim milk and add 1 1/2 cups powdered skim to it. she told us to drink at least one cup a day but to aim for three if possible. of course this needs to be flavored if you can't handle the oogy taste of it alone. I have nestle quick sugar free chocolate milk flavor. they also recommend swiss miss hot cocoa sugar free, carnation instant breakfast and even decaff coffee with the milk added. she stressed keeping hydrated any way possible... and getting enough calories in <1100 - 1300> if poss... she also said that we had to have SOME carbs or we would have no energy and our body would not be able to process the protein. if we could not tolerate the milk she told us we could try pretty much any protein drink that was around 100 cals per 20 -25 grams protein. I have plain protein powder that I doctor with flavorings and sugar free sweetner. you can even freeze the milk in ice cubes after enriching it and then use it to make a mini smoothie with the protein powder and flavoring. she also told us we could use a little banana or sugar free popcycle to flavor our smoothie.
   — annette S.

February 12, 2002
Regarding what Annette said about flavoring the fortified milk... Before I found the isopure in the glass bottles (I love it, even though it's expensive) I was doing the fortified milk thing. I found that adding a little bit of strawberry extract with a little bit of splenda made it taste just like strawberry milk. Delicious!
   — Nichole B.