Question:
Unable to Tolerate Any Form of Protein Powder/Shake/Bar Please help.
I am 4 1/2 weeks post-op. Protein shakes all make me vomit. I was chasing them with water and it was better, but discovered I was just washing it out of my pouch. Seeking suggestions or a protein alternative to the shakes. I have tried pre-made shakes in the can, the powder, Nectar, all of them. i ordered a ton of samples from Vitalady, and none are working. I know i need protein! My Dr wants me at 60g a day right now. Eventually 80g! I can't even do 1g. There are no protein pills, no other alternative but bars & they are worse than the shakes. Any advice is welcome. — heather S. (posted on June 19, 2003)
June 19, 2003
Try cottage cheese. 1/2 cup has 14 grams of protein. Also try it with a
packet of Splenda, etc.
— Joanne T.
June 19, 2003
I've lived no moz cheese sticks (string cheese) since I was allowed real
food. One of the few things that didn't taste sour to me from too much
chewing :>) each stick has 7 grams of protein. I started out with 2
sticks per meal and am now having 4 for breakfast and sometimes a second
serving if my other proteins are low for the day. Wendy's chili has a lot
of protein in it too - or you can make your own (about 18 grams per small
size serving - I could eat 1/2 of one early out and now can eat a full
serving with 2 crackers :>) Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
June 19, 2003
Hi Heather, I have a link on my profile to a website that sells protein
crystals and a liquid protein that is like a syrup. The prices are great
and she sells samples. Good luck, Cindy
— blank first name B.
June 19, 2003
I've seen other folks with problems tolerating protein shakes early out,
who could tolerate them when they tried them later. Wait and month and try
again? In the meantime, you're not mixing them with milk, are you? If so,
it could be lactose intolerance you've having a problem with (another not
uncommon problem for new posties). In terms of foods, fat-free refried
beans might be a decent source of protein, or ricotta cheese (any cheese
you can stand, actually). And don't worry about washing protein out of
your pouch with water, that's an old wives' tale -- if we could wash
calories and nutrients out that easily, we'd all be chasing foods with
water. ;~) Hang in there!
— Suzy C.
June 19, 2003
I can only tolerate a couple of protein bars, but I only eat about 1/2 at a
time - and I eat them COLD out of the fridge. I found cheese sticks at 8
gms of protein, and love the Sci-fit Beef stix for 15 gms a pop. I also do
well with a slice of deli meat and a slice of cheese rolled up for about
10-11 grams of protein. The cottage cheese is a good choice too (I like
mine with sunflower seeds sprinkled on it!). You'll find a way, good luck!
— Mendi M.
June 19, 2003
I plan to buy mine from the same place someone else already meantioned, my
personal link is in my profile as well. I plan to try some even before my
surgery, I have heard several people that have a hard time tolerating
protein drinks early on....hang in there, I am sure you are doing fine!
— Saxbyd
June 19, 2003
Try Extreme--it doesn't have the vitamin but it does have the protein or
isopure--sorry if you already tried these.
— who A.
June 19, 2003
I read your post and wonder why not just go back to basics and eat REAL
FOOD? All the money spent on supps makes this an expensive prospect, not
to mention the long list of 'ingredients' in all the shakes and bars.
Sure, they are handy in a pinch, but I enjoy eating real food. All
proteins, non-starchy veggies, salads and an occasional fruit, and lots of
H2O. Just a thought...as I really enjoy a nice (small) meal out or cooking
for family and friends over opening a wrapper of blending my dinner. Diane
N
http://www.WeightlossSurgery.ws
— DianeN
June 19, 2003
***ORIGINAL POSTER*** Heather Sterling here, I just wanted to thank
everyone for their posts with care and concern! Thank you all for your
ideas, and I am truelly concidering them all... I am desperate to try
anything at this point! Thank You! One of these has got to work for me.
— heather S.
June 19, 2003
I don't see a problem with chasing a protein drink with water or another
unflavored calorie-free drink. That's what I do. I can tolerate the protein
drinks OK but I don't want to have the aftertaste in my mouth. The rule
about not drinking during or for 30-60 minutes after a meal doesn't apply
to protein drinks. You will get just as much benefit from the protein drink
whether or not you quickly "wash it out" of your pouch. The
protein is absorbed in the intestines, not the pouch.
— Jim F
June 20, 2003
Heather, some of the suggestions may not work for you now but bear in mind
they may work as time goes by. I, too, had a hard time getting in even 1/2
of the protein the doctor wanted me to. I see that you are early post-op
and some foods may not sit well with you right now. Take every new step
very slowly. If you try a new shake, try only 1/4 of it at a time. You may
very well be surprised how well the smaller doses work. Eating at your
level was the last thing I wanted to do. I paid a price and noticed the
need for protein almost immediately. Luckily, no permanent damage was done
and I have made an even more determined effort to protein by any means.
How about scrambled egg? Peanut butter? And the other soft foods others
have suggested? Do NOT give up! It REALLY does get easier. Early on I had
to forget about worrying about fat content just so that I could get enough
protein. This doesn't mean I went hog wild, but have adjusted myself as
time goes on.
Please do not give up and if you want personal support, please email me.
I'll be glad to help you out or just listen.
Best wishes!
— Diane S.
June 20, 2003
Couple of comments..first, tastes will change, so what you cannot tolerate
today, you may be able to a month from now so don't throw out all the
samples yet! Also, how are you making the shakes? Try putting the powder
in a blender with water, ice and frozen fruit. Its more like a smoothie!
There are also clear koolaid types of protein drinks that I used to have
the first month post-op called Isopure zero carb. I would cut in 1/2 with
water, put over ice and sip all day-40 oz of protien to a 20 oz bottle.
They have them at GNC type of stores. As for protein bars, have you tried
the Detour or Uturn bars??? Delish...better than any other bars out
there...
— Cindy R.
June 21, 2003
****ORIGINAL POSTER****** you guys are so awesome! thank you- i love the
support here. much appreciation~Heather
— heather S.
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