Question:
I have a question about the protein shakes.

Is this protein shake that everyone is talking about something that you must do after surgery and if so, is there certain kinds to get? Sorry for being so dumb, it's just if I have to take this shakes I wanna get prepared for them. Thank you for any info.    — Donna O. (posted on July 10, 2002)

July 9, 2002
Hello, I guess the best way to answer your question is: it depends! My doctor is very adamant that his patients get a minimum of 60g of protein every day after surgery, and when you can't eat anything solid, it's very hard to get that from food. So protein shakes are the simplest way to get the grams I need, two little 4-6 oz shakes a day, and voila -- I'm protein fortified. The answer to which kinds to get is -- avoid carbs, try to go close to zero carbs, because the majority of carbs in protein shakes will be sugar-- dump city. Some people can handle the high carb drinks like ensure, but then you're risking slowing your weight loss if you get too comfortable drinking high calorie supplement drinks. Anyway, I hope this helps. Heather
   — Heather K.

July 9, 2002
Donna, Like Heather, my doc also pushed the 60g protein daily. I never liked the powdered protein and at 9 months out, I still buy premixed shakes and bars to suppliment my protein intake. I have tried so many that I didn't like... I have a whole cabinet full of them. This morning I mixed together a lumpy Energy Fuel (TwinLab - Orange Dream), 1 C. skim milk, one med. banana, two scoops of yucky GNC Soy Protein powder, banana extract, cinnamon and nutmeg for a pretty decient shake that gave me 58g of protein and only 3 g. of fat. It was too much for one meal though and I put half of it in the fridge for lunch. My doc and dietician told me to keep my fat between 27-45g. per day (or less than 11g. per meal), sugar less than 2g. per food item, protein anywhere over 60g. daily, and not to worry about carbs. If you are watching your fat and sugar, the carbs that you will be getting will be the 'good' carbs. From what I understand your body needs carbs anyway to break down fat and protein. Hope this will help :)
   — DonnaCarol

July 9, 2002
Protein shakes are not necessarily something everyone does. I do, because it takes my protein consumption level up quickly. If your program has a nutritionist (or dietician) connected with it, ask the nutritionist what he or she recommends. There are so many kinds of shake out there that it's hard to tell what kind you will want. You can get some samples from vitalady.com, or go to GNC and see if they have some single-serving sample packs to try. I am lactose-sensitive and usually have a soy-based protein drink called Keto-slim, but everyone is different. Good luck to you, Donna, and keep smilin', Margie B
   — Marjorie B.

July 10, 2002
For everything you always wanted to know about protein shakes, may I suggest you join the following group: [email protected]
   — Leslie F.

July 10, 2002
Most people who have surgery can eat a reular diet after, we can not. Adequate amounts of protein will help you heal faster and feel stronger. Most protein shakes taste like crap, but you really do need them. I let my protein intake slip nd lost a large amount of hair. My dietitian recommended this: 2 cups of 1% milk 1/2 cup of powdered milk and One package of Carnation Instant Breakfast (no surgar added) it has about 36 grams of protein and does not taste too bad. You can also doctor it up some by adding equal,cinnamon or instant decaf. coffee. I also found carb solutions to be pretty good. I add milk to make it taste a little better. That also adds more protein.
   — Angela A.

July 10, 2002
Hi, just wanted to share the three types of protein shakes you might want to investigate. The first and most common kind are those made out of milk or whey powder. They come in powdered form or pre-made in a can. The second kind for those lactose intolerant, or who are allergic to milk products, like me, are soy-based powders or drinks. These can also be mixed with whatever liquid you like. My favorite kind of protein drink is called Jay Robb's which is egg-white protein based. It has less than 2 grams of carbs and is smooth, and has no chalky taste, like the whey-based drinks I have tried. I mix mine with soy milk, a few frozen berries, or a half of frozen banana, or a little nonfat, no-sugar yogurt, and blend fresh in the blender. You can buy Jay Robb's protein powder at Whole Foods market, or on the internet. It comes in vanilla and chocolate flavors. Vitalady has many different samples you can try. There are even non-creamy protein drinks that resemble fruit punch. But whatever you choose, please try to aim for 65-70 grams of protein a day, including your regular food sources of protein, like eggs, cottage cheese, soft chicken and fish.
   — C. C.

July 10, 2002
Well, it's pretty simple for me....If I get in 100 grams of protein a day (no way I can get 100 grams from food), then I lose weight. I hit long plateaus if I don't use protein shakes and I tend to munch/graze on carbs...it's pretty basic...shakes for me = weight loss no shakes=no loss and potential for gain. Michelle at vitalady.com is a lifesaver...she offers samples of her protein products and highly recommends the shake I use which is proscore 100, I love it!!! Actually look forward to my shake =). Best wishes to you (((hugs))) and smiles =)))
   — DebPKansas

July 10, 2002
I foud the absolute best protein powder yesterday! It's called GNC Pro Proformance Whey Protein.It's pricey at 29.99 but worth it. It is completely tasteless and has 21 g protein per scoop. I blended 5 strawberries, 1/4 c milk, 4 ice cubes, 1 packet Splenda and 1 scoop powder to make a breakfast shake. Yummy! I didn't know how I was going to get in 60 g a day until I found this stuff. I plan on putting some in my dinner to see how it works.
   — KCAllen77