Question:
At 5 months post-op should I still be using protien bars / shakes?

I went to my support group meeting and everyone seemed to be talking about protien bars or shakes. I am 5 months post-op and haven't had a protien bar / shake since month 2. I keep track of my protien and I am able to get in about 75 grams of protien a day through my food choices. Should I be using the protien bars / shakes this far out?    — ckreh (posted on March 14, 2003)

March 14, 2003
Tired of hearing me preach about bloodwork yet? Rely on your own lab results to determine whether you need supplements or not. If your protein levels remain in a normal range with eating 75 grams a day, then you're fine. If they are dropping, or already below normal, you need to take in more protein. Generally speaking, liquid protein supplements are more easily absorbed than food protein. Not sure what your levels are? Insist your doctor run labs every three months so you can monitor exactly how your body is processing the protein you take in. In case you're interested, in order to keep my levels at normal, I drink 70 grams of supplement a day, and eat about 30 - 40 additional grams of food protein. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

March 14, 2003
Kristin.. there really are no SHOULDS in this.. each of us is different.. if your bloodwork is showing your protein and other nutrients at acceptable levels, then you are obviously getting what you need from food. At 9 months out I've gone back to shakes and bars to help me be CERTAIN I am getting what I need without the excess calories that doing it with 'real' food can bring. It's my way of staying accountable. But as I said we're all different. Sounds like you've found what works for you.. and that's great! ~Peace
   — Joscelin

March 14, 2003
I still use protein shakes at nine months out because I noticed that a lot of successful long-term post-ops keep on using the protein shakes, even years down the road, to help keep their weight at goal. My lab values are good, but since I've always used the shakes, they could well be fine if I didn't use them -- I just don't know. I think they help me stay focused on eating properly all day. Plus, I'm just not *that* big a fan of protein foods, so the shakes help keep my protein grams roughly equal to my carb gram intake (now that I'm not trying to lose anymore).
   — Suzy C.

March 14, 2003
Althought protein shakes are not optional for my distal RNY, I use them wilingly, more than I am required. They help me with appetitie, volume and carb control. They don't banish those things, but they give me a grip on it, at least. I can SURE I'm getting enough, so I don't have to be so food focused. I will be using them as lon as these lips can utter the words, "ProScore 100, chocolate, please"
   — vitalady

March 14, 2003
Kristin, I agree with the poster who indicated you should go with your labs. I am 7 mos out, down 100lbs and had fantastic bloodwork. I also haven't had a shake since 6 wks out, I do have Zone protein bars daily (they are meal replacement of snack). But, thats more b/c I love the taste of them and they kill a sugar craving. I eat anything and get in a minimum of 100g or protein a day. Good Luck to you. Heather (Open RNY 8/15 - 305/205/150)
   — heathercross

March 15, 2003
I also have a question as to how much protein our bypassed systems actually absorb from food, or does the food leave our system too quickly without maximum absorbtion? I've seen the "from 30-100 percent of protein from food is absorbed stats", but truthfully, I don't think anyone knows. Protein from supplements, especially whey protein, is the most easily absorbed in our systems, so I think it is a good idea to make at least 1 shake part of your day. Kind of an insurance policy. I also eat protein bars and sugar free protein cookies, mostly because I like the taste but also for the extra protein. Comparing labs from 6-9-12 months is a good idea. Has your protein remained at good levels? If so, then perhaps the protein from food is enough.
   — Cindy R.

March 15, 2003
Just like some of the previous posters said, I believe it is truly your choice. And if your bloodwork levels come back ok, then eating your protein is fine. I use both, b/c even at 9 months post-op I still feel I cannot eat enough to get atleast 70grams of protein in a day. I usually supplement with about 30-40grams of protein a day, then get the rest from food like chicken, beef, fish, etc. BUt it sounds like you are doing well, and getting in alot of protein which is important! Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.