Question:
Struggling with protein shakes!!!!

I started full liquids on Thursday. I am really struggling with the protein shakes. The powder is gross so my DH bought me some already made. Not too bad, but the first one this morning made me nausea. Any suggestions? I am also concerned about getting all of my protein in. I know they said at first just shoot for half. How far post-op should I expect to get all of my protein in?    — Trisha L. (posted on February 21, 2004)

February 21, 2004
I have not used any of the powdered protein drinks as of yet. I am 3 months post-op. I like the Atkins pre-made protein drinks..Chocolate Royale and vanilla are really good. And Dr. Phil has a really good chocolate one that reminds me of drinking a chocolate malt!! But his seem to have more carbs. Once you are able to "eat" you will be able to get more protein in but I still have at least one protein drink a day (shooting for 2). Hope this helps. Good luck!!
   — Cheryl D.

February 21, 2004
Finding that right protein drink is a real challenge. I finally found and enjoy Bioplex Pure Whey Protein Isolate (Phone# 530/676-8838). It is virtually tasteless and I mix 'stuff' with it to change the flavor all the time. I have used Carnation Instant Breakfast (sugarfree) and soy milk. I've added unsugared fruit (peaches, strawberries, bananas) and soy milk. I also use, on occassion, Dr. Atkins chocolate delight or vanilla protein drink. They taste a bit too vitamin-y to me. I do a protein shake for breakfast EVERY morning. Very satisfying and stays with me. I am almost 16 months out and have lost 245 lbs. Open distal RNY.
   — Ginger M.

February 21, 2004
You didn't say which powder you had or how you made it up. Not all are gross. Many will shake up smooth with just water and are tasty even at 4 oz or so. You might want to check out the protein list for suggestions on ways to do things? Here's the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Protein/
   — vitalady

February 21, 2004
When I was on full liquids when I was a new post op, I too hated the thick icky taste of the protein powders. The Carnation instant breakfast tasted fine to me but it didn't have as much protein, so what I did was have 1 unjury shake (28 grams of protein with milk) which I didn't enjoy but could get down, then 2 of the CIB's, usually chocolate, sometimes the vanilla. ended up with 52 grams of protein a day.<br><br> You really should work at getting your protein in as best you can, too long with too little protein and you can start feeling weak (I had this happen to me in week 3, when I switched to foods and my protein level dropped). <br><br>My doctor reccomends 50 to 60 grams of protein a day and I was getting that in by 1 week post op (via 1 unjury shake and 2 carnation instant breakfast shakes)
   — Patricia T.

February 21, 2004
Hi... There is another already made one that is more on the line with koolaid. It does have a little bit of a weird after taste, but most get used to it. In a 20 oz bottle, there is 40 grams protein. They sell them at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, and other nutrition stores. They are called: Zero Carb Isopure. Isopure also makes powders too, but these are in a see through glass bottle. They have different flavors: grape, passion fruit, apple melon, icy orange, etc. Good luck. Tanya LAP RNY 1/5/04
   — Tanya C.

February 21, 2004
Not all protein powders are created equal to the taste buds and it does help to sample different brands and flavors to find what you like best. You can obtain samples from either www.vitalady.com or www.wlssuccess.com and do some taste tests to see what you like best. My personal favorites are Champion Pure Whey Stack as my primary protein in the flavors of chocolate and cocoa-mochachino. I also like Proplete Gold Banana Cream (it has chunks of banana in it) and the Nectar flavors (they take more water or they are rather strong in the fruit flavor). I do believe in the protein shakes as being very important to us so that we get our protein needs met so I hope that you will find some flavors that you like. On occasion a particular flavor can just be an acquired taste after you use it a few times. Sandra
   — Arizona_Sun

February 22, 2004
Try www.unjury.com I am 5 months post op and I love my protein drink Good luck with finding one you like
   — Donna S.

February 22, 2004
I am almost 3 months po and never could tolerate the shakes. I did find liquid protein at GNC not cheap but only 3 tbsp are 18 grams protein. I just get them down. good luck
   — victoria W.

February 22, 2004
I swear by Unjury. I gagged down so many other proteins till I found Unjury. Never could take more then one taste of the ones from GNC. I have been using Unjury since I was 4.5 weeks post-op and have never even looked at another one. The chocolate tastes just like chocolate milk. They sell samples, if you have not tried them yet it would not hurt to try them now. I mix mine with 6 to 8 ounces of skim milk, the thought of using water with them just doesnt sound good, though I do know of a couple that does use water. Good luck!!
   — TheresaC

February 22, 2004
I found a wonderful combination that has a lot of protein and nutrition. I use 2 scoops of chocolate Perfect Protein by Unipro and 1 scoop of Mocha, Raspberry or similar flavor of Ultrameal (which is a meal replacement). I place this in 1 cup of water and shake really well. I place about 3 to 4 ice cubes in it to make it very cold. It's pretty thick, but it tastes almost like a milkshake. Since I have trouble eating, this is perfect for me, because it won't cause dumping or the usual pain I experience when I eat food that is more difficult to digest. I get both of these products off the internet for a fairly decent price. Please let me know if you want more information. Good luck on your search.
   — Christine L.

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