Question:
I need help with what kind of protien drinks works.
I have 45 days until surgery and I'm not sure which type of protien drinks to try. As it is now I can't get drinks like that down me without gagging to death. I think I could be in real trouble post op..then again I could just be overreacting...any advice? — Sally S. (posted on December 7, 2002)
December 7, 2002
This subject (supplementing vs non-supplementing) is a semi-controversial
subject here. My surgeon and nutritionist only advise to supplement if
you cannot get the 60g of protein in a day via food - which is the
preferred method. I only did liquid supplements (and limited it to Ensure
Limit) during the first three weeks of my post-op regimen. I'll have an
occasional protein bar (like Power Crunch), but generally prefer to get my
protein from food sources...JR
— John Rushton
December 7, 2002
100% whey protein is the best and most easily absorbed. You need not only
the whey protein but also the whey peptides. You see no protein is just
automatically absorbed by anyone. You body needs peptides to break it down
into a usable form. Our new digestive systems do not have time to do that
fast enough to absorb all of the protein from natural sources or from
supplements. This is why you should look for 100% whey protein with
peptides. The combination of both will cause it to be nearly 100% absorbed
immediately. That is why I take the Real Meals it has both along with 40
other vitamins and nutrients, especially all of the main ones that we
become deficient in. I have learned all of this after extensive research
since my surgery. I made it through the surgery great with no
complications. I knew after that my greatest risk of complications would be
from malnutrition. 30% of all gastric bypass become deficient in vitamins
or nutrients within the first two years, some to the point of malnutrition.
Causing things like bone disease, osteoporosis, protein deficiencies that
can cause major damage to your organs, teeth becoming ruined etc. But all
of those things I can control by making sure that my body gets everything
that it needs. It is true that some doctors recommend supplements from day
one and some do not unless you become deficient in something. I prefer to
be pro-active and prevent the deficiencies in the first place.
— Linda A.
December 7, 2002
First of all you need whey protein, which we know is absorbed. Getting
enough proteien via food is great, however we don't know how much of that
protein is been absorbed.
Go to www.wlssuccess.com and order some samples, most of them are $1, but
remember that your tastes may change after surgery. I love the pro score
100 choc and vanilla.
What I did was order enough samples to drink 2 a day for 3 days before my
surgery (Protein aids in healing thats why I choose to drink it before
surgery)and have and try those same ones after surgery. Hope this helps
and good luck!
— Bev B.
December 7, 2002
I haven't routinely had protein drinks as a post-op (I'm now 22 months
post-op lap BPD/DS) but now I must because I had a second emergency hernia
removal surgery (horrendous!). My protein counts are low after all this
trauma. So, I'm supplementing with shakes to get the levels up. I think
taht one should be able to get protein through food if possible. But,
shakes are not a terrible thing and people may need them from time to time
for various reasons (body's metabolism changes, stress, emergency surgery,
etc.). I've found that the ISOPURE strawberry meal replacement is SUPERB!
It is thin and mixes easily. The taste is not too sweet. You can make
shakes with water or milk. I highly recommend this brand and flavor! I
use half a packet (25 gms) with a glass of water (totally chilled) or milk
(adds 8-11 gms more protein)! All the best, Teresa (pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi
45 now: 145 lbs/bmi 20 (5'10"))
— Teresa N.
December 7, 2002
I use about 7 proteins, myself. I'm not overly fond of prtoein food, but
it is totally unabsorbable to me with a distal, anyway, so it's rather
moot. What a relief. What types of protein have you tried & how did
you make them up? Sometimes just changing the powder to liquid ratio makes
all the difference. My fave is eye rolling ecstasy when made right, but
gags me if made too thin. Yuckers. Keep trying and you will find one or
more that you simply love & cannot wait to drink. I prefer not to be
food focused, so getting my protein in chocolate form further enhances that
part of my success.
— vitalady
December 7, 2002
The only one I have found that I like is Real Meals. Go to
www.protein-solution.com If you read the product review everyone seems to
rate it as the best, there are even some doctor's and nurses that gave it
great reviews.
— Marie I.
December 7, 2002
I agree that Real Meals is the best I have tried. It tastes good and it
has everything else not just the protein like most supplements.
— Gary N.
December 7, 2002
I use the proteinex product they offer on this site. It's a citurus like
cough syrup. I am going to be honest and admit that it is not the best
testing but it's quick. I believe two tablespoons equal out to 15 grams of
protein. This is something that I can carry in my purse or backpack and not
have to worry about mixing anything
— Michelle H.
December 8, 2002
I use 2 kinds of protein. Anything that needs to be mixed with milk either
makes me gag or I don't have time for. I use Amino Infusion 5000 by
SciFit. It's a bit sweet for my taste, but it's quick and relatively
painless to do. One tablespoon equals 5 grams of protein. I also use
Proteinex. It's citris tasting and not that great but is quick. Two
tablespoons equal 15 grams of protein. Had my labs done back in November
and had no problems.
— Cathy S.
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