Question:
Does weight loss increase with the use of protein drinks?

Hello, I have lost 66 pounds so far in nine months. I really do not exercise outside of occassionally and I have not been faithful to the protein drinks maybe one or two a week. My question is will it increase my weight loss if I drink one to two protein drinks a day? I think for the most part I get at least 50 grams of protein in a day. Also, my water intake is good. Also, will my weight loss take off? Thanks in advance, just looking for support.    — train (posted on May 28, 2003)


May 27, 2003
i drink a protein shake every day and I think its done wonders for my weight loss. I am 9 months out(open rny) and down 115+ lbs. I skipped it for 3 days this weekend while I was out of town and gosh can I tell it. I ate everything that was bad and plent of it. I am back on the shakes and don't intend to do that again..Good luck...
   — Sharon1964

May 27, 2003
You didn't ask me so feel free to ignore...but...are you doing the bargain thing? You know -- you'll only do x-thing if you think it will make you lose more weight, otherwise, you're not willing to do it? That's what it sounds like to me. The only way you're going to keep this weight off (my opinion) is with a good exercise plan. You will get to a point where the eating less thing stabilizes, you can eat more, or want to eat the wrong things etc...then you'll really need that exercise to fall back on. Ok, now on to the protein. The benefits are that it gives your body the nutrition it needs since you are malabsorbing protein in meat form. It also decreases your appetite and hunger cravings. It does not CAUSE weight loss, per se, but it does keep you from being as hungry, eating as much, and there's that added keeps you alive feature that comes in handy. good luck and god bless!
   — Kimberly L.

May 27, 2003

   — Linda A.

May 28, 2003
Cheryl, Oh yes, I believe the weight loss will increase, you'll look allot better and feel better too consuming more protein. I'm 12 months post op and still do a protein shake or 2 a day. I try to get in at least 100 grams of protein a day, That way rather then loosing muscle I'll loose fat. Also it didn't state how much water you drink but drink lots, I drink about 120 ounces a day, it's really helps all over, with constipation, and even skin complexion.
   — tannedtigress

May 28, 2003
I do about 6 protein drinks/day. They keep me in control of my portions & cravgins, for the most part. They're the main event, food comes later. Without them, I could count on at least 50 extra pounds, maybe all of them. In short,. yes, if you don't turn them into wt gainers with milk & juice & bananas, for example.
   — vitalady

May 28, 2003
Cheryl, I think that could help you. So far I've seen many of the successful long-term post-ops still use protein drinks. I'm one year post-op and lost 125lbs (I also now weigh that amount) so I surpassed my own goal, I have used protein drinks and bars along with food. The minimum post-ops are supposed to get is 60grams, but more would be even better. Protein can only help you, not hurt you, so I think it's a good idea. And I believe someone else mentioned about the exercise. Ofcourse you can and will do what you want, but my suggestion is to tack on some exercise as well. I know its difficult sometimes, but even a 20 minute walk 3 times a week can make so much of a difference. You'll lose more weight, start to tone your body, and you will be healthier overall. Once I started exercising post-op, I gained so much energy and just felt better. Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.

May 31, 2003
Here is a different perspective....I was surprised to see that some surgeons don't advocate drinking protein shakes after surgery.....they wants their patients to get their protein from food and to not rely on the shakes....they found that some patients were using that as there only source of nutrition in place of food.I could see how that could easily happen especially as an early postop when just the thought of food might make you ill.
   — jennifer A.

May 31, 2003
I have one of those surgeons that Jennifer M mentioned. My surgeon encourages us to get our protein from food. I (and others in my docs support group) admit that occasionally I have a Balance Gold bar only as a meal replacement when I can't get anything else healthy in. He said that was fine because he'd rather we do that than make an unhealthy choice. He just doesn't want to see us relying on them regularly. Everyone should get their surgeon or nutritionists opinion and then decide. BTW, congrats on the 66# weight loss!! Open RNY 3/24/03, -50#
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 3, 2003
I think so. Michelle Curran, the "Vitalady" and Cindy Rubin, are a couple of those that are knowledgable in this area. Okay...don't everyone jump on me at the same time. I said that because I feel I know them, I hear from them sometimes. There are others, mind you, like me for instance, I just don't know as MUCH as they do. IF you get in at least 60 gm OR MORE of your proteins (drinks shakes, food or a combination of the three, water~I do about 64 to 80 ounces of water per day (start the day out before I go to work, with at least 16-24 ounces). and now, the "e"-word, E-X-E-R-C-I-Z-E!!! If you do all of the others and no exercize, it won't come off as fast. Put some yukky sweat in the routine to start with about 25-30 minutes. Walking and aerobics helps me work up a sweat, but by all means, you've got to get physical. How 'bout that, "Vitalady" and Cindy Rubin? Hadiyah, a.k.a.~~
   — yourdivaness




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