Question:
How far out Post OP are most people able to eat protein bars?

I have found som GREAT tasting protein bars. They are called Designer Whey Protein Gourmet bar. The two kinds I have tried Chocolate Maltedmuscles and Chocolate Triplemint. YUMMMY!! They have 30g of protein, 1g sugar, 7g carb, 7g fat, and 250 cal. I do have a concern about the amount of calories but would probably try to use them as a meal replacement like for breakfast. Do these sound like they would be good for post ops?    — toni D. (posted on August 19, 2001)

August 19, 2001
They sound great. A lot of people use them as meal replacements or nibble on one throughout the day. Occasionally I will eat one and It will take me a couple of days to eat it. I look at it as at least it is a few more grams of protien than I would have had, had I not eaten part of it. There is no way around calories. I think as long as we are eating significantly less calories than we were before the surgery we will be successful. Some people say that the protein in protein bars is nondigestable. I don't know if that is true or not. I chew on mine until they are liquid. Digestion does start in the mouth with our saliva and chewing. I hope this helps.
   — Carla C.

August 19, 2001
These are good bars. It usually takes me 2 days or more to eat one, so I use it as a between meal treat when I have munchies , a couple of bites dose the trick. I would not use it as a meal replacement , I don't use my liquid protein as a replacement either. I supplement my diet with the liquid protein to assure myself the proper protein levels. Protein is protein, it is not a meal , I was told that if it is mixed with water or calorie free liquid the calories should not be counted as part of my diet. That is not the case with protein bars. This was the information I was given by my nutritionist if yours is different , I would suggest you listen to yours.
   — Rose A.

August 19, 2001
I'm 7 yrs post op, so I now eat 4 meals/day vs the 6 we do to start. I eat half/bar for bfast and then the other half may be one of the other meals. Sometimes not til the next bfast. I do not count the protein as it is not predigested, but it is a harmless "meal" for me. Better than the meal I'd prefer not to eat anyway! LOL!
   — vitalady

August 21, 2001
those bars you described are my favorite, although have tried the berry, chocolate, peanut butter, malt, lemon but not the mint! They are $2.48, and I do use them as a meal replacement. I would think when you are able to eat regular foods, you should be fine. There protein powder is also awesome!
   — Jeanne P.