Question:
If you get diarrhea with every protein drink/bar do you still benefit?

Seriously, I find that any time I eat a protein bar (and this has happened with every brand except the detour/uturn bars) or drink any shake (so far every one that I've tried) I get diarrhea within about 20 minutes of consumption. So my question is, if I am experiencing this, am I getting any benefit from the protein or am I wasting my money when I partake of these items? I'm not sure if I'm losing the food I've just eaten or food that's already been in there a while. Sorry so gross, but this has me a bit perplexed. Thanks in advance!    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on September 6, 2003)

September 5, 2003
Ruth, my bowels finally returned to almost normal at 6 months out.. and really not until I started eating salads... crazy I know... I think its pretty common what you are going through, but remember you can always pick the phone up and call your surgeons office... take care and good luck.. Karen
   — Karen Wyatt

September 6, 2003
I would like that answer my self. I havent had my surgery yet but started the protein shakes for good measure and wow, I stayed in the bathroom too.Im not looking forward to that on a regular basis.
   — loisph

September 6, 2003
I am only guessing here, but I would think, given the anatomy of the body, that what goes out has been in the body...I don't think it's what you've just eaten. I think the protein shakes should still be very beneficial....and although I eat them too.... I'm told that the bars don't really have the right kind of protein, so if they make you sick...they're probably not that important. (I eat them because I enjoy them, I don't count the protein). One thought is perhaps your shake has lactose in it?? Maybe you're reacting to that. Also, I'm told some people react to the artificial sweeteners in the shakes. I know a lot of people react to the sweeteners and sugar alcohols in protein bars. Look for a lactose free protein shake, and try avoiding anything with sugar alcohols and see if it improves. Good luck.
   — Kelly B.