Question:
Do you count the calories in your protein drinks?

I am 4 1/2 months out and am able to consume 800-900 calories a day. This count include the 160 calorie Isopure zero-carb protein drink that I have each day. I was wondering if you are supposed to include the drink in your calorie intake? I am able to eat more now and find myself hungry with my 800-900 intake. Really only 640-740 of food. Yes I am sticking to mainly protein and I am making good choices.    — Stacie B. (posted on November 14, 2003)

November 14, 2003
My nutritionist says not to include protein drinks in your total (up to 400 calories worth). If you are losing, don't change anything! :)
   — mrsmyranow

November 14, 2003
I include mine in my daily total,I think it helps me stay on track.
   — terri R.

November 14, 2003
I don't count calories, I only count sugar grams (<6/meal). And I do 4-6 30 gram shakes per day. Of course my doc mandates 120 grams of protein supps per day for someone like me (very distal - 60" common channel), but more helps to keep cravings at bay, etc. <p> In my non-medical opinion, not only are you not getting enough protein, you're prolly not getting enough food. Your weight loss may be slowed by these shortages. <p> Try some protein shakes from Vitalady.com. Make sure you're getting enough of the right kinds of vites, calcium, and water, in addition. <p> If you're hungry, something's not right. Why bother to have surgery if you're still on a starvation diet, and always hungry?
   — RWH G.

November 14, 2003
The body counts calories whether we eat them or drink them. ;)
   — Danmark

November 14, 2003
I have always "counted" mine and have never been tempted to cut them out in order to cut back on calories ('cuz I know I'm not gonna get fat on my protein shakes and I think they're healthy for me). At four 1/2 months out, I'd add more foods (making good choices), ratchet up your calories to 900-1100 a day, and see how it goes. Also, maybe I'd try eating more frequently, using smaller meals (are you doing three squares, or 4-6 "feedings" a day? sometimes spacing the food out more often helps).
   — Suzy C.

November 14, 2003
I have never counted my protein cal. I know I am very distal, but that doesn't make the calories just fall out or anything. I count protein g IN, sugar g OUT and try to stick with single digit sugar per meal. I don't add anything to my shakes any more. I like 'em straight up with water & ice. But when I did add a few banana slices or berries, I would count those sugar g "against" me. I still weigh under 110, so seems to be working. I get something like 1200 cal/day in protein shakes alone, plus whatever food I eat. I have NO idea how many calories that might be. I just know it has no sugar to speak of and no milk, not a drop.
   — vitalady

November 14, 2003
My nutritionist and surgeon both say to count the protein drinks calorie wise, and that they should be used for meal replacements not just as extra liquids. They can count towards your total liquid intake but as one of the others said, calories count whether you drink then or eat them. Good luck!
   — Fixnmyself

November 14, 2003
I don't count the calories of my protein drinks or protein bars. The body does not burn all calories equally and if you are consuming relatively few carbs (for most people that is probably less than 40 grams a day) and at least 60-80 grams of protein, you will be losing weight as your body will be in ketosis.
   — SteveColarossi

November 15, 2003

   — kultgirl

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