Question:
Can one substitute protein bars for the drinks?

I am having a hard time getting my protein drinks in. I am 2 weeks post op. Is it ok to have a protein bar? When is it safe to do so? Any sugggestions on some good ones?    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 25, 2001)

July 25, 2001
My doctor told me to do this. I told her i couldnt stomach the protein drinks, and she said to eat the bars. I particularly like the Balance raspberry chocolate ones..you can get them for about $1.59 at Walmart or Walgreens or your local drug store..Hope this helps :)
   — jammie B.

July 25, 2001
I had/have protein bars at times and I am 5 weeks post-op and started about 2 weeks post-op. Be very careful as to the protein, carbs, and sugar content of each. I also can only take a very small nibble and kind of dissolve it in my mouth prior to swallowing. I can only eat about a 1/2 or one at a time. Some definitely dissolve better than others, but I am sure that this is personal preference as well. I also use protein supplements mixing with water or cyrstal lite. To be honest, I am better able to handle the protein bars and drinks than regular food at times. I realize that some people only get their protein from food sources and there is a wide variety of opinions on this subject! Good luck and email me if you have any further questions.
   — Molly S.

July 25, 2001
Let me tell you the best protein bar I have found for taste and low carb is "Advantage Edge" made by EAS 2.5 grams carbs 26 grams protein.. comes in Lemon, blueberry, and apple cinnamon.. www.eas.com At 2.12 oz they will substitute a meal. And are well worth the 1.79 price where else can you get a meal that cheap. Also very filling and pretty darn good... 210 calories .. 45 calories from fat so very acceptable..
   — Victoria B.

July 26, 2001
I am 5 weeks out and have just started the protein bars. The shakes just taste GROSS! I can't find one I like. There are two protein bars I've found that I like. The first is Luna, which comes in flavors like Lemon Zest and Key Lime, but it only has 10g of protein and I could get that from a glass of milk, so it's probably not the best. But it's a good snack. The second is the 365-brand bar from Fresh Fields in Chocolate Raspberry. You can get 2 bars for $1.49, which is easier on my budget than the others. It has 17g of protein, 4g of fat, and 17g of carb. Probably a bit high in the carbs. I think I'll try some of the other suggestions with more protein, but these have been working well for me so far this week.
   — PT LawMom

July 26, 2001
I have the Carb Solutions Bars. Only 2gms of carbs and 20 plus grams of protein. I have one almost every day around 4 pm when my body starts screaming for M&M's.....it does the trick.
   — [Anonymous]

July 26, 2001
If you are a normie, sure, no problem. If you are RNY, then I wouldn't risk my health or wt loss on it. The drinks (not Ensure or CIB) are predigested, whereas the bars will only work at the same level as other food proteins. Predigested liquids (& powders)are ready to be absorbed even without the stomach being available to digest the food for you. Food needs to be digested before it can be absorbed.
   — vitalady