Question:
What can I substitutue for protein drinks?
HEEEELLLLPPP!! I am 9 days post op and can't get myself to drinking those nasty things. I don't want to get ill due to lack of protein, but I know I will get ill (throwing up!!LOL!!) if I do drink them. Is it possible to get the protein I need with out drinking those horrible things??? — fineislandgirl (posted on August 7, 2003)
August 7, 2003
Hi! have you tried just straight protein powder? The oderless tastesless,
colorless kind?? If not... email me, I found one that is pretty good and am
actually selling it myself, now! LOL!! I'll send you info on it if you
like! In the meantime, right now, you really need to get in as much liquid
protein as you can... without sugar. I was in your boat, and used Milk a
lot, but it has so much sugar in it. I used powdered milk in everything I
could until I found this protein powder. It doesn't have all those extra
vitamin crap that makes it taste like cardboard, etc. It is just straight
protein. Try increasing your milk and adding milk powder into everything
you can, but be careful of the sugar at the same time. Quite a quandry,
isn't it! Hugs! Sharon
— Sharon m. B.
August 7, 2003
What "horrible things" have you tried? I don't care for most
protein SHAKES, but was able to drink the ready-to-drink (pre-prepared)
ones OK. Try EAS AdvantEdge, CarbSolutions, and Zero Carb Isopure. If all
else fails, drink no sugar added carnation instant breakfast or
"double milk" (skim milk with nonfat dry milk in it). If they
taste too sweet or the consistency is too thick or thin, try adding a bit
of skim milk to them. This will only last a few weeks and then you can eat
"real" food again.
— ctyst
August 7, 2003
The shakes are a bit much to handle as a new post-op, but you may be able
to tolerate the clear koolaid looking types, like the Isopure zero carb.
It comes in 20 oz glass bottles with flavors like blue rasberry and grape
frost (GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe). 40 grams of protein per bottle and I
would pour it over ice, cut in 1/2 with water and sip all day long.
— Cindy R.
August 7, 2003
Dawn I understand your situation because I thought I was hopeless to with
the protein drinks at first. During my first three weeks post-op I made
several trips to the Vitamin Shoppe and GNC buying various protein
supplements to try. Thank goodness they take returns of opened products if
you have receipts! I finally ordered me some chocolate Unjury protein
powder (www.Unjury.com) and it's been the only thing that I know I can
stick with faithfully. It's not thick and it taste great! You may want to
give it a try.
— Starrlina
August 7, 2003
Hi Dawn,
I am pre-op. Last year I was introduced to this great physican formulated
soy protein called Revival soy. The liquid protein drinks come in many,
many flavors. Some are sweetened with sucrose and some are unsweetened.
They blend very smoothly. The website is revivalsoy.com. I have been
eating the soy bars, but now that I am moving towards having this surgery,
I have just changed my monthly order to the protein drinks. You can also
order a starter kit. Hope you try it and like it.
Lynn
— Lynn D.
August 7, 2003
Beneprotien from Wallgreens.com mixes clear and tastless in water, crystal
lite or anything else you are eating or drinking. It is easy to get enough
protien in if you don't even know you are drinking it.
— dianekoch
August 7, 2003
I'm also 9 days post op RNY.. I mix my protein shake in a cup of Blue Bunny
Strawberry Yogurt... not bad then. Like you, I know I need the protein,
but I couldn't stand the taste of it.
— Bonnie
August 7, 2003
I hated the taste of protein shakes and then I found Champion Pure Whey
Stack in Chocolate, Strawberry, and Banana. I mix it with skim milk &
a little ice and it tastes like what I remember a MacDonald's shake tasting
like. Plus there is no protein aftertaste. I now drink 2 shakes a day and
I am 10 months post-op and have lost 124 lbs. so far.<p>
If you try vitaladay.com or wlssuccess.com they will send you samples for
about a $1.00 each. They have tons of different proteins, so you can find
one you like by trying the samples instead buying a jug and finding out you
don't like the flavor.
— ckreh
August 7, 2003
At 9 days postop I wouldn't even be worrying about getting in your
protein....Some docs don't even do the shake protocol.Hydration is the main
concern.Your tastes will change....what tastes horrible right now you may
love later on and vice versa.
— jennifer A.
August 7, 2003
I have much better luck with pre-made rather than powder. I have only been
able to find one that is good and I actually enjoy it - Boost Vanilla High
Protein. I've also been told powdered egg whites added to stuff really
boosts things. The first couple days I didn't have my protein and I felt
awful - now if I start feeling bad, its because I haven't had anything to
drink (13 days postop) with protein in it. Don't give up.
— bethybb
August 7, 2003
I wasted alot of money on shitty protein drinks I never could get down.
Finally I just ate alot of deli sliced meats, and one once of cheese at a
time. I did this all day for snacks instead of big meals. (I'm talking
about as an early post op, under 6 months). My doctor took one look at my
blood labs and said "Get off the protein drinks NOW!". LOL! I
was'nt on any protein drinks! When I showed my surgeon the blood test, he
was very happy. And so was I.
Those drinks are convenient, and I don't knock them for those you can
tolerate them. However, I had a blood protein level of 8.1 or 8.2 (can't
remember which now) and I did it with meat and cheeses. And I enjoyed it
too! (Oh, I ate some eggs occassionaly). Hang in there, it can be done.
— Danmark
August 7, 2003
I also had trouble with the protein shakes in the beginning them someone
suggested this recipie. It worked for me. 2 scoops pro-complex (chocolate
flavored), 8 oz. of nonfat milk, 1 teaspoon instant decaf coffee (or to
taste), one teaspoon of sugar free nestle quick (or add to taste), add a
few ice cubes and mix in the blender. It is really good and sometimes I
can fool myself into thinking that it came from Starbucks :). Hope that
helps.
— ValorieG
August 7, 2003
Try the nectars at www.vitalady.com, you can buy samples to try.
— Shari M.
August 8, 2003
Dawn,
You are not alone - I could not tolerate protein drinks either - especially
thosed powdered additives. What was suggested to me - and it did work -
was Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup, cheese, hard boiled eggs, fresh fish
and canned chicken - all mashed, well chewed and further liquified in your
mouth. While protein drinks are suggested, you do have options. Protein
bars are also a good substitite, again, liquified in your mouth. Some
actually taste good, for instance, the Luna bars and Carb Solutions. I was
never one for drinks, powders and shakes - at 16 months post op I have gone
from 310 to 148 and healthy as can be! If in doubt, consult your
nutritionist. Best wishes!
Susan
— Susan K.
August 8, 2003
One more thing: I know that the liquid stage is awful, but PLEASE do not
move to solids until your dr releases you to do so. 9 days out is too early
for you to eat stuff like tuna or protein bars. Your insides are not healed
yet so it is better to be safe than sorry! I did make homemade chicken soup
(no celery) and pureed it then ran it thru a strainer. It was heavenly. My
dr's rules were whatever fits thru a strainer as long as it is not acidic.
You'd be surprised what you can get thru a strainer! :)
— ctyst
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