Question:
Does is matter if you drink your protein, eat a bar or eat animal protein.

It just seems like maybe all proteins are not absorbed into the body the same. Does a piece of fish or chicken provide better nutrition than drinking a protein drink?    — Marilyn S. (posted on June 7, 2000)

June 7, 2000
We had a discussion about this at my last support group meeting. I am sure you will get different responses depending on the nutritionist, but mine prefers that you only use protein bars occassionally. She wants us to try to get as much of our protein in "good healthy" food but knows that with new post-ops especially, this isn't possible, so protein supplements in powder or liquid form are necessary. They also contribute to our liquid intake which is also necessary. Protein bars take up a lot of food space, and they can be very high in calories and carbs, so be very choosy which ones you eat. Good luck:)
   — Paula G.

June 7, 2000
It makes a HUGE difference in your long term success. Protein supplements are far superior to food products for WLS pts. If you are one of the RNY or gastric bypass types, you have lost the function of the lower stomach. What was its function? To digest protein, iron, calcium, fat soluble vites, B12, and zinc. Formerly, the food passed through an enzyme "bath" there and digestion occurred. THen ABSORPTION occurred in the first 18" or so of intestine. We're also missing that function, so absorption is impaired. Now, different ones of us have different amounts of absorption, but 100% of us lose those elements to a degree. You can try to eat enough protein, but the fats/carbs/sugars and calories in meats and protein foods work against you when you realize how much of it you have ot eat. If you WERE to get in an absorbable 60g a day, you'd have to eat a TON of meat! That would stretch your pouch and negate your surgery over time. Also, your life is spent in search of protein foods and nothing else. What a drag! As you get tired of that, the sugar cravings begin and the desire to graze becomes overwhelming, all of which are counter-productive to where you want to go. The object is to get as much calorie-free nutrition on board as possible without stretching your pouch or creating bad eating habits to try to get enough protein so you can absorb enough. I think it a crime to spend my life concentrating on how to get the right foods into me when I just spent the Big Bucks trying to get out from under the dominion food has had over us! It is SO freeing to know that I'm covering the bases nearly free of sugar & fats, and then can eat according to normal good eating patterns. Sure, I eat junk food (tacos, burgers), but I only avoid milk & sugar, nothing else. Did I say what I meant?
   — vitalady

June 8, 2000
I highly recommend the Clif Luna bars if you want max. protein for min. calories in a very tasty bar. Most of these protein bars really aren't that good tasting and are very high cal. Lunas are designed for women with extra calcium and folic acid and they are only 180 cal. each but have 10 grams of protein. The new Chai Tea are yummy but I'm a Nutz Over Choc devotee. I have one bar on the way home (yes, in my car!- but it's a 40 min. commute)nearly every day and it's practically the only half way sweet thing I ever eat. They are pricey but they really do seem to quell my sweet tooth in the late afternoon and I get a good jolt of protein at the same time.
   — Carol M.

June 8, 2000
I highly recommend the Clif Luna bars if you want max. protein for min. calories in a very tasty bar. Most of these protein bars really aren't that good tasting and are very high cal. Lunas are designed for women with extra calcium and folic acid and they are only 180 cal. each but have 10 grams of protein. The new Chai Tea are yummy but I'm a Nutz Over Choc devotee. I have one bar on the way home (yes, in my car!- but it's a 40 min. commute)nearly every day and it's practically the only half way sweet thing I ever eat. They are pricey but they really do seem to quell my sweet tooth in the late afternoon and I get a good jolt of protein at the same time.
   — Carol M.