Question:
Is protein powder always necessary or can you get enough in with you diet.
I've been reading a lot about different protein powders, is this strictly during your liquid phase or all the time to get your protein in. Can most people get in enough protein with just what they eat? — Brooke H. (posted on July 18, 2002)
July 18, 2002
I only tasted the powder once and at about a year out down 130 pounds and
feeling great! Early on most are protein deficent but then we were OVER
nourished at the begining. MOs are like warehouses packed to the brim with
stuff overflowing the aisles. <P> My surgeon believes in getting
protein from food and since the powder is YUK tasting thats fine with me...
— bob-haller
July 18, 2002
If you are able to get all of your needed protein from food, then I think
that's probably okay. But if you have trouble, then you will ALWAYS need
to supplement with a protein shake. I've been using Designer Whey
Strawberry. It's pretty good, and I can get a can for $10 at Osco.
— Christine L.
July 18, 2002
— tannedtigress
July 18, 2002
I am only 6 weeks out, however, try as I might, I CAN'T get enough protein
in with meals alone. My problem is/was that in order to get all the protein
I need, from food alone, I had to eat every 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours, and I
STILL felt full from the previous meal, 2 hours later, so I would try and
eat, and then feel sick and have to go lay down.
As much as I hate the protein shakes, I feel better knowing my day will not
be filled with constant eating and ill feelings afterwards.
I drink the ProBlend 55 from GNC. (55 grams of protein per 8 oz. serving)
Isn't the best tasting, but then again, it beats feeling sick all day! :)
— Dawn M.
July 18, 2002
Hi, my dietican told me she wanted me to get my protien from my meals ( no
more powders ) after 2 months. Fortunately I love seafood, which contains
alot of protein. Thats my main source
— Diane Rhoads
July 18, 2002
You CAN get plenty in without those expensive and shitty protein drinks.
Heck I did'nt do those and my protein level was 8.1! In fact my doctor (not
surgeon) told me to come off the drinks NOW! I was'nt doing drinks! I did
it just fine without that crap. Protein drinks are just a money gimmic. I'm
sure there are people who need to use them, but not everyone needs them.
— Danmark
July 18, 2002
I thought Protein powders were going to be My Rock, to get me all the
protein I could ever want. It is nice in theory, but seemed to actually
hinder my weight loss. I started using one, and went on a month and a half
long plateu. after I stopped using them I dropped weight like a rock. So I
stopped them altogether, and have lost 120 pounds in 8 months.
— sbinkerd1
July 18, 2002
Hey Brooke, there are other protein supps besides the powders. A liquid
syrupy (but sugar free) stuff my surgeon recommends is called Proteinex.
It's not great by itself, but many post-ops I know mix it with a little
juice or yogurt & it goes down well for them. 2 Tablespoons of it = 15
gm protein. Check it out at http://www.llorenspharm.com/proteinex.htm
— Robin W.
July 18, 2002
Haven't had surgery yet (open rny 8/6/02), but have been ordering samples
and other products to get ready. I found that Herbalife has a protein
enhanced chicken broth, I just ordered it, so haven't tried it yet, but
from what I have learned here on this site I plan to use supplements for at
least 2 months and then re-evaluate then. I know 4 friends/relatives who
have had open rny and the one thing that I found is that none of them are
the same, they each were told different things by there Dr.'s and all
healed and tolerated things at different times. Good Luck!
— Dana B.
July 18, 2002
The four of us in my family who have had lap RNY are between 17 and 31
months post-op. We had the same internationally recognized bariatric
surgeon who prescribes protein supplementation only for the first six weeks
post-op, then insists that his patients learn to eat "normally"
and live a "normal" life, getting their necessary daily protein
from diet only. His "rule" is to eat three protein-containing
meals a day, plus one snack if necessary...eating the protein first at
every meal, then following with carbohydrates/fats if still hungry. We
have successfully maintained mid- to high-normal serum protein values
post-op, and are healthier and more energetic than any other time in our
adult lives. Protein supplementation will always be a source of debate on
this site and other WLS sites, because each surgeon/nutritionist seems to
have slightly varying opinions and distribution of information to their
patients. In addition, all of us metabolize/utilize nutrients differently
under completely normal circumstances....add to that the different WLS
options (VBG,lapbanding,RNY,BPD/DS,DS,etc...) and that further complicates
matters. My advice is to follow the post-op instructions that you were
given, and have your surgeon or PCP monitor your serum albumin and total
protein levels on a regular basis. Good luck!
— Diana T.
July 18, 2002
I agree with Diana - listen to what *your* body says based on your lab
results. During the first year especially, insist on bloodwork every three
months. You may be a good absorber and not need to supplement. Or you may
need the extra boost to maintain good serum protein levels.
— kateseidel
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