Question:
Anyone else have a problem keeping their protein shakes down?

my stomach seems to be protesting protein drinks! I haven't thrown up from them yet but I do get dry heaves, if I can even get them down! Anyone have any suggestions? I do have a call into my surgeon but you all are always so helpful I thought I'd ask! Thanks! Carrie-Ann    — Carrie-Ann B. (posted on July 7, 2003)

July 7, 2003
I am 7 days out and am using real meals(chocolate) protein drink. I actually make it with water and put it in my smoothie maker and make sure it is mixed to a liquid consistencey. I seem to get that down pretty well. Of course I only drink about a cup of it which means I'm only getting in about 20-40grms of protein in. They have sample packs of shakes or maybe it's just the taste that makes you not able to get it down. I would recommend trying other tasting shakes and mix them with water and see how that goes. Good luck and take care! Audrey
   — Audrey W.

July 7, 2003
hiya...that happened to me at 2 weeks post op. so i tried different brands & different flavors unfortunately at the time i just couldn't keep the whey protein down. you should definetely check with your surgeon but mine suggested switching to carnation instant breakfast with skim milk (i couldn't tolerate the milk tho) so you can try it with soy milk also (i prefer the unflavored soy milk myself) or you can try using a soy protein powder. the one i use is good... please check my website for a listing of my supplements which include several types of whey protein (i could tolerate them around 1 year post op, but might have been able to tolerate certain types earlier if i had known about them) and a soy protein. the supplement file in is my "files" section, not sure if its page 1 or 2. anyways, you can also email me directly if you have any questions. good luck! {{hugs}} kate www.geocities.com/katebme2002
   — jkb

July 7, 2003
I can gag them down but my problem is keeping them "in". Not to sound too gross but I get my exercise by running for the bathroom after a protein drink. I mix with water only and so far only Nectar is 50/50 about keeping it in. I was using Real Meals but it made me so sick after every drink I had to stop using it. I put myself through this pain because I have problems getting all my protein in the start with. Meat,cheese taste yucky and I dump on milk products so I am limited to what I can eat. The only suggestion I have for you is to mix with the least amt of water you can so you can get it down faster. Sorry I'm not much help but I hope you get your answer. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 100+ and counting
   — Siddy I.

July 7, 2003
I nver could take the protein shakes. As an early post-op my dietitian suggested that I use "double protein" milk instead. If you can tolerate milk, just mix powdered milk into skim milk (follow the package directions for amounts, but use skim milk instead of water). That gives you double the protein of plain milk. I also added the milk powder to pureed and soft foods (like soups, yogurt and cottage cheese) to boost the protein content. Some people become lactose intolerant after surgery, and others have dumping problems with the lactose sugar in milk, so be careful at first if you try this.
   — Vespa R.

July 7, 2003
The one thing that REALLY helped me with protein shakes, is I up'ed the amount of milk I was putting it. The directions call for like 3 oz for a whole scoop...UGH, it was like sludge and SOOOO DISGUSTING. I ended up using 12 oz of milk per scoop, and it tastes just fine. I think that might help you out.
   — thekatinthehat

July 7, 2003
What KIND of protein drinks? How are you making them up? I mix ProScore 100 in water & ice & it is Perfection in a Glass. On the Run, I use Pure Whey Stack, in about 6 oz water, shake & go. It's Almost Perfection in a Glass (or bottle or paper cup--whatever). Smooth, no lumps, less than 6g sugar for 30g protein, just a few oz. And did I mention: chocolate?
   — vitalady

July 8, 2003
ME TOO!!! I believe I dumped after one of my protein drinks ... HELP!
   — Karyn B

July 8, 2003
I agree we need more info . . . What kind of drinks and how they are prepared. I have several problems with protein shakes: Blended they are too "fluffy," almost all of them are too sweet, I can't take the grainy texture of the powder, too thick, too thin, too fake tasting . . . LOL I am picky. Let us know what you think is causing it (flavor, texture, sweetness, etc.) and we can try to help out! One thing I was thinking is that it may be a particular type of protien that is bothering you, like with babies who can't digest regular formula and have to switch to soy.
   — ctyst