Question:
At GNC there are tons of protein drinks, is there a specific kind we are supposed to

be drinking or is any protein drink ok? Thanks Darlene    — Darlene H. (posted on July 15, 2003)

July 14, 2003

   — Linda A.

July 15, 2003
OK, caution -- long-winded protein powder post here! There are plenty of good protein shakes out there that are whey protein (and that have peptides, if that's important to you -- RM isn't the only one, and it sure isn't the most affordable). The most important thing is to find a protein shake you like and will use. I'd recommend that you get single-serving samples of several different types and try 'em out to see what you like. Many folks find protein shakes awful, and it takes awhile to find a good one, so sampling can be a good way to go. To get single-serving samples, try www.vitalady.com or www.wlssuccess.com, among other places. If you find a protein powder you like, you can always buy a nice big tub of it later from those suppliers, from GNC (if they carry it), or from other suppliers. What's not fun is being stuck with a tub of nasty-tasting stuff you didn't sample first!<P>When looking for a protein shake, try to find one that delivers 30 grams of protein per serving, with as few carbs, fats, or sugars along with that as possible. Thirty grams is a much as you can absorb in one serving (according to the manufacturers -- and that's for "normal" people). Don't forget that you can adjust the water and powder to taste, and to get up to 30 grams (just because a label says one scoop=16 grams of protein, doesn't mean you can't use just about 2 scoops to make a nice 30-protein-gram shake).<P>Watch out for stuff like Ensure, Boost, Carnation Instant Breakfast, SlimFast, and other drinks that -- when you read the label (and when you add skim milk, which has more sugar than protein in it), deliver too much sugar for the little protein they provide. I'm not in the "milk is evil" camp, but it's just a fact that it's got more sugar in it than protein, and for that reason I personally don't want it in my protein shake. <P>When you're experimenting, try adding a little pinch or so of jello or pudding powder in a flavor you like. Sometimes this helps improve the taste of a protein drink. There are sugar-free syrups out there that might help, too. Check out yahoo's OSSG group for "protein perverts" for more protein shake recipes. But beware of adding fruits, skim milk, or other sources of carbs or sugars to your shakes. That can turn them into carb shakes with a little protein in them, instead of true protein shakes. Depends on how far out you are as a postie, too -- in the beginning, it may be too much to be adding fruits or juices or yogurt to a protein shake (too much for you new little pouch).<P>Also, I wouldn't choose a protein shake powder on the basis of whether it claims to have all of your daily vitamin, iron, and calcium requirements added into it. I don't think there can be any such thing, since calcium and iron (taken together) cancel each other out, so they can't be taken together in one shake, and most RNY patients should be taking 1000-1500 mg. a day in calcium citrate, which you can't absorb in doses of larger than 500 mg. at a time, which means 2-3 capsules a day, taken at least a couple of hours apart, so ... how can you get *all* your calcium supplements in one protein shake or two (especially if it doesn't specify whether you're getting calcium citrate or not)? Just be wary of the "we've got all your vitamins right in here!" advertising technique used for some protein shakes -- IMHO, I think it's much more about advertising than being sure your vitamins are getting it effectively.<P>Having said all that, as far as GNC brands go, I like ProBlend 55 Swiss Chocolate. But my favorite shake is Proscore 100 Chocolate (which has peptides, for peptide fans, and is cheaper than RM even ordered online). Champion's Chocolate Whey Stack protein powder is also very popular, though I found it a bit *too* chocolatey for my taste. Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

July 15, 2003
Ok..so to break it down for us preops who are freaking out at all the science stuff that we snooze though in High School....we want whey protein (there are others but they're all inferior right?) and the least amount of carbs in each drink. I hear all this about peptides..etc. and i think there's no WAY I'm going to be able to do this. I'm freaking myself out over all this body related stuff that I know I'll never remember. I thought I had it pretty down pat with the 'chew your food' 'load the protein' 'drink your water' :( Guess I still have a lot to learn in the next 4 weeks:((
   — kathy B.

July 15, 2003
Suzy C. gave you tons of excellent info!! I can't top that...! :~) I can tell you that trying different kinds is the only way to find the one you can tolerate. I finally found one and am actually selling it myself, now! LOL!! After two years and 18 months post op, AND now 6 weeks pregnant with twins... I finally find one I can tolerate! LOL!! Email me if you want the info on it... Trial and Error is really the only way to go to finding the one you like the best, though! :~)
   — Sharon M. B.

July 17, 2003
Vitalady.com! She will send you samples with the nutritional info. I personally chose to stay with pro-score100. It's 160 cals for a two scoop serving and very low carb and fat. It also has 32 grams of protien per serving.
   — Happy I.