Question:
I'm getting so many differing opinions about protein.

I'm 11 days post-op (open distal RNY on 5/21/01). As of Wed. 5/30/01, I have lost 13lbs. so far. Doc said I can move up to pureed foods. Anyway, I am SO CONFUSED about supplemental protein. For one thing, I started protein drinks while in the hospital, when I was on "clear liquid" diet; HOW IS PROTEIN DRINKS CONSIDERED "CLEAR LIQUID"? What they gave me in hospital was Boost which was yummy but blew me up with gas, so I refused anymore. Then when I got home, doc. suggested Carnation Instant Breakfast which I also gave up for the same problem. Doc. then suggested Ultra Pure Protein from GNC which I just can't take anymore because it tastes so GROSS! So now I'm not taking anything and I'm starting to wonder if I really do need the extra protein. On my dietician's post-op diet guidlines, she makes NO mention of protein drinks. And searching around this website & others, I see so many differing opinions; some are taking it, some are not. I'm very confused. Part of me feels I need to take it but then again, it adds extra calories plus I'm SO turned off from the Ultra Pure Pro (barf). I'm considering Vita4Life but it is SO EXPENSIVE. So, do I really need supplemental protein? I know I'm barely getting anything from my diet as it is now & I'm afraid of my muscles wasting away.    — lalasmommy (posted on June 1, 2001)

June 1, 2001
I cant answer your question as to if you should or shouldnt take the supplements that is something you have to decide for yourself. But, I can help with one that tastes good. Extreme Pure Pro Grape and Tropical Punch flavors are great. I ordered a lot of samples from vitalady.com and these were the only two I could swallow. Visit her site and order you some samples until you find one you like. It is much cheaper than spending a fortune to find out you hate something. Good Luck!!
   — Robin C.

June 1, 2001
I don't know what they consider clear liquid. Maybe soup with noodles & meat or other stuff vs just a smooth protein drink is how they see it. As for supplemental protein, I see our protein as not being supplemental, but having 50-60g daily as soon as your body can get that much in before any other nutrients. I mean its definate that we need the protein. But my surgeon did say it may be harder at first to get alot in me. (I am still preop) He also wants me to try to get all protein in thru foods and not use drinks at all EVER, for protein intake. That includes right after surgery. But that's my surgeons' way of doing things. They do in fact differ in opinions on the after diet. I think we need to try as hard as we can to be sure we're putting protein #1.
   — Karla K.

June 1, 2001
Do you want a good tasting, vitamin filled protein drink...try milk. I drink it (1%, skim or Skim Plus only) everyday with my surgeon's blessing. It tastes great and is loaded with protein. Some people say milk is bad, but cup for cup, it has the same or less calories then those nasty protein drinks. Some people are lactose intolerant, in in that case, I would suggest the lactose free milks, but other than that, I can't see how you could go wrong if you drink milk in moderation.
   — Peter S.

June 2, 2001
Why do you need to supplement protein? You don't, if you can get enough through your diet. But if you can't eat the protein requirement (usually at least 60 g per day), you must supplement to maintain your long term health. During the first few months you can sneak by without any long range harm, and it may be worth it to ease up on yourself for a few weeks. I did not worry about protein for the first few weeks. Your tastes will change rapidly, so keep trying! I can't usually manage to eat my protein requirement, or more often, don't *want* to have to do so. I am fortunate in that I like a lot of the protein supplements. My favorites so far: Isopure pre-mixed in bottles; Myoplex Lo-Carb premixed in pouches; Designer Protein powder; and the ABB Extreme Pure Pro pre-mixed in bottles. - Kate -
   — kateseidel

June 2, 2001
vita4life was the most disgusting thing I have ever encountered.
   — blank first name B.

June 3, 2001
i sympathize. i have to take protein supplements right now (8 weeks post op lap r-n-y)because my blood levels of protein are low. i'm doing the best i can with foods, but it isn't enough. i've tried many, many different types of supplements. what i've come up with right now is designer protein, natural flavor, blended with diet soda (root beer, orange, black cherry) or blended with low cal cranberry juice, a little fruit, and a little yogurt. it's the best i've tried yet. i also tried the vita4 life liquid product and about hurled. i sent it back with a nasty gram to the company and got a very nice response, apology, and refund. good luck.
   — melanie S.

June 3, 2001
I take designer protein and mix it with diet pop when I mix it up the carbonation is removed from the pop. Post op I used crystal lite body quenchers it contains protein and vitamins (low protein but protein none the less) this also made water easier for me to drink. also Knox geletin mixed with water (tasts like tang) also has protein. I had to really dilute bothe the body quenchers and the knox they were way to sweet for my taste , but they did add protein to my spartan diet.
   — Rose A.