Question:
Allergies to protein shakes?

My Dr. and his staff think that perhaps I may be allergic to the protein shakes that he requires post-op. I'm not arguing because no matter if I mix them in water or milk, I still throw them up almost instantly. I've tried the protein bars, but at 5 weeks post-op I think they're too hard on my stomach. They are making me feel like I'm doing something wrong. I make mostly all of my meals high protein foods, but let's face it, I can't get 50+ grams of protein with this new stomach. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions? Thanks!    — Kristin R. (posted on October 22, 2001)

October 22, 2001
If you're throwing up instantly, I'd guess that it's more likely a gag reflex than an allergy. I've never heard of a food allergy that makes people vomit (though I don't get out much! LOL). Some of the protein supplements smell pretty nasty.. perhaps you're very sensitive to the smell, which can kick that gag reflex into high gear right away. Do you vomit if it's just a small amount, like a teaspoon or so? Perhaps it's the temperature? Maybe you need it room temp, instead of ice cold. Or maybe the other way around. Don't give up until you've tried many many many different brands and flavors. There WILL be one out there that you can keep down, and maybe even one you will ENJOY. I'm with Michelle Curran on this one.. ProScore 100 Chocolate (by Champion Nutrition) is so dang good.. it shouldn't be good for us! But, heck, I'm glad it is! Keep looking.. you will find the way!
   — BethVBG

October 22, 2001
Have you tried any of the new clear protein drinks? Isopure makes one that is TERRIFIC - 40 grams of protein - 0 sugar - comes in several flavors. We tried grape - tasted and looked like Kool-Aid. 40 grams in a 20 ounce bottle! Know it comes in orange, punch and heard that the apple is supposed to be the best. Another one is DesignerWhey - protein blast supplement drink - 34 grams of protein - 2 grams of sugar. Our group thought the KiwiStrongBerry was the best but the orange was okay. Hop this helps. Mary Ann Miller
   — [Anonymous]

October 22, 2001
I am allergic to soy protein in any form (including the euphemism "hydrolyzed vegetable protein" which is in SO MANY things!) and many of the protein drinks and all of the protein bars contain soy. I find that I tolerate the whey-based protein drinks just fine, although there was one that made me have a mild allergic reaction; we eventually narrowed that down to either a flavoring or coloring because other flavors of that brand did not affect me. I also find that my stomach is less twitchy about room-temperature stuff, so I drink almost everything including my water that way. I hope this helps. Food allergies can be really tough. And YES, it is possible to be allergic to whey, but if you were, you might also have problems with cheese. Do you?
   — Julia M.

October 23, 2001
Thanks to everyone who answered my question. I did want to answer the previous posters questions about cheese. Pre-op I handled cheese just fine, but post-op it fills me up fast and doesn't sit comfortably. Also, I wanted to say that my protein drinks stay down no longer than 10 minutes and then come up. The bad thing is I found one I really like in a flavor that's good. Unfortunately it doesn't taste good coming up! Thanks again for all your answers and I think I'm going to try vitalady for samples until I find one I like.
   — Kristin R.