Question:
Nutritionist Advised No Protein Shakes?!

I am 18 days post-op, and in phase II of my post-op diet, and my nutritionist has advised me NOT to do the whole protein drink thing, but rather to stick with foods high in protein instead. I worry though I am not getting enough protein, and I sure can eat "a lot". Anyone have any advice?    — Amy E. (posted on November 10, 2003)

November 10, 2003
The nutritionist at the Hospital of the Univ of Pa (HUP) advises that when you can get the 60g of protein in each day via food sources, the shakes are no longer needed, but there are many posties at HUP that do the shakes (myself among them). But the majority of my 60+g a day comes from food sources. I do a max of one shake a day (and that's only during the work week)...JR
   — John Rushton

November 10, 2003
If you cannot eat enough protein then you MUST supplement, it is very important. It is better if you can get it from food but alot of us can't.
   — Saxbyd

November 10, 2003
A lot of the time, docs and dietitians don't want us to use shakes and bars because we'll come to depend on them for our protein needs. Then, when it comes time to eat (especially when we're 6+ months out and can eat more), we'll figure we already got our protein in, so we'll make poor food choices. That makes a certain amount of sense to me. You say you can eat "a lot". Are you concentrating on protein-rich foods? Unless you're real early post-op or are having some other food issues, you can probably get in 60 grams of protein a day through food if you plan carefully over three meals and a couple of snacks (it's only about 8 1/2 ounces over the whole day). Try it. But, as another poster said, it's very important to get your protein in, so if you absolutely cannot do it by food alone, then I vote to supplement.
   — Vespa R.

November 10, 2003
Amy- I avoided the thick shakes and protein bars for the first three weeks because I found them tough to digest. However, during that period, I regularly drank the clear Isopure Zero Carb drinks (that had over 20 grams of protein). My utilizing protein bars and shakes, I have been able to maintain a very high protein intake (close to 80 grams/day) and exceed my weight loss goal within one year (I dropped over 250 pounds in my first year which put me at my goal and have lost a total of 265 pounds in 13 months). Quite frankly, our body benefits from our consuming whey protein which is found in many of the better supplements-- therefore, our bodies don't really care if we are getting our protein from tuna fish, cottage cheese or Atkins bars. Certainly, you need to balance your diet to maintain proper nutrition (although most protein supplements are loaded with extra vitamins and minerals). But, all things considered, I have done well by consuming protein supplements daily for the past year.
   — SteveColarossi

November 10, 2003
I've never counted food (or bars) toward my daily protein count. I don't want to be "force fed" any foods, but then I'm kinda weird that way. I do about 180g protein in supplements per day, some high stress days more. Of course, my doc requires 120-150g, so it's not optional, but I feel better and look better if I keep the levels higher. But my definitiion of a protein drink is a whey powder that can deliver 30g protein with less than 6g sugar and under 200 cal when made with water. I don't have empty calories like milk or real juices.
   — vitalady

November 12, 2003
I'm assuming you have not tried a protein drink. I didn't either since my surgeon didn't beleive in them. I was on clear fluids for 6 weeks then full fluids for 2 weeks. At the end of that 8 weeks, I was dead on my feet, barely functioning. ((And this was my surgeon's plan? I don't go to him anymore. My surgery went really well but the after care is sorely lacking in plain old common sence.)) At 8 weeks post, I was not eating any meat or cheese, tried them, couldn't digest them, threw them up. I had to do something to get protein into my system so I bought some unflavored whey powder and added sf hot chocolate mix and skim milk. 2 a day, and from week 9 on I have much more energy and just plain 'feel' more normal. It was the protein drinks that I needed to continue my recovery from surgery. Today I am 13.5 weeks postop, RNY 150 cm bypass, down 60lbs. I am eating meat now, doing well with it. I still have 1 shake a day. I feel that it is ok and wise to supplement your protein intake when you know you can't make 50 grams a day consistently by way of food intake. Some days I can eat 50g of protein, some days not. Try shakes, I recommend using unflavored whey isolate powder and add your own flavor. You are more likely to LIKE the drink then LOL.
   — mary ann T.