Question:
How often should we use protein drinks, and how should they be counted?
I am eight months post-op (down 98 lbs!!) and have not been using protein drinks regularly. I keep hearing that I should, but I'm not sure exactly how to use them. When I drink one mid morning, I'm not hungry for kunch until late afternoon, which then messes up my dinner hour. Is it instead of a meal or additional? Any input is welcomed. Thanks, Susan — Susan K. (posted on August 25, 2003)
August 25, 2003
I drink Real Meals at least once per day and sometimes twice. I count the
calories but don't count them as meals.
— Carol S.
August 25, 2003
I drink them normally for breakfast because otherwise I can't get anything
to stay down. Liquids do better than solids in the morning. If I use
them, I do count them as a meal replacement, but I know others that do them
as suppliments only.
— Happy I.
August 25, 2003
I drink half a Real Meals mid-morning (it keeps me from snacking on top of
the protein) and half before bed. That way I know that I got in 60 grams
that was absorbed 100% on top of what I eat. I am 16 months out and still
take them faithfully. Read my profile for a lot of information on protein
post op.
— Linda A.
August 25, 2003
Nearly 4 mos post op and I have a shake every mid-morning. Just made it
part of my daily routine. I use the GNC Whey Protein Powder (Chocolate is
very good and I'm experimenting with the vanilla). Just 8 oz of 1% milk
and two scoops of protein power gives me nearly 50 grams of protein. I
don't count it as a meal, but it surely helps me get the daily amount of
protein down. No way I could eat enough protein to account for the shake.
— Brenda D.
August 25, 2003
My surgeon and nutritionist have said that protein shakes at our stage (I
am 6 months out)should be used as meal replacements if used at all. They
both feel that the optimal thing is to get your protein from food as it is
more filling. They said though if you really prefer the shakes and they
satisfy you, that they can be used as a meal substitute and CAN be counted
towards the total amount of liquid you drink in a day. Any beverages that
are decaffinated are in that category.
— Fixnmyself
August 25, 2003
First of all, you should really follow the vitamin/protein regime your
surgeon recommends. Also, keep in mind that different types of RNY
surgeries often require varying amounts of vitamins/protein depending upon
how much intestine is bypassed. For example, I am distal (65") and my
doctor recommends 4-5 protein supplements per day (minimum 120g throughout
the day). Proximals, on the other hand, may only require 1-2 protein
drinks per day because they absorb more protein within the drinks and food.
For me, I cannot count protein from the foods I eat because I must assume
that I am not absorbing it. Besides, what really is the side effects of
having too much protein? For someone like me, if I don't get my protein
in, my doctor teaches that my body will start stripping protein from
throughout my body (ie muscles, heart, hair ect). Outside of speaking with
your surgeon, I suggest continuing to research this topic. Feel free to
visit wlssuccess.com to inquire about what my doc (Dr. Ki Oh-Federal Way,
WA) recommends, but remember to speak with your doctor before following
anything you may find on the internet or per this discussion board. Best
of luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
August 25, 2003
In the 4th stage (the return to normal foods) of my diet plan, which is 3
meals and 3 snacks a day the sample 4 day menu that my doctor's office
gives his patients has a protein shake down as a snack. For me sometimes
with my work it is easier for me to drink my protein instead of having to
get my snack from the fridge. You may have to readjust your meal times,
maybe you are eating your breakfast too late etc. I eat about every three
hours and inbetween I am drinking my water. Have you tried eating 1/2 of a
protein bar? I will do that for variety and it also gives you the
satisfaction of chewing something. I will sometimes eat the other half of
the bar in the afternoon or save it for the next day.
— ChristineB
August 25, 2003
It's my ONLY breakfast meal EVERY single morning. I cannot eat enough food
to get in enough protein throughout the day without my protein shake. I am
almost a year out (Oct) and down 189 lbs.
— Ginger M.
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