melting mama -
realistic looks at life after wls


Bariatric Advantage Peppermint Sublingual B12
on February 6, 2012 7:30 am
 Bariatric Advantage Peppermint Sublingual B12

  • Product - Bariatric Advantage Peppermint Sublingual B12
  • Via - Bariatric Advantage
  • Price - Peppermint, 90 count  $18.25
  • Pros - So. easy. to. take.  The taste is magic.  Minty-fresh.  Mr. MM says "They're like those after dinner mints use you'd get at the restaurant,  you know, those ones in baby colors?"  I say, no.  They're a little pepperminty-er than THAT and not as sweet, of course, there is no sugar in them.
  • Cons -
  • Info from Bariatric Advantage - Deficiencies of B12 and folate have been demonstrated with virtually all bariatric surgery procedures. Our B12 was designed to meet the vitamin B12 needs of individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery. Each tablet provides 1000 micrograms of B12. This product is a 100 percent lactose-free formula that can be placed under the tongue or between cheek and gum and allowed to dissolve over a period of several minutes. This tablet also contains 200mcg of folic acid. B12 with Folic Acid. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are synergistic nutrients in the body, supporting many of each other’s functions. The 200 mcg of folic acid in this tablet also means that patients who are or wish to become pregnant can get a full milligram (1000 mcg) of folic acid when they take this product together with any of our multivitamins.

    100 Percent Lactose Free. Some percentage of patients who have undergone weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch develop lactose intolerance. Others have heard about this potential problem and avoid lactose-containing foods and products without a confirmed problem. The vast majority of B12 products contain lactose for one of two reasons: 1) the tablet itself contains lactose or 2) the B12 is titrated in lactose. The latter may not show in the ingredient listing, and may cause symptoms for unidentifiable reasons. Our B12 is 100 percent lactose free. There is no lactose in the base and the B12 ingredient is titrated in calcium. Thus, this is the best choice formula for those who may need to avoid lactose.

    Great Taste. We consistently get feedback from customers on the great taste of our products, especially our B12. Great taste fosters compliance, and makes the process of taking daily vitamins more pleasant for patients.
  • Rating - Wicked (deal with it, I'm in Massachusetts
  • Pouchworthy, MM
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Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement...
on February 4, 2012 6:58 am

 

Thn-25414 Savory protein for the win.

Well, hello there protein.  How have you been?

From - http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2012/01/bariatric-advantage-high-protein-meal-replacement-in-chicken-broth.html

I'm in that precarious spot that I seem to find in the winter.

Hibernation mode.  (It happens.)

I have gained a few pounds -- about 5-7 lbs -- which triggers my internal post WLS alarm that SCREAMS "CUT IT OUT!  You know better, woman!"  Weight gain sparks me to pay attention to what I am doing each day.  

What have I DONE to cause this?  What has slipped into my routine that wasn't there before?  

It's pretty clear this time, but I refuse to allow it to get out of control.  (That is another post.)

What do I DO about it?  OMG! SCREAM?!  Freak out on Facebook!?  No.  For me, cutting back a little is easy-peasy.  I may replace a few excess calories with protein shakes -- for one thing.  (See also:  biting off my husband's head for the baking of the sweet-carbs!)

Today I cracked open a container of Bariatric Advantage's High Protein Meal Replacement in Chicken Broth flavor.

WAIT.  KEEP READING.  Don't you go clicking away 'cause you done think hot protein is ewwyucky!  You might have had a Bad Experience With Another Savory Protein Brand, but hear me out.

It's good.  Really.  

I opened the container, assuming I'd be too distracted with the protein smell to go ahead with the taste-test, but that didn't happen.  Score one.  The protein powder is a very light yellow color with specks of what appears to be the tiniest herbs you have ever seen.  It smells like chicken boullion powder or cubes, and a bit of whey protein.  My nose was not offended, I carried on.

I added two scoops of the powder for 150 calories and 27 grams of protein, to a BlenderBottle near-filled with water warmed in the microwave.

 

 

Screen Shot 2012-01-17 at 1.32.43 PM


 I allowed the water to cool just slightly -- in case of protein malfunction.  The water was nice and warm when I added the protein and BlenderBall.  I shook it very, very well.  Again, a reason to NOT OVERHEAT YOUR WATER OR YOUR PROTEIN.  

 

What resulted was a slightly creamy chicken protein soup.  Due to the fact that it's a protein replacement -- it's not entirely clear like typical chicken BROTH.  It tastes just the same:  creamy chicken boullion.  There is zero aftertaste of protein, and I am very pleased.

To be honest - however - I had prepared a little bit of chicken boullion to ADD to this protein replacement JUST IN CASE I did not enjoy it.  (Because, I haven't always had a good experience with savory proteins -- and I do not like to waste.)  

I added a touch of the broth after a few sips, and it was A FREAKING AMAZING with it.  That said, I am a salt-fiend.  I adore the creamy, buttery flavor of a boullion cube, and that mixed with the protein, kicks arse.

I love you chicken high protein meal replacement.  

The details -- you get 27 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber in one two-scoop serving of this meal replacement:

BA-

High Protein Meal Replacement soup comes in a 21 serving tub with a measured scoop to make accurate dispensing easy. Each 150 calorie serving provides a full 27 grams of protein, with only 7 grams of carbohydrate (of which 4 grams are fiber, and less than a gram is sugar) and 1.5 grams of fat. One hundred percent of the protein is from a high quality whey protein isolate (There is no soy protein, only a small amount of soy lecithin to mask aftertaste). Fortified with between 15 and 50 percent of the DV for 23 essential vitamins and minerals, this comforting soup makes a perfect meal replacement for those seeking to control calories.

They're right.  It's good.  It's good for us.  

I would certainly give it a try if you're seeking a savory option to your sweet or fruity shakes.  This product is perfect for pre-operative eating plans, and early post op.  It's way better than a can of cream of chicken soup.


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MM Readers FAVORITE Products of 2010!
on December 22, 2011 8:02 am
Brands, congrats!  Your products really influence the community, I am really surprised at the excitement behind the choices here.  I  hope to see MORE of what you offer on this list next year.  I know there's quite a lot that folks just haven't TRIED yet.

Winners, congrats!  I don't have anything to offer you in return, than my undying affection, almost.  You may not want that.   Keep on doing what you do, then.  Bring it in 2011.  (MAKING THE LIST NOW!  12/22/2011)

-MM

Meltingmama
 

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Bariatric Advantage ProGo Protein Elixir
on July 20, 2011 5:41 am

Bariatric Advantage ProGo Protein Elixir

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Picture 24

This is a bit embarrassing.

Bariatric Advantage sent me samples of this product, the ProGo Protein Elixir.  

It's NEW and SHINY!  

Once.

Twice.

Three times.  At least.

I kept putting the bottles up with my other protein and vitamin samples, procrastinating about this review.  Then, I went toASMBS and saw it all over the place, avoided.  Why? 

It's clear that I am suffering from Post Traumatic Protein Syndrome.  I have ingested some very traumatic protein products -- and often the clear fruity concoctions are the worst offenders.  I just kept putting the samples away.  "I'll try that later."  

But, then I went to the Obesity Help Event in Seattle and my life changed.  I was force-fed this product.  NO LIE.  Look at my distress!  I am distressed.  Hold me.

The Very Influential Sales Representatives from Bariatric Advantage brought me several taste tests of this... ProGo Protein Elixir.

"Try this, come on."  They were like Girl Scouts -- I couldn't say no!  I tried.  In fact, I did say no, and told them that I had received samples and was squirreling them away for later reviews.  I shared that I was afraid of clear protein products, or shots, in these small quantity servings with high protein, that I'd had some seriously awful ones before.

First -- I was given the shot straight.  Let's look at what's in it:

Picture 25

A decent hit of protein, low calories, just two carbohydrates, Vitamin D3, and B12.

As always, I took a swig of the product as-is, to get the full on flavor.  (I am doing it again right now for the reaction.)  

"Just mix this great flavored elixir with a cup of water and get a boost to your daily protein intake. Protein Elixir is great to take on the go and makes an enjoyable and refreshing beverage."

The ProGo comes in two flavors - Berry and White Grape.  

  • There are 2 ounce bottles, which are awesome for new patients who must bring clear protein choices with them when they go out.  Or, for plane travel.  
  • There are two servings per small bottle.  
  • Also available, a 16 ounce bottle.

The White Grape smells like a super tart grape juice.  It tastes like "HOLY CRAP THAT'S A GRAPE?!" with a side of KICK YOUR ASS.  

I won't admit that I mentioned the immediate addition of a l c h o h o l to this particular product.  But.  Yeah.  Wow.  Hello mouth, meet grape.

The Berry flavor smells like super tangy berries, and I had the same reaction plus "WHOA."  

When the Bariatric Advantage guys noted my -

Shocked-face face...
 

...they fixed me a new shot.   And, then I realized, you don't necessarily SLAM THESE DOWN, but you can if you like them. 

  • If you ADD the ProGo to ice cold water, it tastes a bit like a Propel-type drink. You can alter the intensity to your liking.  I'm adding a shot to a bottle of water, with about 1/3-1/2 packet of sugar-free flavor drink mix.  It might be Baja Bob's Margarita mix.  Because I am digging the tang.  Oh yes, much better.  Liiick.
  • The BA guys added this flavor to some HOT TEA WATER for me -- and BOOM - instant PROTEIN TEA, which is hereby dubbed, "ProTea, MM."   I sucked this one DOWN.   I much preferred it warm, go figure, it makes no sense whatsoever, but I loved it.

Amino Acid Profile -

Picture 26
 

  • Product - Bariatric Advantage ProGo Protein Elixir
  • Price - $ 23.95 for 16 servings - $1.49 per
  • From - Bariatric Advantage -- Samples for review, thank you.
  • Pros - Easy to transport, add to water, no preparation, no need for anything, no milk, no sugar, easy to sip on, clear protein...and Kosher.
  • Cons - Slamming back a protein concentrate makes you go "WHOA."  
  • It is a hydrolyzed collagen product, which has been controversial in the weight loss surgery community.  There is limited research on it's benefits, but has been known to help hair, skin, nails, and connective tissues in restoration... also gaining and maintaining lean muscle mass
  • Rating - Pouchworthy, MM
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