Protein Shakes

Just putting this out to get suggestions - Which are the best protein shakes?  Highest gram content with the best taste?  I have to start experimenting before surgery and thought I'd eliminate the worst right off the bat and go to the experts as to which one's are the best.  I'm not a big chocolate fan, but if it's good, I'll try it.  I'm more like a vanilla; orange; etc kinda gal.   I hear the pre-mix are much better than the powder-you-mix-at-home type.  Suggestions?  Where to buy?

My surgical group, Pacific Bariatrics, recommends ProComplex.  It is available at GNC and packs a whopping 55g of protein per 2 scoop shake.  It comes in many flavors.  I still use it after 3+ years.  I mix it in my Magic Bullett along with 6 oz of water, some ice, and 1/3 to 1/2 a banana. (you won't be able to do the banana for a few weeks after surgery).   JudyAnne

Hey Maureen,
It is a good thought to get some protein before surgery, but do know that after surgery your tastes will change. The protein I liked before surgery I could not even stomach the smell of them after. So don't go stock up on it to much. I would get sample packets and see which one you like the best after surgery. I know the vitamin shoppe will give you samples if you ask them.

Now on to the ones I like post op. My fav is the pre made world wide protein. It is 35 grams. My body can only have about 30-35 grams at a time or it makes me sick, so do keep that in mind and watch how you feel after drinking a # of grams of protein. I have herd that the nector protein powder is good as well. I hope this helps!

Take care,
Willa

Thanks.  I did treat myself to a magic bullet as I know I'll be using it a lot!

Maureen... I used the pre mix WorldWide protein for a good bit after surgery, but soon started making my own in my blender. I use Designer Whey chocolate... now almost 3 years postop...still start the day w/a coffee-based shake .... ends up being a mocha protein frap, basically. LOVE IT!

Lori

Hi Maureen, as a pre-op and now a post-op, I have been using Designer Whey Chocolate and Unjury chocolate and vanilla. Designer Whey you can get at GNC for $15.99 a can and Unjury is at www.unjury.com for $18.95 for the first can and $17.95 for each aditional can. I also use Matrix 5.0 from www.bariatriceating.com . It comes in a 5 pound bag and costs $39.99 per bag and the cholocate and simply vanilla flavors are yummy. I purchased a case of the would wide creamy vanilla protein shakes, but my pouch doesn't like it. I have 11 cans that I need to get rid of (sell)...ugh!

Hi Maureen,

I've tried MANY protein shakes and always go back to Unjury. As someone mentioned, your tastes may change after surgery so I wouldn't buy a huge bag or can of anything prior to WLS. I didn't try any prior to surgery.

Unjury now has a great tasting Chicken Soup/Broth that has 21 grams of protein per serving. I wish they would have had this when I had surgery since the first few weeks of broth were horrible. You can order samples of all the flavors Unjury has at www.unjury.com . I have tried the Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry and have gone through 2 Magic Bullets! The larger ice cubes seemed to be the problem with the destruction of the Magic Bullets. I ordered 6 ice cube trays that make 96 small cubes per tray and this hasn't caused my 3rd MB to self destruct after heavy use. I bought a cheap Sunbeam knock-off at WalMart for $20 just in case my MB takes a dump. The major problem with the MB is the rubber gaskets. After awhile they become weak and will wrap around the blade unit while you are mixing. I took out the gaskets finally and so far no problem.

If you have a Smart & Final or Super Walmart you can buy Sugar Free Flavored Syrups and make whatever flavors shake you can think of. My favorite is Chocolate Unjury with SF Hazelnut Syrup. Smart & Final have their own brands of syrups now that are $3.99 for a huge bottle. Torani is $5.99 for the same size. The flavors I have noticed are SF Irish Cream, Blackberry, Banana, Caramel, Raspberry, Coffee, and more that my brain can't remember now. I also add fresh ground flax seed to my protein shakes to help with constipation. Flax is great for you but it needs to be fresh to get the full benefits. It doesn't really add any flavor but maybe a hint of nuts if anything.

Hope this helps! Sorry for writing a novel.

Susan

Oh, My, Goodness!  Thank you all so much for all the advice.  Especially about the ice cubes and my magic bullet which..........is still in the box!  My surgeon's office gave me a flyer that said to use flavor extract - 2 or 3 drops of either mint, vanilla, orange,maple and add to vanilla powder.  I was just going to give a few different brands a try and ease into 'em. 

I like the BSN lean dessert products and the IDS products.

I like Jay Robb's vanilla, chocolate, pina colada and tropical dreamsicle whey protein powder. He also has soy and egg white protein powder. Pina colada rocks!  The dreamsicle tastes just like the orange dreamsicle I had as a kid. I like blueberry, hazelnut or german chocolate cake SF DaVinci syrup in my vanilla.                                                                            Amt     Units   Protein (g)     Cal        Fat     Fat     Carbs Whey protein powder, choc,                           1       scoop   25                   110         0       0       1 Whey Protein Tropical Dreamsicle               1       pack      25                   110         0       0       1 Whey Protein Pina Colada                             1       pack      25                   110         0       0       1 Egg White Protein, unflavored,                      1       scoop   24                    115         0       0       1 Whey Protein unflavored                                 1       scoop   26                    110         0       0       0 The egg protein powder is better in chicken broth..it's too salty for desserts, IMO. ---jan---