Protein powder

So I have read some previous posts about this and have written down other suggestions.. but I am wondering what is your suggestions for the cheapest, best tasting, most nurtional protein powder.  I am on a very fixed income and just want the best bang for the buck.  I know I will be spending less in food and what not.  Doesn't make me any less frugal.  TY in advance

 Amber I used the one my surgeon recommended  right after surgery, then i  went to another one called protein 95, it is a soy based one... I am lactose intolerant, and can not use whey.  
           the protein 95  comes in a 16  serving can, in vanilla, choc and strawberry. for about 1.25 a serving... at GNC.  I get vanilla and change the flavor with unsweetened Koolaid and splenda to suit my mood for the day..
       .I  have tried other ones, but always go back to the protein 95...
         .. spring valley, walmart, has  a soy protein in a small can for about 6 $...in vanilla, it was ok, I used several cans   of it...
           there are sites that will send you a variety pack to try, for a small fee...I am sure someone who knows the link will post it.

Tastes vary so much, there's no way to tell what you might like. For a very fixed income, I'd suggest trying Designer Whey first. There's a Walmart powder you could try, too.

My guess would be to stock up on an unflavored whey protein ISOLATE powder and then add in flavorings of your choice. That way you can purchase in bulk and play around with it.

Now Foods has a good one...
http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Whey-Protein-Isolate-100%25/dp/B0015AQL1Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307507774&sr=8-1

I found one here
http://www.nutrabio.com/Products/whey_protein_isolate.htm?gclid=CNWqrpC-pakCFYXu7Qod93L4qQ

How long do these last.  I know it varies person to person, but how long does a 5 lb container last you?  I know at first I will be drinking alot more then it will tapper off.

That really depends on how much you use.  I drink 2 double scoop shakes daily, every single day - so I go through 5lbs pretty quickly.  Hard to say exactly how quickly b/c I have one tub at work and one at home.  I usually buy about 20-25 pounds at a time and re-order when I'm down to just one tub left.

I would NOT order any 5 lbs tubs of ANYTHING until you are sure you like the flavor, even if you can return it.  B/c you will probably have to pay shipping to return it.  www.vitalady.com - she sells samples of all the protein she offers. 

I LOVE Champion Pure Whey Stack Chocolate.  That is what I use exclusively in my iced protein coffee shake.

And do NOT buy into the whole "you'll spend less on food" after WLS b/c you'll eat less.  I thought that too but now I probably spend MORE b/c meat is expensive.  Would I trade being able to have good fatty meat?  HELLS NO!  Just know that it isn't necessarily true that you will spend less.  I DO buy less junk but I am far more picky now.  Your mileage may vary on this though...

I suggest you try a bunch of Vitalady's samples to have on hand after surgery.  Much cheaper to find what you like through samples than buying a whole large bottle only to hate the taste post-surgery.   I sometimes buy protein from her when I'm placing a big vitamin order and her prices are competitive for the most part.

However, to be frugal, I buy the CytoSport Muscle Milk 6# bag from Costco.  It costs me about $38 with tax but has 80 servings @ 54 grams of protein per serving.  (2 scoops)  
This lasts me a month, and I often drink 2-3 of the full servings a day to get in my protein. (108 grams protein in 2 servings.)
I've been getting the Vanilla flavored,adding 4 ounces of half and half, water, and then  whatever flavoring I want that day.  I normally start the day with the shake plus coffee & Starbucks SF Carmel syrup or DaV's SF Chai Spice syrup.  
I blend it using a blender bottle and it does just fine except a small bit of powder sometimes clumps to the top opening of the lid. 
Thus far I haven't tried the chocolate, but I'm planning on doing so soon.  I really like the Pro Blend 55 Mocha Cappuccino, but it is costing too much.  What I'll do is next time I'm at CostCo I'll buy 6# of the Chocolate Muscle Milk.  Then I'll add coffee and half & half to see if it makes a mocha tasting shake I like.

You might also want to check out some of the online retailers and buy in bulk.  I know that Netrition has free shipping over I think $75 and takes 5% off if you order is over $200.

Kim

I started out with the Isopure No Carb Protein at GNC, it is expensive and it didn't really taste good either.  Debbie on here suggested the Body Fortress from Walmart.  I love it.  I do 2 protein shakes a day (26 grams of protein each) and it lasts me about 2-3 weeks and it is only $14.98.  I hated the Vanilla but the cookies n cream is good (if u like chocolate) but then I went online and they had Strawberry,  I love it.  I add a half a banana and it is down right delicious.  They never have any strawberry in the store, they are always out but you can order it online and the shipping is free.  Hope you like it.

I order from Allstarhealth.com.  They have some great deals. 
So far I've ordered the following
CHAMPION NUTRITION Pure Whey Protein Stack Chocolate 2.2 lbs
Quantity = 1 @ $18.69 (31 servings w/ 23 grams protien)
I also ordred the Champion  in Mocachino - not that great, but the chocolate is really good, reminds me of chocolate milk.  Mixes really good in the shaker cup.  I usually shake a little, let it sit for a couple minutes to disolve, then shake again.  It's really good with some instant decaf added to make a mocca.

I've tried the following 2 fruit flavored protien shakes.  I like the Cranrazz better than the Mango, but both are drinkable.  I ordered the smallest size just in case, but they come in bigger containers too.  They would be even better in the blender with ice and some frozen fruit.

4 EVER FIT Fruit Blast the Whey Mango Magic 1.8 lbs
Quantity = 1 @ $13.99
4 EVER FIT Fruit Blast the Whey Cranrazz 1.8 lbs
Quantity = 1 @ $13.99 (27 servinings w/ 22 grams protien)

They carry lots of different brands, also sell vitamins.  I got a pretty good deal on Calcium Citrate - BODY FIRST Calcium Citrate with Magnesium Zinc and Vitamin D 250 tabs
Quantity = 1 @ $9.59
NATURE'S WAY Dry A&D 100 caps
Quantity = 1 @ $3.40

Shipping was $5.95 for the whole order listed above.  Pretty good, same rate no matter how much you order.

Hope this helps you save a little.
Mere

Thank you all for in info and advice.