protein supplements- question???

Hi, I go for my pre-op appointment tomorrow. I is an all day affair. I start with the psychologist at 10:00- 12:00, then blood draw, then at 4:30 I see the nurtitionist. I also have to go around and pay every one. Look out american express!!! LOL My husband has the cash saved- but I want to get the Delta sky miles! LOL I have a question re: protein intake. What are you guys using as a supplement to ensure you get the protein you need on a daily basis? One person I know, who had a lop band told me about "whey" she puts in her coffee etc and it is full of protein. I could be wrong about the name but she got it from nutrition store. I am curious about what you all use. Wish me luck tomorrow. I am so excited. My husband ask me today if I wanted to back out. I dont - I want to move forward. I have to admit, I am a little nervous about the lifestyle change......but I need something drastic to change the course of my life Have a good evening. thanks to all!!! Donna

My doctor doesn't push protien supplements so I don't take them. I never have found one that doesn't make me nauseated.

We make protein shakes/smoothies at least once daily, sometimes twice. Our favorite powder is Jay Robb's Whey Chocolate (we got at Vitamin Shoppe). We didn't like the Soy Protein powder and haven't tried the Egg White Protein powder. We use Isopure (clear protein drink) from Vitamin Shoppe and mixed with Crystal Light, V-8 Splash, low-sugar fruit juices, to drink during the liquid phase. We use Isopure to make the sugar-free jello, using the Isopure for the cold liquid. We also froze some Isopure to make slushies to have something to "chew" on during liquid phase. We also got Protein Power or Protein Max drinks from Vit. Shoppe. These clear protein drinks are about $3.50 each. We didn't like the consistency, kind of globular, so when the clear drink is mixed with a drink of your choice it's much better and it lasts longer! Each bottle is about 40 g of protein, so we would use 1/2 bottle mixed with other liquid at a time. We use the protein powder to add when making sugar-free fat-free jello pudding (chocolate, white chocolate). The protein powder mixed with Carnation Instant Breakfast and fat-free milk make a very good chocolate milk. We also add sugar-free chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, etc. to make flavored drinks. Also, add sugar-free pudding to the drink and it makes it real silky. This really helped during soft/mushies stage after surgery. We are a true believer that protein does ease the hunger! Never thought I'd say that 2 months ago! The nutritionist suggests 60+ grams daily and we just heard that each serving shouldn't exceed 40 g since the body doesn't absorb more than that. 40 g chocolate milk: Fat-free milk 1 cup = 8 g Carnation Instant Brkt = 8 g Jay Robb Whey powder = 24 g Cottage cheese has a lot of protein also, so we eat a lot of cottage cheese now. That really helped during the mushies/soft foods stage after surgery. We bought the magic bullet blender (from the goofy infomercial) so making the protein drinks is really easy with that. It has individual cups so each drink can be customized or make a batch with the large pitcher. You'll do great! And get those sky mile points as a bonus!! Good Luck!!

Different docs have opinions about protein. All you have to do is study the digestive system in science and you will clearly see that absorption of protein and most of our nutrition is exactly the spot in the intestines that we are getting bypassed. some docs bipass larger or smaller amounts. This is why we can't eat sugar post op without dumping, which means we get cramps andnausea 15 min-4 hours! This is also why we take vitamins that are made to absorb quickly in our intestines, and why we need protein. Whey protein is broken downfor easy absorption. You will need 40-60 gms of protein each day for the rest of your life. If you talk to people who have had this surgery 15+ years, they will tell you this exact thing. Research yourself, just don't believe me. Those who think they can eat enough protein are kidding themselves, for even if they could they wouldn't absorb enough of it. Sooner or later there will be leeching from your muscles, and vit b12 problems, and mal nutrition. Michelle at vitalady.com has lots of good information on this. susan marie at bariatriceating.com does also. I really like her vista vitamins, they are made for bariatric patients for our unique absorption. You will find people who take all kinds of different things. For me, my health is nothing I want to play around with. I don't spend that much on food anymore, but I do invest in my health with vit b12 shots, sublingual pills, good vitamins and quality protein. Both vitalady and bariatriceating have protein samples you can buy. Read labels, because cheaper does not mean better. I personally like the unflavored protein whey product at bariatriceating, called anywhey. I put it in my coffee, cold drinks, and sometimes in food I am cooking. I also love the achieve protein drinks for on the go times. Protein delight, IDS van/cinn , and nectars are also good. You have to find what rings your bell. You may like something fora time, then not want to look at it for a while. what matters is you get in that protein. there is even protein pudding. I just urge you to research and talk to those who have been successful in keeping their weight off. People like susan marie andmichelle (vitalady.com) are good examples, as well as those on this and other boards. Sometimes our finances limit us, so do the best you can. Alot of people have found quality proteins at health food stores, too. Just don't fall into the trap and think you can eat enough protein! At a year out, I still do 2 shakes a day plus eat, protein, fruits and veges, then carbs. I am always eating as much protein as I can. I followed the advice of susan marie and michelle. I never lost muscle mass, and am toned pretty well for losing 96 lbs. I still have alot to learn, and I am so thankful for those who've gone before, made mistakes and shared them. I know they have made the difference in my health as it is today. didn't mean to write a book, but hope I was helpful. blessings, Tami

Tami, Thanks so much for your reply. BTW your picture is beautiful. I went to my pre-op appt. today and my pscy appointment. all went well. I have my surgery next Thursday. I think with the lap band I will not have to worry about malasbortion- but getting enough protein and water is still an issue. I love this site and all of the supportive people. thanks for the suggestions. donna

I use Isopure, Zero carb, vanilla. 25g of carb per scoop. I mix 1 1/2 scoops in a small Dannon Smoothie Yogurt in the morning and then eat the rest of my protein throughout the day. You can also mix this with 5 oz. of water. I couldnt tolerate milk or anything else for a few months...and now I buy this online cheaper than at Health food store (GNC). I have other product info. on my page.

cool. thanks for the info.. I will check out your page too. I have my surgery on Thursday. I have to be there at 6am. The hospital is an hour away from me. So I will be up early. I am glad I am the first case. Get it over with. I have to spend the night because I live so far. I am having a lap band. thanks again. donna