Protein mixes and gag reflex

Started 10 day liquid diet,  ordered samples of every Nectar protein mix (all 15) and the smell of them really turns me off. I tried the first one and even though it was pretty pink and for the most part smelled like strawberry there was that underlying smell that my brain says "you aren't going to drink that" I tried it anyway and on the second sip my gag reflex kicked in and I had to spit it into the sink, Thought that maybe it was because it wasn't cold so put it into my magic bullet with some ice and told myself over and over that it's just 4 oz. and I could get it down but I couldn't make myself drink it.  Has anyone else suffered from this??

It's like that commercial on tv for the air freshener where they say now the house smells like fish and flowers. 

Suggestions?????

I do not know if this is allowed on your diet but the only way I have been able to tolerate the protein drinks are to whir up 1/2 c of frozen fruit, 1/2 milk, and one scoop of vanilla whey protein in my blender.

It tastes like a fruit smoothy and I can drink it.  The same whey protein by itself and other flavors plus all of the protein shakes I have tried have all made me gag too!  I also can drink a mango mantra smoothie from jamba juice with a scoop of whey.  

Tina

Unfortunently this is all an all clear liquid diet with protein 3 times a day.

Awesome new photo, Dr. Tina.  You look fab.

SD

Many people love protein shakes and keep them in their diet long term but I for one couldn't stand them.  No gag reflex for me and I did get them down but none were the Nectar brand.  I was able to tolerate the Prue Protein okay.  Honestly, I often had a Starbucks Vivanno, which is  high protein and low calorie.  It does have juice in it which did not excite my nut, but near the end of my 3 week post-op, it was that or nearly no calories at all.

Now that I let out my dark secret, be sure you don't switch to a Jamba Juice like smoothie with protein added.  They are just loaded with sugar and calories.

Browse the nutritional supplement aisle of Target or Fred Meyer or whatever you local store is.  There are lots of choices.  In a pinch you can do no sugar Instant Breakfast, although the protein is low.

I shudder every time I think of those shakes.  And to top it off, my doc requires them post-fill.  Oh, the crosses we bear.  LOL

Good luck.

Shannon

Boy, can I relate!  I am sitting here trying to get down a protein shake as I post!  Also having a really hard time with them.  My best bet was the Atkins Low Carb shakes.  I know that I didn't get in the full protein that I was supposed to and I'm now back on the shakes for another 10 days in this post op phase! 
I wish I had a suggestion for you - but they are easier to get down when really cold and when you are really hungry!
Good Luck - you will get through it!!!

Very cold and with ice.  Are you allowed skim milk?  That helps cut the protein taste a bit (again, very cold and with ice).  Are you allowed crystal light?  That's good with the fruity protein -- again, cold and with ice.

When in doubt, pinch your nose closed?

Being in Washington, if you are anywhere near Puyallup, take a trip out to Vitalady.  They will mix as many samples for you as you want to try and they have quite a variety of proteins.  It may be worth a try.  Also, if all else fails you can try Slim Fast or something like that.  I'm 17 months out and still have to supplement with shakes/bullets to get in my required protein.  I can tolerate the shakes, but I do get tired of them!  I use the Champion Pure Whey Stack.  I don't notice much in the way of an underlying smell, but my nose may not be as sensitive as yours.  Good luck!
Cindy

That is where I purchased them from. We are in South Hill, I will take a trip up there as there has to be something better then this. I will mix up another one in an hour or two. They are mandatory per my Dr.  for ever and ever although I will go from 90 gr down to 60 gr after I get back on regular food. I will call there tomorrow to set up a time with them for sampling.

I, too, will have to drink them probably forever.  I mix mine with 4 oz unsweetened plain soy milk, which adds some additional protein  Most of the protein mixes require a scoop and a half to attain around 30 gm of protein.  Using the soy milk allows me to use only one scoop and with the protein in the milk I get around 30 gms.  I do one shake daily that I dump my supplements into, and drink protein bullets the rest of the day.  I like them, but they are spendy.  Have you tried them?  many people don't like them, but it's worth a try.  I, too, had to do a clear liquid plus protein shakes prior to surgery.  It will be worth it in the end.  I hope you find something that works for you!
Cindy