Protein drinks v. Solid food

I saw in a post where it was suggested that protein drinks be switched out for solid food for increased weight loss. I am 3 months out and still use the protein drinks 2 x a day. They seem to be a good bang (20 G protein) for the calorie (120). I'm getting about 80-85 G protein a day. What do you think? Does anyone have any reasons they know or have been given to suggest solid protein is better for weight loss than the liquid? Thanks for your input.

I still use protein shakes sleeved 12/18/12

I'd like the know the brand of protein you are using and if you find it affordable to buy large quantities of it considering it's the bulk of your meal. 

Thanks

I use Complete Nutrition V Core. I wait until it goes on sale the first of the month each month and the cost is about .77 cents a shake. Tastes great! 20 G protein, 120 calories, and about 4 g carbohydrates.

I am over a year out and still drink one every day for breakfast.  Have since March 2012.  I love that I can get 31 grams of protein for 180 calories and it lasts me from 8am to 10am and then I do not eat again until after noon.  I love the simplicity.

However, you do probably need to cut back to one a day at some point.  Ask your surgeon and nutritionist.  You body does stay fuller longer on solid food.  Plus, you do need to transition into eating more normal to some extent.  As you get further out, you do not get full as fast and drinking your calories can become hazardous if you are not careful.  Just count them and know they are a full meal and do not snack on top of them.

FYI, I do use an all plant based, non soy, non milk, no gluten protein.  So I am not overloading on dairy or soy.  Be careful on the soy and dairy, it can mess with your hormones.

Hello, I saw that you use a plant based protein and would like to know which one. The typical dairy shakes kill my stomach and I'm always looking for an alternative. Thanks.

Laura

I was able to lose all my weight the first year while still drinking 1 protein shake a day.  I loved them.  I think that post was about switching the shakes to dense protein to probably keep you fuller longer maybe?  Not sure ... I still like to enjoy a shake now that I found one that I love.  In fact, during this quick regain I had in the past couple of weeks, I didn't drink any protein shakes during that time.  That is why I want to go back to 1 meal being a shake.  It works for me but maybe others are different.

I can't imagine life without my protein coffee in the mornings!

Me either!!!!!  

This is helpful because I was debating adding in protein shakes once a day again.  I'm 4.5 months out and now only use protein shakes before a spin class since they are easy to digest and prevent me from feeling crap (passing out!) or in an emergency.  I keep protein shakes in my office and in my purse - but I don't use them every day  - I find they just don't keep me full - also where I live they are expensive.

I feel like I stopped using them everyday around 2.5-3 months - which is when I started working out - dense protein and real food are the only thing that keep me from climbing the walls from hunger.   I was also never drinking 2 a day - only ever 1 - but I apparently like chewing.

I was debating because they are easy and help me get in more nutrients (i forget my vitamins very often) but I was again reading about the pyloric valve and how it lets liquid pass through - must be the case with the protein shakes - they just don't stick around - for me.  I think over time drinking cals that pass right through you will leave you hungry faster and more likely to eat more in the course of the day - which would stand to reason that people suggest for increased long terms WL, moving to solid food. 

I guess it comes down to...Are you hungry?  Have you been losing?  Do you miss chewing with two a day?  Protein shakes are convenient, but can you use them for the rest of your life? (I wouldn't be able too.)  You can try it for two weeks and see if there is a difference.  If you haven't stalled yet - you can wait for the stall and then change your routine. 

Also - 2.5 ounces of chicken - has about 16 grams of protein so you aren't loosing that much switching it out for 1 meal.

I guess I solved the debate for me by writing this out...maybe it helped you too;-)