Protein Powders

My next appointment is 6/26 and I believe I will get my surgery date then. I want to stock up on some protein powders. Is Syntrax a good brand? I found some chocolate Syntrax Matrix that has 120 calories per scoop, 2g fat, 3g carbs, and 23g protein. Is this high in calories, fat and carbs? How many grams of these nutrients should I be looking for in a protein powder?

Make sure you look at the sugar intake...and try to stay under 6 grams. I use both Celebrate ENS (because this protein shake also includes the multivitamin you need daily) and Lean25 Shakes from GNC. Both of these have 25G of protein and right at 200 calories which is ok because at first you will struggle to get in 1 shake a day. My surgery was 6.4.14 and I have only been drinking about 400 calories total per day.

Thanks for the info Jordan, I will check out those brands. Is the 200 calories for the milk and powder or just the powder?

I really like Syntrax and think the numbers on it are great! That said, I would encourage you to buy samples before your surgery, and not commit to buying a full tub until you sample something after surgery. For a lot of people, their tastes change and what they liked before surgery, they can't handle after. Here are some places to buy samples (including Syntrax Matrix and Syntrax Nectar, you can find those at the first two links plus several other brands):

http://www.nashuanutrition.com/store/protein-powders/protein -powder-samples-1-serving.html

http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&k eywords=protall&SortKey=sku&SortOrder=ascending&template=Tem plates/ProteinQuickorder.html

http://www.jayrobb.com/protein/whey-protein-samples.asp

http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/unjury-starter-kit.html

http://www.chikenutrition.com/chike-variety-pack.html

warning with respect to Chike -- I love the stuff but only use one scoop or a half sample packet at a time, otherwise the calories and carbs are just too high.

Seriously, I don't think there is a single vet on this forum who would encourage you to "stock up" on a single type of protein before surgery. Samples are the way to go. You may want to get several samples of the same flavor if you think you will like it, but not several pounds (if you are like the majority of us).

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the links Bufflehead. I have a couple sample packets and will get more. I have read on here that people's tastes change, so maybe bulk isn't the way to go right off. Have a great weekend.

Definitely don't stock up since your tastes might change!  My favorites have been Syntrax Peanut Butter Cookie and Optiumum Nutrition Double Rich Chocolate.  I mix them with almond milk which is much lower impact nutritionally than cow milk is.  

I love the syntrax nectar chocolate truffle, double stuffed cookie, and cappuccino flavor. I also like celebrate ens cake batter.

Thanks guys. I just ordered 10 various brands and flavors from the Nashua site, and I found a deal on Groupon https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-10-pack-of-cellucor-super-sport-whey-protein-samples-2, so I am good for a while 

Not to hijack the thread, but….. I have a question about a couple of protein powders I like, and if they stack up to the pre-op/post-op dietary requirements. I plan to take them into the NUT when I get to that stage of the game (I am just starting the process)  I use these now, and would like to continue.  They both have about 20 grams of protein per serving, but they have vitamins and minerals included.  About 180 calories. The "RAW FIT" is plant based protein, the Betty Lou's is not.  Both have low sugar, IMO, but I don't now what the expectations are.  I like these because they are Organic, Non-GMO etc etc…..

http://www.bettylousinc.com/products_detail.php?id=273&ref=0

http://www.gardenoflife.com/Products-for-Life/Weight-Management/RAW-Fit.aspx

The Garden of Life line of products have Protein Powders, and meal replacement powders that are not necessarily geared for weight management but yet still have the non GMO, Vitamin/Minerals etc.

I hope if these are acceptable it helps the original poster too.  I love both of these brands.  With Raw Fit, I use the Marley Coffee with almond Milk in the mornings.  

I haven't heard of either of those powders but I will check those out too. And I will try the almond milk with the powders as well. GwenMo mentioned almond milk too. I have had it before and I bet it would be yummy in a protein shake.