Question:
Does the smell of protein drinks, liquids, shakes etc make
anyone else dry heave? I have tried so many different brands of protein, Isopure, Vita4life, Unjury, Metrx,etc that make my tummy start heaving at just the smell. And forget the first swallow, I start running to the toliet to throw it up. I am so miserable about not being able to get in a protein supplement and at 3 weeks out is very hard to get protein in from just my food. Only the Isopure has worked so far but it is SO EXPENSIVE to use every day. Anyone out there had any similar experiences? Is there any protein alternatives anyone can suggest or ways to mask the smell? Using a straw or holding my nose doesn't work for me. — DiTheHuntress (posted on April 9, 2004)
April 9, 2004
I use Pro Score 100 and do not notice a protein smell at all, only a
chocolate smell. I do use a straw, but I drink most liquids with a straw -
just my preference. You just need to buy samples until you find one you
like. In fact the first time I tried the Pro Score was pre-op and I didn't
like it. Tried it again post-op and really loved it. I use it almost
exclusively.
— Ali M
April 9, 2004
I use Jarrow's Isorich Soy Protein Powder. I know some people say that
whey protein is better absorbed, but I am one year out and my labs are
normal and I feel great. If you're throwing up whey protein, that's not
getting absorbed at all! I think soy tastes better than whey, but then I
suppose it's what you get used to. I've used this every day since I found
it shortly after having surgery. It is unflavored, mixes with anything, is
reasonably priced and has 25gms of protein for 2 tbsp. No carbs, little to
no fat. I get it from Iherb.com and have been VERY pleased with their
service. The link here has more info on the product. My recipe for a
protein drink is mixing the powder with an envelope of Carnation sugar free
instant breakfast, 1 cup of skim milk, 2 tbsp of Benefiber, 1 packet
Splenda (I like things sweet) and some ice. I actually look forward to my
drink now! Good Luck - keep trying! http://www.iherb.com/isorich.html
— Lori J.
April 9, 2004
I cannot stand the "wet dog" smell of most shakes. I have found
that the nectars are the best for me. It tastes like a fruit juice and has
no texture to get in the way. I also use Any Whey to mix into Crystal
Light. The Any Whey adds a slight vanilla taste. You can order samples of
the nectar on-line from bariatriceating.com or vitalady.com.
— jeh
April 9, 2004
Have you tried the Nectars? They smell like candy or koolaid powder. I'm a
ProScore 100 girl myself and do not smell anything but chocolate, but then
I've been using it for 8 yrs. There are literally hundreds of choices out
there that will shake up nicely with a few ox of water, add ice and turn
into a tasty treat.
— vitalady
April 9, 2004
This is just MY personal experience..I am 6 months post op and have NEVER
drank a protein shake for the same reason..made me gag.I do drink 3 glasses
of skim milk a day, take my vitamins,etc. and eat protein FOOD first. I had
NO hair loss and my blood work was great. Now do what your doctor tells you
but my doctor at the Mayo Clinic told me I dont have to worry about protein
shakes..Best of luck
---2 pounds to the century mark ---
Kathy
— Kathy S.
April 9, 2004
Hi, I had same problem. The only thing I have found I really can take is
liquid protein from GNC. It is not great but I take 3 tbls (18 grams
protein) just like cough syrup. Down the hatch lol. Hope it helps. Good
luck.
— victoria W.
April 9, 2004
I had the same problem and I put mine in my grandson's sippy cup. Could not
smell it at all and then had no trouble drinking it. Give it a try. The
rubbermaid cups with the hole in the top for the straw work great!!
— CAMFR
April 10, 2004
Hi,
I also had smells make me gaga and dry heave when i was earlierpost-op. I
am now 3 1/2 months post-op and 75lbs down. Never had a protien shake. I
drink skim milk - 3 cups a day. My surgeon/dietician don't want me to drink
protien shakes, but no sugar added carnation instant breakfast is allowed
as an extra protien source or adding some dry milk to foods like sugar free
pudding and instant mashed potatos or milk is okay for extra protien. I
rarely have the carnation instant breakfast, mostly when I crave chocolate.
Never had tried the dry milk, even though I bought some. The dry heaves do
go away after a while, thank God! Now I only get them when I am very
constipated. But a few times I opened the refridgerator and the smells made
me have to run to throw up - ofcourse it was dry heaves because my pouch
was empty. It gets better!!
— catleth
April 10, 2004
It's the strong vitamin smell that adds that smell and triggers the gag
reflex, I think!
As far as brands go, I like the Designer Whey vanilla flavor at GNC. You
can mix it with juice or whatever to give it a palatable flavor, if you
care to.
But more important, I've found that the COLDER you can make whatever you're
drinking, the less smelly!! I even freeze mine in chunks and put it through
an ice shaver for a slushy. Good luck!
— christied
April 10, 2004
Protidiet tropical punch is the hands down best protein suppliment I've
found. It's made out of hydrolized gelatin and has 15 grams of protein in
1 packet (mix with 5 oz). It is akin to drinking cold Jello or Crystal
Light. It is very refreshing. I've only found it here online:
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/cntr4weightloss/tropfruitfla.html. But I got
it from a friend who's physical therapist sells it much cheaper than
online, so you might check around and see if there is a local distributor
for it.
— Dinka Doo
April 10, 2004
Hi, I'm about a week until my surgery but already stocking my cabinets for
when I get home. I have the Nectar powdered drinks on hand (4 flavors) and
found them the cheapest at absolutesuppliments.com. Ohly $22.95 for 36
servings with an average of 23 grams of protein per serving. Takes like
koolaid or Crystal Lite to me. These are very good!
— Robin O.
April 11, 2004
I am 3 1/2 weeks post op as well and I can't do protein shakes either. I
have tried pretty much everything and it all makes me sick. I found a
bakery called Fresh Energy Bakery here in Reno, NV. Their website is
www.freshenergybakery.com. It's not your average bakery - they have no
breads at all, only granola / protein bars. They have protein bars that
have 42 grams of protein in one bar and they are GOOD!! My favorite is the
cookies and cream - it's tastes just like a cookies and cream granola bar.
I have tried cookies and cream, peanut butter cup, chocolate mint, and
berry and I like them all. I can only eat half at a time because they are
so big. I eat half for breakfast so I've already got 21 grams of protein
in before I even leave the house in the morning. I cut a bar into quarters
to eat for snacks at work too. Although the bakery is local, they are so
nice and I would think they would ship them to wherever. Good luck!
— Julie Rich
April 11, 2004
Diana it is "normal" not to be able to get your protein in at 3
weeks for a lot of us that happens somewhere after 7 weeks out. I use
Isopure mixed with water and strawberries. My doctor said that I won't get
enough of the caloric intake to worry about. I purchased a container for
Isopure for about 58.00 and after 5 months still have enough to get me
through the summer. So in the long run it is cheaper than buying a can.
— Anna M.
April 12, 2004
Hi Diana, I've been the same way about most protein drinks, they're
disgusting. I did find one that I can tolerate, called ON and you get it at
GNC. It's not too bad. You did mention that you found one you are okay
with, but it is too expensive. I think that is something we have to
readjust our thinking about. If you need it and it helps you, expense can
be a relative term. In the past (before wls) most of us would think nothing
about spending $5 or even $10 on some chocolate treat (or substitute your
weakness)because we craved it. Now when I'm thinking, "oh, that fruit,
or vegetable is too expensive" I tell myself, "you'd have bought
it before if it was chocolate" and throw it in the basket. Also, you
are eating SO MUCH LESS that you can justify a bit more on something you
need. Just a thought, but the protein is important, I struggle all the time
with getting enough protein, you're not alone with that. Good luck and
keep up the good work!
— Donna S.
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