Question:
PROTEIN SHAKES vs. PROTEIN BARS vs. PROTEIN FOOD does it matter?

Does it really matter where you get your protein from? Some people swear by the shakes and I can't seem to get them down. I went to Mexico and my doctor told me to get protein in by food, so did my local PCP. I can stomach the protein bars, but I can also get in enough protein by eating tuna, chicken, eggs, etc. Does one help with weight loss better or is it all in the preference of the patient?    — Kim H. (posted on November 5, 2003)

November 5, 2003
I would guess that as long as you are getting in the Protein, the source shouldn't matter so much initially. Long term, I think that I would be concerned about the fats and cholesteral that you'd take in from eggs and such. I personally find that I can't get the 60g+ of required protein via foods only so I tend to have a shake for breakfast and dinner.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 5, 2003
My surgeon discourages use of protein bars and shakes. He said to try and get all of your protein from natural food sources. Although I do not always follow his advice, I think it probably is best to go from natural sources. Whether or not one helps with weight loss more than another, I do not know. However, you will have fewer "extra" ingredients (sugar & other carbs) from natural sources of protein.
   — Cosmo K.

November 5, 2003
The body processes different forms of protein differently.I'm not an expert here so perhaps someone with more knowledge of this will contribute, so bear with my non-technical explanation... For instance soy protein is not as effective for us as is whey protien (found in many protein shakes). Protein bars often have sugar and carbs in them and can have more calories in them than a whey protein shake that may have no carbs or sugars. Those who swear by shakes say that they are healthier for you and are absorbed by the system better, especially if you are distal. Many docs and others disagree and say that as long as you are eating protein in sufficient amounts, that is good enough. At 21 months post-op, I get most of my protein thru foods, but do try to have a protein shake or bar a day to boost the protein, but I am proximal...
   — Cindy R.

November 5, 2003
If you are a proximal RNY, you will absorb about 30% of the protein in food. Maybe 50% on a good day, meats only. Bars, well, nice snack, but I'm not sure we can even get 10%. They way they are made is not helpful for people with no stomach acid to break them down. Whey protein is the most BV - bioavailable (useful to the body as is). It is pre-digested, meaning that it is not dependent upon being able to pass thru the lower stomach to be broken into an absorbable form. Soy is a lil further down in BV, but still a good way to get a decent amount of protein in a small package. Many do not LIKE soy, however. Whey is smooth, and mixes easily in water. You can get 30g in 4 oz if you like it that way. With the protein supplement, as a proximal, you might get 80% or more. It's all about the fact that RNY do not "digest", so whatever we get is not immediately available to the body. Then there is the malabsorption factor. The "foods" do not pass the main absorption stations for protein, iron, calcium, A, D, E, zinc and B12. Did all that make sense? Then the final thing is the satisfaction factor. Whey protein often satisfies cravings that defy reason. Go figure.
   — vitalady

November 5, 2003
I'm only 2mos. out(down 50lbs) and can only eat 2 or 3 bites for a meal there is no way i would be able to get in enough protein. unless i ate all day and thats how i got here in the first place. I have at least one shake most days two.
   — charity N.