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Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements

Questions about protein and vitamins before and after weight loss surgery. Products, dosages, timing, and what fits your routine.

Sponsored by the BariatricPal Store: a full year of bariatric multivitamins for $99.

  1. Started by gortita,

    Do you know which is the lowest calorie unflavored powder protein?

  2. Started by Paola,

    Is it true you can only digest 25g of protein at a time? So lets say, if you make a shake with 30g, only 25g is absorbed and 5g is wasted?

  3. Protein Shake Recipes Pina Colada: 1 cup water + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1/2 tsp. coconut extract + ice Latte (my personal favorite): 1 cup water + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1 Tbsp. instant decaf coffee + ice Eggnog: 1 cup water + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1/2 tsp. rum extract + ice. Sprinkle with nutmeg Almond Delight: 1 cup water + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1/4 tsp. almond extract + ice Pumpkin Pie in the Sky: 1 cup water + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1 tsp. vanilla extract + 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice Apple Pie: 1 cup water + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1 tsp. vanilla extract + 1 tsp. apple pie spice …

  4. Started by LoserMama,

    How do you get yourself past the smell and aftertaste of the powders? I am a little over a month from surgery, but had my big post-op nutrition counseling session, and got several samples of things from the dietician and also went down the pharmacy and picked up some additionals. I have some stuff I purchased in the pantry early on --body fortress brand from walmart, I think, and the target brand as well. both are just meh. I tried the nectar strawberry kiwi today, and it tastes ok, but the smell, even with a shaker cup with a lid, just is awful, and the aftertaste...bleah. Does this get easier with time, just get used to it?

  5. Started by MegInNOLA,

    Hey y'all: Just got the results of my 6-month blood work (it was really more like 6-1/2 months, but whatever), and it turns out that because of my altered diet (relatively few flour/grain products) and a Multivitamin that doesn't have Vitamin B1 (thiamine), I have a thiamine shortage. I re-read my vitamin labels and my husband's vitamin labels, and none of the multis in our house--we have four different kinds--have thiamine. My doc says most people eat enough flour and grain products to get thiamine through dietary sources, but because I'm avoiding those kinds of foods since my sleeve doesn't like them, I need to supplement. I checked B vitamin mixtures at the drug …

    • 10 replies
    • 3.1k views
  6. Started by meljef1,

    I am going to start the pre-op phase soon and I have seen the commerical for Ensure drinks. Does anyone know how the ensure protein drink taste and also if it has enought protein in it. It says it has 25 grams of protein and is low in fat. I'm wondering if drinks prepackaged would taste better than powder that you have to mix. Any thoughts?

    • 6 replies
    • 1.7k views
  7. Started by Missnurse,

    So my list of Vitamins to purchase includes Vitamin D3 50,000 IU once a week. However, I cannot find this anywhere. The pharmacist said its only my prescription but I don't really think that. Anyone else taking this dose? The highest I could find was 2,000 Where can I find it?

    • 10 replies
    • 3.2k views
  8. Hello so here i am 5 weeks out and am really having a hard time with my protien and cal intake. So i went to my old personal trainer knowing that he had the answer for me. This is what he has me doing and it is not that bad and great in protien and higher in cal. in a blender 1/4 scoop protien power 1/4 banana 1 tea spoon peanut butter and greek yogurt. you can add a little bit of water and ice this adds up to about 300 cal and is about 30 grams of protien. I am doing this 2 to 3 times a day.

  9. Started by Dania621,

    Has anyone been taking fiber supplements (Fiber Choice, Benefiber, etc)? I'm still a month and half from surgery, but I'm starting to buy all of my vitamins and supplements now. Is it something I should look into? Thank you!!

  10. Started by Ellie4me,

    I've seen the list rating the taste of the Protein shakes but wondering which ones have the most protein? I'm 4 wks since sleeve and been at a stall for almost the last 2 weeks. Everyone says I need more protein. Would welcome any suggestions. I usually do Premier Protein shake it has 30gm, are there any shakes that have more protein and are still able to drink?

  11. I am still preop but starting to get everything ready. I was just curious where everyone buys their Vitamins? I take a MVI, B complex, Vit D3, & Calcium. I also looked at Dr. Cirangles hair loss kit and purchasing these seperately. Flax Seed Oil Co enzyme 10 Omega 3...anyone else takes these? If so where do you purchase and get the best deal?

    • 6 replies
    • 1.5k views
  12. Started by salem,

    I am just wondering if anyone might know when we can swallow pills again. I am 5 weeks post op and I have my meds as liquids right now - the taste is terrible. Any help would be appreicated.

  13. Started by sirensiren,

    I know certain drugs can trigger ulcers or be irritating to the stomach, but has anyone been forbidden to take certain supplements or medications that would be an issue long-term? There are none on my list from my surgeon, but I would hate to get a headache and take the wrong thing, or be prescribed something that would be an issue.

  14. Started by Thomas CPA,

    Okay, I am in my 11th week and down 40 pounds with 15 to go to get at my revised goal of 180. I am at point of slowing down and still making goal somewhere between week 20 and 24. So, to moderate loss to a comfortable level, like to snack on Peanut Butter and a few saltines or an occasional ice cream cone. I know from reading this board I am not alone. So what is your cheat food?

    • 22 replies
    • 3.7k views
  15. Started by Bemabound,

    Hi guys, I am doing the nasal spray but there has to be a cheaper way! Is there such a thing as a pill? And I found some folks get liquid....from where???? Thanks, Tracy w PS. And what about Calcium....can you find cheaper ones than like on the bariatric sites?

  16. Started by Katie713,

    How long are the clear protein, protein shakes & supplements needed after the sleeve surgery? Is this a part of everyday life to make sure you get the protein you need?

  17. I have had great success with my sleeve, over 115 lbs since march 1st, but I want to hit the gym even harder! Has anyone taken Testosterone booster or creatine? Can we take that stuff having the sleeve?

  18. Started by Dania621,

    Hey everyone! I'm still pre-op and I need as much info as I can. I emailed the nutritionist at my doctor's office and she said, and I quote, "One Multi with Iron, and two Calcium citrates - plus adequate Protein (60 grams daily) and hydration. Don't skip fruits, veggies and whole grains - every day." Now, I'm thinking that getting the fruits and veggies and whole grains would be difficult for the liquid and mushy stage. What do y'all think? I was thinking of taking a multi, iron, Biotin, B50, Methyl B12 (sublingual) and calcium citrate. Is that too much? Or just right? Thank you!

  19. Any body tried these yet? Found them on GNC's website today...curious if they are any good.

  20. I am on day two of my preop liquid diet and so far I have tried the orange cream by bariatric advantage and banana cream and they make me so nauseated I can hardly stand it! I don't even want to drink water after drinking them! My tummy aches and feels so sick! Any suggestions or help please? I am wondering how I am going to survive the before and after liquid diet if I can't tolerate the protein shakes??

    • 11 replies
    • 1.5k views
  21. There are chewable calcium tablets. Also, over the counter antacids like TUMS have calcium and my surgeon said they are okay to take. I use a chewable from Coutnry LIfe called Cal-Snack. They are a bit chalky but they just crumble up in your mouth. Not too unpleasant tasting.The ones I take have a vanilla/orange flavor. BTW, Country Life also makes a chewable vitamine. The only thing is they don't chew up as easily as the calcium. You have to "suck" them for a while rather than chew because they are a bit hard. But still better than a pill. Hope you can get these in the Europe. Hope this helps!

    • 4 replies
    • 963 views
  22. Is unjury chicken broth the only clear broth on the market with Protein in it? I tried using the Jay Robb unflavored powder in chicken broth (WAY GROSS) did not work. Boo....still have this HUGE expensive jug of Jay Robb and have not found anything I can mix it in where I don't taste it???? I need a broth/soup that has protein in it. Can't stand the shakes. What do you mix unflavored Protein Powder in? Thanks!

  23. Started by DebiC,

    Has anyone tried any of the egg white protein powders? I am looking for something that has no artificial sweeteners and as little taste as possible.

  24. I was wondering if the protein shakes count toward your needed fluid intake for each day?

    • 9 replies
    • 19.1k views
  25. Started by kellyw74,

    So, I have placed an ad on EBAY for a HUGE lot of BA, Unjury, Chike, and GNC protein powders and protein for water. There are also a few protein bullets in the lot. I bought these pre and post op and HATED most of them and would like to get rid of them for a fair price. If you are local and win, I will not charge you shipping and you can come and pick them up. I am in Sacramento area. Check out ad on EBAY my screen name is 2005kellytim. Kelly

    • 0 replies
    • 1.1k views
  26. Started by DisappearingDivis,

    Hello All, I'm trying to find a Protein drink that is lactose free. I've tried some Protein drinks including some that claim to be OK for lactose intolerant people and no such luck. My nutritionist had originally suggested Boost Glucose Control but I didn't tolerate it well. Then I tried Ensure Plus and had the same results. I need to find something my body can tolerate and hopefully taste okay too. Any suggestions? Divis :help:

  27. Started by DebiC,

    Does anyone know of any protein powders that have absolutely NO artificial sweeteners or Stevia . I will be starting my 2 week pre-op diet in a week. They have said I could use Instant Breakfast (regular not SF) or Slim-Fast but I would like to have a little variety since I can only find IB in chocolate.

  28. Started by monty,

    Did you do liquids only and did that include Soups, chil and sugar free pudding? When did you move on to mushies? Know one has to follow doctor's orders but curious because so many seem to be talking about mashed potatoes etc. Thanks!

  29. Started by Dani257969,

    I really recommend Unjury protein powder. I prefer the unflavored and add it to my coffee and my smoothies. It dissolves quickly and doesn't have an aftertaste. The flavored ones are pretty good as well but I don't ususally use those unless my band is acting up and I have to be on a liquid diet. Danielle

    • 2 replies
    • 1.5k views
  30. Started by groovearmada,

    As some of you know I live in Middle East and shipping pills can be hard. I have run out of sublingual b12 and the only thing i can find is tablets for swallowing. They are called Cobal Mecobalamin 500mcg. I need to take 3 tablets a day. Does anyone have any experience of them? Are these any good? Thanks in advance

  31. Started by k__,

    does anyone know - if I'm able to get 100% RDA on iron & zinc, and keep up 70+ gr. protein per day, will it prevent or limit hair loss? I'm putting together a collection of iron-rich recipes and tracking my intake on sparkpeople.com. From what I gather, the protein intake alone won't do much. Of course, keeping up on the iron, especially, is going to be very important regardless. Thanks for any input.

  32. Started by wannabeskinny,

    So I was just approved today! Yay!!! I need to order my protein powders today because I start next week on the liquid diet and I was wondering if anyone had tried Chike protein powders. I saw them on the Celebrate website and am hesitant to order them because I haven't heard anyone say they drink them. I've tried the Celebrate ENS Plus Protein and that tastes sooooooo good but the directions say only twice a day. If anyone's had Chike protein powders let me know your thoughts!

    • 8 replies
    • 1.6k views
  33. Started by Felicia,

    So I am pre-op on a liquid protein diet. Right now I am drinking Bariatric Advantage the chocolate flavor. I like it a lot, it is just the right thickness for me. I make them with water and a couple ice cubes in a shaker cup. I do not like the other Bariatric Advan. flavors at all. I'm sure there is a thread somewhere about all this but I can't find it. I was going to order some Unjury flavors but I don't know how thick they are. Any help is good help. I don't feel like I can be succesful if all I drink is chocolate bariatric advantage. It's getting boring at 4 shakes a day. HELP ME! Thanks!

    • 0 replies
    • 729 views
  34. Started by Forensikchic,

    I was looking at GNC's website and found these puddings. I was wondering if anyone had tried these. They are about 20 dollars for 6 so I wanted some feedback from any of you that has tried it. Thanks Tammi

  35. Started by Forensikchic,

    I am so picky about what I can drink. I hated all protein drinks I had tried and was very worried I couldnt do the liquid protein. I just hate everything. They are chalky, oily, dont mix well, I just cant do it. My DH bought Muscle Milk in the banana creme flavor. I dont even eat bananas. I was like, OH GREAT. I do, however love banana flavored candy, like laffy taffy. I am on day two of my preop liquid diet and have a caffeine headache from hell. I had to drink it. I popped the top before leaving the driveway in case I had to heave. I took a big sip and it was freakin delicious!!!!!! Im telling you it tasted exactly like banana laffy taffy! I love it! I dra…

    • 4 replies
    • 1.7k views
  36. Caffeine is a part of the Breakfast meal of many Americans. Many also take a Multivitamin supplement daily as a part of their morning routine. Not many people are aware that taking Vitamins at the same time as a cup of coffee or tea can interfere with the body’s absorption of many necessary nutrients. Calcium Caffeine causes calcium to be excreted in the urine and feces. For every 150 mg of caffeine ingested, about the amount in one cup of coffee, 5 mg of calcium is lost. This effect occurs even hours after the consumption of caffeine. One study of postmenopausal women found that those who consumed more than 300 mg of caffeine lost more bone in the spine th…

    • 2 replies
    • 1.8k views
  37. Started by Carrie T,

    I am 3 months out from my surgery, but am already feeling anxious about all the vitamins that we need to take. Currently, anytime I take a multi vitamin it has to be with a meal or I will get sick to my stomach. Any recommendations on how I can take all of these vitamins when I'm supposed to be on basically a liquid diet for 2-4 weeks post op? Thanks for any advice you might have!

  38. Started by St. Louis Sarah,

    I am pre op and have aout $300 worth of food when i did the Ideal Protein diet last Spring. I have a lot of soups and such that have 20 plus grams of protein and slim to no carbs. Has anyone used them as the protein shake?

    • 5 replies
    • 3.1k views
  39. Started by MarVal,

    I've tried several different pritein shakes and have learned that if I need a B.M. I have a drink. I'm looking forward to to trying the bars. That happens this weekend! Yeah! I've also found that yogurt gives my throat a sticky feeling. None of the other foods I eat do that and I know it's high in protein. Why would yogurt do that?

    • 0 replies
    • 1.5k views
  40. Started by ellawhite77,

    Anyone switch brands of vitamins ever so often or maybe switch between liquid and chewable? I'm 9 months out from surgery and vitamins are a real struggle for me. i was thinking if I mixed it up it may help MENTALLY.

  41. Started by blondie1007,

    Did anybody drink Gatorade during the Clear liquids phase?

    • 2 replies
    • 1.6k views
  42. I'm supposed to be starting my pre-op diet tomorrow. My nutritionist suggested Protein from Bariatric Advantage, but I lolligagged and am now down to the wire and need protein stuff. I ordered some samples and havent even sampled them yet. I wanted suggestions from my VST family on what the best protein stuff from local shops like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe would be. I'm desperate people! On another thread Wheybolic Extreme chocolate flavor got a thumbs up, so I'll start there. Oh yeah, I hate Peanut Butter and bananas! lol

  43. Started by Toyia,

    On Friday, I had my 7 week check in with my doctor. My goal was to lose 15lbs in one week…but I only lost 5 (I was 202 lbs.). So, we talked a little about the things that I have been eating and one of the things he told me to check was the carbohydrates in my Vitamins. So, I went home and looked and he was right, I am taking in 15 grams of Carbs each day just from my vitamins. I am taking the following gummy items: multi-vitamin, Fiber, and D3. I also talk a chewable Calcium and B12. I am only allowed 30 carbs per day and I have to get in my vitamins. So, I need some help, what type of vitamins, calcium and B12 are you talking and how many carbs are they? On a …

  44. Started by Forensikchic,

    I just saw my PCP for the first time since being sleeved. He learned of my kidney stone problems and then he asked about my vitamins. He told me to drink lemonade and no sodas and it would help and he was explaining why and said the word citrate. I said, as in calcium citrate? I take that! He told me to stop taking the citrate kind of calcium! He said to chew a couple of tums instead because people prone to have kidney stones want to avoid CITRATE. It forms kidney stones!!!! Who knew? So I am going to take Viactiv or tums from now on. He also wanted me to take a vitamin D tablet daily. He said that was more important anyway. Just thought I would share the info.…

  45. Started by JBoyd,

    Thought I would share what I recently found. I purchased it at our local HEB, but it is listed at GNC for cheaper. There is about 25 grams of Protein per cup. Pure Protein website (This website offers a coupon) GNC online store- offers the Jello at $5.99!

    • 10 replies
    • 1.5k views
  46. Started by lml32937,

    Advanced liquid Protein Shot 45g Protein 0g Sugar 0g Fat Liquid Protein with an Incredible Taste Saw this over the weekend... lots of protein- Claims great taste... curious...

  47. Started by DallasMomofTwins,

    All comments welcome! Thanks!

  48. Started by bookleen,

    Hi Everyone, I use Sanatogen protein powder and find it very useful for sprinkling into food as it is tastleless. Does anyone know if we can use protein powders in baking? Would the protein be made useless by the heat? I sometimes use it for making pancakes and like it. I would now like to use it for muffins and bread if it did not effect the nutritional value. Thanks in advance for all comments, suggestions or ideas. Bookleen

  49. Started by A New Day,

    I was shopping for post op today and found Vitamin Water Zero. It's an electrolyte drink that I thought would be perfect for that first week home to prevent dehydration. The big plus for me is no artificial junk in it, I detest artificial color and flavor. I bought 6 flavors of it, $1 a bottle at Walmart. I have 3 different options for Protein so far; an unflavored whey Protein powder, a bottle of beef Gelatin, and some nutritional yeast, (which is high protein plus B Vitamins for a bonus). I plan on mixing the whey protein with the Vitamin Water and the last two with broths/soups. So who has tried the Vitamin Water Zero? Should whey protein mix well wit…

  50. Started by VDiaz3072,

    Hi, I dont drink energy drinks, not a big fan, but lately I have been feeling very tired at night time and somebody suggested to drink one once in a while. Is this good?? Does anybody drinks energy drinks?? Your comments are important.

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