OK - So I'm thinking about the sleeve and have 2 consults booked, I have been reading about the protein drinks that you have post op....and am a tad confused by all the info and also what I find online if I do a search....

:biggrin0::scared0:

Whey powders - are they the same thing? You make them up into a shake?

Or should I just be looking for protein drinks?

Are we talking the same stuff body builders use or should I be looking at gastric op products??

I live in Spain so I think products here will be limited, but I know of a couple of shops I can try, or I will resort to online shopping when the time comes, but I do like to be prepared!!

Watch the stuff the bodybuilders use... a lot of it has a lot of sugar because they want the carbs. That said, some of those brands come low-carb, too.

With the whey Proteins, the very best you can do is get 100% whey Protein isolate. It contains complete amino acid-chains and is more bio-available (readily absorbed by the body). Whey protein concentrate isn't quite as high-quality but can serve it's purpose if that particular brand is all you can tolerate.

Also, some of them are more palatable mixed with milk, but then you've got to watch your carbs and calories closer--early out, that's not such an issue. There are others that mix with Water (Nectar) and others that come ready-to-drink with no mixing at all.

The biggest thing to look for, other than finding one you like, is that it's the isolate.

I used Unjury that you order on-line. They have an unflavored one

that you can mix with other drinks like tea or Crystal Lite and it worked

best for me. I have also used Choc. Muscle Milk. I have some Whey

protein (Choc. Peanut butter) that I got that will mix with water or milk either one that taste good.

I did not find any premixed protein water that I could use on a long term,

bad tasting stuff.

Thanks for the tips - I'll check out whats available over here to compare whats in stuff.

Anyone tried Hemp protein powders? I am intolerent to whey and Soy protein powders!

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/protein-drinks-powders/1325-places-get-liquid-protein-samples.html

The above thread will list several of the most popular whey Proteins available.

I would not order any large quantities pre-op because your tastebuds might change post-op. Many patients experience this change, and can't tolerate proteins they like pre-op. With that being said, there are plenty of places for you to order sample packs that are fairly inexpensive.

If there are any GNCs available to you, they will allow you to return open products that you try and can not tolerate.

You don't have to make them shake consistency. Most of the powders can mix with just Water or milk. I personally hate thick liquids. I didn't like milkshakes pre-op, and I definitely didn't like them post-op.

There are plenty of RTD (ready to drink) Protein drinks that are available as well.

When looking at protein content, ensure that the protein grams are at least 4-5 times that of the carb count. Meaning, if the Protein Drink has 5 grams of carbs, make sure the protein gram count is a minimum of 20.

Whey isolate and soy proteins are the most common ones that are recommended for WLS patients. Some patients have problems with whey and soy so they use egg or other protein options.

Thanks for the link Tiff.... I'll check some of them out and see what I can get this end as well.