I'm sure there is a post here somewhere about this, but I've searched for a while and can't find one.

I have several questions regarding Protein shakes and blenders.

1.) Do you have a special blender like the Ninja or Vitamix, or do you just use a plain ol' blender? Which one would you recommend? I can't afford ones like the vitamix, but I could spend about $100, if it makes a difference in the shakes.

2.) I actually enjoy having a shake or something liquid for Breakfast (I'm still pre-op) because I'm always on the go, and making a smoothie just works for me. AFter the surgery and once you are healed and eating normal foods, does anyone else still keep a Protein Shake in their diet or do you prefer eating regular foods instead? Does that make sense? lol

3.) Do you find it hard for you to get in your protein without the shakes and powders once you are eating normally?

I have a cuisinart immersion blender (Smart Stick) and I love it. It cost about $30 on Amazon and works perfectly, puts very little air into the shake unlike lots of other blenders & blender bottles. Super easy to use and to clean. Now if I wanted to put big ice cubes in there it would probably leave little ice shards, but I don't use ice cubes in my shake so nbd for me. I do use lots of frozen berries etc. and that works just fine. I am about five months out and still have a couple of Protein shakes each day. My surgeon doesn't allow Snacks on his plan (other than protein shakes) and only 3 oz. per meal, 3 meals a day. And frankly I can't even usually eat 3 ounces in one sitting anyway. So I definitely need those shakes to get my protein in. Once I am six months out I plan to replace one protein shake with a solid-food type snack if my surgeon permits it. Eventually (once I get to goal) I plan to eliminate Protein Shakes entirely but I don't see doing it before then.

eta: this is the blender I have: http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CSB-75BC-2-Speed-Immersion-Blender/dp/B00ARQVM5O/

Kitchen Aid immersion blender. Love it !!!

Kitchen Aid immersion blender. Love it !!!

I <3 my ninja....for surgery #1 I just used my regular blender, for surgery #2 I got the ninja...I use the single serving size almost daily, so easy to clean, works great on ice.

I'm sure there is a post here somewhere about this, but I've searched for a while and can't find one.

I have several questions regarding Protein shakes and blenders.

1.) Do you have a special blender like the Ninja or Vitamix, or do you just use a plain ol' blender? Which one would you recommend? I can't afford ones like the vitamix, but I could spend about $100, if it makes a difference in the shakes.

2.) I actually enjoy having a shake or something liquid for breakfast (I'm still pre-op) because I'm always on the go, and making a smoothie just works for me. AFter the surgery and once you are healed and eating normal foods, does anyone else still keep a protein shake in their diet or do you prefer eating regular foods instead? Does that make sense? lol

3.) Do you find it hard for you to get in your protein without the shakes and powders once you are eating normally?

Dear Covat,

I am also pre op and had the same questions.. I went with a NINJA "kitchen system plus" IT RUNS $79.00 but I got it on sale in walmart for $59.99 due to Khols having it on sale.. you just tell walmart if someone else has it on sale.. and they will give it to you for that price.. "they do not even ask for the add"... It does JUICING.....BLEND FROZEN ITEMS...and food PROCESSING. So for that price it does a hell of a lot.. I than went to GMC.. and got an Education on HOW Protein powder is sold.. AND they have some nice sample packs. before you would buy a big tub.. Which you can get on the internet cheaper.. Hope this helps...Good Luck... My surgery is Feb 5th 2014, when is yours? JewelJ

Dear Covat, I am also pre op and had the same questions.. I went with a NINJA "kitchen system plus" IT RUNS $79.00 but I got it on sale in walmart for $59.99 due to Khols having it on sale.. you just tell walmart if someone else has it on sale.. and they will give it to you for that price.. "they do not even ask for the add"... It does JUICING.....BLEND FROZEN ITEMS...and FOOD PROCESSING. So for that price it does a hell of a lot.. I than went to GMC.. and got an Education on HOW PROTEIN powder is sold.. AND they have some nice sample packs. before you would buy a big tub.. Which you can get on the internet cheaper.. Hope this helps...Good Luck... My surgery is Feb 5th 2014, when is yours? JewelJ

Jewel thanks for your response. I have found lots of protein sample packs so I don't have to buy big containers yet until I know I like it, like u suggested. My date is 2/17/14- so glad to find a fellow February sleever! I wish they had a 2014 forum so I could find more feb people! I know they are here lurking like me haha

After reading your comments JewlJ and Covatila84 AKA: Feb. 2014 sleevers, me too...(2/24/14). I was checking out the topic, cause I thought it would be a good idea to see what blenders/sticks that are out there that would be better than what I have on hand especially when it comes to the soft food part. So I compared the Nutibullet vs. the Magic Bullet. after doing the reseach and reading the pro and cons I decided to go ahead and purchase the Nutribullet. I was able to pick up the 600 watt model at Kohl's on a pre black friday sale plus 30% off, plus got $15 kohl's cash. Final price $85. I can not tell you yet how it is because I only ordered it a couple of days ago. I am hoping I choose wisely. BTW I found a Feb 2014 sleeve forum http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/289491-any-february-2014-sleevers/?view=findpost&p=3260111&hl=%2Bfebruary+%2B2014 check it out

Rpcamper aka Rosemary

I am 9 days post op and I have the vitimix. I purchased it from costco for 374.00 . If I would have purchased it from vitimix website it would have cost 650.00 .

I use it to make fresh juice for my post op liquid diet!

I have the Blendtec which I also got from costco, it's on the same level as the Vitamix, meaning that it costs about $300+. Yeah, I know that sounds like a lot of money for a blender, but it has been SO worth it. I'm only pre-op but I'm experimenting with Protein powders...yesterday I made a protein "ice cream" with 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 8 oz. of 1% milk, a dash of vanilla, and a HUGE handful of frozen strawberries. My blender ground them right up and made the most delicious, smoothest frozen dessert I have ever tasted. A cheaper blender would have left chunks behind, IMHO. I like my Protein drinks "slushy" so I needed a blender that was good at breaking up ice. I plan to make more of these "protein ice creams" once I'm sleeved. The Blendtec is also good at making "green smoothies" which is whole juice veggies and fruits. Hope this helps!

I have the ninja and its on sale this week for 39.99! Look in your Black Friday ads and find and take to Walmart to ad match

I have the Blendtec which I also got from Costco, it's on the same level as the Vitamix, meaning that it costs about $300+. Yeah, I know that sounds like a lot of money for a blender, but it has been SO worth it. I'm only pre-op but I'm experimenting with protein powders...yesterday I made a protein "ice cream" with 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 8 oz. of 1% milk, a dash of vanilla, and a HUGE handful of frozen strawberries. My blender ground them right up and made the most delicious, smoothest frozen dessert I have ever tasted. A cheaper blender would have left chunks behind, IMHO. I like my protein drinks "slushy" so I needed a blender that was good at breaking up ice. I plan to make more of these "protein ice creams" once I'm sleeved. The Blendtec is also good at making "green smoothies" which is whole juice veggies and fruits. Hope this helps!

I just made a delish shake- vanilla protein powder, homemade applesauce with no sugar, and some cinnamon- yummmmmm! Tastes like apple pie and ice cream