I've finally been progressed past the clear liquid phase but I was surprised that I almost had to beg the NUT to allow me to have Protein shakes. But, at the end of the day, I don't have an extra 20-30 minutes to sit and eat Breakfast. She finally agreed.

I went to GNC to buy a couple of samples, but the only thing they had samples of is their Lean 25 powders. I bought the chocolate one and it's okay, but I don't love it. My NUT suggested Jay Robb, which seems to have good reviews on the GNC website. So, I might just give that a shot (even though they don't have sample packets). The nutrition facts on the Jay Robb are more favorable than the GNC brand.

My main question though, if you use the powder, how do you not end up with chunks? I bought a shaker cup, but it doesn't really seem to be effective for the small portion that I'm making (around 6 oz). Any other tips? Also, I wish the shaker cups had a strainer in the mouth piece, to hold back to chunks. Ick!!

Look for a Protein shake that has soy isolates in stead of whey. They will be dairy free. Just make sure to read the labels.

@@Quest4TheNewMe - I too am surprised your nutritionist had you on clear liquids post op. I can't imagine getting in your protein in those early days post-op without a protein shake. Anyway I prefer getting a vanilla or neutral taste powder. I have a shaker cup and found that the key is to put the milk in first, then the powder and shake that thing like your life depends on it. I also use a nutra bullet because I like to add things like spinach, fruit or nut butters. In addition to GNC you can also check the drug store chains like CVS and Rite Aid.

I'm currently using Orgain organic. They make both a powder and premade drinks. I like to keep a few premade in the fridge in case it's a really busy day when I'll be out running errands.

I asked her about protein intake the first week and she said that it isn't necessary or recommended. All I had for 9 days was Water and broth...

As I move ahead, I look forward to mixing a few other things into my shakes (spinach, etc). For now, my shaker cup and I are just going to have to have a dance party.

Premier CHOCOLATE is my favorite thus far! I'll be 2 months post op on 11/26/14

I use an immersion blender to make my shakes - no clumps, no foam, extremely easy to use and clean.

I use a ninja blender then if I have to refrigerate for a while before drinking it, I put it in a blender bottle and just shake it up works perfectly. I use Genepro Which is 30 grams of protein for about a tablespoon of powder and I also use U njury. If I mix Genepro chocolate splendor and 8 ounces of skim milk I get 59 grams of protein. Then I don't stress out about getting all my protein in. It's works for me and my Nut approved as long as my other meals are protein also. I have not had any stalls in my 13 weeks post op. Idk if that is why or not but I feared the "stalls" so many people talk about. Grateful I haven't had those as I am not a very patient person.

Edited November 23, 201411 yr by Thinkingthinner1109

Everyone's tastes are different. Personally I like my shakes like I like my women, thick. However, after surgery I found that I couldn't handle the thicker shakes as they filled me up too quickly. If you like thinner shakes, more like flavored water, look for powders without gum additives (xanthan, cellulose guar) because these increase viscosity in liquids. Many excellent ones have been suggested here and I'm sure you'll find the right one for you.

I don't like blending my shakes in a magic bullet or blender because it makes them frothy, which I hate.

I still can't handle the froth my ninja or blender bottle create. Instead of blending i now stir my powder in. I use syntrax and it leaves no clumps and mixes almost instantly.

Everyone's tastes are different. Personally I like my shakes like I like my women, thick. However, after surgery I found that I couldn't handle the thicker shakes as they filled me up too quickly. If you like thinner shakes, more like flavored Water, look for powders without gum additives (xanthan, cellulose guar) because these increase viscosity in liquids. Many excellent ones have been suggested here and I'm sure you'll find the right one for you.

I like my shakes like my women!! Lol!!! Love it!

@@Quest4TheNewMe Have you tried the ready-made premier protein shakes? They are my FAVORITE! Well the chocolate is anyway. I feel like I should be paid some kind of commission because I'm always recommending them but They truly are my fav! If you haven't tried them Maybe you should? They are cheaper if you buy them from SAMS. Just an option. I haven't tried a ton of different kinds, maybe 6-8 but I didn't care for any of them and they usually have less grams of protein..ect

I love the premier protein best too, esp the vanilla. and they are great for my 89 yr old mom who just had heart surgery, the only thing she will eat right now. lifesavers.

I've been consistently drinking the Protein shakes since September so I'd be used to them at least once a day.... I am in love with my sports bottle blender. I blend it the night before, and then refrigerate it so the froth goes away. I find that I can't mix the powders well enough without the blender.

I also really like the Premier Protein ready-made shakes and the pure protein read-made shakes. I start my pre-op Friday and have my massive variety of individual powders from Nashua Nutrition as well as my 12 bottles of pure protein.

Thanks everyone! I bought the Jay Robb yesterday and it seems to be pretty decent so far. I'm definitely going to need a little variety though. I also can't believe how long it takes me to drink a 12 oz shake. It should have been obvious based on my Water intake, I guess. LOL!!

Anyway, thanks for all the input!

Ok, don't laugh, newbie question -- what's PB2?

Also, related pre-op newbie question -- I've had lactose intolerance forever -- Lactaid milk is fine, yogurt is fine. I purchased some of the Premier protein drinks and realized they say they have milk protein -- is that the same as lactose? Are they safe to drink for those of us who are lactose intolerant? Thx!

Ok, don't laugh, newbie question -- what's PB2?

It's powdered peanut butter. Less fat that regular peanut butter. Works great for mixing into protein shakes.

@@Quest4TheNewMe Thank you! I mean, who knew there was such a thing? Not me -- thanks again

@@Quest4TheNewMe Thank you! I mean, who knew there was such a thing? Not me -- thanks again

I think it's pretty new, like within the last year. If my 3 yr old wasn't addicted to peanut butter, which puts me in that aisle frequently, I probably wouldn't have seen it either.