Help! I started replacing one of my meals with a protein shake per NUT's recommendations and I gagged through 1/2 it before I called it good. Anyone else have this problem? Any advise? The taste wasn't bad ... It was the after taste and the consistency I think. <> I know I need to learn to like it/tolerate it ... Please help. I have time to sort it out and find a good rhythm. Surgery isn't until mid February. I've pinterested ideas - anyone else done this?

Yup--protein is gross. But the good news is that you get used to it the more you have--I'm in my pre-op diet and have 4 shakes a day now, and totally don't mind the farty protein taste--THAT much. (I did have to take one container back to Costco because it was so awful, but the rest are fine!)

I second the suggestions of adding sugar-free syrup to your shake--you can usually find them at TJ Maxx and Marshalls as well. I use dutch-process cocoa and PB2, too. And fruit (which obviously isn't usable post-op, but I'm not!)

Another tip I give everyone is that I got some spill proof insulated cups that have straws and are airtight. Not being able to smell that protein smell has made a HUGE difference in the taste.

I've bought some of the sugar free Torani syrups at World Market but I've also ordered on line some of the DaVinci sf syrups. Orange is good with vanilla to make a creamsicle or the peppermint paddy is good with a chocolate shake for a chocolate mint. I was told not to use straws but the advice about not smelling is a good idea.

Just check with your doctor about the straw. Most do not want you using them post-op. They pull extra air into your tummy. Your new tummy won't have enough space to accommodate that.

I thought you are not supposed to use straws after this surgery?

Her profile says she is preop, I wasn't told anything about not using straws preop, I use the cups with the lids and straws all the time for ice Water now, I am going to miss them. My hospital says no straws after surgery too, though they all seem to be different.

Most don't want post-ops using straws. It might be best not to get used to drinking with them at all.

For sure! Personally I've drank my ice Water with straws for years because of tooth sensitivity and dislike for room temp water, it'll be an interesting transition. They sell plenty of those water jugs without straws that you can sip out of that will block the smells as well.

I don't have a problem with the smell, I've never thought to smell it. heh

@@DroppinLikeItsHot you may need to thin it out a bit, I just ordered the syntrax peanut butter cookie after a recommendation from another PAL, she says it taste like melted peanut butter ice cream! I will get it tomorrow, post being you may have to go through a few to find the best!

@ Elode - let us know how that tastes, for real.. I could use it in my ice cream maker and reconstitute the ice cream.

I'm happy to report that I got an email from Nashua Nutrition that the HealthSmart Pink Lemonade Concentrate is back in!

This stuff is awesome, because not only does it not stink, and it tastes like lemonade - it is a liquid. You can put it in a cup or a glass or a bottle of Water and not have to shake it so it doesn't get all foamy (I hate foamy!). ::off to order a dozen boxes::

I'm in the pre op stage as well! I have just started my pre op diet. I have been writing about it on my new blog sleeve2splendiferous.blogspot.com/

Check it out

I just wanted to say thank you for all the kind replies. I'm making a list of all of these suggestions to try! Thanks again.

One more question - I've been using powdered shakes (I mix with skim milk and ice). Can I also use premixed shakes (in envisioning something like ensure that I refrigerate)?0

@@DroppinLikeItsHot My recommendation is premier protein vanilla and chocolate flavors. They are 11oz. pre-made shakes with 160 calories, 30 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar each. They are available here at costco and sam's club. (Also at food lion but way more expensive and you can only get a 4-pack.) Costco currently has a sale for an 18-pack at 19.99 (instead of 24.99.) The thing with these is they are pre-made, and the consistency is as thin as milk. The flavor is very good (the vanilla was described as "melted ice cream" by a friend here.) There is an aftertaste depending on how long it takes you to drink it. Pre-surgery, I never ever would have noticed an aftertaste. But post-surgery I drink them a bit slower and I sometimes do notice it, but not if I sip water during or directly after drinking them. I would NOT recommend the strawberry at all. Google them and look at the reviews. Most people are baffled as to how a protein shake can taste so good. Definitely worth a shot!

One more question - I've been using powdered shakes (I mix with skim milk and ice). Can I also use premixed shakes (in envisioning something like ensure that I refrigerate)?0

Yes. I used 3 different proteins. I used CVS whey protein powder, Orgain Organics RTD and Prosource no carb liquid protein both flavored and unflavored. It helped to have variety and the Prosource was one of the few that I could mix with warm drinks and soups.

I think most of us are talking pre-op, and I would think that taking whatever measures are necessary to become accustomed to something unfamiliar would be a good thing. Especially for people who aren't even in the pre-op diet stage and are just trying to learn how to choke down those nasty farty proteins!

I do have the Premier premade drinks in Choc and vanilla, but I prefer thicker shakes made with ice at this stage. Obviously that's all likely to change post-op! But I think they're also good to carry around with you--in your purse or whatever.

Keep going! You're doing great!