It’s not always that easy to hit your 65 to 80 or more grams per day, whether you just had surgery or you’re a few months or years out. Some weight loss surgery patients depend on protein supplements like bars, shakes, and powders, while others try to get their protein from foods. Do you have protein supplements?

• Nope. My surgeon doesn’t support them, and I’ve been meeting my needs through high-protein foods.
• No, I can’t stand the thought of processed protein.I try not to, but sometimes it’s the only way I can get my protein
• Only in emergencies. I keep some bars, shakes, or powder in the car or at work so I can always get my protein no matter what happens.
• I just had surgery and am still depending on shakes and powders. I’m not eating solid foods yet.
• Other. I’ll tell you in the conversation below!

Mark your answer, then tell us about it in the conversation below. Your answers can help other WLS patients who are trying to meet their protein requirements.

I've use protein powder for years well before WLS. I prefer to have a protein shake before my morning workout. Other than that I get my protein from food.

My body tells me if I need more protein and I have an egg or some salmon. I think our American cultire is obsessed with protein, but that's just me.

Prior to WLS I was the same way. I aimed for 50gms of Protein and actually loss weight at that amount. Of course being a vegetarian it's the first question everybody asks you. I use to use it as my breakfast/pre gym drink. I use it as supplement now because of the sleeve requirements.

I too do a morning shake. Sometimes I just add it to my morning coffee. After that I eat regular food for the rest of the day.

Edited February 3, 201511 yr by BLERDgirl

I still drink one protein shake every morning before I work out and this is approved by my surgical team. it is a premier protein which has 30g of protein and very low sugar. The only time I have a protein bar is if I am out and about and don't have time to have a meal then i can eat about a half of one before I am full. That happens rarely because I try to plan my day so I get my meals in.

I'm 5-1/2 months out and typically drink (slowly) a 25-protein-gram, 170-calorie Protein drink for Breakfast. This works well with my morning appetite (pretty nil) and schedule (very little time for actual food prep).

However, I get the rest of my daily protein (usually another 70 grams of protein) from animal, dairy and plant sources.

I am over five months out from surgery and have not seen the scale move in about three months. Yes, that's right. And further to discussions with the nutritionist and the after care staff, it seems likely that I am not getting enough Protein (and fat) into my every day eating.

So, I re-committed to one protein shake a day and either another protein shake or a protein bar, if needed, depending on my level of exercise. And I am exercising quite a bit. Not fanatically, but more than my body is allowing to release weight.

I have some Quest bars. I use unjury Protein shakes, and others. Some make me gag; others are more tolerable.

I love Protein powder and shakes. I add the powder to pudding and even coffee.

I gave up the Protein Bars because they're either high in carbs or the sugar alcohols cause some heinous flatulence. I'm going to experiment making my own.

Yes.

And I think this will be a lifelong support.