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Choosing a Protein Powder



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How did you all decide on what Protein powder was best for you? Was it merely taste, price, or actually looking at Protein grams?

I've been researching and looking at labels for the past week and I'm starting to become very overwhelmed and stressed out!

Surgery is scheduled for 9/26, I only have to do a 2 day clear liquid diet but I want to start 1 week before on a liquid diet

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The person to ask ideally is your nutritionist. That said, the BEST Protein for bariatric patients is 100% whey Protein isolate. Unless you have another reason to avoid whey (vegan, allergy, etc.) don't stray from that. The isolate version is different that plain whey protein. It is better absorbed in the body, and quicker. Blends of whey protein ( contain other types of proteins) are a distant second.

Plant based Proteins and soy proteins- for soy, again, choose the isolate. It has less carbs and fat as well as less cholesterol.

There is also casein- protein powders. These are absorbed much slower- like over 6 hours. And here you want to be sure the ingredient is "Calcium casein"- so you're getting a pure form. The casein protein powders are less soluble, so they don't mix as well into milk or Water. But they keep you feeling full a long time.

My suggestion would be to start with the whey isolate first. Many stores sell individual packets of different brands and flavors which allow you to try before you commit to a whole tub.

Your other alternative in "shakes" are clear drinks- Isopure and Protein2O, for instance. Isopure is 100 % whey isolate, and each bottle has somewhere in the vicinity of 40+ grams of it. That's a lot! It does taste very whey-like, but hey, we're in it for the protein right?

Just my .52 cents worth...

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The person to ask ideally is your nutritionist. That said, the BEST Protein for bariatric patients is 100% whey Protein isolate. Unless you have another reason to avoid whey (vegan, allergy, etc.) don't stray from that. The isolate version is different that plain whey protein. It is better absorbed in the body, and quicker. Blends of whey protein ( contain other types of proteins) are a distant second.

Plant based Proteins and soy proteins- for soy, again, choose the isolate. It has less carbs and fat as well as less cholesterol.

There is also casein- protein powders. These are absorbed much slower- like over 6 hours. And here you want to be sure the ingredient is "calcium casein"- so you're getting a pure form. The casein protein powders are less soluble, so they don't mix as well into milk or Water. But they keep you feeling full a long time.

My suggestion would be to start with the whey isolate first. Many stores sell individual packets of different brands and flavors which allow you to try before you commit to a whole tub.

Your other alternative in "shakes" are clear drinks- Isopure and Protein2O, for instance. Isopure is 100 % whey isolate, and each bottle has somewhere in the vicinity of 40+ grams of it. That's a lot! It does taste very whey-like, but hey, we're in it for the protein right?

Just my .52 cents worth...

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'll take your .52 cents! Lol they suggested only getting whey protein isolate making sure other nutritional values are met sugar, fats, sodium etc.

It's just hard! I've been drinking Quest but feel I can get something better with more protein

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@@missvee

One way to get added Protein is to put a half scoop or full scoop of an unflavored powder in your current Protein Drink.

One thing to watch- be careful not to consume TOO much Protein. By that, I'm saying you don't want hyperproteinemia. You want to shoot pre -op for 65-90 g of protein per day. Yes, that's quite a spread, but your body weight now plays into that. Pre-op at 272, I was targeted with 70-80 g per day. Now I aim for 85-90. However, I'm working out quite a bit and doing a lot of walking these days (26 miles today!!!! Holy cow! Lol)

I know A LOT of people here use the Premiere Protein ready to drink- and their docs ok it. My practice has it on the "only in a desperate situation" list. post-284996-14730337325747_thumb.jpg

You will see from the ingredient list that the first ingredient is milk protein concentrate, followed by Calcium casein protein ( that one is ok) followed by whey protein (not isolate). We don't know HOW MUCH of each protein is in their "blend". For all we know it could be 98%, 1% and 1%.

I, for one, want to know EXACTLY how much of something is present, nor do I want to guess or take my chances.

That was only .36 cents worth lol

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I am having my preoperative appointment on Thursday. But I have been using the premier Protein shakes, like 7.48 for 4 of them. They have 30 grams of Protein and very little sugar. They taste good. I have been drinking 2 a day for the last 6 wks. Trying to get my protein in.Good luck with your journey.

Allie from Gaston sc

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I am having my preoperative appointment on Thursday. But I have been using the premier Protein shakes, like 7.48 for 4 of them. They have 30 grams of Protein and very little sugar. They taste good. I have been drinking 2 a day for the last 6 wks. Trying to get my protein in.Good luck with your journey.

Allie from Gaston sc

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As in pre-op right before surgery?? Good luck! Hope all goes well!

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@@missvee

One way to get added Protein is to put a half scoop or full scoop of an unflavored powder in your current Protein Drink.

One thing to watch- be careful not to consume TOO much Protein. By that, I'm saying you don't want hyperproteinemia. You want to shoot pre -op for 65-90 g of protein per day. Yes, that's quite a spread, but your body weight now plays into that. Pre-op at 272, I was targeted with 70-80 g per day. Now I aim for 85-90. However, I'm working out quite a bit and doing a lot of walking these days (26 miles today!!!! Holy cow! Lol)

I know A LOT of people here use the Premiere Protein ready to drink- and their docs ok it. My practice has it on the "only in a desperate situation" list. attachicon.gif ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1473033731.357163.jpg

You will see from the ingredient list that the first ingredient is milk protein concentrate, followed by Calcium casein protein ( that one is ok) followed by whey protein (not isolate). We don't know HOW MUCH of each protein is in their "blend". For all we know it could be 98%, 1% and 1%.

I, for one, want to know EXACTLY how much of something is present, nor do I want to guess or take my chances.

That was only .36 cents worth lol

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's the problem I think I'm having I don't want to stray to something that wasn't suggested. I saw one today that just listed 98% whey protein and just thought "it's too good to be true!" You've been really helpful thank you!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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The person to ask ideally is your nutritionist. That said, the BEST Protein for bariatric patients is 100% whey Protein isolate. Unless you have another reason to avoid whey (vegan, allergy, etc.) don't stray from that. The isolate version is different that plain whey protein. It is better absorbed in the body, and quicker. Blends of whey protein ( contain other types of proteins) are a distant second.

Plant based Proteins and soy proteins- for soy, again, choose the isolate. It has less carbs and fat as well as less cholesterol.

There is also casein- protein powders. These are absorbed much slower- like over 6 hours. And here you want to be sure the ingredient is "calcium casein"- so you're getting a pure form. The casein protein powders are less soluble, so they don't mix as well into milk or Water. But they keep you feeling full a long time.

My suggestion would be to start with the whey isolate first. Many stores sell individual packets of different brands and flavors which allow you to try before you commit to a whole tub.

Your other alternative in "shakes" are clear drinks- Isopure and Protein2O, for instance. Isopure is 100 % whey isolate, and each bottle has somewhere in the vicinity of 40+ grams of it. That's a lot! It does taste very whey-like, but hey, we're in it for the protein right?

Just my .52 cents worth...

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Which stores carry isopure? I've tried the same stores I get my protein from (shop rite, acme, Walgreens or Walmart) but I can never find isopure.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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The person to ask ideally is your nutritionist. That said, the BEST Protein for bariatric patients is 100% whey Protein isolate. Unless you have another reason to avoid whey (vegan, allergy, etc.) don't stray from that. The isolate version is different that plain whey protein. It is better absorbed in the body, and quicker. Blends of whey protein ( contain other types of proteins) are a distant second.

Plant based Proteins and soy proteins- for soy, again, choose the isolate. It has less carbs and fat as well as less cholesterol.

There is also casein- protein powders. These are absorbed much slower- like over 6 hours. And here you want to be sure the ingredient is "calcium casein"- so you're getting a pure form. The casein protein powders are less soluble, so they don't mix as well into milk or Water. But they keep you feeling full a long time.

My suggestion would be to start with the whey isolate first. Many stores sell individual packets of different brands and flavors which allow you to try before you commit to a whole tub.

Your other alternative in "shakes" are clear drinks- Isopure and Protein2O, for instance. Isopure is 100 % whey isolate, and each bottle has somewhere in the vicinity of 40+ grams of it. That's a lot! It does taste very whey-like, but hey, we're in it for the protein right?

Just my .52 cents worth...

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Which stores carry isopure? I've tried the same stores I get my protein from (shop rite, acme, Walgreens or Walmart) but I can never find isopure.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Pretty much everywhere- especially GNC, Vitamin Shoppe- and local gyms, carry ready to drink ISOPURE. They sell a powdered version at the health stores as well.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@missvee

One way to get added protein is to put a half scoop or full scoop of an unflavored powder in your current Protein Drink.

One thing to watch- be careful not to consume TOO much protein. By that, I'm saying you don't want hyperproteinemia. You want to shoot pre -op for 65-90 g of protein per day. Yes, that's quite a spread, but your body weight now plays into that. Pre-op at 272, I was targeted with 70-80 g per day. Now I aim for 85-90. However, I'm working out quite a bit and doing a lot of walking these days (26 miles today!!!! Holy cow! Lol)

I know A LOT of people here use the Premiere Protein ready to drink- and their docs ok it. My practice has it on the "only in a desperate situation" list. attachicon.gif ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1473033731.357163.jpg

You will see from the ingredient list that the first ingredient is milk protein concentrate, followed by Calcium casein protein ( that one is ok) followed by whey protein (not isolate). We don't know HOW MUCH of each protein is in their "blend". For all we know it could be 98%, 1% and 1%.

I, for one, want to know EXACTLY how much of something is present, nor do I want to guess or take my chances.

That was only .36 cents worth lol

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's the problem I think I'm having I don't want to stray to something that wasn't suggested. I saw one today that just listed 98% whey protein and just thought "it's too good to be true!" You've been really helpful thank you!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My pleasure- but remember-you want whey protein isolate- not just whey protein- if you can get it.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
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      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

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        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

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