I'm wondering if anyone (when allowed) switched out shakes for bars to meet their requirements? I'm thinking I would want to because I've been unsuccessful in the shake department, except for genepro, and when I am able to, want to switch to bars instead. Any insight? Pros and cons? Thanks in advance!!

Yes but it might be a bit too soon for you since you are only a month out.

Some Protein bars are closer to candy bars than Protein Bars. So make sure whatever protein bars you select that it is 1) high in protein such as 20 grams and 2) low in sugar such as 1 gram per bar. Since problems with constipation often accompany weight loss surgery patients, you might also focus on protein bars with a high Fiber content.

Yes but it might be a bit too soon for you since you are only a month out.
Some Protein bars are closer to candy bars than Protein Bars. So make sure whatever protein bars you select that it is 1) high in protein such as 20 grams and 2) low in sugar such as 1 gram per bar. Since problems with constipation often accompany weight loss surgery patients, you might also focus on protein bars with a high Fiber content.

Yes it is too soon, just thinking ahead, but thank you for the info. I used to eat protein bars before surgery never put much thought into how most are like candy bars, so I'll definitely have to watch out for that. Thank you!

I always felt that protein bars were too much like can day bars, so I avoided them. My NUT and I talked about it extensively, and I have earned a few things.

1. The protein bars I use are excellent nutrition choices. High protein, low sugar, moderate fiber, moderate calories.

2. It is my fear of them as 'candy bars' that is the problem, not the bars themselves.

3. They provide me the 'chewing' sensation I need, whereas the shakes do not.

4. VSG surgery is serious business, so use whatever I need, and can, to help me.

I'm sorry, I too am having a bit of difficulty balancing my preop diet, and writing here helps me.

Hopefully you too.

I always felt that Protein bars were too much like can day bars, so I avoided them. My NUT and I talked about it extensively, and I have earned a few things.

1. The Protein Bars I use are excellent nutrition choices. High protein, low sugar, moderate Fiber, moderate calories.

2. It is my fear of them as 'candy bars' that is the problem, not the bars themselves.

3. They provide me the 'chewing' sensation I need, whereas the shakes do not.

4. VSG surgery is serious business, so use whatever I need, and can, to help me.

I'm sorry, I too am having a bit of difficulty balancing my preop diet, and writing here helps me.

Hopefully you too.

I'm post op, but I'm just trying to prepare for my next month when I have no food restrictions. I have a hard time with protein shakes and most upset my stomach, so I was wondering about doing bars instead after this next month. Which bars do you eat?
And how do they taste?

I am 8 months out and still prefer shakes to bars. However, the bars are easier when I travel. I use Quest and get them delivered from Amazon. My only advice is to do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself.

Bars are so handy to have when you are out and about. I took 2 boxes to Cuba, when I was 5 months out, in case I couldn't get anything I liked, or felt I could stomach. I have Carb Killa Caramel Chaos and they are lovely. The bars can be quite addictive so I tend to buy them when I need them and not have them in the house.

When you can have them, remember to drink more fluids!

Kate

I'm post op, but I'm just trying to prepare for my next month when I have no food restrictions. I have a hard time with protein shakes and most upset my stomach, sI'm[/img]o I was wondering about doing bars instead after this next month. Which bars do you eat?
And how do they taste?

Hi. These are the bars I use, NUT approved. I buy both of themst Costco.

Hi. These are the bars I use, NUT approved. I buy both of themst costco.

I am having problems posting pics. Thry are "Pure Protein Bars" and the Kirkland (Costco) Protein Bars.

I am having problems posting pics. Thry are "Pure Protein Bars" and the Kirkland (Costco) Protein Bars.

Great thank you!

Bars are so handy to have when you are out and about. I took 2 boxes to Cuba, when I was 5 months out, in case I couldn't get anything I liked, or felt I could stomach. I have Carb Killa Caramel Chaos and they are lovely. The bars can be quite addictive so I tend to buy them when I need them and not have them in the house.
When you can have them, remember to drink more fluids!
Kate

Do the bars tend to make you constipated?

1 hour ago, janedoe92 said:

Do the bars tend to make you constipated?

They don't at all but then I make sure I only have one a day and have more Water just in case. I wouldn't eat any others bars after having those. The white chocolate ones are nice too. Their flapjack bars are too carb heavy for me. I dont have bars a lot, maybe one or two a month when really needed.

I like Solo Low GI bars. I'm preop, and I like to eat them in the morning before my workout. They really helped me to learn to eat Breakfast again after many years skipping it. Now I use them on my swimming days because I can throw them in my gym bag and much on them on my way to the pool. Sometimes I only eat half. They are by far the yummiest bars I've tried. I don't eat them as a snack though because they are too many calories for my plan. They are also quite high in sugar (19g per par) compared to other options out there, so if you dump they may or may not be a good choice for you. But I love them!

I don't dump, but sugar is definitely my downfall and a real slippery slope, so I probably won't try those thanks for the suggestion though!
I will say having one for breakfast (when I'm allowed) will probably be my go to, I'm not very good at eating breakfast either

Great thank you!

Taste is a funny thing. Some people I've talked to say these protein bars are not sweet enough, where others say they are too sweet. For me they taste sweet, hence my imagined aversion to them. But, they will help me, so I eat them.

They also come in different flavors, so alternating helps too.

Do the bars tend to make you constipated?

My constitution has always been very regular, but when I first started using the bars I became a little different. Not constipated, just a little more solid. Once I cut down on the carbs and increased my veggies, I went back to normal.

Experiment before the surgery.

Things may change after the surgery, but at least you'll be more comfortable with your body in general, and this will also help curb th he fears that may accompany the new life.

VSG is a tool, and with a healthy mental attitude, you'll be ok.