Hi all! I'm 23 and got my sleeve 1 week ago (on 12/7). I've been keeping up with my vitamins and trying my best to meet my fluid intake (I drink water, electrolyte water and eat SF popsicles for meals), but I'm having trouble with protein supplements.

When I was pre-op, I bought Isopure protein drinks (premade) and they tasted pretty good, but now post-op I can't stand the taste or after taste of them (same flavors as pre-op). This is causing me to not meet my protein goals at all, which is terrible and my body is definitely reacting to it (lots of aches and pains). I'm trying to stay away from the milky shakes since my stomach doesn't handle lactose well in high quantities, but if there's one that doesn't taste terrible or have a bad aftertaste then I'm willing to try it.

Any advice to get to my goals? I was already a picky eater before the sleeve and now it's gonna be my downfall if I don't find something I like soon ?

14 minutes ago, jaznova said:

Hi all! I'm 23 and got my sleeve 1 week ago (on 12/7). I've been keeping up with my Vitamins and trying my best to meet my Fluid intake (I drink Water, electrolyte water and eat SF popsicles for meals), but I'm having trouble with Protein supplements.

When I was pre-op, I bought Isopure Protein Drinks (premade) and they tasted pretty good, but now post-op I can't stand the taste or after taste of them (same flavors as pre-op). This is causing me to not meet my protein goals at all, which is terrible and my body is definitely reacting to it (lots of aches and pains). I'm trying to stay away from the milky shakes since my stomach doesn't handle lactose well in high quantities, but if there's one that doesn't taste terrible or have a bad aftertaste then I'm willing to try it.

Any advice to get to my goals? I was already a picky eater before the sleeve and now it's gonna be my downfall if I don't find something I like soon ?

Go with the powdered version. By themselves, these are even a little off tasting....so...for the chocolate protein powders I add a little bit of peanut butter powder and/or a half a banana and it changes the taste a LOT. Small tweaks to improve it to your taste is all you need. I find it is also better when I blend it up with ice and it is like a real cold shake. It makes it more palatable. Final piece of advice...I picked up some chicken flavored UNJURY powder. 21 ounces of protein per scoop in 8 ounces. Use hot tap water, mix it up good and then microwave it another minute or so to make it hot. It will not clump if you mix it first in hot tap water. If you go right in with boiled water it will be a clumpy mess. It tastes like chicken broth and goes down nicely.

Obviously, I don't know which protein drinks you will find palatable/tasty. It's going to have to be trial and error for you. I would look into some of the protein shots. You can find some lactose-free ones and try them out. But in your shoes, I would buy all different protein shakes/shots/drinks/whatever at the store, but in the smallest quantity possible and try them out and see which one gives you the best results.

There are many brands of protein shakes and powders and each of them offer many flavors. Just do a google search to see what is out there. The prices varies from reasonable to ridiculously expensive, so shop around. Many can be found at Walmart or ordered online from the manufacturers or Amazon.

My clinic recommends these brands (but I've tried many others):
Premier Protein
Ensure Max
Equate High Performance
Atkins Plus
Musle Milke Genuine, Muscle Milk Light
Boost Max
Fair Life Core Power

There are even high protein soup powders from ProtiDiet and Bariatric Advantage, and others.

The variety is vast. Some you will like, some you won't. If you don't like something today, try it again in a week.

You can also make your own high protein shakes. There are lots of recipes online, using unflavored whey protein powder mixed with milk or water, like GenePro I prefer plant-based unflavored powder, Like Orgain or Pure Protein. You can add protein powder to just about any liquid, even your coffee or tea or bullion.

I didn't like the milky flavors the first few weeks after surgery, either (eventually I got to the point I could drink them again, though) . During those early weeks, I had the chicken broth-flavored Unjury one that someone above mentioned, and some of the fruit-flavored powders by Syntrax.

5 hours ago, jaznova said:

Hi all! I'm 23 and got my sleeve 1 week ago (on 12/7). I've been keeping up with my Vitamins and trying my best to meet my Fluid intake (I drink Water, electrolyte water and eat SF popsicles for meals), but I'm having trouble with Protein supplements.

When I was pre-op, I bought Isopure Protein Drinks (premade) and they tasted pretty good, but now post-op I can't stand the taste or after taste of them (same flavors as pre-op). This is causing me to not meet my protein goals at all, which is terrible and my body is definitely reacting to it (lots of aches and pains). I'm trying to stay away from the milky shakes since my stomach doesn't handle lactose well in high quantities, but if there's one that doesn't taste terrible or have a bad aftertaste then I'm willing to try it.

Any advice to get to my goals? I was already a picky eater before the sleeve and now it's gonna be my downfall if I don't find something I like soon ?

Hey, I’m post sleeve also. I had mines on the 10th. Everyday gets better. I’ve been so thirsty but my sleeve won’t allow me to consume large quantities of anything. I’ve going back and forth with the same protein water and shakes throughout the day. They do have a couple of broths that have a lot of protein and that may be easier to consume. Good luck. I’m pretty sore but each day gets better. Take care and best wishes to you and your protein consumption. ☺️

Edited December 14, 20214 yr by Angelina1210
Suggested options for protein.

Just now, Angelina1210 said:

For me the protein shakes were way too sweet post surgery. I found the clear protein drinks to be tolerable until I found premiere protein cafe latte. It has caffeine in it which some people can’t have and I’m not sure about lactose but it was not overly sweet tasting and I still drink one for breakfast daily.

Thanks so much everyone for your insights, this has all been really helpful! I'll try some the Unjury powder for now, maybe that'll help until I reach soft foods!

Another recommendation for the Unjury chicken soup protein powder, especially since the weather is colder now.

True, tastes change after surgery. I used Genepro and added it to a bit of Crystal Light. Sweets were gross at first. Bone broth helped. If it makes you feel better for the time being, I couldn’t keep much down for weeks (vomiting), including protein, but I made it through. So if you are in contact with your surgeon, a temporary delay in protein is doable till you make it to soft foods. GL!

True, tastes change after surgery. I used GENEPRO and added it to a bit of Crystal Light. Sweets were gross at first. Bone Broth helped. If it makes you feel better for the time being, I couldn’t keep much down for weeks (vomiting), including Protein, but I made it through. So if you are in contact with your surgeon, a temporary delay in protein is doable till you make it to soft foods. GL!

Oh good, I'm glad! I haven't been able to meet my fluids or protein goals since I can't drink/ingest much in a short period (I feel gas bubbles in my chest, almost feels like heartburn). If I sip too much, it hurts a bit but I've started burping more so hopefully that goes away. I get the feeling 10x worse when I try to eat my SF popsicles, which sucks since it's the only thing getting me through the full liquids phase right now

I’m going to donate my extra protein shakes. The only ones I currently like are the premier cafe latte and the protein soups. They didn’t bother me in the pre op and immediate post op stages, but now that I can eat food again, I hate them.