Hi,

I am 6 weeks in and still hard to eat and drink. I just returned to work and need some ideas on what to eat feel like I'm not getting enough protein and it's really hard to drink the shakes now. I really miss using a straw. Does anyone have any meal replacement bar suggestions that are high in protein and low in sugar? Thank you.

Hi, I've not yet had surgery, but I have eaten the Think Crunch Protein bars for over 5 years. They usually run between 13-14 grams of protein and only 5 grams of sugar. (11 carbs) I like them because they are more like a wafer and it's a different consistency than most protein bars. They are about 200 calories for each bar. I'm not sure how well they will work as part of a post surgery nutrition plan, but the were a staple in my diet during my WW days.

My whole family really likes the Built bars (especially the puff varieties). They were recommended by my program and if you use the code Built10 (I think) you can get ten percent off. Sign up for their texts - the factory 2nds discounts are a good deal.

The puffs in the fridge are even better! They taste like a candy bar!

You really should be looking at eating mostly real food not relying on shakes & other meal replacements by now. Reintroducing real food to re educate your tummy post surgery. Is it all foods or just some specific foods, flavours &/or textures you struggle with? It’s not unusual to struggle with certain foods to begin (eggs, chicken, steak are pretty common culprits) - your tummy can be pretty fussy while it’s still healing & recovering. If it’s all foods, it may be best to speak with your surgeon to find out what’s going on.

Personally I didn’t have another shake once I started purées. Got everything I needed from real food. I used to take left overs to work. I bagged & froze single portions so I’d just grab them in the morning & reheat at work. Soups, mince dishes, casserole/braises, etc. still pretty soft & moist. Coarse & dry foods can be difficult to eat & cause discomfort (restriction, foamies, etc.) so I think you would struggle with meal replacement bars. Cheese, yoghurt, fruit (if allowed at this stage), boiled eggs or egg salad can be included if necessary.

In the future meal replacement or protein shakes & bars can be an easy just in case addition to your diet or to boost your protein on a day you may be a little low. Great for travelling too.

Edited September 1, 20224 yr by Arabesque

I second Built Bars as the best protein bars available. They’re lower in calories and sugar than most other protein bars. I wouldn’t consider them “meal replacement bars,” but perhaps you are using that term loosely. You should easily be able to find a coupon code for 12%-15% off with Honey or Capital One browser extensions. Be warned, though — you will get hooked on them and buy way too many because they keep releasing limited-edition flavors. I personally prefer the regular bars to the puffs, but they are all delicious. Pro tip: a lot of the bars are better warmed in the microwave (10-15 seconds on high, or use the “soften butter” setting if you have one).

Not too sound like a broken record, but Built bars are what I use when I need to have something with me to get a little nutrition and protein. I am particularly fond of the salted caramel and the coconut. At 140 calories and 17 grams of protein, they work very well in my diet.

I have heard very good things about the built bars too. I have been afraid to try them though because in the past I have overdone the protein bars and too much of anything can be bad. Let us know if you try them.

Man, I am going to have to try the built bars. My rule is no less than 1g protein per 10 calories and under 5 sugars. Carbs are not a huge deal for me because I don't eat much anyway and I am allowed to.

I randomly try different one, I really like QUEST brand and keep them on hand regularly. But I will randomly grab a new one to try from a convenience store where I can buy and sample 1 of them rather than buying a box and not like them.

My latest try was the "Snickers + protein" bar. I was VERY let down. Didn't taste like snickers AT ALL and it wasn't good regardless. I took 1 bite and tossed it.

Guess I am going for a built bar next time.

On 09/01/2022 at 11:54, Tony B - NJ said:

Not too sound like a broken record, but Built Bars are what I use when I need to have something with me to get a little nutrition and Protein. I am particularly fond of the salted caramel and the coconut. At 140 calories and 17 grams of protein, they work very well in my diet.

Brownie batter puffs are my go to… but I don’t think I’ve tried one I didn’t like. Some flavors I like more than others, but so far nothing I went ewwww when I tried.

Ones I’ve tried and liked- GNC lean bars

Atkins bars (but be careful with the sugar alcohols),

Bariatricpal bars (specifically the mint chocolate one),

Protein One bars as they’re 90-100 calories and 10g of protein (can find at grocery stores near the other protein/granola bars),

nature valley protein bars (these do have 6-8g of sugar but also provide fiber (usually from nuts/peanuts) and 10g of protein for around 180-200 calories depending on variety) l. I mostly buy these for my kids but I also eat them on occasion.

Ones that are meh- pure protein bars, zone bars (too much sugar and weird texture), quest bars (the crunchy ones are good though!), power crunch (they have a kind of waxy outer coating to me).

Thank you all, for feedback and suggestions. I am just trying to figure out work life food balance.

Built Bars were my go to, love them but for me the carb count was to high so I had to stop eating them. But they ARE really good

Oooooo - interesting to read all the replies! I look on bars of all varieties as some of the things that made me obese in the first place. Along with all other highly processed foods. There is sugar or some sort of sugar substitute in ALL of them. I would rather have a handful of raw nuts or some deli meat these days if I can't have a proper meal. That's not to say I am holier than thou, just to say that if I can go through this journey scrutinising every bite that goes into my mouth and asking myself what it's for, I think I'll come out the far end a better eater and a healthier human.

On 09/01/2022 at 17:05, Blue432 said:

Thank you all, for feedback and suggestions. I am just trying to figure out work life food balance.

The bars were things we use when we know there’s a good chance we will be running and actual meals might be delayed. They are great occasional stop gaps so we didn’t get home starving and overeat or eat bad things in a rush to eat something.

If you look at them like that (everything in balance) I’m sure whatever you go with will work just fine when you find the one(s) you like.

2 hours ago, Spinoza said:

Oooooo - interesting to read all the replies! I look on bars of all varieties as some of the things that made me obese in the first place. Along with all other highly processed foods. There is sugar or some sort of sugar substitute in ALL of them. I would rather have a handful of raw nuts or some deli meat these days if I can't have a proper meal. That's not to say I am holier than thou, just to say that if I can go through this journey scrutinising every bite that goes into my mouth and asking myself what it's for, I think I'll come out the far end a better eater and a healthier human.

I totally agree with what you are saying. That's exactly to the point.

I will have to try the Built Bars. Currently, I eat the Protein One protein bars. 90 calories and 10 grams of protein is a pretty good ratio. My favorite is the Strawberries & Cream variety.