Hi! So I see a lot of bariatric patients drinking all kinds of different protein drinks after surgery.

My surgeon and dietitians have all said that anyone who goes to their clinic can only have their specific brand of protein or unjury. They've said after surgery our bodies don't tolerate other brands well because they're not whey based.

But if that's true then how do other patients who've gone to other doctors tolerate them? They're not doing the surgery any differently.

Im just wondering if this is a ploy to get us to buy their stuff, or if there's any truth to this? I'd like to buy pre-made shakes because their protein powder makes me nauseous.

Thanks!

Sounds like a ploy, if you have to do it pre-op then do it. I get whey protein from GNC, even this site sells whey protein. I know that after surgery some people struggle with whey, there are so many options on the market, that you are not corralled into buying from just them unless you signed a contract that states that.

they may want you to have 100% whey protein isolate (no pre-made shakes are 100% whey protein isolate - it has something to do with they can't get the texture right if they try to make them with 100% WPI, so they're always a blend), but not sure why they're limiting you to theirs or Unjury's (I really like Unjury protein, though). However, Unjury isn't the only commercial brand that makes 100% WPI - Syntrax comes to mind, and I'm sure there are others. So not sure what's going on here - unless you're right that they just want you to buy theirs.

They want to earn some more money. Simple as that.

There are definitely other brands of 100% whey protein isolate available. I mean, it does sound like they want you to buy from them, but I would compare the price to make sure they aren't marking it up. My doctor's office just gave us a list of brands to consider, plus a few requirements for fat and sugar content. They were more concerned with us finding flavors we liked, which you can't always do with a single brand option. Then again, my doctor also doesn't require more than 48 hours of a liquid diet and doesn't do the puree stage, just soft, well-cooked foods you can chew down to mush. So they're all different. Which leads me to believe many of the "rules" are more like "preferences."

Sounds like they want you to spend your money at their office. They probably have a representative they deal with for Unjury brand. Mine suggested Premier protein and i drink their ready made protein shakes. I have had no bad reactions and my bloodwork is excellent.

1 hour ago, NCL04321 said:

Sounds like they want you to spend your money at their office. They probably have a representative they deal with for Unjury brand.

This.

We were recommended several brands (from cheaper to more expensive) in regards to protein and supplements but they also provided criteria the supplements should fulfill in case we decided to choose an entirely different brand.

I have used premier protein the whole time, I do have some isopure protein powder as well (unflavored). My surgeon/dietician recommended premier. I have had no reactions to either of them.

1 hour ago, summerset said:

This.

We were recommended several brands (from cheaper to more expensive) in regards to Protein and supplements but they also provided criteria the supplements should fulfill in case we decided to choose an entirely different brand.

Yes, mine too. x amount of protein and x amount of carbs/sugar.

same happened to me. i had to buy my supply of protein shakes from my surgeon's office. i was green and eager and didn't even question it.

but yeah, looking back i realize they probably (at best) just wanted everyone doing the same thing, and (at worst) just wanted my money.

i didnt end up buying more after surgery (because thier shakes were just too sweet for me post op) and also i smartened up a bit and read the label.

i bought my own preferred brand after surgery (Isopure) and turned out just fine.

I just want to add in my binder from my surgeon's office they gave me a huge list of protein powders and pre-mixed shakes, and they also gave me a guideline regarding calories, sugars, and carbs for any protein source I find that is not on the list. I can share it with you if you are interested.

56 minutes ago, New To This23 said:

I just want to add in my binder from my surgeon's office they gave me a huge list of Protein powders and pre-mixed shakes, and they also gave me a guideline regarding calories, sugars, and carbs for any protein source I find that is not on the list. I can share it with you if you are interested.

I would love that! Thank you!

1 hour ago, ms.sss said:

same happened to me. i had to buy my supply of Protein Shakes from my surgeon's office. i was green and eager and didn't even question it.

but yeah, looking back i realize they probably (at best) just wanted everyone doing the same thing, and (at worst) just wanted my money.

i didnt end up buying more after surgery (because thier shakes were just too sweet for me post op) and also i smartened up a bit and read the label.

i bought my own preferred brand after surgery (Isopure) and turned out just fine.

I got the same, and I'm curious how they compare, if you don't mind sharing. I'll see if I can scan mine and share it, too.

Edited to add: this quoted the wrong post for some reason! I was trying to reply to @SpacePossumSupreme!

Edited October 23, 20232 yr by NickelChip

The title of this post made me laugh. Go with your gut oh SpacePossumSupreme ( love that name )

Some people cannot tolerate whey protein and it is very hard to disguise the taste.

A mix of whey protein and collagen protein is recommended. I love Tasteless Protein Powder. I can put that in shakes, drinks, jellies, soups and most things that you can think of. This one is collagen based and is great for our inflammatory system and bones.

Live long and proper.

That 100% sounds like a ploy. Complete nonsense. You can get the whey protein without it being theirs. Just shop around and compare ingredients and prices.

My surgeon recommended Unjury and gave me two flavors to try but said continuing Premier Protein is fine as well.