No one tells you really how difficult it is to get in your protein post op. I am unable to drink the required Protein Powder it makes me sick to my stomach. Everything protein powder, protein water, protein yogurt seems to all have a chalky aftertaste.

Can you guys give any suggestions or highly recommended products to get in protein that don’t taste chalky and disgusting ?

Most ready made shakes taste overly sweet to me now . One month post op next week surviving on water, Jell-O, pudding and broth.

I hated that grainy taste too & they were so sweet. Shudder! I diluted my morning shake (doubled the water) which helped somewhat. Then I had soup for the rest of the day. Bone broths are very good, but consommés & cream soups are good options too. Make your own smoothie using yoghurt, milk, a little protein powder & a powdered flavour. Protein water is also a good option.

It can be a challenge to hit that goal at first but as long as you’re making an effort, are close & getting closer you’re okay. It does get easier.

I have isopure unflavored powder, I put that in creamy coffee or in my chicken broth, specifically I have Knorr chicken broth powder, 1.5 cup water to 1 tsp broth powder with one scoop of protein powder. That really worked well for me and warm liquids feel better than cold right now.

Just by way of alternatives:

My plan never included protein drinks. I'm one of those folks that gets their protein from "food." Google it if necessary. My plan from day 1 was/is 3 meals per day of 3-4oz protein + 1oz veggies. First 6 weeks it was pureed. Granted, I never completed a meal until about 5 or 6 months post-op, but I did the best I could and my team was happy with that.

At any rate, just a different take on the whole protein thing.

Good luck,

Tek

Edited January 19, 20242 yr by The Greater Fool

I would second the idea of trying warm liquids - I found it much easier to hit my fluid targets this way. Have you thought about VLCD-type soups? They are high protein (because they're intended to contain a whole day's requirement in 3 servings). Alternatively greek yoghurt/skyr or protein yoghurts? One tub of the latter has 20g protein and I could usually manage one in two or three sittings at your stage.

I also quite enjoyed the pureed food phase, although there's no way I would have come anywhere close to my protein goals on the volume I could manage a month post op.

There are so many things to juggle with your new stomach. The first few weeks can be difficult, and we worry about everything at the start. I think you'll relax into it and be absolutely fine. Keep trying your best and asking for advice - there are so many people here with loads of experience to share.

Edited January 19, 20242 yr by Spinoza

18 hours ago, DanielleQ said:

Can you guys give any suggestions or highly recommended products to get in protein that don’t taste chalky and disgusting ?

I'm 9 months out from WLS and I've been following this forum since January 2023. I can't count the number of posts here of people struggling to drink protein. I consumed a lot of them before ever having surgery. Back in my weightlifting days. Maybe it's an acquired taste sort of thing but never had a problem with them except for a few premade ones tasting too sweet. Food/drink aversions are pretty common post-op though. taste buds change etc.

I can't help but wonder, when using the powders... if tasting chalky, use a good blender. I have a Vitamix and even the cheapest protein powders taste good. I tried Walmart's Equate Whey Protein powder for $18/18 servings. If you are mixing with a spoon or shaking in a cup, even the best powders will taste chalky.

I buy vanilla or unflavored powder so I can change up the taste by adding frozen fruit, SF various flavor Greek yogurts, peanut butter or cocoa powder, Crystal Light or stevia to sweeten. I like to use milk and ice. It comes out tasting like a milkshake. Strawberry being my fav. Experiment to find what you like. Variations are endless and beats drinking the same premade ones day after day.

GL on your weight loss journey!!

Edited January 19, 20242 yr by BabySpoons

I have totally switched to collagen with the missing amino acid added. It isn't whey or dairy (grass fed beef collagen) and mixes best in warm liquids. I think it's tasteless, hubby says it's slightly sweet but doesn't have a "flavor" like whey protein. As a bonus, as well as being protein, it's good for joints, hair, nails and skin. 45 calories, 11g protein per scoop. 44 scoops per container. My dietitian approved it as long as I use one with the missing amino acid. I get mine from Amazon. Price just went up to $27. I get it for $24 with subscribe and save. Are we allowed to share links here? I'll just copy and paste the description.

Giant Sports Collagen Peptide Powder - Hydrolyzed Complete All Essential Amino Acids with L-Tryptophan

Unflavored isopure is what I used, or the gatorade zero protein drinks. I struggle with enough protein on food alone at 5.5 months PO. I find myself having a protein shake. I am trying to wean off the shakes, which means eating more protein snacks (Quest Protein Chips).

I feel the exact same way 6 days post op. I hate the fake sugary taste. Everything is gross to me. I have to switch up the flavors of my shakes. Fair life has been the best brand for me so far!!

Fairlife Core Elite: 42 grams each shake and they're the closest thing to tasting like just chocolate milk with no chalky taste I've tried and believe me I've tried them all!

On 1/18/2024 at 6:51 PM, DanielleQ said:

No one tells you really how difficult it is to get in your Protein post op. I am unable to drink the required Protein Powder it makes me sick to my stomach. Everything protein powder, protein Water, protein yogurt seems to all have a chalky aftertaste.

Can you guys give any suggestions or highly recommended products to get in protein that don’t taste chalky and disgusting ?

Most ready made shakes taste overly sweet to me now . One month post op next week surviving on water, Jell-O, pudding and broth.< /p>