I looked at GNC and my head was SPINNING!:thumbup: So many options, flavors, sizes and prices. Who knew they sold them in 64 gallon drums?

But I was reading the labels and had no idea what I was looking for. Calories, fat, carbs, Protein, whey protein, soy protein, mix with Water, mix with milk, mix with juice. I was so overwhelmed!

I have read lots of threads on the tastes, and different recipes etc... But what should I be looking for as far as the calories, carbs and protein content? Do I want Whey Protein?

For instance, just looking at the products by EAS there was

Myoplex

Myoplex lite

EAS Advant-edge

EAS 100% Whey Protein

and then some of them come in Carb Control Formulas?

All these choices how do I know which would be best?

I asked the clerk at GNC for the highest protein, lowest sugar, lowest calorie whey they had. This is what he recommended and it doesn't taste bad either!

Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard - Chocolate Malt - OPTIMUM NUTRITION - GNC

Here's what I can tell you.

1. Not everybody can tolerate soy Protein, especially if they have thyroid issues. So, IF you have thyroid issues, I'd say steer away from any soy protein.

2. My doctor recommended whey protein pre-op but was less picky for post-op.

3. High carbs may work for a body builder, but you don't need them. Look for the lower carb options. Bear in mind that 15 grams of carbs is equal to a slice of bread, and some of those Protein drinks have several times that.

4. Mix with Water versus mix with milk....for me, it boiled down to does it taste better mixed with milk? Many health food stores will be able to let you taste samples. ASK

5. Calories. What my doctor recommended to me pre-op, mxed with milk was about 280 calories per serving. Protein. Look for at least 20 grams of protein in a serving (remember, you are aiming for a minimum of 60 grams of protein a day).

6. powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury (purchase on line) makes some that mix well with juice BUT if you are a Type II Diabetic, you don't need to be drinking juice because of the glycemic impact.

Post-op, I have been drinking SlimFast LOW CARB DIET for Breakfast everyday because it's easy (I'd rather sleep than eat early in the morning), has 20 grams of protein, 190 calories and only 2 net grams of carbs. Net grams is the total grams minus the Fiber grams. SlimFast makes a "high protein" variety but it only has 15 grams of protein and more than 20 grams of carbs. Nutritional labls tell the tale. Read them.

The best protein powder is one that's a complete protein, without too many carbs, and most importantly, one that you'll drink.

I got mine at GNC and love it. It's called Wheybolic Extreme 60. Each scoop has 20 g of protein. I get the chocolate. The vanilla is very good too, but I prefer the chocolate...it only has 4 g of carbs per scoop.

I use Isopure! I am not a protein shake drinker, so I am truly going through bandsters hell. It is really hard for me to get the 60 grams of protein. I am also drinking the special K water, because that has 5 additional grams of protein. Every little bit helps right. I just started my second week of protein drink and water. Pray for me that I make it through.

I was told to get one with at least 20 g of protein and less than 10 g of sugar. I went to GNC and the guys recommended Amplify. I got the Creamy Chocolate flavor. They let me taste it in the store and I was surprised that it wasn't completely gross. I blend it with fat free milk and a couple of frozen strawberries and it is really good. I think it would be really good with part of a frozen banana but I didn't want any more gas than I already had. The 32oz. bucket was about $35. It has 120 Calories, 2g of Fat, 20 g of protein, 4 carbs and 1g of sugar.

I haven't found any protein supplements that I don't think are completely repulsive. Good luck searching!

Before I finally bought mine, I was the same - head spinning and not sure what to buy.

I finally bought 2 one-pound bags at GNC, called GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein. I got one in the Cookies & Cream flavor and 1 in the Chocolate Caramel. They are both good, and the best part is - if you buy anything at GNC that you don't like, take it back with your receipt and they will refund you 100%.

I also have tried the 2.9 oz Body Fortress Protein Shots and they are not something I'd want to drink 20 oz of, but they are okay, and make it easy to get in 26g of protein if you need it. So far, I've only found them in Walmart, but haven't looked anywhere else. yet.

Prior to surgery, I ordered some of the samples from Unjury and the chocolate and vanilla were pretty good. The Chicken broth was "okay". I'd order them again.

Good luck!

Unjury Protein Powder is protein isolate...it mixes great, you don't even know it's there. You can order it online...it was recommended by my St. Luke's team...I love it. I use vanilla, chocolate and unflavored (gravies, jello, pudding, etc.) Protein isolate far exceeds protein concentrate...better mix, better taste. Just type in Unjury Protein Powder...you can order sample packets as well. Good luck!

I also use powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury, you can only order it online and it's not cheap, but I swear by it (as do my doctors):

Mixed with 8 oz of Fat Free Skim Milk you get the following:

180 Calories

0 grams Fat

29 grams Protein

Good luck!

EAS protein whey chocolate flavored is my fav....at Sams for 27.00 for a huge bag! I use 1 1/2 scoops powder, 1 cup ice, 1 cup milk and that's 40 grams protein for breakfast!!!!! Good enough for me!

I use Atkins low carb Protein shakes. They are 11 ounces with 15 grams of protein and 2 grams of net carbs.

Then I step on it twice with 2 scoops of Jay Robb Protein Powder with 25 grams protein each scoop. Also very low carbs, I think 1 or 2 grams per scoop.

So, I get 65 grams of protein right there for Breakfast.

The only problem is getting it cold enough but I do blend it in the bullet.

I really like that protien drink aswell!!! Very good

I use Wheybolic Extreme 60 from GNC. It is pretty darn good. I mix with skim milk, then sugar free jello to get some fun flavors like berry chocolate or strawberry banana. You just use like a small amount and it is delish. Then add ice.