Ask Tiny Tank: Do You Still Drink Protein Shakes?
I thought I’d answer a question tonight. I’ve received this question a few times recently and I believe my opinion is important to share. Protein shakes are a very helpful way to get a lot of protein in at one time. Protein shakes and soups are used regularly in the early stages of post op weight loss surgery life. Many have to do a liquid diet prior to weight loss surgery.
I did not have to do a liquid diet prior to my surgery. It was not one of the requirements from my surgeon.
Tracy, do you still drink protein shakes?
I am 12 years post op RNY. I do not drink protein shakes regularly at this time.
I feel very strongly that as soon as you can eat solid foods you should do so at each of your three meals. It is so important to learn how to eat food. The right portion of food and the right foods to satisfy you.
Maintenance will be very difficult if you are not prepared to eat food.
Learning how to plan a meal and a snack is critical and is what will carry you through long term success.
With that said, I think there is a time and place for protein shakes. I have my days when my tummy is temperamental. My common issue is a sour stomach. I will use shakes and soups during these days to get me through. This does not happen very often.
I’ve also been known to used protein shakes as a breakfast in the summer, but I find it will not hold me all the way to lunch.
If I do not eat enough at a meal I will feel like grazing and grazing is NOT an option for me. Grazing has been a down fall for me and should be avoided by all weight loss surgery patients. Now don’t get too excited yet. I understand that many people eat 5-6 small meals a day and that works for them. And I believe this is a form of planned eating; not grazing.
Me, I eat three planned meals with one snack typically in the mid afternoon. I do not eat after dinner unless I am physically hungry. My activity level directly affects my hunger in the evening.
So there you have it. My thoughts on protein shakes. Now keep in mind everyone’s journey is different. If a protein shake in the morning or at any other meal works for you and holds you then keep it up!
I’ve heard all too often though of friends who have a shake for breakfast and then overeat at lunch because it didn’t hold them.
Try to be honest as you assess your situation. A shake is easy, but is it giving you what you need?
I hope this has helped.
Please consider leaving me a comment. Do you use protein shakes? How far out from surgery are you? Do shakes hold you? If you have a shale product you like or a recipe you like please feel free to share it.
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Comments (19)
Penny
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Hi Tracy,
I’m with you on this one. 8+ yrs post op and I don’t use protein shakes on a regular basis. I did for a few weeks while taking a summer chemistry class. Our lab period was a few hours long and I was worried about having a RH issue. During that time I actually gained weight from drinking just one shake a day. For myself I find that the shakes are more of a slider food. They don’t keep me full and I end up eating more food in the long run.
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my tiny tank
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Hi Penny, thanks for mentioning the concept of a slider food. Protein shakes would act as a slider food. They give you quick protein BUT don’t keep you full for long. I’ve heard from many as they get farther out that shakes do not hold them and they end up finding themselves in a panic “I need to eat” situation after having one the meal before. thanks for sharing!
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julia
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I’m 14 month out from RNY and still use them, just not on a regular basis anymore. There are days I just don’t want one, and if I can get my protein in with real food, I’d much prefer to do that. For the longest time, my pouch did NOT do breakfast so I definitely relied on them most of the first year, but somewhere around my one-year anniversary, I attempted to eat breakfast again and discovered that whatever issue my tummy had with solid food first thing in the morning had resolved. Since then, protein shakes have become much more infrequent and more something I turn to if I’m having a fussy pouch day where I just can’t get food to sit well.
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my tiny tank
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Hi Miss Julia, I too use protein shakes for those not so tiny tank happy days. My favorite protein is wellness resources Daily Protein chocolate . Interested to know what others use. thanks for sharing!
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Trish @I_am_Succeeding
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At 8 months out I am still using them daily. Usually only 1 and it is typically for breakfast.
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my tiny tank
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Hi Trish, I was one of those people who couldn’t eat in the morning for the longest time!! So that is when I used my protein shake. Julia and I had the same experience. Once I realized I could eat again in the morning I moved on to food. You are still early out!! Enjoy your easy breakfast!! Good for you to get your protein!!
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Robin
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I’m 19 months out from VSG surgery, and I do not use them daily. I may have one a couple times a week. I will have more if I get off track and trying to rid the carb monster, then I’ll do shakes for a day with one meal. Also like you if my tummy is irritated. Like today….my tummy is in knots this morning, from getting upset late last night, so I’ll be having a shake for breakfast.
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my tiny tank
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Hi Robin, you make another really good point for using protein shakes!! If you find yourself in a carb craze period. Having a few days of shakes or even two shakes and one meal can certainly help squelch the carb monster!! Very good suggestion!!
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Deb C.
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I am almost 4 years out from RNY and am currently using them to help me jump start weight loss. Right now I am doing a doctor approved week of shakes. Four a day to make sure that I get enough calories to get through my day, five if I am working a 16 hour shift.
My normal routine only uses shakes when not feeling well or if I feel I haven’t eaten enough.
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my tiny tank
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Hi Deb, like Robin, a good suggestion for getting back on track. You make a good point which is more than a few days without food should be monitored by your doctor for sure. Keep us posted on how you do. I’m always so proud of those working hard to get back on track. It’s what maintaing is all about. thanks for sharing your situation and suggestions.
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Dixie L
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I am 20 months out and still do one protein shake (Click protein drink) a day because I still have trouble with most meats unless ground meat. It really helps get me to my protein limits a day! I also do a protein bar a day for the same reason. I see the dietitians and surgeon in 2 weeks and plan on talking with them about dropping one of these at least. I too have tummy sensitivity and the extra protein definitely helps!
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my tiny tank
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Hi Dixie. I’ve heard click can be quite habit forming (not serious) but I know those who love it. LOVE IT!!!! If there’s one thing I can’t do it’s bars. I eat them like candy.
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Julie
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I’m 2 years post op RNY and I still drink protein shakes most days. Usually in the morning. Like others have mentioned, I just don’t feel well trying to eat food in the morning. I only cook for myself and it doesn’t seem worth it when I get nauseated and then need to clean up after myself, so I rely on protein shakes for my breakfast. I loved Muscle Milk Light Cafe Latte, but they’ve discontinued making them and the replacement shakes have sugar added, more calories, less protein and they taste bad. So I’m going to have to make some changes in my routine. I will attempt eggs/egg whites to see if my stomach will accept them now. Any ideas?? I usually crave oatmeal/cream of wheat type breakfast foods, but those have too many carbs in them.
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julia
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Julie, if you’re looking for a coffee-type replacement, I HIGHLY recommend Chike Iced Coffee. It’s my absolute FAVORITE protein. Big Train’s Fit Frappes are also good. I know plenty of people also swear by their Click, but I prefer the other two…it’s a texture thing for me…I’ve never been able to get Click blended well enough for some reason. The Chike mixes up super-smooth, and since my pouch has texture issues, this is a very good thing!
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Pam Schill
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I am 5 months out VGS and I use them for breakfast. I talked to my nut and I have trouble eating solids in the morning. I was this way before surgery also. So she said if I can tolerate a protein shake that is great. I am trying to eat little amounts of eggs etc in the morning. I used to only drink coffee in the morning. Now I just drink a protein shake and then get my food in for lunch and dinner. Some days I just don’t feel like eating and I am not hungry. I might do 2 on that day with greek yogurt and other soft protein.
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my tiny tank
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Hi Pam. thanks for sharing. I too was not a good eater in the morning for about three years post wls. Today, 12 years out I need to eat or drink something right when I get up. Most times I start with my tea. Then I eat a while after. If I don’t eat or drink something when I get up I get a sour stomach. This week I have been having a sour stomach
I may just have to go to some protein shakes to simmer my tiny tank down. thanks for your comment! You are doing great!
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rebeccaw
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I always check out this website before buying any protein products – http://www.pro-proteinshake.com – My personal favourite is the Labrada Lean Body Hi-Protein shake because of the high protein:carb ratio.
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my tiny tank
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HI Rebecca, thanks for sharing your source.
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Cynthia
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I had the sleeve 11/30/12 and I still use the protein shake in the morning at about 7 am. It usually holds me until about 1, but I’m having a problem because I don’t feel “hunger” anymore, so I need to work on an eating plan. I use Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey Protein, it’s amazing with about 15 flavors, and I basically google it, and buy it from the cheapest place, my favorite is Extreme Chocolate. My nutritionist told us today that you can go back to the shakes to kick start your loss if you’re on a plateau. I attend meetings every 2 weeks, it’s not required, but we share stories and learn stuff we might not know. I had my surgery at Mass. General Weight Loss Center in Boston. It’s a great program, and they will weed out the people that aren’t committed. Basically, we’re taught that we’re given a second chance to eat right. Thanks for your great posts, I’ve been reading them for the last 6 months…
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