Most weight loss surgery patients know they need to reach their protein goals on a daily basis. Using a “ready to drink“ (RTD) protein drink or making your own protein drink with a protein powder can aid in reaching your goal.
But not all RTD protein drinks and protein powders are appropriate for bariatric surgery patients — some of the protein supplements may be formulated for other purposes such as body building or for people who need to gain weight.
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What to Look for in a Post-Op Protein Drink
When choosing a protein supplement, it’s important to look for some general nutritional guidelines. In addition, if you like to make your own protein drink (smoothie or shake), be careful what you add to it. Some people go overboard with adding fruit, fruit juice, peanut butter and other ingredients, which can raise the calorie level of your protein drink well beyond what you need.
There are many RTD protein drinks on the market which can make selecting an appropriate one more difficult. Typically, you’ll want to look for a protein drink that has at least 20 grams of good quality protein (preferably whey protein isolate), no more than 300 calories and less than 15 grams of sugars.
Some of the RTD protein drinks we recommend are:
- Premier Protein – can be purchased at any of the warehouse stores
- GNC Total Lean – also comes in a powder
- Lean Body by LaBrada – sold at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe
- Muscle Milk Light – sold in pharmacies, grocery stores and some warehouse stores
- Met Rx Meal Replacement – sold at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe
Some protein powders we recommend are:
- Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement (powder) – can be ordered directly at bariatricadvantage.com
- Isopure Low Carb (powder) – sold at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe
- Unjury Powdered Whey Protein Isolate – can be ordered directly at unjury.com
If you are vegan, vegetarian, do not or cannot use artificial sweeteners, there are specialty protein drinks for you. Ask your bariatric dietitian or bariatric surgeon for suggested products.
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Tips for Making Your Own Protein Drinks
If you like to make your own protein drink, first start off with one of the protein powders or RTD products suggested above. If using a protein powder, you can add the recommended amount of water, skim (fat free milk), fortified almond milk or light soy milk. Check the product for directions as each brand of protein powder may be different.
If you want a bit more flavor, fiber and nutrition, you can add 2 tablespoons of PB2® (a low calorie peanut powder), a small amount of fresh fruit (1/2 cup at most), ice and/or leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.) if desired.
Things to avoid
I usually ask patients to avoid adding too much fruit, fruit juices, whole milk and/or peanut butter as these ingredients can add significant amounts of calories to a protein shake.
Even though fruit, fruit juices and peanut butter are healthy, they can pack a high calorie punch. Just two tablespoons of peanut butter alone has 190 calories, which is more calories than some of the RTD protein drinks! Adding fruit juice adds a lot of calories and increases the sugar count. Higher sugar counts may cause dumping in those that have had gastric bypass.
Calorie-free SPICE additions to protein drinks
To add more pizzazz to your protein drink without the calories, try adding some of the following spices:
- Cinnamon
- ginger
- nutmeg
- pumpkin pie spice
- cloves
Add a dash to your protein drink for a little bit more flavor. A dash of cinnamon in a vanilla protein drink tastes delicious!
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Calorie-free EXTRACT additions to protein drinks
You might also try adding some of the following extracts:
- pure vanilla extract
- almond extract
- peppermint extract
- mint extract
- cinnamon extract
- pure orange or berry extracts
- coconut extract (imitation)
Use just a drop or 2 in a protein drink to add a burst of flavor! A drop of almond extract in a chocolate protein drink makes a tasty treat. Or a drop of mint extract in a chocolate protein drink turns an ordinary chocolate drink into a chocolate mint delight!
Sugar-free SYRUP additions to protein drinks
Lastly, you can try using sugar-Free syrups to flavor your homemade protein drink:
- Da Vinci (davincigourmet.com)
- Walden Farms (waldenfarms.com)
- Torani (torani.com)
All three of these are wonderful sugar free syrups you can add to your protein drink for even more flavor options. Visit the company websites for lists of available flavors and where you can purchase these syrups.
On a hot day, make your protein drink into ice pops. Use any ice pop mold and turn your protein drink into something cool and refreshing!
With so many protein drinks and flavoring options you won’t get bored any time soon! If you are still not sure what to buy or use, call the office and ask the dietitian before you waste money on a product that will not help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Be sure to also check out more of my diet, nutrition and exercise tips on my dedicated page, Dietitian’s Corner!
Dietitian’s Corner by Lori Skurbe
Dietitian’s Corner is a monthly column for post-op and pre-op patients of bariatric surgery in NJ written by Prime Surgicare’s Lori Skurbe. Lori has been a dietitian for over 20 years with an extensive background in weight management, bariatric nutrition and diabetes education.
Thank you for the great info
Glad that you found it helpful Deborah!
Thanks for writing such a easy to understand article, I am about to have this surgery and my surgeon wants me to start the shakes ahead to get used to them, and help lose some weight before. Its helped a lot to have those tips as I would likely have overdone the additions. Thank you.
You are most welcome Michelle! Good luck with your surgery.
Is there a time limit for when someone should “quit” rtd protein shakes….I drink at least one daily but was told (by someone that may not be qualified) that since the protein shakes are synthetic and artificial, one should limit the intake and should be taken one month on, one month off. Is there truth to this because I love to take one pure protein shake low on calories, no sugars…. on a daily basis.
Thank you in advance.
To my knowledge a good quality protein drink (preferably one made with whey protein isolate) can be used as a meal. I do not believe there is a limit to how long you can use protein drinks. However, I would not rely on a protein drink or protein bars for all of your protein needs. Try to get the rest of your daily protein needs met by eating poultry, eggs, fish/shellfish, lean beef, low fat or fat free milk and milk products, beans, lentils and tofu. Hope this helps!
I found your article a very good,well worded & with informative content
I enjoy helpful knowledge, just one extra addition I’m very.!!! Interested in
The New Muscle Monster 25 Gram high protein energy shake (?The very best ) I’ve ever used or enjoyed.. I do better with it diet wise , strength energy than any I’ve tried , my problem my sons feel it is not as say healthy for my diet as ex: Gnc or Premier. Could you please give me an opinion. I use both of the others esp the premier could do one of each. But ” Enjoy ” love the taste & use far more of the new Muscle monster high protein high energy 25gr shake , please respond if you can thank you sincerely Opal C
Addition to my prev Muscle monster high protein shake. I want to add I AM A BARIATRIC SLEEVE PATIENT, very careful to take my vitamins, minerals & exercise regularly. Also
Hi thank you for your article. I would like to know exactly what kind of juice, if any can I use to make my RTD drink? I had GP a month ago and may have had maybe 4x30ml of protein since that the day of my survey. I had major complications that was caused by doctor error, nevertheless I’m alive. I dislike skim milk unless it’s really cold but I would really to know specifically what juice I can use.
If you are using a RTD (Ready To Drink) protein drink – you do not add anything -it is ready to drink as is. If you are using a protein drink powder, you can mix with water and ice in a blender. You can also use skim or 1% milk. Even if you do not like skim milk – you usually do not taste it once it is mixed with the flavored protein powder.
I do not recommend using any juice to mix with protein drinks – juices are all sugar and offer no protein. After Weight Loss Surgery the goal is to get in protein to satisfy the appetite and protect muscle as you lose body fat.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Hi…thank you for your article and ideas! I love protein drinks. I was just wondering if a protein drink would be considered one of my meals? Or is it something I could have in between meals? I normally make the isopure low carb chocolate powder with water and some ice. I had my vsg surgery on 5/13/16 and am currently in the second week of pureed foods.
I am glad you enjoyed this article on protein drinks. I usually recommend using a protein drink as meal. However, if you are having trouble getting protein in or tolerating many protein foods, having a good quality protein drink between a meal as a snack, may be helpful.
I’m in the early stages of preparing for the sleeve surgery, and want to get started using a protein powder. I am VERY confused on what to buy since I’ve heard/read so many different opinions such as using an isolate whey protein, a rice protein with no fat sugar or cholesterol, and something called Vega Protein and Greens. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
If you are preparing for a Sleeve Gastrectomy, you most likely are seeing a Registered Dietitian for your required nutritional visits. The dietitian may advise you which protein supplements to use. If not, please use the guidelines outlined in the article to help you select and use a protein powder.
There is no reason to use a plant protein powder over a whey protein isolate powder. People who use rice protein or other plant based protein powders usually do so because they are vegetarian or vegan (do not eat animal protein) or do not tolerate whey protein. I hope this helps. Good Luck!
Hello my name is venita clements and I’ve reviewed your many products and don’t know what to try I am a gastric bypass patient and would like to get some samples if possible my address is 540 Powell Dr Rocky mount nc 27803
Unfortunately Venita, we do not mail out samples. You can go to a product’s website or stores that sell them and see if they have samples. Make sure you find out what each store/retailer’s return/exchange policies are because some stores will take an open product back, but not all will. Hope this helps!
I had gastric bypass surgery several years ago. My question is, can a protein drink replace two meals and then eat one meal per day. I need to drop approx 10 pounds before they stick. I have increased my excercise, but I want to get rid of these pounds
BTW, I love your site. Good, straightforward
Replies.
Thank you for your time
Thanks for reading our articles, I am glad you find them helpful! To answer your question:
You can use a good quality protein drink to replace 1 to 2 meals daily to lose some regained weight. Make sure your one meal consists of lean healthy protein, followed by non starchy vegetables, and if you have room, a whole grain carbohydrate (ex: wild rice, whole grain pasta, quinoa, etc.).
Thank you for all the information. I am going to be having gastric bypass surgery in 2-4 months. I am trying to get all the information I need besides what I have gotten from my doctor’s and dietitian.
You are welcome!
I got the sleeve surgery 6 days ago. Is it safe for me to drink the protein infuse water?
I am not sure what brand of protein infused water you are using, so it’s hard to say whether it’s ok to use or not.
In this practice, we advise our patients to use beverages that are high protein, sugar free and clear for the first week post op. We recommend Isopure Zero Carb, which has 40 grams of protein and Cytosport Whey Isolate Protein Drink, which has 32 grams of protein. Both are sugar free and under 200 calories per serving.
Good Morning, excellent article, thank you!
I drink a lot of water, always have, I actually enjoy it, and I do not mix it with Crystal Light – I just like pure, unadulterated water from our well. On the Unjury site for the protein powder, it says this: Note: We don’t recommend mixing Unflavored UNJURY® in plain water – but it does not give an explanation for why??
Can you explain why it is not recommended?
Thanks so much, glad I found your site!
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! To answer your question… The reason Unjury Unflavored Protein Powder is not recommended to mix with plain water is because you will taste the protein powder in the water. The unflavored protein powder still has a taste even though it is unflavored. This powder is best added to a beverage that’s already flavored.
Hope that answers your question.
My doctor is wanting to charge me $300 for my 2 week Pre-Op surgery protein drink. Does this sound right or can I do better making the protein drinks myself? I am suppose to start on 11/16/16 and my surgery is 11/30/16. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Vanessa
You can purchase good quality, lower cost protein drinks in many of the warehouse stores and health food store chains.
Some brands we recommend are:
Premier protein
Muscle Milk Light
Isopure Low Carb
Some protein drinks come in a ready to drink form, which do not require adding anything. Some protein drinks come in a powder. Only mix the powder with water, skim milk or 1% milk. Do not add anything else to the protein drinks as this may increase calories, fat or sugars.
Do you think that there is any reason to avoid Whey Protein Concentrate (as opposed to isolate)?
Hi Danielle! Here is a helpful breakdown:
Whey Protein Isolates
Usually have a higher amount of protein than concentrate forms.
Most if not all lactose is removed making it easier to tolerate for those with lactose intolerance.
May offer more protein in smaller amounts, which is beneficial to bariatric patients.
May blend better and often have a cleaner taste, which makes it easier to drink or use.
Tends to be more expensive.
Whey Protein Concentrates
Whey protein concentrates have a lower concentration of protein and contain lactose.
The protein quality is good, but the percentage of protein varies quite a bit from product to product (check the nutrition information).
Both types of protein can be used. It depends on your budget, taste and if you’re lactose intolerant.
Additionally, you may want to avoid collagen based protein supplement. They are the poorest quality protein.
I’m on day 4 post up of gastric sleeve. Is it ok to mix protein powder with 8 oz of 1% milk and ice to the nutra ninja blender. I know I’m supposed to have clear liquids but water and broth just isn’t cutting it for me. I have premier Rtd but the milk shake consistency is more satisfying. Is it ok to make a creamy frothy shake with protein powder and 1% milk?
For the first week post gastric sleeve, you must be on low sugar/sugar free clear liquids. You need to get your protein in using unflavored whey protein isolate powder, which can be mixed into broth, sugar free gelatin, diet cranberry juice, G2 (low calorie Gatorade), Crystal Light, Powerade Zero, etc. You can also use ready to drink clear protein drinks such as Isopure Zero Carb (40 grams protein per bottle) or Cytosport Whey Isolate Protein drink (32 grams protein per bottle). These beverages can usually be purchased at GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe. You cannot use milk or a thicker protein drink until week 2 post op. Check with the information you should have been given at your surgeon’s office on how to advance your diet after surgery.
Why are RTD not recommended post sleeve surgery?
Ready to drink (RTD) protein drinks are used post gastric sleeve. You must use clear forms of RTD protein drinks for the first week post op and may advance to a thicker RTD protein drinks usually by the second week. Check with your surgeon or dietitian about when you should be adding in new foods or beverages post surgery. Each surgeon has their own protocol.
Slim fast has a high protein sugar free Rtd. Would this be suitable for RTD protein shake?
Hi there… In the article, there are suggestions of better quality RTD protein drinks. I would recommend using one of those.
Hi! Just wondering. As a post op Gastric Bypass patient, I have a daily protein quota to meet. Now if I can get all 90 grams of protein in my breakfast shake, is that a bad thing? Does it make a difference if I take my protein all at once or should it be spread out during the day?
Hi there! It is best to get or meet your daily protein goal by having a healthy
protein at each meal and not all of it at once. It may be easier to
absorb and having protein at each meal helps with appetite control
throughout the day.
Thanks for the articles and feedback.
I am looking for a pre and post protien shake.
I am scheduled for my surgery at the end of the month. I bought GNC lean RTD. Is this the better option. What do you recommend for week 3 or 4
GNC Total Lean is a good product. We recommend this protein drink as a meal replacement pre-op for our patients. GNC Total Lean can also be used once you are on the Full Liquid stage, starting week 2 post-op and there after, to help reach daily protein goals.
What about Celebrate for protein shakes? I have the sleeve done 5 years in May and an having a hard time loosing still and I need to lose 40 more lbs.
Hi Karen, it might be best to consult with your doctor and a nutritionist to see if you are using the appropriate level and combination of diet and exercise so that you are able to see more optimal results.
Is it ok to mix the unjury protein powder with the premier protein shake?
Hi! Most bariatric patients need to get 60-80 grams of protein in daily. Some patients may need more protein daily. Protein intake ideally should be spread out between meals and, if needed, snacks. Adding Unjury protein powder to a Premier protein drink is unnecessary and too much protein at one time.
I actually cannot use any artificial sweeteners. .they all make me really sick, even the ones that are supposed to be natural. ..I am having a hard time finding whey isolate thst doesn’t have these sweeteners in them. .I have found some soy based that have a slightly higher amount of carbs..will these work and give me a good outcome? If I mix them with a plain vanilla yogurt and almond milk with a small amount of peanut butter powder? I am hitting a wall here.
Hi…If you can, use stevia: Blue Bonnet protein powder or About Time brand are good products. You can mix with with water or skim or 1% milk. Almond mix is OK to use, but does not add any protein. Another product you can try is the Orgain brand protein drinks, They are higher in sugar, but do not appear to contain any artificial sweeteners or stevia. You can use a unflavored whey isolate powder and add it into foods like yogurt or hot cereal for added protein.
Hi , I had the open gastric bypass 14 yrs ago and have put on 30 pds since then what protein powder mix should i use for 2 meal replacement aday and can you still put crystal lite in your daily water consumption (64oz)
Is ok to put unsweetened 30 calorie almond milk in your shakes instead of water?
Hi! You can use any of the protein drinks listed in the article as a meal replacement. Protein powders can be mixed with water, skim or 1% milk. Almond milk can be used, but adds very little protein to the drink. Crystal Light can be added to water if it helps you drink more. I hope this helps!
So can I drink the premier protein drinks from Costco in the first week post sleeve surgery or not?
Hi James! Please check above (Dec. 6th) for our posted answer about first week post-op patients. And don’t forget to check the information you should have been given at your surgeon’s office on how to advance your diet after surgery.
So I have been given a muscletech 100% whey protein powder. Is this a good powder to use for a sleeve patient that is several years out?
Hi there! If you can meet your daily protein needs through protein-rich foods, such as poultry, lean tender beef, fish/seafood, low fat cheese, fat free yogurt, milk, eggs and plant proteins, a protein drink or powder isn’t needed.
The general recommendation for protein is 60- 80 grams daily for most post-ops. This amount may be more for some people depending on their height, weight and physical activity level.
With that being said, some weight loss surgery patients still choose to use a protein drink as a meal to help reach their daily protein goal. The one you mention seems appropriate as long as you mix with water or fat free milk.
Q: I’ve never been able to get pregnant anyway, so I won’t need to worry about avoiding pregnancy after surgery, will I? A: You can experience a boost in fertility quite soon after surgery, so it is important to use a barrier method of birth control such as IUD, or condoms and spermicide to ensure you do not become pregnant. Birth control pills are much less effective patients with obesity and in the phase of rapid weight loss. If you do become pregnant, please contact your bariatric surgeon and your obstetrician to monitor your progress. You will need to closely monitor your nutrient intake and be evaluated for vitamin deficiencies.