Protein Drinks/Powders

I'm pre-op...like at least 2 months. I want to start drinking protein drinks. Like either as a meal replacement or just to drink.  I can do like fruit punch type drinks. But I was looking for a powder that I can add that ends up looking/tasting like a chocolate milkshake. What are some brands that you like and where did you get them. Also, if I am browsing protein powders what are some of the things you look for whey, isolate? What makes a protein powder "good" i.e. How many grams of protein per ounce? How many calories per ounce? Sorry for a super long question about protein.

There are TONS of powders out there. I recommend buying sample-size packets so that you can try different flavors before you commit to buying a huge tub. Also, this helps post op in the event that a) your tastes change, or b) you become lactose intolerant post op (many people do, including myself). I had bought a ton of protein powders and RTD shakes before surgery and ended up wasting most of it because of the L.I. and the sudden stomach-turning that some of them suddenly induced. 

That said, I really try to aim for the "golden" rule of 1 g of protein for every 10 calories. As far as whey vs. other types of protein, I was limited due to the lactose intolerance and stuck with Syntrax Nectar powders (they have a really good chocolate that, when mixed with milk and ice is just like a chocolate milkshake!) because they are lactose-free. I'm sure others will jump in with good suggestions on protein types.

Where do you find the sample sizes?

Sorry, I meant to include that! I got them at The Vitamin Shoppe, and I'm pretty sure I remember seeing some brands in sample size at GNC.

There are many places online to get samples, my favorite is BJs Bariatrics. I get the Syntrax Nectar samples from them

My nutritionist said to look for about 18-25g of protein per serving because more than that is probably a lower quality protein. It should be whey isolate protein. I don't like much of any of them but I have to say, I tried Unjury and they are the best by far of what I've had. They're 100 calories and 21 g protein per serving.

You're brave, starting them earlier than you have to. You will likely be so sick of them by the end of your journey... Or, maybe that's just me  

But, good luck to you!

My general rules -- look for at least 20 grams of protein per 100 calories of protein powder. Don't worry about the "per ounce" part -- look at how much protein you get for the amount of calories and carbs you are taking in. I try to look for protein powders that are 6 carbs (or less) per 20 grams of protein. Whey isolate is ideal, but whey concentrate is pretty decent too IMO. And lots of people can't tolerate whey so they use egg white protein powder, soy protein powder, or something else and do fine.

My favorite chocolate protein powder is Unjury Chocolate Splendor. I also like Syntrax Matrix Milk Chocolate. To make it have the consistency of a milkshake, you are going to need to have a serious blender that can handle pulverizing ice -- something like a Ninja Master or Vitamix.

I get samples of protein powder from:

Nashua Nutrition Protein Samples

Vitalady Protein Samples

Jay Robb Protein Samples

Unjury Starter Pack

Chike Variety Pack

My favorite brands are Chike, Syntrax Matrix, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, BSN Lean Dessert, BSN Syntha 6, Jay Robb, IDS Multi-Pro, Champion Whey Stack, and Syntrax Nectar Sweets. Use caution with Chike and BSN Syntha 6 - they are high in calories and carbs! I just use a half serving of protein powder and blend it with Carbmaster milk (high in protein, low in calories and carbs) and some other flavors to get an acceptable shake numbers-wise. Examples:

1/2 serving Chike iced coffee protein powder + 2 tsp instant espresso granules + 1 cup carb master milk

1/2 serving Chike chocolate bliss protein powder + 1 shot Torani sugar free chocolate syrup + 1 cup carb master milk

1/2 serving Chike banana magic protein powder + 1 shot Torani sugar free brown sugar free cinnamon syrup + 1 cup carb master milk

Oh and my least favorite protein powders: Isopure, Dymatize Nutrition, Click, Bariatric Advantage, Bariatric Fusion, About Time, Tera's Whey. But it's a very individual thing! One thing I think every vet will agree on: do NOT commit to something larger than a sample until you have sampled it AFTER surgery. Your tastes might very well change! Good luck!

It took me a while to find a couple that I really like & I still want to order some chike samples, but Unjury's chocolate splendor mixed with 1/2 cup of SF chocolate pudding + fat free or low fat milk tastes just like a chocolate shake to me.  good luck in finding something you like because it's a trial & error thing...order samples or starter packs until you find something you really like. 

I actually like Target's brand of chocolate whey protein powder. The calories are a tad higher than i usually go for,  But I enjoy half a scoop mixed with coffee for a mocha drink. Good hot or cold!  160 calories and 25 grams of protein. 

I just discovered About Time protein powders.  Received Birthday Cake in the mail today and it was really good.  Not nearly as sweet as the Syntrax (which were becoming cloying, to me).  The thing that really attracted me was the "cleanliness" of this powder.  No artificial sweeteners, etc.  

I haven't tried chocolate yet but the person who wrote the blog which led me to them rates it as the best.  

http://healthystuffreviews.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/about-time-protein-powder/

I was searching for a protein powder that was less fake and a clean option for a healthier eating plan.