Your surgeon and your dietitian say you need more protein. With a limited stomach pouch, how is that going to happen? You can add protein by adding unflavored powder to many things you are already eating and drinking. These can be added to a variety of foods and beverages including cooked cereals, flavored water or low-calorie sports drinks, light yogurts, unsweetened fruit purees, sugar-free puddings, protein shakes and smoothies, milk, decaf coffee or tea, cottage cheese, soups, broth and hummus or other bean dips.
Finding unflavored protein in a single serve packet will allow you to sample a brand without having to buy the larger container first. Single serve packets of whey protein isolate are available online with Bariatric Fusion, Jay Robb and Unjury. Whey protein powder is also found in the bulk bins at Sprouts Farmers Market. You can buy a small amount to taste test. Our patients have also liked the larger containers of unflavored whey protein by brands like Inspire (www.bariatriceating.com), Isopure (GNC, online) and Syntrax Nectar (online). Keep in mind, whey protein must be kept under 140 degrees, otherwise, it will curdle. Soy protein isolate is also available. Brands include GNC and brands like NOW Foods and Genisoy, which are available online and some natural foods stores. These will be in larger containers. Sprouts Farmers Market also has soy protein in their bulk bins, so that you can buy a small amount to taste test. Sometimes you can get a sample taste of unflavored protein in stores that sell natural foods, supplements and sports nutrition products. Ask about the return policy if you don’t like the product. There are many other brands of unflavored protein powders on the market. If you have a group of bariatric buddies, perhaps the buddies can buy different brands to try and share. This cuts the cost of taste testing. May your protein status be awesome!