If you're like me, you CANNOT stand the protein drinks that are currently on the market.
I have tried a few... and they are as follows (With color coding to tell which ones I liked): Green = Liked, Yellow = "Somewhat Liked" and Red = "Disliked Greatly" :) I know, I'm brilliant!
1.) "Atkins Advantage" - 15 Grams of protein if you drink one of these. They come in a large variety of flavors, such as: Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Kiwi, Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee, and more. Sadly, they (to me) did not taste good at ALL... aside from the "Caramel Cafe" flavor (which is made with some real coffee, but you need to avoid caffeine after surgery due to dehydration issues)...
2.) "Premier Protein" - This one has 30 grams of protein (DOUBLE the Atkins - I had to try it.)... The Chocolate is... "Okay" - It is extremely thick (so if you plan to just "chug it and get it over with" like I wanted to PRE-Surgery... It won't work. Haha) but for double the protein, it's good to check out. Definitely tastes better than the Atkins.
3.) "GNC Brand Pro-Performance AMP Protein Powder" - 60 Grams of protein for 12 Oz. of water. - This kind tasted the best for me pre-surgery, and it is much more watery than the others so it's easier to "Down" quickly pre-surgery (since you cannot drink fast after surgery). It has an aftertaste of old chocolate milk... But that's better than the aftertaste of the other drinks! - Would definitely advise trying this. Lots of protein, easy to sip, and it doesn't taste horrible (although after surgery my tastes changed completely and I did not like it any more [at all]) - but it would be a good idea to try chocolate, vanilla, etc and see what you like pre and post-surgery.
4.) "NutiBiotic Organic Rice Protein Powder" - 15 Grams of protein per "Heaping Tablespoon". This brand was suggested to me by my surgeon, Dr. Simchuk, when I told him that the liquid diet "SUCKED." - He claimed that this powder was "Tasteless" and that I should check it out. - My mother picked some up for me the other day and i have to say: It is tasteless! It can make broth, etc a little gritty - but it will add 12 grams of protein to a cup of broth and you will [barely] taste the difference. From someone that CANNOT STAND the protein diet - I would definitely suggest trying it. It advertises itself as: "100% Organic. No Pesticides Used. No Preservatives. Kosher Certified. Vegan." and more... But who cares? It's tasteless protein stuff! Woohoo!
In regards to #3 above - that is a good thing I want to remind people... Your tastes will change after this surgery! I was definitely afraid of that... I can't imagine what it will be like if I wind up disliking Fettuccine Alfredo and sweet tea! However, don't worry... From someone that has had the surgery and is now going into phase 2 of the diet (Puréed diet) - I tasted a baby-spoon half-full of mashed potatoes that were reduced to... mushes... and I enjoyed it just as much as before - the only taste changes I've noticed (so far) - is that onions now smell 10x as good after having 0 real food and some of the protein drinks started to suck! Haha.
Another suggestion would be: Don't underestimate the power of broth! :)
I really, really dislike protein drinks in general (thank goodness for this new tasteless powder!) - So broth has been getting me SOME protein - and making me still feel human! Getting some flavor in your diet - whether it be chicken broth, veggie soup broth, or whatever that may be - will make you feel like you're actually eating "Food" rather than the protein liquid. - Just remember: Don't drink too fast! I made that mistake like 20 minutes ago and it was 60% of the way to a "Curl up and die" moment! :P
Best of luck to all of you doing (or thinking of doing) this procedure! It is definitely challenging... but remember:
Nothing worth doing is easy.
-Rob
As of today, 1/22/2014...
