protein smoothies

quote:

1. Is it true that because we don't absorb our food optimally, it is easier for our bodies to absorb if we drink things with the nutrition such as protein smoothies?

I was told to take chewable vitamins and/or chewable/capsule supplements. It is not necessary to use liquid supplements. I can buy liquid vitamin D, but I take Vitamin D gelcaps. One has no advantage over the other (except in price - the gelcaps are way cheaper). Gelcaps are designed to be easily digestible by anyone.

Protein smoothies are fine, especially if YOU feel that they are more effective for you than ordinary food. However, it really is not true that we do not absorb nutrients optimally because of j-pouch surgery, at least not as a general rule.

As a case in point, for me personally, I did nothing but gain weight post op, no matter how bad my diarrhea might be. I seemed to absorb every calorie that passed my lips. It was such a problem that I had to join a medically managed weight loss program with a severely restricted diet in order to lose the weight. I continue to struggle not to gain it all back.

But, some people definitely do have problems with malabsorption. I just didn't want you to think it was a given, but more of a case by case issue.

Jan

Jan -

So do you think my absorption problems are for a reason unconnected to my jpouch surgery? Or is it just that every jpoucher's body works differently?

After surgery, which has been 8 years now, the only time I ever gain any weight is when I drink a protein supplement. Other than that, I stay extremely thin.

It may well be related to the physical aspect of your surgery, or it may be that you have something new going on that could have been triggered by the surgery. Examples could be lactose and/or gluten intolerance, Crohn's disease, etc.

But, if supplementing with protein shakes turns it around for you, I guess that is good enough. But, if you have gluten intolerance, it probably is worthwhile to find out, because continuing to eat gluten can permanently damage your small bowel.

Jan