I don't work out, but I am fine with protein shakes, protein bars, etc. I was even on a weight loss program a couple of years ago where all I had were those things for about three months. All was good. Your protein count is a bit higher than I had (mine were about 15gm- I'm assuming you meant you were using 20gm, not mg).

I think the main thing is if you go for the super high levels, is to drink plenty of water, so that your kidneys don't get over-taxed. Whey is generally easy on the gut, and the j-pouch in particular.

Jan

I wish I could drink protein shakes. I was for a while then developed a mild case of Pouchitis that is getting better with meds/

My doctor told me to stay away from that and get the protein you need in food. I have to admit, then when I was taking this with Rice Milk, and the shake had no whey, I made more trips to the bathroom.

That bothers me because I liked these shakes too. As long as you can tolerate, that is great.

Rocket

I too am just starting to take whey protein again. I find that once you mix your drink let it sit for 2 mins. to let the air bubbles rise to the top, it helps quite a bit with gas. Also I take 1 Imodium with a Metamucil drink about an hour before my protein shake which consists of 8oz. of chocolate almond milk and one scoop of chocolate muscle milk. I have also tried 100% egg protein from vitamin world, I bought it b/c of the bcaa's, high bio availability protein, and bromelean. It tasted nasty unless you mix it with a rich vanilla flavored milk.

Thanks Jan, that’s what I was hoping to hear. I had heard that whey was better for us and I even spent a little more money at bought some powder that the guy at GNC said was one of the easiest to digest. I’m not sure what the gym uses, I guess I better ask. And yes, I meant gm not mg! Sorry . I don’t plan on going high with the protein, probably 30gm per shake and no more than two shakes a day. I don’t want to do anything to upset my pouch. My biggest issue is blockages and I don’t want to increase the likelihood! I get enough as it is.

Rocket, I’m sorry you’re dealing with pouchitis. Did your doc say protein was the cause??

J-poucher, thanks for the tip on the bubbles. The GNC guy actually mentioned that and I had forgotten. I get the smoothies at the gym, but when I’m home I just mix the protein with cold water, nothing fancy. I haven’t tried muscle or almond milk or the other things you mentioned. Are you competing or just trying to pack on a lot of muscle? I’m 48 and not trying to get huge or anything. I just want to put on some quality muscle and stay in reasonable shape. Has the pouch limited you with weightlifting?

Thanks for the responses,

John

John, I am 27 yrs old, and was 220lbs. before my first flare. Two weeks after my first surgery I was 140lbs. I am in the same boat as you, just quality muscle, I like to mountain bike, kayak, and hike. I have been very critical of my form and
how my body feels. I am currently at 179-181lbs. I feel great and at 6 months post-op I don't feel it holds me back with lifting. I run, jump, bear hug lift 150lbs punching bags w/o issue. Something I do stress though is proper stretching and warm-up. I have to say I feel very fortunate with my pouch.

I'm using protein shake powder to make my fruit/veggie smoothies and probably not for the same purpose as most of you guys. If anyone is having a problem with whey you might want to try what I'm using as it is hypoallergenic, made from 100% plant ingredients and supplies 43% of the daily required protein, among other good nutrients. It's called PlantFusion. My Nutritionist started me on them. You can order it from Amazon or go to their website and enter your zip code and it tells where it is sold retail around your area.

I'm glad you are doing so well John & Chris.