Pre Surgery Protein Drinks - Optifast

I need help, I need to get some protein drinks. My Surgery team uses Optifast, which I will use two weeks before surgery and from then on until I can eat regular foods, but they want me to start with something right now. Optifast is expensive. What is the best or the better of the drinks? They want me to start now so by the time my date is here I will have lost some pounds and also have gotten used to drinking nothing but liquids.

I'm on clear liquids for 12 days pre-op. I found Slim-Fast (Low Carb, not Optima) to be satisfying. It has 20g protein, but is kind of hard to find. I only found it at Target. the problem I'm having with the powders is that you have to mix them with something cold and sugar-free. I very quickly got sick of the Crystal Light and Diet V-8 Splash so the powders just started making me sick. I like the Slim-Fast Low Carb. Jen

Jennifer I've found the DiVinci S/F syrups at WalMart. They're great added to home made protein shakes. I especially like the Kahlua (sp) added to skim milk and chocolate protein powder. Caramel and chocolate protein powder is another good one, or raspberry syrup to vanilla powder. Hope this helps!

I got very sick of sweet liquids very quickly. You won't regret buying some unflavored whey protein powder from GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe. Mix it into the broth or low-carb broth of your choice. The one I use is called "100% Any Whey," which I bought because it says "optimized for cooking," so it can withstand high temperatures. Just remember to heat up your soup before adding the protein powder. It may clump anyway, in which case all you have to do is blend it with a stick blender or put it in your food processor/blender/Magic Bullet. Enjoy! -Nowal

DeeDee, hey there!!! Dr Lavin did my surgery. I did not have to do the optifast. but the protien shakes that I use is the Pro Complex. It comes in Vanilla, Choc, Strawberry, and Rocky road. It has 55 grams of protein per serving if you use 2 scoops. I got it at the Vitamin Shoppe by the Mall in Slidell. But if you don't have one close by GNC also carries it........ Also for a cheep one that is good go to wal mart and there is one that has a silver lable to it. I think the cost is like 13.00. Let me know Chrissy

Hi Chrissy, My name is Angelique and I'm pre-op for the Lap Band. Dr. Warden is my physician and he wants me to go on Optifast 800 or Whey Protein. The Optifast is very expensive for me. Your email was helpful. I'm going to go and try to find the Pro-Complex. I hope you are doing well. I'm somewhat scared but excited too about the surgery. Angelique.

Optifast is pricey. Like Chrissy said, take a trip to the Vitamin Shoppe. Personally, I like 100% Any Whey unflavored powder for its versatility, and I didn't mind Designer Whey strawberry and vanilla praline flavors. I've moved on to Unjury, but that's kind of pricey too. A lot of people love Nectar, which Vitamin Shoppe sells. The only problem I have is that it comes in giant jars, which cost $26 or so, and I don't want to make that kind of commitment. Samples are sold online, but I just haven't gotten around to ordering any. As far as ready-to-drink shakes go, I really like the EAS AdvantEdge Coffee House shakes, because I love coffee in any form. I also like Muscle Milk, which I'd recommend if you like thick and rich. Some people really like Isopure, but I cannot stand the stuff -- it looks like Kool-Aid and comes in lovely fruity flavors, but the consistency is IMHO unnervingly thick, kind of like milk (you may have read people's comments that it "coats" your mouth), which I just can't handle. (Nectar is also clear, but those who drink it say it doesn't have the yuckiness of Isopure.) Best of luck to you. If you would like to talk more about protein, please join us in Mandeville on Thursday!

Hello dee-dee my name is betty. Im due to have surgery in 2 wks in slidell at the new surgery center off the interstate. I was wandering how your surgery did for you and also about your protein drinks that you had to drink. I also have been buying opta fast and it is really expensive. Was wondering what you finially bought and where.I hope every thing turned out okay for you. Im having the lap band my self. I hope to here from you soon.

Hi Betty, I haven't had my surgery yet, in fact I just got approved from my insurance about a week ago and got medical clearance yesterday. YIPPEEEEEE, So I am on my way. I am waiting on a date. I ordered OptiFast earlier today, and yes it is expensive. But I have been doing AdvantEdge. I love them. Once I get over the hump after surgery I probably will go back to AdvantEdge. They are really good. Oh good luck with your surgery. Send me a message and let me know how you make out.