questions now that I have a date

Ensure and slimfast have lots of sugars--like 18 and 12. Isn't that too much? What are you doing for protein besides cheese, eggs, tuna and cottage cheese. Now that I have a date I have to get serious about this. I like choc ensure and vanilla slimfast but they have so much sugar. Will I dump from that? Ideas please and excuse my obcessive behavior these next few weeks. Jane

Obcess away!!!! Yes, ensure and slimfast have too much sugar. Will you dump on them? Quite possibly, but some folks don't dump at all. You want to move away from the sugars tho! I suggest you visit Susan Maria's website bariatriceating.com because she has some really tasty jprotein mixes - my favorite is banana cream. Also at walmart, they have Carb Solutions (in a canister that you mix with milk) that is relatively inexpensive and the vanilla tastes like sugar cookie dough. I HATE the chocolate!!! GNC has some nice strawberry, but it is a little pricey as compared to walmart. Also you might wanna try Carnation Instant Sugar Free (or no sugar added) Breakfast. Andie said she found it premade at walmart in French Vanilla, I think. Chocolate flavor is the most common. And if you chose the Slimfast with no sugar or low carb or whatever the newest one is, it is better but still higher in sugar than some.....email Susan Marie and ask to be put on her mailing list and she will send you a couple of samples. Smooch Arlies

Don't buy a lot of stuff. You're tastes are going to change drastically. I have an entire cabinet full of stuff I cannot tolerate or STAND. YUCK! There is a brand of SlimFast that is low carb which means low sugar. They are okay. Also, Atkins has a canned protein drink that is fairly good. Stock up on SF popsicles and broth! Best of luck, Kitsy

Jane, I have found my favorite protein drink. It is Designer Whey. I have tried the strawberry banana and the peach and the peach is to die for. It is 120 calories. 1 net carb and 20 grams of protein. They are like smoothies. I found them at walmart. I also like the coffee house shakes. Make sure you get the ones without sugar. They are not thick like the other drinks. I have decided I will never buy the slim fast again. These are wonderful. They are kinda pricey - 4 for 7.00. But well worth it! Get those and the coffee shakes and switch them out. I did not like the Carb Solutions but only because it clumped up. I needed a mixer. Problem is that I tend to dump on milk if I have more than 4 ounces. I drink the whole white milk but can only tolerate 4 ounces every so often. Carb Countdown chocolate milk is to die for. It is fantastic. In 8 ounces I think it is 12 grams of protein. The carb countdown white milk is terrible in my opinion. It was s gross that I threw it up intentionally. On the slimfast - you need to get the low carb slimfast. I think it is 2 grams of sugar. When you get to where you can eat--eat beef jerky, eggs, cheese, tuna, ,chicken salad, cottage cheese. I am burnt out on beef jerfy and tuna, and cottage cheese. I crave alot of fruit nowadays. Fresh fruit only. No canned fruit. I think its cause they are sweet and juicy and I never get all of my fluids in a day. Get plenty of sugar free popsicles.. you will learn to love them and propel water if you cant drink regular water. To me, the propel was a life savior in the beginning but now I cant drink it because it is too sweet. Also, there are some Sugar Free mints... they are sour and I cant think for the life of me what they are named. They are wonderful and keep my mind off of eating. They are 0 cals, 0 carbs, 0 sugar. Mellisa Taylor turned me on to them and they are a life saver. Just keeps my mind off food -- gives my mouth something to do. I am thrilled for you. I know you cant wait!!

Chocolate Carb Countdown is DISGUSTING!!! My daughter loves it but it is so thick. YUCK! I just ordered some unflavored Unjury online. I hope it tastes okay added to my coffee. I can't take any more protein drinks. I also ordered the Power Crunch bars from Susan Maria's website. Have you tried those yet, Christine? They better be dang good or I am going to be ! The total order for 12 power crunch and 4 cookies was $49.00. I about died and hubby will kill me when he sees the charge but dr. says I have to up my protein, as my hair is falling out by the clumps!!! I guess before too long I will have to change my name to Miss Baldy!! Or BALDO. Kits

I like the Carb Solutions Christine mentioned but I have a dumping blessing too if I drink milk. I mix mine with water and use a stick blender. (If you'll notice, the nutrition label only documents the numbers for the powder itself so if you mix it with milk calories, sugars...everything goes up.) I also order some other powders from the Vitalady...and lots of DaVinci SF Syrups to flavor the vanilla shakes. I'll have to try the Designer Whey from Wal-mart. I've tried some of them but not those flavors. I'm always looking for protein! Best of luck Jane. You'll try alot of nasty shakes/drinks before you discover one you find tolerable! Most importantly, when you do find one with the right numbers and taste, don't buy alot of anything prior to surgery. Your tastes change alot from pre-surgery and things you liked you don't like anymore. I foolishly bought a whole case of one drink I liked and could NOT stand it after surgery. I drank them grudgingly over the next few months because that stuff is expensive but finally I had to throw away the last few because they expired! Elesha LapRNY 2/26/02 288/165