Hello Virginia WLS family,

My name is Sonia and I am new to posting on this board, or any board for that matter. I am scheduled for lap band surgery on Jan 18, 2007. Thanks for all of your posts...I am reading everything in sight to prepare. I have a question for you guys...can those 3oz protein drinks replace the 8oz carnation instant breakfast drinks? I don't necessarily like milk, and would rather try something else, like the crystal light, tea w/ spenda, broth, etc, for those times when I am on a liquid diet, and for those needed protein requirements after. Thanks for your help in advance!

Sonia- The 3oz Profect vials can replace the CIB drinks. You should also try Unjury Protein in several flavors (Unflavored goes well in Crystal Lite). Christina S

Hello Sonia, Good luck to you with your upcoming surgery - I'll be hitting my 4 year anniversary from my surgery, the day before - it's the BEST decision (and gift) I could have ever made/given to myself. I hope you find the same for yourself. As far as the number of "ounces" in the protein drink - that's NOT what is important, it's the number of grams of protein in what you're drinking that you want to focus on. The vials are very helpful when you're early out and have a hard time consuming large quantities of anything, yes, even liquids. So to get 25 grams of protein from a 3 oz vial, verses the same amount of protien from a drink that, let's say is 12 oz, does not help or hinder you in anyway, unless you're trying to stay HYDRATED. lol, then obviously, the more liquid/water/milk etc, in the drink, the better. Once again, good luck to you - what a great way to start your new year, your new life. Lei

Welcome Sonja! Profect or IDS Whey Vials are awesome. I actually started using the 42 gram ones. I can't drink milk, so they really are a life saver for me. Plus, with only being 3 oz, I can down them like a shot. Best thing to happen to WLS patients in my opinion! Jane

Thanks Jane, Leilani, and Cristina, I am so worried about what I am going to do wrong; I've seen so many people who have had WLS, who seem to have gained or not lost after the tremendous journey. I refuse to fail - I know that the first few weeks will probably be the hardest. Thanks for your help and suggestions. Sonia

Sonia: Congratulations. I am from Richmond too, and I, like you will be having my WLS on the 18th. With the same group you are... maybe we will be gurnies neighboors . Hope we can meet and support each other throuhg this wonderful and exciting journey. I am not crazy about skim milk... so I have started to psyched my brain to like it. I will be praying for you and your family.

Irma, Great....I hope we can meet too! I am going to the pre surgical education class again on the 8th of Jan, just because I think there are probably things that I have forgotten. I just received a sample pack that I ordered from bariatriceating.com that includes so many different samples of other protein shakes that don't have to use milk, some even have tropical fruit flavors! Thank you for your prayers, I will pray and support you as well. Sonia

Sonia - well done for thinking ahead and trying to get a start on getting things right. The carnation breakfasts are not really that good for us as milk has 12 grams of sugar in it per 8 ounces whether it is whole or skimmed - only the fat content changes - so I just consider I don't need the sugar so I don't drink it. Now because you are having lap band you will not have the same sensitivity to sugar that the RNY people have.... plus we can get your calcium by supplements - but you probably won't need to take any as you do not malabsorb.... The 3oz whey protein vials are the best thing to ever hit us and I am so glad they made these as I do not like the other proteins - however - they will not fill you up like a protein shake will.... so you need to be aware that they will not leave you satisfied if you are using them as a meal replacement - but they will give you either 25g or 42g of protein depending on which one you take.... Hope this helps Jackie

Thanks Jackie, Because I dislike milk, I thought the hardest part was going to be drinking 8oz of the carnation instant breakfast. I have found the website bariatriceating.com and I ordered some other protein shake samples. I will try them during my liver shrinking phase, and order the ones that I can tolerate (or maybe that even taste good). Thanks for your input...knowing that the 3oz won't leave me satisfied is important. Sonia

Don't forget the other web site - www.vitalady.com as they sell samples and only sell proteins and supplements thast they have tried themselves and can recommend. Michelle Curran and her husband Don who own and run the business are both RNY patients and have over 10 years out each - so they are very experienced and very helpful. I buy most of my vitamins and supplements from her. Good luck and feel free to ask for advice from everyone here - we are all here to help and support you...... Jackie