Question:
My surgeon recommends either Ensure or Boost for the second week after surgery.

Isn't it loaded with too much sugar and won't it make me dump?    — Gayla C. (posted on November 17, 2001)

November 16, 2001
In my opnion, these types of drinks do have too much sugar. In fact, I believe Ensure even has a diabetic line with lower sugar (are they agreeing that their regular drinks have too much sugar??) Perhaps you could take in a can or two to show your doctor the label, along with a can of protein power or drinks with fewer grams of sugar. Many doctors don't know the high sugar content of Ensure, Boost, Slimfast, etc.
   — [Anonymous]

November 16, 2001
I agree with anon. It does have too much sugar and not enough protein.
   — Kimberly L.

November 16, 2001
Sugar-free alternatives: GlucernaOS-(Walmart in pharmacy with the diabetic supplies) ChoiceDM, Glytrol and Resource Diabetic My dr. says the Ensure etc has sugar but should be tolerated in small amounts- I am not taking the chance --I will opt for sugar free
   — Linda L.

November 16, 2001
I myself like Carnation Instant Breakfast, the one with no sugar added.
   — grandmaw2chloe

November 16, 2001
Walmart carries EAS Carb Control and Carb Solutions that are low,low carb and sugar with 15, 20 grams protein. They are easy and taste good!
   — wilkywanch

November 17, 2001
Most docs really don't know the contents of these products. They just know that it is a "nutrition drink", and they do not know the comparison between these and drinks designed to provide protein without junk calories in them. It's for us to teach our docs these things. We're in the stores, they're in OR! Which is where we want them! So, we take in labels. "toy" products, like CIB & Ensure, which are way high in sugar (even the lighter sugar ones) vs real proteins with almost no sugar at all, yet much higher protein count. Of course, many are not interested in learning products. So, we just do what we must do to be successful.
   — vitalady

November 18, 2001
Hi Gayla (what a nice name!) - My husband, who had surgery 8/30/01, has had a much more difficult time than I (surgery 7/30/01) in healing, eating, etc. In any event, my son's friend, who works at a hospital, told my son that the WLS patients there are told to drink Carnation Instant Breakfast. Also, my sister-in-law, who has cancer and is also a diabetic, has been told by her oncologist to drink Carnation Instant Breakfast. They both drink the type in cans which does have sugar. However, my husband cannot tolerate bad tasting stuff and he has no problems. I don't know about any of the other brands mentioned - I can only say we've had success with that. Also, in case you are lactose intolerant, I found a similar type drink - also high in protein - in my drugstore. I'm sure it would be available in most health food stores. In any event, good luck with all - Nancy
   — Nancy Z.

November 18, 2001
Both of those drinks were designed with the idea that they were to be used as a supplement for people who did not get enough nutrition from a normal diet. ie the elderly, anorexics and very ill people. Not persons who have had WLS. They contain alot of sugar, carbs, and calories. You would be better to try a Whey Protien drink. There are several on the market and GNC carries a large variety of tasty, healthy mixes. But, as always, check with your Dr. first.
   — Melissa S.