Question:
Post-Op are we allowed slimfast bars or drinks?

Sorry if this may seem like a stupid question..are slimfast products allowed post-op? I can't remember if they have sugar in them or not. I haven't had the surgery yet (keep fingers crossed for approval from Ins.) and was also wondering as long as something is sugar-free you can eat or drink it..is that right? So, you can have sugar free ice cream? I'm especailly concerned about the slimfast because I HATE eating breakfast and rely on breakfast bars..quick and easy. Thanks!    — kathleen-Joan piper (posted on February 16, 2003)

February 16, 2003
Check the labels on Slimfast products. They're notoriously high in sugar, and for that reason, not good for most post-ops. What you need is high-protein foods. A protein shake (not a sugar-loaded Slimfast shake) is what you should aim for, or a protein bar (not quite as good, but still an option if you're on the go). Read the labels. Go for high protein, low carb, low fat, low sugar (preferrably no sugar).<P>It's not necessarily the case that if something is low-sugar, or sugar-free, you can or should eat it or drink it post-op (especially as a new post-op). Your doc will tell you how to handle those early days and weeks as a post-op. In the long run, be aware that sugar-free products almost always compensate for lack of sugar by adding fat. Conversely, low-fat foods compensate by adding sugar. It's a no-win situation, UNLESS you *read the label* (I know ... I'm a broken record!). When you start reading labels, and keeping an eye out for high protein, low carb foods, you'll start finding lots of substitutes for old stand-bys.<P>Finally, be aware that as a post-op, you'll need to change those eating habits that most of us weren't so good at changing before. That means that skipping breakfast, or going for sugar-free (read: high fat) ice cream, while nothing to beat anybody up over, are things you're gonna wanna keep to a minimum. Skipping breakfast slows down your metabolism and thus your weight loss. Again, go for a good protein shake if you really don't like to take time to eat then. Check out www.vitalady.com or www.wlssuccess.com or other sites that sell protein shake samples, and try a bunch of them 'til you find one you like. :)<P>And one last thing on sugar-free items -- even if they're sugar-free, and tasty-sweet, you may find out that they trigger sugar binges in you as a post-op (especially as a longer-term post-op, and especially if you don't dump). I say go for it once in awhile if you're one of those who can handle it fine as a post-op, but some folks really can't and wind up fighting head hunger demons because of sugar (or carbs). Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

February 16, 2003
I find it frustrating that I am drinking sweet tasting things after surgery (crystal light) that I never did before. My vice was caffine free diet coke, which does not taste sweet in comparison to CL. I had been drinking plain water and then all of the sudden I could not stand it, so I switched heavily to crystal light. Now the water is going a little better so I can balance it out some. I sure would love my DC but can see where the carbonation would be a huge issue, especially since I was belching horribly on water from a bottle. LOL
   — zoedogcbr

February 16, 2003
Slimfast - A BIG NO-NO !!! Every surgeron is different, but a was limited to 3 grams of sugar per serving...I have seen others state 5 - 7 grams....but no more than that. 1 can of Slimfast has 35 grams of sugar !!! At 1st on the liquid stage after surgery, you will be able to have Fat Free Sugar Free jello and pudding, but after that when real food is introduced....ans you can have Sugar Free food, you have to be really careful because most of it is really high in Fat. Good Luck
   — Sharon H.

February 16, 2003
The slim-fast is high in sugar and carbs. Try the Atkins drinks. I found them at Walmart. They taste decent enough, are low in sugar and carbs. And a big plus is there are 20 grams of protein!
   — khartnett

February 16, 2003
My surgeon actually recommended Slim-Fast and/or Ensure post op. Wrong! Both are loaded w/sugar. (Surgeons don't know everything about nutrition!). I agree with the Atkins shake suggestion. High in protein and very low in sugar and carbs. If you prefer bars, try the Atkins bars. Good luck!
   — Maureen S.

February 16, 2003
Instead of high sugar Slimfast, why not try Choice DM (diabetic version of Ensure, and it's not bad), or no sugar added Instant Breakfast. Both have a lot of nutrients and are lower in sugar, and therefore less likely to cause dumping.
   — koogy

February 18, 2003
My dietician said DO NOT do the Slim Fast drinks or bars. Too much sugar.
   — Debbie W.

February 19, 2003
I am also not a breakfast eater. I usually have a piece of cheese and coffee. Lately I have finally burned out on that so I am trying yogurt or cottage cheese. If you can find a protein bar you can tolerate you could use that. There are plenty of low-carb shakes out there and the premixed ones are really convenient. I used CarbSolutions and AdvantEdge (both available at WalMart). Good luck. Just remember: You don't have to eat MUCH for breakfast, but you need to eat SOMETHING!
   — ctyst