Question:
Carnation Inst Brkfast versus

I am 2 weeks pre-op and had a group meeting with the hospital nutritionist. She told us to take the Carnation Inst. Breakfast. I've alread the label on it - and my husband's protein drinks that he takes for his body building have alot more protein and more vitamins/minerals AND WAY LESS SUGAR/CARBS. I specifically asked the nutritionist if I could drink those instead and she said "No - they have too much in them". That doesnt sound right to me. I'd think that if we have a source that will give us more protein and less sugar it would be to our benefit to take it. I am going to mention this to the surgeon and consult with another nutritionist, but does anyone have an opinion on this?    — Valerie H. (posted on June 20, 2002)

June 19, 2002
Hi, first of all, when she told you Carnation Instant Breakfast, she MUST have been referring to No Sugar Added CIB, cause the regular stuff will surely make you dump!! It's loaded with sugar! Now, in the beginning, alot of people use it because it is a bit easier to get down than the more potent protein shakes. I used it for the first two months or so, but as I tolerated more I moved on to high protein, low carb, low sugar shakes. My favorite is Designer Whey, but you should sample some before finding out which one you prefer. I would advise you to do that later, after surgery, because your taste definately changes afterwards. Best of luck...
   — Vicki K.

June 19, 2002
Opinions vary widely on this topic from surgeon to surgeon, and nutritionist to nutritionist. My surgeon subscribes to the school of thought that protein supplements (for proximal RNY patients) should only be taken for the first 3-6 weeks, then all protein should be obtained from the diet alone. Because the protein supplements are only a short-term temporary measure, he gives his patients a list of "acceptable" supplements from which to choose. "No Sugar Added" Carnation Instant Breakfast is one of the supplements listed because it is inexpensive, simple to prepare, and probably the best-tasting of all that were offered. My daughter and I tried several types and always came back to the CIB for all those reasons. We are 27 and 29 months post-op, have followed our surgeon's prescribed dietary plan, are at goal and feel great, and our serum protein levels have remained in the high normal range since our surgeries. Patients with more distal surgeries will often have differing needs, so my advice is always to follow the plan outlined by your own surgeon. You are depending on him/her to not only provide you with a successful surgery, but also a plan of care that will ensure you of optimal health post-op. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

June 20, 2002
I am pre op by a couple of weeks and have found that C.I.B no sugur added and Designer Whey mixed together make a high protein shake that I am going to start with after surgery
   — Kelly P.

June 20, 2002
is your diatition small? perhaps she doesnt kn there is a sugar free one. Take the box and let her see it...i still use it and love it...jacki (it is supported by our surgeon dr. hutcher)
   — Jackiis

June 20, 2002
You'd have to study what your husband is using, but if it is NOT specifically a wt gainer or recovery product, and if it's not an MRP, very possibly it will work great for you in water. The pros know what they know, and anything else is "suspicious". They simply can't intimately know every product available. Personally, I wouldn't touch the CIB, but have been using high protein, very low sugar, lactose free sports proteins for 8 yrs.
   — vitalady

June 20, 2002
When I was recovering I used the Edge Carb Control that is sold at Walmart. It is very high in protien and has 4 grams of carbs and no sugar. It was great and I sipped on it all day. My surgeon approved it after I told them I didn't like carnation sugar free and after he looked at the label, said it was probably better than the carnation stuff. I don't understand the "No it has too much in them". You need as much protien and vitamins as you can get at this stage, so I would say as long as it doesn't have any sugar in it, go for it. Good Luck.
   — Dell H.