Question:
How do you make the carnation protein drink?

I just got out of the hospital and they made there drinks so good, mine that I make taste gross, what am I doing wrong? I take a cup of milk and a package of the carnation and 2 tablespoons of dry milk, then how much do I drink of that cup? Sometimes I wonder why I even did this to many rules to follow and try and pay attention to sizes. Thank you Risa    — risa L. (posted on November 6, 2004)


November 6, 2004
Hi .. I make mine this way .. 4oz carb countdown skim milk 1 package carnation low carb breakfast 4 ice cubes 10 gms Protien power (designer whea natural) sometimes I throw in 1/2 a banana and blend its so YUMMY
   — Dawn H.

November 6, 2004
Hi. I find that the powdered Carnation mix tastes nasty and does not dissolve well. So I was very happy to find pre-ready sugar-free Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink. It comes in a small 10 oz container. You just peel off the seal and drink. The chocolate and vanilla flavors taste like the ice-cream shakes at Jack-in-the-Box, only not as thick. Try it.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 6, 2004
Try adding some Splenda to it. So many of the protein drinks homemade or store bought lack in the sweet department. Just curious, what carnation package are you using, is it chocolate, instant breakfast? Christine
   — ChristineB

November 6, 2004
I have been drinking a cup of Carnation Instant Breakfast (chocolate - no sugar added) every morning for almost two years now and I love it! I heat 8 oz of Viva Skim Delight fat free milk in the microwave in a glass measuring cup. I put the packet of carnation into my coffee mug and when the milk is good and hot, I pour it into the carnation and stir while I pour slowly. Hot Chocolate!!! And it is so yummy! Where I used to drink coffee every morning with sugar and/or Hazelnut creamer. I don't do that at all anymore. Now it's just Carnation and I look forward to it when I wake up. Sometimes, if I need a 'comfort drink' after work, I have another! At only 150 calories and 13 grams of Protein, you can't beat it! If you just can't stand skim milk, try 1 or 2 percent. Try it! --Pam Nicholson
   — pjnick

November 6, 2004
I too find protein to taste bad. But I find out that hn I mix it, I put the drink in the freezer and let it get partially frozen. It tastes so much better. Best of luck to you
   — missturtle

November 7, 2004
CIB is really a joke for WLS people. 11 little grams of protein is simply not enough. You need REAL protein --- the kind that will save your hair, and give you the energy you NEED when you have WLS. Check out these sites for REAL protein powders. An average serving gives you 23 G of protein. Remember, you really can't absorb more than 35-40 grams of protein at one time. http://www.bariatriceating.com http://www.vitalady.com Both have samples that you can purchase to see what you like. The Nectars are popular.
   — SpyderS

November 7, 2004
My surgeon's office gave us a form where we could order a case of Carnation Instant Breakfast--No Sugar Added for around $20 pre-op. Then they asked us to do 4 of those per day for the first 3 weeks. To up the protein they had us put 1/3 cup of dry instant milk in it. It's cheap, easy and got me the basic protein start I needed after surgery. Then they suggested I graduate on to other protein sources, working as much protein in my food as I could and phase out the supplements. I still use the supplements some, but try to get the bulk of my protein from food now.
   — Cathy S.

November 7, 2004
Right now your tast buds are all over the place. I couldn't stand the product. It was to sweet for me. There are protein powders in the health food store and at GNC. You should only be having about 2 ozs at a time (20 min.) and that is it. You may also want to buy Isopure at GNC the bottle has about 40 grams of protein, you can drink it between meals. Little sips. No more than 2 ozs for the first week. You can have SF pudding mixed with powder milk and yogart mixed with powder milk (NO FRUIT BITS), look for the lowest sugar count. Protein is your top goal at this time. It may not taste good but it is good for you. Reminder no drinking before 1/2 hour before meals, no dring during (water, etc) and 1./2 to 1 hour after eating. This is very important. Ship a lot of water (NO STRAWS). A baby sippy cup works very well. It limits your intake. Drink water before you go to bed. This will help in the morning. Make sure you are taking your vitimins (crewables). If you take to big of a pill you will hurt your stomach. Good Luck. I'm 19 monts post-op and have lost 193 lbs. E-mail if you have any questions. I would strongly recommend joining a support group. They can help answer questions you may have.
   — Linda R.

November 8, 2004
Risa, congrats on being on the "losing side." Linda is right..........your taste buds will take some time to stabilize. But my advice is, ALWAYS follow your doctor's advice unless it absolutely will not work for you. Even then, you should discuss any problems with your doctor. My post-op regimen called for me to constantly sip clear liquids for one week after surgery then on week two, I went to full liquids which included milk-based CIB, yogurt, etc. I used the CIB for two weeks in addition to a clear protein drink I liked (it's no longer made). I only had to measure my fluids for the first week then the doctor said just to sip constantly, which I did. During that two weeks, I would make the full 8 oz size and I would sip it until it was all gone. It usually took me about 20 minutes to finish the 8 oz. It only took me about a month to get to the point where I could stop being obsessive about portion sizes because my new anatomy will quickly let me know if I was drinking too much, too fast. I'm 13 months out and I don't measure anymore, although I am still very cautious about portion sizes, and I can drink pretty normally. I don't really like some of the things I loved before but I do pretty much enjoy food now since I've had to slow way down and actually taste it. I don't obsess about my weight and I eat three small meals and 2 to 3 snacks everyday. My meals and snacks are about the same size as far as portions go. Some doctors recommend other plans so be sure to follow your doctor's guidelines The first few weeks can be difficult but in a few weeks, when your new stomach has healed, and when you can eat sensible portions, and drink normally, you'll be SOOOOOOOOOO glad you did this. Do get the pouch rules and learn how to eat and drink properly during this phase and good luck to you as you continue this amazing journey.
   — scbabe

November 9, 2004
Just to add to the "mostly" good ideas. First of all like others said taste buds are all over the place. Remember you doctor is the key to what you should and should not do. I added my protein powder to the CIB, along with slenda to get the most grams of protein. Definetly not a chocolate milk shake from McD's, but it works. No CIB by itself doesn't have alot of protein, but it is the most economical way to start out. Also, you WILL have those days of "why did I do this", but you will get through this, that's what we are here for !!! Good luck -- Lisa -- 12 months out, minus 132 pounds -- 8 more to goal.
   — LisaL.




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