I know this might sound crazy, but i am so confused.  I had gone through the Options class at kaiser and thought that I was SET!  Then I went in and saw the surgeon and was given my surgery date.  He told me to start a high protein no starch diet that day.  First off, Kaiser told me that I needed a "balanced diet" and said nothing about the pre-op diet plan.  I am a bit overwhelmed because I had no idea this was coming.  I thought I was still going to have time to figure out this protein thing, but i have no idea what to do.  It doesn't help that my surgery date is only 3 weeks away.  I have bought my vitamins but i have no idea which protein I need.

So here is my question.  What is a good protein to buy?  I don't know what I am looking at.  All I know is that I need less than 5g of sugar.  And how often should I be having the shakes and what should i mix them with?  And after surgery what protein should I use?  I was told I needed to be on a clear liquid diet but also taking protein, so I needed a clear protein.  Did anyone else try that?  Sorry for so many questions, I just feel like I'm at a loss. 

Thanks!

Hi there, EAS makes excellent low carb protein shakes. You can find them in walmart. They have between 15-20 gms of protein and about 1 to 3 gms of carb. Most docs advise about 60 gms of protein per day. there is a section on this sue that discusses pre op dieting. you can also visit the bariatric advantage website for products.
I think they mean clear liquids a few days bfore surgery. Clear meaning, broths, water, tea, etc. no cream based stuff.
Hope this helps....wishing you well on your journey..

 I was told only to use WHEY protein, not the collagen.  Go to costco - try the ready to drink (RTD) premier protein shakes - they come in vanilla and chocolate. Early out I got a vanilla from GNC - Promasil.  It was excellent and could be easily mixed and flavored.  Currently I use the Syntrax Chocolate Truffle.   
As for what to use for mixing, I personally prefer vanilla unsweetened almond milk.  Clear protein can be found in IsoPure.  
I see you aren't too far away.  It might be worth the drive to come to the OC - Bariatric Advantage has a store front nearby the John Wayne Airport and they are pretty good at some of the samples. Also there is a low carb shoppe over in Tustin.  It is the BOMB!  I swear, after surgery it has become my absolute favorite place to shop.  

So Whey protein, 60mg a day. I will check out both walmart and costco. Thanks so much. I need to find that pre-op section!

 You might want to try ordering online from Nashua Nutririon. Thy carry a brand called Proti Diet that has clear protein drinks  and jello. Each has 15g of protein

http://www.nashuanutrition.com/store/protein-liquids/

http://www.nashuanutrition.com/store/gelatins/

These have been great for me pre and postop. Added bonus is that the jello doesn't taste weird at all. When I make the jello I combine it with sugar free jello so I feel like I am eating more.

Syntrax Nectar also has some great flavors like iced tea, lemonade, strawberry kiwi. The are not totally clear but I have found them to be gentle on my new postop tummy. They are also a nice change from the traditional chocolate and and vanilla flavors. I have been getting them from Luckyvitamin.com. I am in Canada so I need to find somewhere that ships here, but their prices seem reasonable and you may be able to get expedited shipping so you get the stuff quickly.

http://www.luckyvitamin.com/m-617-syntrax

Hope this helps.

Your surgeon wants you on a low/no carb, high protein diet to shrink your liver.  Most morbidly obese have an enlarged liver due to the amount of carbs eaten.  The liver is next to the stomach and shrinking your liver gives him more room laparoscopically and less risk to you.

Rule of thumb is don't eat anything white which contain simple carbs - sugar, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc.  This does not mean that you have to take in your protein pre-op through supplements though finding a protein supplement that you like is important; however, your taste may change post-op.

Usually clear liquids are given while you are in the hospital.  Once released you are in Phase 1, a liquid diet for 2 weeks post-op which does not mean clear liquids or clear protein but includes protein shakes/smoothies, bullion, blenderized soups, jello, sugar free Popsicles, etc.  Phase 2 is soft foods for 4 weeks whi*****ludes Phase 1 foods plus eggs, seafood, cheese, yogurt, beans, etc.  Phase 3 is "normal" healthy food for the rest of your life.

 High protein - low starch just means to eat lots of meat and veggies, and skip the rice, pasta, bread and potatoes.  For protein drinks, just stock up on all the single servings you can in different brands and flavors.  Hold them until you're post op, then taste them (your tastes are subject to change dramatically post op).  

I had to do it too. I had no issues with it as I had expected it but I used Isopure No Carb protein. Three times a day along with water and jello.

Isopure and Unjury are my favorite kinds but they are also not cheap.

One thing to remember is that your body can only take in around 22 grams of protein a serving so doubling scoops is just wasting product and money.

The best thing about Unjury is that it is flavorless which means you can mix it in chicken or beef broth and enjoy.

 Samples, samples, samples -- and be forewarned that your tastes after WLS change dramatically and you're likely to have a **** fit post operatively because EVERYTHING TASTES BAD.  LOL.

So, be prepared with a variety --

Get thee to the Google.