Newbie to the board...

Hello everyone, I am a pre op who has a BMI of 65-68 and really feel more comfortable on this board. I browsed other boards and finally came across this one.. I feel that I can relate more here. I have a question, can I start drinking protein shakes now ( in the pre op stage) : shrug: and what brands and flavors would you recommend? I was actually trying to get my body adjusted to the new way I will be eating after WLS.. Thanks Tammy

Hi Tammy - Welcome!! I am pre op also, and I have started in the last 2 weeks, replacing one meal a day with a protein shake. I'm doing it just to get myself ready for when I'm approved and have a date, and need to then start drinking them for 2 meals a day. I ordered a whole bunch of samples on vitalady.com, and bariatriceating.com also offers samples. It's a great way to check them out without buying the whole tub!!! BUT I've read many times on here that our tastebuds change after surgery, so a protein drink that someone loved before surgery didn't taste so good after!!! So, on we go with our journey! I wish you the best and God Bless! Carol

Thanks Carol, I will order some samples from the websites. Thanks for the info and the warm welcome... Tammy

Hi Tammy! Welcome! My doctor had me drink four shakes a day prior to surgery. I drank two form his office called advocare, and two from gnc callled myoplex lite. I was supposed to drink those shakes and nothing else, well except for water, but every now and then I would "sneak" some tuna fish, with some low fat mayo, and wheat crackers. I told the office and they said that was fine also. I wound up losing 25 pounds off the shakes in 3 weeks. It helped a bunch, especially now since I am post-op and on this liquid diet. I hope this helps, and good luck!! Alicia

Alicia This helps a lot... Thanks I will start my protein shakes soon... Tammy

Hi Tammy, Welcome to this board. I used protein drinks, powders and ate protein bars pre op at the recommendation of my nutritionist. She gave me a MEDGEM TEST that determined the amount of calories and protein I needed pre op to prepare me for surgery. She and my surgeon said that protein would aid in my healing after surgery. You might want to contact your nutritionist to find out how many grams of protein you will need for your weight and height etc. My favorites are unflavored Unjury and Low Carb SlimFast. Take care, Georgeann

I second the vote for Unjury ... the unflavored in skim milk with a bit of sugar-free, fat-free banana pudding ... yummmmm! And I keep the Chocolate in skim milk in the fridge at all times. It's my standard protein drink. Tastes great. Myra

Georgeann Thanks for the info, I am suppose to get my appt hopefully on 8/22/05 to see the nutritionist. I will be sure to ask about about how many grams of protein I will need. I am so glad to be here... Tammy

Hi Tammy and welcome! These are the nicest, most supportive people you could be involved with. You're going to like it here. Glad you're here. from Missouri Myra

Myra Thanks for the warm welcome... I am sure I've found the right place now.. Tammy