Is there something similar to OPTIFAST I can buy but thats cheaper?

How about:
cal" about the same
protein: 30 g
carbs: more like 4
fat: low
The other stuff doesn't matter so much

NO lactose,
sugars between 0-3 g

Cost around $1-2 per 30g serving when made in water.

you can do the atkins shakes i did the strawberry ones because they have less calories, i think 140 or 150 calories. the 4 packs are like $6.32. i did 4 shakes a day and a atkins bar.

 I ordered Unjury (online). I liked the unflavored as you can mix it with anything. I think one tub of powder is about $21 and lasts about 2 weeks.  

I have never heard that long on a medifast. Are you sure?

Yes I am sure. I really believe its a money making scheme.

I am not quite heavy enough for the surgery but even though I am eating health and staying active I am rapidly approaching that weight I basically have about 20 to 30 pounds until I reach the minimum weight for the surgery.  

My doctor is trying to get me to do a program to lose 40+ lbs by a medically observed program. For the first 16 to 20 weeks it is a 100% liquid diet of optifast.  

The program can defiantly last a while depending on your current weight.  If you are doing it leading up to the surgery it is because they want you to lose a certain amount and shrink your stomach as much as possible.  But the program they want me to do last longer because it is a preventative.  The problem is that the program is expensive and the optifast is expensive and insurance covers none of it because it is not a necessity yet.  

Since you are not eating other foods, this is your new grocery bill. 

If you cannot affort the shakes now will you be able to affort the vitamins and shakes Post surgery? They are not cheap.

My doc gave us options - I used the Muscle Milk light  - it has vitamins, and proteins, and less carbs - so when you use it - and you have any leftovers - you can used that post op.
The regular Muscle Milk has too many fats - that's why we were told to use the Light. 

I  know Vitamin shoppe used to stock them, and the MM Chocolate light - I could buy at a good price at Costco.  i mixed mine with SF flavors or decaff coffee or even strong decaff tea.  Lots of ice. 

I have DR BOUR Also YAY! so maybe your feedback just made me aware of something I didnt know I could do? That makes me happy i will check into this and thank you so much!!!

Cool.  I really like dr Bour.   He rocks.  And he is really really good - IMO. 
When he operated on me (2 times - second was hernia) I did not have the gas pains  post op.  That was such a great thing.  When another doc (do not want to mention who) took my GB - I was in gas pain for 3 days... That sucked.. big time.. With Br Bour - none... I hope you will be as lucky..
I think the whole team is fantastic. 
let me know if you need any help.

BTW - check the Vit shoppe for the MM light.  And after you are sure you like it - check the Costco and Sam's in Grenville - i think both of them carry the MM light.   BTW - Sam's has some basic SF syrups - and the best price anywhere I can find.   

If you do not have Sam's or Costco card - and not have a friend that does and can go with you - send me a PM and I will go with you.  Costco carry the MM light - chocolate for app $23 - $25 for 18 RTD.  That is a good price.
I used to drink that.  But - now - can't stand them... lol.. I guess I had too much...