Preop Diet Blues....

Ok, well it looks like my surgery won't be until the end of May which isn't a bad thing since I'm a school teacher. If I were smart, I'd have started on my preop diet. Well, I DID make an honest attempt! I went to GNC and bought these meal suppliment shakes (Total Lean Shake). So I decided that I was gonna start the liquid diet the next day. I was pumped!! I was excited!!! YEAH!!!! So, I open the strawberry shake and......YUCK!!! Well, I didn't vomit, but it was NOT good... I can't drink that stuff!!! So now, I'm kinda stuck. I mean, I really don't eat that much, so I'm ok with drinking my meal, BUT IS A GOOD TASTING SHAKE TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR?!?! So, OH friends, I NEED YOUR HELP! Pre op diet ideas? I refuse to accept defeat before I've even started! I hear about tastebuds changing after surgery. I think I'm more afraid of NOT finding a protein I can tolerate than I am of the actual surgery! I know I've posted about shakes before and got some great responses. I guess I was hoping to magically find my magic potion and be 5 pounds lighter...NOT!! When has anything concerning weightloss been THAT easy!?!

PS. Anybody try Slim Fast? Does it work? I tried it years ago, and I could tolerate it. Think I'll head to Wal-Mart and pick up a 6 pack and see how I like it. HOPEFULLY BETTER THAN THIS STUFF FROM GNC!! YUCK!!!

I believe you can return protein bought at GNC. I use a protein shake that tastes like yoohoo chocolate drink. It is from healthwise . They are preportioned in a plastic bottle and you just add water and shake so they are great to bring to work. There are so many ideas for pre op diets so unless your surgeon gives you one plan you can try is having 3 shakes a day and a small meal of 3 oz of protein and some veggies. I found that to work pretty well and my surgeon said if you get hungry at night have an apple or an orange. Some people have gone straight adkins or south beach and others have gone just shakes. Your going to have a few weeks of full liquids so I would try with at least one meal and then last couple days do clear liquids. I know it can be very depressing. Find some support outside of here and if not.....use this forum as much as possible. Good luck and don't give up!!!!

Since you have some time before surgery, I suggest a little experimentation. Instead of buying a case or 6 pack of something, get just 1 or 2. Try a variety.   I made the mistake of buying allot pre-op and found out it was the wrong type of protein and bad taste. Just donated my unopened cases to the food bank!

You might try going to a Vitamin Shoppe if there's one in your area....they may sell individuals....I only go online and buy 12 packs or a case. Other folks here may be able to tell you if they sell just 1 or 2 of a product.

There are also protein powders you can add to water or milk. You might want to try those.
Here's a website with allot of recipes. You can flavor them as you want 
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-fa vorite-protein-shake-recipes.html

Congratulations on your decison regarding surgery!  One of the hardest things is finding a protein you can actually look forward to drinking!  I like vanilla ( personally I use Isopure 0 carb because it has alot of protein, and you can flavor vanilla 1000's of ways to make it more palatable).  My favorite shake is decaf coffee based with vanilla protein & caramel latte protein from bariatric eating (add some sweetner & a little creamer, and voila! tastes like MY favorite coffeehouse drink!).  I am on full liquids this week (post-op)...I have discovered 2% milk, with vanilla protein and a small peach or strawberry yogurt makes a wonderful shake!  Pre-op, I drank my coffeehouse shake in the mornings, then had a small lunch and reasonable dinner.                                                                                                                                                            Best wishes on your journey (am SURE it will get better!),  Viv 

I had a very hard time finding a protein drink that I liked.  GNC will take anything back with a receipt..so return it.  The protein shake that I like is protein plus.  I like the cans not the powder.  I get it at target or you can get it online.  My favorite is the cookie and creams flavor but I like the choc. too.  Try it.  It is the only brand that I like.  good luck to you.

Patty

Thanks for the input, Everyone! I'm gonna just keep trying... I WILL NOT GIVE UP! Thanks!!

 So far, my tastes have not changed - just an FYI.  It's a very good idea not to stockpile though.  I was freaked out at the thought that I would not be able to tolerate the Costco Premier shakes, but luckily I still can.  Those are my staple!  I really like a Vanilla protein powder they have at Target as well, I use that for my shakes that I make myself.  Good luck to you!

Three words: Muscle Milk Light.  I just verified the other day that the nutrition profile meets the requirements in my surgeon's diet guidelines (low fat, no sugar, 20+ grams of protein, etc.).

So far they're the best-tasting shakes I've found, both in powder and ready-to-drink form.  I've tried the Chocolate Milk, Vanilla Creme and Cookies n' Creme flavors, haven't tried the Strawberry or Banana flavors yet, but probably will at some point to mix it up.

Good luck!