Question:
Which Carnation Instant Breakfast do I need for after surgery?

I saw a nutritionist for my pre-op and she said sugar free carnation. I can only find two kinds of carnation 1 - Regular with sugar 2- No sugar added which means it has sugar in it. If anyone knows if this is the right package - it is blue - please let me know! Thanks! Melissa    — Melissa T. (posted on January 15, 2002)

January 15, 2002
You want the No-Sugar Added kind... it contains aspartame and acesulfame potassium which are both artificial sweeteners... no "real" sugar is in the mix. On the back of the package it will list: Sugars 7g ***, but that is from the lactose which is a natural milk sugar within the milk itself.
   — Kellie Jo B.

January 15, 2002
It is no sugar added that you are looking for. There is no sugar free, though some people swear there is. The company says they don't make it, though. It has to be NSA, cause you have to add milk, which has sugar. No way around that.
   — M. A. B.

January 15, 2002
Melissa, it is the "no sugar added" variety you are looking for. I had lap rny 12/10/01 and have not been able to tolerate the taste of any of the protein shakes. I drink 2 carnation drinks a day for a total of 26g protein added in a day. It tastes fine-not awesome, but fine. It is also considered "pre-digested" protein which some wls patients swear is the only type of supplement we she have. Best wishes!
   — jsuggs

March 13, 2002
Here's another tip for you regarding the carnation instant breakfast. I use the no sugar added carnation instant breakfast mixed with skim milk...I also add 3TBS of nonfat dry milk which adds an extra 4.5 grams of protein, and doesn't alter the taste at all. (the vanilla creme, no sugar added carnation instant breakfast is really good)
   — Kelly T.

May 15, 2002
Carnation instant breakfast shouldn't be used at all. I know all the nutritionist recommend it, but that's because it's easy. If you're prone to dumping, this will do it, even the no sugar added. Not enough nutrition for the calories. A good protien drink will be much better for you.
   — Tammy B.

May 16, 2002
Hi, Sugar Free Carnation instant is what you need. It tastes fantastic! I use 1 packette and make it up and then store 1/2 in a plastic container for the next day. It has good protein in it as well. I like the chocolate but I think with the vanilla you can add things to it for flavor. Good luck!!
   — Gina D.

April 4, 2004
CIB is not a great choice for postops, period. It doesn't matter if it's the no sugar added one. It is loaded with carbs and has hardly any protein whatsoever. You are better off sticking with a high quality protein shake/drink such as those offered by VHT, Syntrax Nectar, etc.
   — CarolineAnnMartin

April 4, 2004
You want the blue box. It's the one with no sugar added. My dr. recommended it for me and I'm 4 weeks postop. I add 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk to it and it gives me more protein. I have it for breakfast almost every day.
   — TL

July 28, 2004
http://www.carnationinstantbreakfast.com/StoreLocator/careexpress.aspx You can find the type you need here at this website.
   — susan B.

July 29, 2004
When I had my surgery, I was given a form and told to order a case of the No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast and have it on-hand prior to surgery. They wanted us to do 4 of these per day post-op for at least the first month, adding about 1/3 cup of powdered milk, which took the protein count up near 20 grams per cup. I hate milk and I choked those things down for the first month and then moved on to other sources of protein. They're okay, but there are better sources of protein.
   — Cathy S.

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