I always felt that protein bars were too much like can day bars, so I avoided them. My NUT and I talked about it extensively, and I have earned a few things. 1. The protein bars I use are excellent nutrition choices. High protein, low sugar, moderate fiber, moderate calories. 2. It is my fear of them as 'candy bars' that is the problem, not the bars themselves. 3. They provide me the 'chewing' sensation I need, whereas the shakes do not. 4. VSG surgery is serious business, so use whatever I need, and can, to help me. I'm sorry, I too am having a bit of difficulty balancing my preop diet, and writing here helps me. Hopefully you too.