Has anyone used Carnation Instant Breakfast for their 14 day diet? It's on my list of things I can use but if I use it 5 times a day like the doctor says, it will be more than 800 calories a day. I've looked at the lower sugar kind and the calories are the same. I really like the taste (the chocolate tastes like a frosty) and I'm afraid to try anything else because of the taste. I don't know what whey tastes like and you have to buy a great big can and I'm afraid I wont like it. Thanks for your help.

JJ,

It sounds like Carnation if a suitable shake if it is on your list.

My pre-op is 800 calories a day. So that is right on.

800 calories a day I guess won't hurt. As long as you don't pass that limit then you'll be good. Its a wonderful snack for a 14 day diet. It tastes good and its good for your budget.

800 calories a day is fine---the goal with the preop diet is to reduce the liver's glycogen stores, not cause massive weight loss. So, no-sugar and low-carb is REALLY IMPORTANT.

There are LOTS of Protein shakes that offer FAR better nutrition than Carnation Instant Breakfast. Some are really good. I'd recommend Inspire from Bariatric Eating. There is no protein-y smell or taste at all, they mix with Water (and blend great with ice, if you like frosties), and have 0 carb. You can buy them in small or big bags--and they're reasonably priced.

Try not to get caught in a fear of trying new things. You're about to embark on huge changes that really WILL require you to change the way you eat and try new things.

Places like GNC will blend up some of their Protein powder for you to taste before you buy. If you do that, remember that often, letting them sit (and chill) for a while after mixing can hugely improve flavor and reduce that sort of baby-formula-y protein smell.

(But really---you can save yourself a ton of angst if you start with a good protein that doesn't need it; the Inspire stuff is outstanding...the best there is.)

Has anyone used Carnation Instant Breakfast for their 14 day diet? It's on my list of things I can use but if I use it 5 times a day like the doctor says, it will be more than 800 calories a day. I've looked at the lower sugar kind and the calories are the same. I really like the taste (the chocolate tastes like a frosty) and I'm afraid to try anything else because of the taste. I don't know what whey tastes like and you have to buy a great big can and I'm afraid I wont like it. Thanks for your help.

I moved from Carnation and Slim Fast to EAS Protein shakes because of the protein. Carnation and Slim Fast have a fraction of protein and it's the protein that will keep you satisfied.

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Thanks so much for the help. Where can you get the inspire? GNC?

I think the EAS and the Atkins shacks taste the best, and have much more protein then carnation. You can find them at almost any store. I get mine at Walmart or Sam's. And still use them today for added protein.

The day before my pre-op diet, I went to Sams Club and spent a bunch of money on EAS and Atkins. I tried to drink them for 2 days and after that I gagged at the thought. I called the dietician and she said that CIB no sugar added would be fine. I lived on it for the 2 weeks and I'm still drinking it now that I had surgery this week. Good luck on your pre-op. It's a challenge, but it is so worth it.

I was also told the Carnation No Sugar Added .. my issue is I don't drink milk. It makes me feel bloated and gassy but have never been told I am Lactose Intol. I can eat yogurt, cottage cheese etc like its going out of style .. its just milk.. I am hoping to find an adequate protein drink, non gritty, non slimy and can mix with water instead... otherwise I might have to experiment with Lactain or Silk or something..

KAS1971: Yep, Lactose Intolerance! :smile2: For about the first 1 1/2 years I made my Protein shakes with Water, but then started using "Lactaid" Fat Free Milk (with Calcium), which adds protein without the lactose--and I think it tastes just as good as f/f milk.

Be careful when you choose a Protein shake / powder--some have lactose as a filler!! I use whey protein isolate powder (IDS Multi Pro Belgian Chocolate) -- but make sure your protein powder isn't whey protein concentrate, which contains lactose as a filler and is much harder to blend.

Well, it's just important that we find a good protein supplement that we like, since this is for the rest of our lives!

Edited February 25, 201016 yr by make33

Another place to purchase Whey Protein Isolate (Isolate is a type of refining process for whey protein and was the type recommend by the Nut) is the Vitamin Shoppe. I found them to be much cheaper than GNC.