I am seeing that many bandsters use optifast pre and post surgery. I was looking on the website and it is so expensive. Are there cheaper alternatives and what makes optifast so different than other protein shakes that are out there that are much cheaper such as muscle milk light or premier from costco, or even slim fast...just curioud I am preparing for my nov. banding and I want to try different shakes to get prepared and for pre op. Thanks!

Not sure why Optifast is frequently used...I personally used powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and still do. In the past I used the Atkins shakes, but can't seem to gag them down anymore.

I enjoy the Unjury since there's no added carbs and it's pure Protein. The chocolate is very good with skim milk, and the unflavored is good with Crystal Light lemonade mix.

You may just want to sample several different kinds since they all have very distinct tastes. Just try to find one without a bunch of added sugar. You don't really need it unless you have an allergy or are sensitive to other sweeteners.

Good luck and I hope you have a wonder pre and post-op success!

I used to be on Medifast and when I decided to get off the crazy diet roller coaster and get banded, I did some checking around and found that I could get more protien per shake with Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) and Adkins shakes and save tons of money as well!

I've also tried the unflavored unjury Protein and just couldn't get past the smell. It has a strong protein smell and I just can't get it down. Neither Carnation nor Adkins has that smell or taste.

Keep looking and I'm sure you will find something that works for you, both nutritionally and financially.

I use WonderSlim. It ahs the exact same nutritional value as opti, but cost 9.99 for a box of seven. I also love that I can use less water and make it a pudding. It is a nice change and also more portable that way.

i like carnation instant breakfast no sugar added but I thought maybe it was not enough protein. The atkins shakes taste good also. I was just wondering if there was something really special about the optifast or if it was just overpriced. You guys always have the best advice!

Edited September 28, 201015 yr by purple3797

Well in my opinion there is nothing special about Optifast or Medifast. I think both are overpriced and if you look at the labels you'll likely find things like Carnation Instant Breakfast and Adkins are comparable.

Edited September 28, 201015 yr by MellieW

I used Unjury and Syntrax Nectar for my pre op and post op diet.

You're right, Carnation doesn't have quite enough protein per serving. That's why my doc and dietitian say to add a couple TBSP of non-fat dry milk to boost the protein.

I've been using Genisoy all natural soy protein. The unflavored kind has no sugar at all so I mix it with vanilla flavored light soy milk to give it a vanilla flavor. Your docs office will recommend some different ones, just find what you like.