I am having my surgery tomorrow and got all my post op information. It says to avoid ANY Protein powder mixes - only to use pre-mixed drinks such as slim fast. He says these protein powders may cause blockage on the lap band. I know many of you are using the powders including carnation instant Breakfast.

I'm confused. Any insight.

I have not had the lap band yet But my surgeon told me to keep away from slim fast because of the sugar content and stick to protein powder.

My surgeon recommends the "Low Carb" Slimfast for a couple of reasons:

• Lower calorie count and only 2g of sugars
  
• 20g of protein instead of 10g for the regular Slimfast

The taste is a little bit different but not horrible. I tried my protein powders this week and nearly gagged. I have had them before and they were okay, but while I have been on clear liquids I can't tolerate them.

Hi there!

We were specifically told to avoid Slim-Fast and Carnation Instant Breakfast due to the high sugar content and to stick to high-protein powder, such as Champion Nutrition whey Protein, blended with skim milk. Our nurse suggested Champion Nutrition from the Vitamin Shoppe because the taste is the best she has tried (she had gastric bypass herself, so she has had to actually drink the stuff herself).

My doctor and nutritionist never mentioned that the powder could get stuck.

I don't have any idea why you would have been told this by your doctor?! I would venture to say the vast majority of us are instructed to use Protein powder and I've never heard one complaint about it getting stuck. You mix it with Water and it basically makes the same consistency as a pre-mixed shake. Strange!

Slim Fast is not a very good long-term solution because it has way too much sodium. But, EAS Carb Advant Edge shakes are pre-mixed and taste OK.