Does any one have to use these? We are required to use it and it is very expensive. I have been onthe preop diet now for 10 days and the flavors of shake soup and pudding are not bad over all. Just costly. I don't see many people using them on here.

What are you using?

As a medical professional, I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY dislike when a doc requires you to use a product he sells.....you gotta do what you gotta do but I just find it extremely skeevy of them (I can see offering products, but not requiring them).

There is a lot of time that goes into selecting products. They are NOT all equal. Your MD office has had the opportunity to sample a lot of other products and has chosen what is best in nutritional profile based on ASMBS Now if you ( a medical professional) can get all those free samples, knock yourself out, otherwise you'll be spending a lot of money on bad product. I too am a 'medical professional' and work with a Bariatric surgeon. Trust me, I'm very familiar with the process.

One thing to keep in mind is that you will not need the shakes the rest of your life. You need the pre- op and in your post op healing process. I choose to have a shake for Breakfast because it is quick and easy ( well that is quicker than eating eggs). As for your MVT's always goes with quality over price. Your life really does depend on it

Sigh...this just can't ever be easy.

I agree with the doc/practice providing samples, even having products to purchase. My issue is when patients are told they have to buy exactly what the doc sells and only what they sell. I just don't agree with it.

My surgeon says 'hey, these 3 or 4 products work great, try em out, let me know what you think, and hey I sell this one if you want to get it' (he also says you can get it elsewhere if you'd like or can find it cheaper).

No where on my post did I say or imply that I'm more knowledgeable than my surgeon or that anyone should go against their surgeons advice. I am not trying to start an argument, I was not personally attacking anyone. I was simply stating my opinion. You are welcome to yours.

My surgeon gave me a list to choose from including protein drinks, protein bars, vitamins, etc. I too would not like it if I had to purchase a product they sell.

Can you forward me that list? If like to know what products are doc recommended for protein

Yup I've been on the New Directions diet for two weeks now. Lost over 13 pounds. May be more all scales are different. However I find that everyone in my class are different with their selections. It's ok and I'll be on it for 2 more weeks. After that it's my preop diet. I start it the day before thanksgiving. Gotta do whatcha gotta do. But yes they are expensive plus I have to pay a class fee. I spent $96 this week!

New direction is a very good product..with the necessary protein, carb, fat, vitamins, minerals etc to be healthy and lose some weight before u have surgery. Compare it to other products and. If u find something cheaper and is close to the same nutrients as new direction then go for it.. Yes new direction is pricey.