Hi sleevers. So, I've just been thinking a lot since I found out my surgery time is coming up sooner than I originally thought. I want to be prepared as best as I possibly can, so I'm thinking out loud here I guess.

My dietician told me I really need to start experimenting with Protein shakes and bars. So last week I found out that the Special K Protein Bars are pretty tasty. They contain about 8g of protein in each bar. I've had strawberry, chocolate Peanut Butter and chocolate caramel.

I also discovered my newest and favorite Protein Drink. The drink is called Rockin' Refuel - it says it's a protein fortified lowfat milk. they have vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. I've only tried the chocolate because I'm a huge chocolate lover and it is delicious! Tastes just like regular chocolate milk. It contains 20g of protein in the 12oz bottle. So I will definitely be stocking up on these.

I haven't tried any real protein powder yet. To be honest I'm a little afraid because I'm worried it will taste very chalky and have that definite taste of protein powder. Does anyone have any suggestions on which brands are best? I'm looking for something simple I can throw in a shaker and mix with fat free milk when I'm on the go.

Has anyone tried the Isopure drinks? I'm very interested In those because they have 40g of protein. How do they taste? What about good tea's or other drinks?

I'm also struggling with breakfast. I'm always in a rush in the mornings to get out the door. I now know I can grab a protein milk, but what have you all found is easy and very quick in the mornings that has a good amount of protein? I'm a meat eater so I get tired of oatmeal and breakfast bars but I also don't want to eat something like a sausage biscuit, lol. That would ruin the purpose.

Since I know I will be losing weight rapidly, I've thought about going to thrift stores to find some clothing in a variety of sizes to prepare myself. I guess there's no real point in buying anything brand new right after surgery because I won't be able to wear it too long. Has anyone else done this?

Will I need a liquid multi-Vitamin or will the gummy kind be ok even while on the liquid diet? I suppose I will just crush my other medications and eat them in applesauce?

Any other tips on what I should do or buy to get prepared are appreciated!

2New - I'm a fan of the unjury Protein powders and have been using them since last May mainly because they are convenient and taste good to me. My NUT told me not to get too stocked up on any one thing because a lot of times our tastes will change post-surgery. The Unjury in powder form is very low carb, 100 cals., and 21 gms protein. I mix the chocolate splendor and vanilla with skim milk. Sometimes I'll mix in both flavors, add a little coffee for a mocha blend. I plan to get some samples like many folks have suggested to see what might work for me post-op. I'm sure we'll both get it all figured out before our dates get here. Good luck to you!!

Thank you all so much! these are all great things I need to know and I appreciate that you all are taking the time to give me your opinions. One thing I did think about and did worry about are all the calories in the protein milks and protein bars. I know a lot of them are made to cause you to gain some weight. One of my goals this week is to find a protein powder - mixed with fat free milk that would be a better choice, right? I'm also going to try IsoPure but rather than stock up I'll be sure to only buy a couple to start. Maybe protein bars aren't a good choice at all? If there are so many empty calories. All great stuff I will take into consideration.

Thanks for the suggestion of the Synthrax nectar Protein, Txdogmom. I just ordered my sample pack, although she told me a shaker bottle does not come with the samples; that's okay because I already have one. I need to be trying out a variety of protein sources, too.

Just got sleeved a week ago so here are some of my suggestions:

You can get 15 packets of 15 flavors of Synthrax necture protein powder. Cost is $15 plus $1.99 for s&h. To get it, you need to call 866-333-7403 x-800 on Monday to Friday, between 8a-5p (cst). They have super yummy flavors like fuzzy navel, grape, etc. Very good deal. The packets are 20 grams of protein minimum and 5 carbs or less. You get a free shake bottle with them. Get them within 2 weeks. Found all Protein drinks are best very cold.

I love my liquid multi-vitamins: Eco Drink. Got it at costco. Helps me get my liquids in and my Vitamins at the same time. Best ice cold.

Got great calcuim chews at Costco. Tastes like caramel/butterscotch. Kirkland brand.

Had to use Optifast for my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. Really liked the vanilla and chocolate and just used Water. Hated both the chicken Soup and tomato Soups though.

If you don't have a food scale, buy one. Don't guess on how much you are eating.

I've found my taste has changed. You only a little food after surgery so don't stock up on much. After a few days, you can get more stuff if you need to.

MrsSugarbabe, Good luck to you as well! I know that beef jerkey has a lot of sodium but I do sometimes use that as a go to Protein boost in the mornings if I'm running behind. My Dietician knows this and said that it's good that I'm getting in lots of protein.

I've been trying a lot of different protein shakes during my preop phase. I prefer premixed drinks because they seem less gritty. I liked my Chike samples though. Even though I mixed it with water it still seemed a little thick. The other powder that wasn't too bad is chocolate Muscle Milk. My overall favorite though are the Atkins shakes, especially the cafe caramel and mocha. (Steer clear of Jay Robb piña colada.)