I have been reading up on VSG like an obsessed person for the past two weeks. I have watched countless videos and YouTube videos, read numerous blogs, websites and forums. I am already in the process of VSG surgery. When I met with my NUT, I was not given a special diet, just told to log my food. I did. The next NUT appointment, she reviewed my month long log and said I made some pretty good choices, that I should just be more strict on myself and not "slip" every now and then, like I was. My doctors also are always telling me to up my activity. Problem with that is the vicious cycle of being too fat to move, so you sit, get depressed, eat, get in good mood, eventually talk yourself into moving and exercising and then hurt yourself or can't exercise for any amount of time worthwhile because im too fat. And the cycle continues.

Anyway.... back to the original thought and question.... based on this information and all I have learned the last few weeks, I am wanting to change my eating habits now in hopes it will help me lose a little weight to help me move more and get on the right track for surgery. I have seen how other's are eating Protein bars and consuming Protein shakes as Meal Replacements. The common set up I am noticing is 2 protein shakes, 2 Protein Bars, and a low-carb dinner.

My question is, how do I know what kind of Protein shake to look for? A powder that you mix with something else or a premade shake? What should the nutrition facts be on the shake or bar? Should it be whey protein? how much protein do I shoot for? Currently, if I have not eaten a substantial meal and only have had small bites or Snacks, I get shaky and light headed (no, not diabetic, am checked often!) So the thought of only drinking a shake and then 4 hours later another shake, makes me a bit nervous. Tips? Advice from personal experience? I know you all are not medical professional people, but just hearing other approaches helps.

Thanks in advance!

• I'm an RN, not a nutritionist by far! I just started my pre-op diet Mon, and my directions are shake for Breakfast, one for lunch and 6oz of prot at dinner, chicken, fish etc with a salad with nofat-or low fat dressing. the ultimate goal during this time is to eliminate carbs and sugar almost completely to shrink the liver prior to surgery. I have been using Premier Protein shakes, I have some powder and pre-made. I'm using chocolate and its not bad at all. They are 30 grams of protein per shake which is great, it is sweetened with Stevia. So far so good! I think the protein and Vitamins in them help sustain you. Also we were told you can split it up throughout the day...make a large salad and have some at each meal with shakes in between.

All you can do is try and see how you tolerate it.

I don't see why you have to have shakes or protein bars pre-op. Stick with lean protein and green veggies and maybe a piece of fruit or (SMALL) handful of nuts for snacks and you will be fine. You will probably end up consuming fewer calories, fewer carbs, more protein, and end up being less hungry than if you tried to confine yourself to shakes and bars.

If you do want to try out shakes before surgery, yes, whey protein is ideal, though some people can't tolerate it and use egg white protein, soy protein, or something else. Ready-to-drink or powders is up to you. My guidelines for powder: no more than 130 calories per serving, at least 20 grams protein per serving, no more than 8 grams carbs per serving.