So...I am on day 3 of my liquid pre op diet (surgery 12/23). And I swear those slim fast shakes are causing me stomach pain and bloating. I thought I would be hungry all the time, but no my stomach feels bloated. Anyone else experience this?

As for the hunger factor, its not as bad as I dreaded. I am allowed to have 4 shakes a day, broth, SF jello and SF popsicles. So far I am doing okay. Aside from the bloating...maybe that is helping to keep the hunger at bay!

Any thoughts/experience appreciated.

there must be some ingredient in those shakes you're reacting to. Are they the only shakes your clinic allows?

They also allow Atkins advantage, SF Carnation Instant Breakfast, or Glucose Controlled Boost. They told me to pick one kind and stick with it...but ugh! Maybe it's the soy in Slim Fast. I have always had a hard time with soy.

I may try another brand for a day and see if it helps. All this SF stuff is blech.

Try Premier, Equate, Pure Protein, Orgain, Fairlife. Lots of people swear by the Fairllife shakes. They are lactose free. There are a dozen or more protein shake and powder brands in a multitude of flavors. I prefer the plant-based over the whey-based shakes.

Some people get bloated from artificial sweeteners. They all contain them, so you may do better with making your own protein shakes. There are recipes online. Try Pinterest and Google Search.

My first thought was the artificial sweeteners too. My second was lactose - the whey protein many shakes use. Look for plant protein shakes (not soy of course) & avoid shakes with any of the sugar alcohol sweeteners (the ones that end in ‘tol’ like xylitol, erythritol, Sorbitol).

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sugar-alcohols-good-or-bad#other-benefits - scroll down for the digestive side effects.

Chat with your dietician & or surgeon about alternatives. They should be supportive of you changing because of the side effects you’re experiencing.