I am familiar with medifast, but haven't heard of Optifast before. Where do you get their shakes?

What kind of Protein shakes do people reccommend?

I haven't tried Optifast or Medifast. My MD recommended 'World Wide Pure Protein' available at Trader Joe's. It comes pre-made in 11oz cans in Vanilla and Frosty Chocolate (there may be more flavors), and has 170 calories with 35 grams of protein. The flavor is tolerable to me (some people really like it), it doesn't give me any stomach problems, and it's easy to bring to work or wherever I'm going. I can't tolerate Aspartame, and this protein drink doesn't have that - it is sweetened with Sucralose, which I can tolerate.

My doctor gave me Champion Nutrition brand, Ultramet Original. The flavors are ok, but I don't mix it in the blender because it makes it too frothy and it's like drinking beer foam. So I mix it with a whisk, which leaves a few lumps, but thats ok, and I add a lot of ice chips. That gives me something to chew on. I'm still hungry though.

Mamadot - I share the same surgery date with you! Good luck...

I don't know if Opifast is offered anywhere else, but it was a few years offered through Kaiser. You are limited to the length of time you can do the program. Its works, as long as you are willing to follow the usual diet instructions - exercise - and while on the program, attend classes to learn how to change your previous eating habits. I did the program, lost weight, but not as much as others who were also on the program. Stopped, gained the weight back and have since been banded, which has been a successful tool in assisting me to keep the weight off. Prior to being banded I did try to go back on Optifast, however, that was far too hard.

There is also another meal replacement which I have tried and you can order it on line. What I like about it is its only 70 calories. Its called "Secure Meal Replacement," by ProCapsLabs.