Pre-Op Liquid Diet

I am on my fourth day of my pre-op diet so I have tried a number of shakes.  I have tried pre-mixed and powder and I am starting to have my faves and not so favorites. 
 

This is not my favorite so far.  It is on the thicker side, which I typically like, but in my opinion it has a bit of a chemically after taste that I can do without.  It did keep me full for a while, and I read a lot of places that people love it, but it is not my favorite.  Though I do like that it comes with a straw included, which most don't!  It is low in calories at 100 calories a serving, and has no sugar.  It is a little less fluid than others at 8.25 oz where most of the others at 11oz.  It has 15gm of protein.  The lowest of the pre-mixed shakes that I've tried. This may be good for after being banded in that it's less fluid to get down.

Next is AdvantEDGE by EAS.  So far I have only tried the strawberry flavor.  I like this one quite a bit based on drinkability.  It is 110 calories, not much more than the Muscle Milk Lite.  Again it has no sugar (good for diabetics) and is a little higher in protein than the M.M.L. at 17gm.  For a pre-mixed shake, I have to say it's higher up on my list.  When it's really cold it's best.  Kind of reminds me a little of Strawberry Nestle Quik.  Bring your own straw!

This is another EAS product.  It was my favorite of the 3 pre-mixed shakes that I've tried.  This is the Myoplex Lite French Vanilla.  I like the taste and the consistency.  It is high in protein at 20gm per serving.  It comes in 11oz containers.  The calories are a little higher than the other 2 pre-mixed shakes at 170 calories, and it does have 4gm of sugars, still below my dietician's recommendation of less than 8gm of sugar per serving.  I have burned through this pack of shakes fastest and have to say it has become my go to in the premixed shake department.  I plan to try the other flavors this week after a trip to Target to restock.

Lastly I have tried Unjury Powder at the recommendation of Lap Band Gal.  I LOVE THIS STUFF.  It is only ordered online.  They do have single serving packages if you want to pick up a couple to be sure that you like them first.  I have had it with Skim Milk and I have also done 1/2 skim milk and 1/2 yogurt.  Both are yummy.  I typically blend this in the blender in the morning with 3-4 ice cubes (+ milk, or 1/2 of each milk & yogurt).  Today as I was leaving out the door for work, I had realized that I forgot to make my shake!  So I threw a scoop into a ziplock back and took it with me to mix with skim milk in a coffee cup when I got to work.  It was just as yummy.  When mixed with skim milk is weighs in at 28 grams of protein, 180 calories and 3gm of sugar.  This also tastes amazing when mixed with a small amount of Torani Sugar Free Syrups.  Though keep in mind that these syrups are not calorie free and are usually sweetened with alcohol sugars (which can make you a little gassy).  The Unjury Powder in addition to the standard Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry, also comes in Unflavored, which can be added to pretty much anything (great for post op to be sure you're getting in protein and calories).  It also comes in Chicken Soup Flavor which I have heard is like having chicken broth, but with a lot more protein. 

As a side note:
With a 1/2 cup of Fage 0% Plain Greek Yogurt and 1/2 cup of milk, it has 36gm of protein, 210 calories, and 8gm of sugar.  I have it with the milk/yogurt combo when I am very hungry or know that it will be a long time before my next shake/meal. 

So there you have it.  My picks on pre-op shakes.  I love the Unjury most when I can make my own, but for times when I can't, the Myoplex Lite is my go to drink.  Let me know your thoughts and suggestions!