Lisa :)

As time goes by, it gets easier!!! I am almost 4 months out and am at a point where getting my protein in each day is not a problem at all. But I still supplement with liquid and protein bars daily...otherwise I wouldn't be able to get it in. I have a routine: 1/2 Power Crunch bar prior to my 6am workout, the other 1/2 when I get back, 8 oz of Syntrax Nectar Cappacinno about a 1/2 later, another Power Crunch bar for a snack during the day and a chocolate Premier Protein shake right before bed. So that's about 75 grams of protein not including the protein I get from my food. I aim for no less than 100 grams per day. Also, getting to this point was a struggle. It took me a while to find the drinks and bars that I liked.....because finding something you like (not just tolerate), I think, is the key to sticking to it. As far as fluids....I drink Powerade Zero and Iced tea all day and I keep it on my nightstand so that I can drink if I wake up in the middle of the night too.

I was prescribed Prilosec right after surgery and took it for 3 months. I've had no issues with acid reflux or "hunger".

It is likely the incision where your stomach was removed. Usually it's the one incision where they stitch it internally and it causes the most discomfort after surgery. I had pain and discomfort around my lower left incision site for about three weeks. You should, however, call your surgeon's office tomorrow if you are concerned and in a lot of pain. Take care!!!

Everyone's taste for Protein drinks are different. Also, what you like pre-op, you may hate post-op because your taste buds may change. I used to love a particular Protein powder and I used it for years prior to surgery. Once I had surgery and moved to full liquids I was so excited to be able to have it again....but I hated it, and still do four months later. If you are required to do a pre-op liquid diet then find one you like now. Then once you have surgery try out several different kinds. I drink Premier Protein ready to drink (from Costco) and Syntrax nectar Cappuccino. About Isopure Zero...I was forced to drink it while in the hospital and I got TOTALLY sick of it....it leaves a protein aftertaste in my mouth. Yes, it's 40 grams of protein but that's for 20 oz. Ounce for ounce, the protein content is not that great. Most whey protein powders are 25 grams per scoop mixed with 8 oz of liquid. Once I got home from the hospital, I used the Isopure unflavored powder and mixed it with chicken broth, Crystal Light and Mio.

Those are loaded with sugar. Try Syntrax Nectar cappuccino flavor. It has 24 grams of protein, zero sugar, zero fat and is made with decaf coffee. I drink at least one every day!!!!....I'm totally addicted to them.

1 cup of dry oats is about 55 grams of carbs and 1/2 cup cottage cheese is 4 grams. So you're looking at about 60 carbs for the entire recipe...about 8 grams of carbs per bar. Sounds like a great bar....I'll have to give these a try!!

I can officially state that I am ADDICTED to the nectar Cappuccino!!! I drink, at least two per day!! I got the big (over 2 lb) tub at Vitamin Shoppe. I use 1/2 Water, 1/2 milk, shake it up in a Blender Bottle, and then I pour it over ice to make myself the most delicious iced coffee!!! And just a note about Vitamin Shoppe. The prices in store are way more than their online prices so make sure that you always ask for the online price when checking out....they simply log in to their website right then and there and will give you that price....but you HAVE to ask for it!!!

I found an app for my iPhone called BodyShot - Before & After. It's a cool little app that allows you to take photos (either taken on your iPhone or uploaded) and place them side by side for comparison. It also tracks weight and measurements too. Anyway, here is my first one. My before pic is about a week after my initial consult with my surgeon a year ago in January and then me at the beginning of February (3 months post op)....so these photos are one year apart and I'm down a total of 82 pounds (55 post op).

I have a carecredit card that I used for several dental procedures. Each time I used the card, that particular charge was done at no interest for 6 months (but there are varying promotions). You absolutely can pay it off early but if you don't pay the "promotional balance" by the due date (6, 12 or 18 months) then you will be hit with compounded interest. And when you log into your account, you can see each "promotional balance" and it lists the original amount, the current balance for that charge and the date that it expires. Hopefully, the next time I use the card it will be for my tummy tuck!!!!!

I was on clear liquids until day 11, full liquids until day 21 and started puréed on day 22.

I swam competively when I was in my teens and it's always been my favorite exercise. Several years ago I got the idea of doing a triathlon (which still hasn't happened but will on June 29th this year). I was so self conscious about going to the pool and bearing all my flab for all to see. I probably put it off for several weeks before I got up the courage to go for it. So I threw on my suit and walked out to the pool deck and dreaded removing my towel. I looked around and realized NO ONE WAS EVEN PAYING ATTENTION TO ME!!! So I got in the pool, did my thing and I've been swimming at least once week ever since that day 5 years ago!! It reminds me of a quote I heard somewhere years ago "I'm not much, but I'm all I think about"!!!!

Definitely, definitely, definitely STOP WORRYING If you search past (and even current) posts here you will read about the dreaded week 3 stall....there is even one by me!!!! You have to keep in mind that after losing so much weight so quickly your body needs time to adjust to that weight. I will also tell you that stressing out over it can make it worse. Just keep doing what you're doing and TRY not to focus on the number on the scale....it's just a number!!! Instead, focus on the NSV's (non-scale victories). When I hit the 3 week stall (which lasted 2 weeks BTW), I took my measurements and even though I hadn't lost ANY weight in two weeks, I had lost several inches....proof that the scale can, at times, be my worst enemy!! So, don't beat yourself up....you're doing great!!!!

I drink Premier Protein shakes from costco and pour them over ice to make them really cold. I also really like the Syntrax nectar Cappucinno over ice and, to me, it tastes just like an iced coffee. Most of the Nectar products don't have a protein aftertaste. Also, Power Crunch bars taste just like a cookie....they are wafers so they are light and crispy. You really have to try several different products until you find what you like. Everyone has such different taste preferences so what I think is really good, you may not. A lot of bariatric sites (i.e. Bariatric Pantry) offer sample packs so that you can try various products. I've also learned that I do best when I stick to one particular Protein Drink and bar because then I become used to the taste which helps me stick with it. Good Luck and don't give up on finding something you like!!!

I have older boys (18 & 21) in the home that eat anything and everything so I understand the need to watch the budget!!! Right after surgery, I used the unflavored Isopure and put it in broth and Crystal Light (while on clear liquids) and once I moved to full liquids I put the Isopure in everything....strained/creamed Soups, hot chocolate, SF pudding. I think I paid about $40 for the large tub. Good Luck!!!

I bought a Sunbeam heated throw. It's definitely smaller than a twin but I love it because I just throw it over the comforter and then if I get too hot I can toss it on the floor in the middle of the night. We sleep in a standard king and my partner wants nothing to do with it so it's worked out great for us!!! Oh, I got it at Walgreen's. I also like that I can take it downstairs with me and us it on the couch if I'm watching TV.

I was going to recommend the EatSmart. Not only do they make great scales, they have the BEST customer service!! After about 8 months, mine started giving me very erratic readings and it wouldn't always calibrate. I called the number on the back, sent them an email with my name and address and my new scale arrived two days later!!! I didn't even have to send the old one back!! GREAT PRODUCT with a GREAT COMPANY that stands behind what they sell.

It's amazing how different surgeons/programs are about diet progression after surgery. I was on CLEAR liquids for 10 DAYS, full liquids for two weeks, puréed food for a week and then finally soft food. I was miserable during the liquid stages and I just wanted to chew but looking back I'm so glad I was forced to go slow. I have had that rock like feeling in my chest when I've eaten something too fast or not chewed well enough but it usually subsides after 30-45 minutes and it helps if I walk around to allow gravity to aid in the process. I would suggest you call your dr. if its still an issue tomorrow and think about slowing your diet progression.

Yes, I had a tube but only while in the hospital. Dr T removed it right before she discharged me. It was really no big deal and i didn't even feel it when she took it out. Then she covered it with gauze. I had to change the dressing twice a day for about two days and then it closed up. You're getting really close to your appt date!!! I hope it all goes well and that you get scheduled when you want!!!

YAY you!!!!! What a great surprise that must have been! I think I look forward to that day more than Onederland!! CONGRATS!!!!

I live in Long Beach and went through my insurance. My IPA only refers to The Association of South Bay Surgeons so I chose my surgeon out of the 4 within the bariatric practice. My surgeon was Dr Aileen Takahashi (she is the bariatric medical director at Torrance Memorial). She's an amazing surgeon....very thorough and meticulous and Torrance Memorial is Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. I couldn't be happier with how my surgery went and the care I got!!

I wasn't able to drink anything from a blender for well over a month after surgery because of how frothy it makes everything....my surgeon also warned against it. Now that I'm over 3 months out, I can use one. I have a HealthMaster and I LOVE it!!!....it's not cheap though. Mine was a gift and I probably never would have thought of spending that much on a blender. Now that I have it though, I absolutely recommend it!!!

I went to a favorite pre-op restaurant today....Mongolian BBQ! I was a little worried at first because it's an all you can eat affair. But my little sleeve kept me sane...AND I really enjoyed it!!! YAY!! I filled my bowl up only half way with chicken, veggies and sauce and I ended up only eating about half of that. I used chop sticks so that I would eat really slowly....had no rice, no wontons, no noodles....and I didn't feel like I was missing anything!!!! I just LOVE my sleeve!!!!!! :purplebananna:

oh good!!! I hope you're able to get a surgery date that soon!!! My partner is having bypass with Dr. Soloman and we're hoping for the end of March/beginning of April!! Oh, and after you see Dr. Takahashi, they are going to have you do a 4 hour bariatric surgery class over where the support groups are. I had to wait 3 weeks to get into that class because the first one was full and I think it's only offered every two weeks. They sure make you jump through a ton of hoops!!!!

Salad was the first regular food I tried when I hit week 6 because it's my favorite food and I missed it so much!! Luckily, I've tolerated salad well....the only down side is that I can only eat about 4 bites until I'm full.

I think the only place you can get the strawberry is online, directly from Premier Nutrition....unfortunately, it's out of stock right now.