KatInFL

About Protein drinks... keep trying until you can find something you tolerate. I have found that I'm happier with casein protein vs whey protein. It's also a milk based protein and high quality but doesn't have an aftertaste I just can't get used to like whey. At 4 months post-op, I still can't consume enough solid foods to get all of my daily protein without a drink. I really love Click, which is a casein based Protein Drink. It comes in coffee based flavors, mocha and vanilla latte. They have a decaf version of the mocha. Big Train also has casein based protein drinks... some coffee based flavors but chocolate and I think vanilla, too. Both manufacturers offer samples for purchase on their websites. GNC has a great return policy on their protein. If you hate it, you can return it. I just bought two tubs of Giant Sports Protein powder (cookies and cream and chocolate peanut butter) that contain both whey and casein protein and I think the flavor is much more tolerable that way. Finally, I've found how I make my protein drink really matters! I read on bariatricfoodie.com the blogger's method for creamy shakes and it made a huge difference. I don't want my protein drink to separate, not be cold enough, etc. She also had amazing recipes using sugar free flavor syrups, extracts, and protein powders. Theworldaccordingtoeggface.com is another fantastic site and has great recipes for cooking things with protein powder. ~Kat

Hi, I see you've gotten several responses already, but wanted to point out there's a lengthy sticky thread on the food & Nutrition forum that had tons of information for samples of Protein drinks. I ordered enough samples pre-op that they last me through the liquid stages. It afforded me the chance to be sure I really liked a flavor before I was stuck with a huge tub of it. Samples are definitely the way to go! ~Kat

I think that's about right. ~Kat

Not slow at all! I had surgery the day after you, started at the same weight, and have lost less than you at 55 lbs lost. ~Kat

<gag> Little known fact about me, often exploited by my baby brother...I hate that word, too. Beef or turkey Jerky isn't too dry for my tummy, not sure if you've tried that yet. I would probably be bringing a little insulated cooler/lunch bag with me for cottage cheese in individual cups, string cheese, that kind of thing. Or ask the hotel if there's some way you can get access to a fridge, as you have special dietary needs. ~Kat ~Kat

It doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong, but at only two days out....I hope you're only ingesting what your doctor allows at this stage. You didn't say, so that's the assumption I'm going with. My stomach "chattered" non-stop for the first couple of weeks. My sleeve buddy had an easier time with liquids that were temperate, not too hot or too cold. It didn't seem to matter to my diva of a sleeve. It still chatters pretty routinely! It's not uncomfortable or a precursor of anything to come, it just talks to me sometimes. ~Kat

Sounds like it to me! I've had it happen to me twice...because, ya know, I can never learn the first time. Here's what Mayo says about it: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dumping-syndrome/DS00715/DSECTION=symptoms Symptoms of dumping syndrome are most common during a meal or within 15 to 30 minutes following a meal. They include: Gastrointestinal Nausea Vomiting Abdominal cramps Diarrhea Feeling of fullness Cardiovascular Flushing Dizziness, lightheadedness Heart palpitations, rapid heart rate Signs and symptoms also can develop later, usually one to three hours after eating. This is due to the dumping of large amount of sugars into the small intestine (hyperglycemia). In response, the body releases large amounts of insulin to absorb the sugars, leading to low levels of sugar in the body (hypoglycemia). Symptoms of late dumping can include: Sweating Hunger Fatigue Dizziness, lightheadedness Confusion Heart palpitations, rapid heart rate Fainting A study of more than 1,100 people who had their stomachs surgically removed found that about two-thirds experienced early symptoms and about a third experienced late symptoms of dumping syndrome. Some people experience both early and late signs and symptoms. No matter when problems develop, however, they may be worse following a high-sugar meal, especially one that's rich in table sugar (sucrose) or fruit sugar (fructose). ~Kat

I think that was a really healthy way to handle this! As someone who has spent a lot of time in younger years in therapy, I agree with the previous advice you've gotten...there's no point in continuing to see someone you don't click with. In order for you to make progress and allow yourself to be challenged, you've got to have some connection and rapport with your therapist. ~Kat

I don't blame you at all for being upset! I think sometimes our partners just don't understand, especially since we *look pretty normal by the time we are a couple of weeks post-op. The important thing here is to continue to ask for what you need. If it's rest or more help with the little ones (OMG, just having a 2 year old is exhausting...or least mine was!), it's ok to ask for it. And don't let him put something on you that doesn't actually belong to you. Just because you are quiet or tired doesn't mean you're miserable or unhappy. I would just remind him, when you are both calm, that you are still recovering and are trying to keep up but need some help and understanding. Also, feel free to vent here! I hope you are able to get some rest and that your hubby can be a little more understanding for the rest of vacation. ~Kat

Congrats!! ~Kat

I'm sorry...I had them, too. Remember to ask your doctor what you can take. I was advised no ibuprofen, only Tylenol in the days leading up to surgery. ~Kat

I don't think there is any sort of average...I think that, in general, any tip is appreciated. I tipped housekeeping a couple of dollars a day, I tipped the driver $10 each way, and I tipped my coordinator. I felt like my coordinator went so far above and beyond, it was well deserved. I hadn't really planned on tipping them prior to leaving, but their care was amazing, not just for me but for my travel companion was well. They worked directly as part of the doctor's staff, rather than for an independent company, so I felt like a tip was well deserved. ~Kat

This was a tough one for me. I wasn't really able to find any reliable information online. I spent a lot of time personally contacting doctors and coordinators, then verifying experience and certifications online as much as I could. Not only do I think the information is not as readily available for doctors in Mexico, there is the language issue (I speak and read a little Spanish but am by no means proficient), and names are often different on official documents vs how they are introduced due to cultural differences in surnames and middle names. For example, my surgeon was Dr. Illan. He goes by Dr. Illan. On all of his official documentation with hospitals and professional associations and medical schools, his name is Dr. Jalil Illan Fraijo. So when I started doing research for Dr. Illan, it wasn't as readily available as I thought it might be...but when I searched for Dr Illan Fraijo, I was able to find some information. ~Kat

Hi! I did. There's a whole forum here dedicated to Self-Pay and Mexico patients. There are a ton of patient reviews! You might want to head over there or send your friend there to see and research the different doctors. ~Kat

For me, I saw side effects within about a week or so. ~Kat

Healthier is a matter of perspective. Are you looking for higher Protein content? Lower sugar content? I've read lots of great recipes for homemade protein ice cream. Both of my go-to bariatric food websites, theworldaccordingtoeggface.com and bariatricfoodie.com, both have recipes for protein ice cream. For low sugar, you would just have to look around. Your local place might have some sugar free option, not sure about Diary Queen. For store bought stuff, I prefer pre-portioned stuff. It keeps me from having to measure out servings...because my tiny tummy is not going to tell me it's full of ice cream in only 1/2 cup or whatever a "serving" is on the label. I like the Breyer's/Edy's Carbwise ice cream bars line...although, I count total carbs rather than net carbs, so have to really read the label to figure out the total carb count. I think the last time I bought some, the total carbs was around 11 carbs..which I can work into my day. ~Kat

Um, that might help you. LOL I ordered from Bariatric Choice today. Got my salty and sweet covered! I ordered some of the Protein potato chips and some pecan clusters. Oh, and some packets that make high protein microwave chocolate mug cakes (15 g of protein per mug cake!). This website could be dangerous.... ~Kat

Good luck! No lying, most of the pre-op diets suck..but surgery day will be here before you know it! Stay hydrated and see if you are allowed a Protein Shake or something with Protein to help ward off any potential headaches. ~Kat

Yeah, a piece of gum was a necessity following my leak test, also at Angeles Hospital. It was very cool, though, seeing my sleeve buddy do her leak test and watching the barium go into her tummy. ~Kat

Good luck!! ~Kat

I had surgery in Mexico and flew home at 4 days post-op...totaling around 10 hours of travel time. I had no issues. I flew cross-country again at about 8 weeks post-op with no issues. ~Kat

I was in the ER earlier this week for a suspected kidney stone and kidney infection, as well as dehydration. The ER doctor gave me the impression it is very common after losing a lot of weight. He said the key is to keep very hydrated. I keep track and do well at getting 64 oz of Fluid and he said that just isn't enough for my body right now, especially when it's hot out. ~Kat

Yay! Congrats on your progress! I love the Keys...so much fun! Enjoy your time. I went on a big vacation around 8 weeks post-op and found it harder to get enough Protein vs keep hydrated. ~Kat

Oh, and thanks for sharing! I'm going to look at the site in the morning... deal or not, I'm always on the look out for reasonably decent snack stuff. ~Kat

I bought the Atkins baking mix from Amazon. It satisfied the pancake craving but the texture and density was vastly different than a regular pancake. I could only eat about half a pancake. My kid took one bite and was done... not necessarily a bad thing, as there is little around here that is just mine. ~Kat