SpaceDust

I'm so excited about this. My surgery is scheduled for July 24th, and after talking with my husband, I know he's totally on board to support me through this (yup, he's definitely a keeper! Good thing, since we've been together 14 years ). He's even planning some ways to help me stay on track and keep him involved, too. I wish I could do this sooner, though I know I can't. I just need to hang in there!

Check with your nutritionist or dietician about these. Most of the "protein shots" have collagen as the primary protein, which our bodies don't process effectively as protein. They do have whey protein in them, but they are usually not the primary source of protein. I've been told very specifically that they are not a replacement option for me, with the exception of one called "Yes, Whey" that is 100% whey protein isolate.

Regarding being at peace, I'd say yes and no. Most of the time I'm excited and eager for July 24 to get here. Overall I have a really positive outlook about the surgery. However, I do have some occasional moments of worry and doubt, where I wonder if I really tried hard enough, if I should postpone and give it one more try, yada, yada. I just remind myself that I've been there, done that, and one more try will likely mean another year before I finally fix this.

In the "for what it's worth" column, there's nothing intrinsically wrong with eating out if you can do so mindfully. When possible, know the menu at the place you eat so you can choose appropriately without feeling rushed and making mistakes. My husband and I have started sharing plates where it makes sense, and both being aware enough of portion size to automatically take half or more home with us. Use some of the tricks of the diet trade - order your salad with dressing on the side and dip your fork in before getting a forkful of salad, or ask for balsamic vinegar. When getting meat, fowl or fish, ask for broiled, no butter, hold sauces or ask for them on the side so you can control how much you use. You get the point. Can you control even better at home? Of course, but if your life is anything close to as hectic as mine can be, it's not always realistic to eat at home, or if you do eat at home it's something out of the freezer section at the grocery store. As far as my guilty pleasures - anything cheesy is always a temptation. I'm not a huge sweets person, but I do enjoy a little bit of chocolate and caramel now and again. Oh, and super-premium ice creams call my name sometimes. What will still appeal to me post-surgery, who knows? But I know myself well enough to know I'll do better if I allow myself to indulge in a bite or two of something decadent than completely deny myself.

Count me in!

There have been lots of posts that discuss why we chose VSG over other procedures, so you might want to do a little light reading of the site for additional info. However, my reasoning was pretty basic. I decided against the band because I didn't want a foreign object installed in me that had to be tended to constantly (filling and unfilling) and as the years have progressed, more and more people are having complications from their lapband and having it removed/having a revision surgery to another option like sleeve or bypass. I didn't choose bypass because of similar reasons to yours. After doing a lot of research, I could see that the sleeve appeared to be less intrusive to my digestive system (no re-routing of the system, thus malabsorption problems are not typical). While short term complications are slightly higher than the band, long term the fact seems to be that there are less complications. There are other reasons, but these are probably the most obvious ones.

Chinamama, my local Fred Meyer carries PB2 in the health foods section. I believe I heard that some QFCs have it, as well. I usually order mine direct from Bell Plantation, but right now they're in the process of switching over their production and packaging to in-house so they're out of the jarred versions.

There is actually a fair amount of variation on the details of what doctors say regarding vitamins, though they all pretty much say you'll need them for life. That doesn't bother me, since I take them anyhow. I'll just be adding a bit more of some and changing "formats" for at least a while. It sounds like your doctor is the cautious type and is telling you to take vitamins closer to the amounts necessary for gastric bypass patients, who have malabsorption issues to a degree that we sleevers don't generally have. My requirements aren't quite so high - For example, the calcium is 500 mg twice a day for me. I'm allowed to take gummies if I want to as long as I chew them thoroughly (I don't want them - I am not a big fan of gummies in general). I've also been told that I will quite possibly be able to resume taking a number of vitamins and medications in pill form after my stomach completely heals and the swelling has reduced sufficiently to allow the pills to pass comfortably. Of course, your mileage may vary, follow what your doctor tells you!

If you have a GNC nearby, they will usually mix up a sample of their various powders for you to try before you buy a big package - you might see about trying some out. Also, a lot of the ones you can buy online like Syntrax, Unjury and so on, you can purchase sample packs of the various flavors. While I like my current protein powder (Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Isolate) in a couple of the available flavors, I found that I really liked several of the Syntrax protein drinks - there are fruit-flavored ones and some that are more dessert-flavored. I also found that I liked the Unjury chicken broth flavored protein powder, though I think I'll just buy some unflavored powder to add to my own broths and soups for a bit more variety

I'm a fan of everything in moderation, and that's where I'll go when I get several months out. However, it's still pretty early in the game for you, and you might feel less hungry if you focus on protein and skip stuff like crackers, which will leave your tummy pretty quickly and leave you hungry sooner. Also, be aware of when you're drinking your liquids - remember that if you drink them too soon after eating, it has a tendency to hurry the food right on through. Another thing you might try, if you aren't doing so already, is taking a PPI - one of the things I hear consistently is that an overly acidic stomach can cause sensations that mimic hunger even though you're not actually empty. Just some thoughts - good luck!

Johnny, don't worry too much about it. Various surgeons have different expectations, and some surgeons also vary what's required by patient - things like high vs. low BMI, overall health, etc can play into what the surgeon wants you to do before the surgery. Same thing goes with the post-op diet and requirements. Some seem to be on soft foods almost right away. Some of us do a couple of weeks of liquids and full liquids then start moving forward. Other surgeons have their patients do extended time on liquids and soft foods before even allowing their patients to start gradually introducing more "solid" foods. Bottom line, do what your surgeon has asked you to do and you should be okay. Good luck to all of you on this thread who are having surgeries this week! I've still got seven weeks and change to wait

(Minor nit-pick - if it's feedback, it is always voiced in some way - that's what feedback is, a loop. I think you may have meant opinion, possibly?) I totally agree with your example - really, is it necessary or correct to provide every negative opinion you have whether it might be hurtful or not? I may think that pink is the most hideous color in the world on you, but if you are wearing a pink dress that you love, what purpose would it serve for me to tell you that? It's my opinion, and worth what most opinions are if you aren't a professional. If it serves no useful purpose, I try to keep my negative opinions to myself. I don't always succeed, but I do try!

It is something like holding a pillow against your tummy when you're riding in a car. It minimizes the jostling around that makes the incisions hurt. Just don't wear it too long or your back and abdominal muscles start to get weak. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

It's something you wrap around your abdomen. It's used to provide support post surgery so that you aren't pulling as much on your surgical sites as you move. I think of them something like Ace bandages for your tummy, though you only wrap them around you once. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Hi! I'm 51 and scheduled for surgery on July 24. I've been researching and planning for this for over a year. Trish Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

The problem with collegen-based protein shots is that the collegen is an incomplete protein - the various amino acids needed to process the protein for our bodies are not there in sufficient amounts, if at all, so really you're not getting any significant protein from the shots that your body can use. A lot of these protein shots add a little whey or casein to their ingredients so they can claim to be whey protein or casein protein. However, if the majority of the protein is collagen (ie, it's the first protein in the ingredient list), it's still not giving you more than a few grams of useful protein, if that. I've heard that there's one protein shot out there which is okay. I think it's called Yes, Whey. I haven't personally tried it or looked at the ingredient list, but it was recommended to me by a nutritionist as one that is not a collegen based protein shot. Just be careful and do your research. I'd hate for any of us to end up protein deficient while thinking we were getting enough! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

There are a few out there which have a more bio available form of Protein, but I'm pretty sure that the kind you can get at Walmart wasn't one of them. My research and conversations with dieticians and nutritionists pointed to avoiding these, but if you get some additional info from your doctor it would be great to hear! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Another idea might be a section that deals with what happens when you get to maintenance and staying there from a mental perspective. For example, some people are naturally afraid to up their calories/change their diet to stop losing. Others see reaching goal as license to resume poor eating habits and start regaining. Other thoughts for sections: Post surgical depression - what to expect, coping mechanisms "I'm a slow loser" - setting realistic expectations, etc Slowing of weight loss and stalls as you get further out from your surgery - how to keep your head in the game Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

The protein shots you can get at most grocery and drug stores are not very good for our needs. Most of them are primarily collegen based, which is not processed well by our bodies. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

There are several threads that talk about regrets here in the forums - to get started while waiting for answers try searching for the word regrets. Is a question that comes up every few weeks. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Good luck! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST