jazzeeja

Hi everyone I'm really pleased I found this site ,I've done all the necessary steps required for the sleeve , I'm just waiting to hear from my insurance company it's been three weeks and I'm getting a little anxious I guess is anyone from the DFW. Area? What Drs. Are you using? Hopefully the insurance will hurry up so I can have the surgery in May.

I used Dr. Castro ... Good luck to you!

I was sleeved on Monday, and I'm looking forward to when i can eat normal again. My question is...what kind of foods are guys eating??

Hello Guys!

I am excited to say that my surgery will be this Thursday! However, there are a few questions that I have. I was told to take 3,500mg in calcium citrate. Everywhere I have read always says that 1500 mg should be the limit. I was wondering how much Calcium other sleevers are taking. As we know calcium effects the bones and teeth and etc. and I dont want to suffer any deficiency however, I dont want to overdose either. SOMEBODY RESPOND QUICKLY AND SWIFTLY PLEASE! I have a lot of support and I am looking forward to a big change.

Thanks and be blessed,

DYNAMITETEE

What brand of Greek yogurt.?

Although Greek yogurt is higher in Protein than regular yogurt, many will still have a lot of sugar in it. Two good options are Chobani plain or Kroger Carb Master (any flavor)

Hey Leleboo where can I find them? I went to Walmart tonight and bought the Six Star whey Protein elite mix- vanilla flavor 60 grams of Protein

Keep in mind that you can only absorb 30 g of protein at any given time. So if you're using enough powder to get 60 grams in one shake, you're taking in calories without the benefit of being able to use all the protein. Try halving it and spreading the Protein drinks at least one hour apart.

Ok Jazzeeja I went and bought some whey Protein powder from Walmart. I like chocolate but I went on and bought the vanilla...this way I can add bananas. I don't like milk (no kind) so the coordinator told me about this one. I like milk shake type drinks. I am a sweet eater.

I know many people who like Champion and Myofusion because they are thicker like milkshakes. I like them both but the Myofusion has 9g of carbs per serving which is a bit much for me. If you want more of a juice consistency and sweet, try the nectar brand. The have several different flavors. GNC and Vitamin shoppe carry a limited number of samples but you can go to www.vitalady.com and order some samples. This way you can try different ones without having to buy a tub of powder and then wasting it because you don't like it.

Did you get the Pure Protein Powder from Walmart? How did you like it?

Hey Jazzeeja' date=' my surgeon is Dr. Clayton Frenzel and I am being sleeved at Forest Park in Dallas...I am actually in GrandPrairie. How is it going??? I a trying to find a good tasting ready made Protein drink...Any suggestions?[/quote']

I'm in Grand Prairie too! It is going great!! The first day of recovery was uncomfortable but it has gotten much better and easier as the days pass. I'm sure you've heard about the importance of walking ... It is so true. I'm convinced me walking daily (often several times a day) has helped my physical recovery. Yesterday I walked 3 miles, I was exhausted and had to rest for about 30 min but I did it!

In terms of RTD Protein Drink, stay away in the beginning. First, majority of them are a blended whey Protein vs. whey protein isolate. This means that you don't really know how much real protein you are actually getting. So if the label says 20g protein and it is a protein blend, you don't know how much of the 20g is real protein. We need whey protein isolate yo ensure we are getting the minimum of 60g protein daily. Second, they tend to taste good only when they are very cold and believe it or not, you may or may not be able to tolerate too cold drinks post surgery (especially right after).

So with all that said, I strongly suggest trying a number of different whey protein isolate powders. Do you like more juices or milkshake type of drinks? Also what flavors do you tend to like, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, etc? Keep in mind that your taste buds will likely change, especially if you are a sweet eater. I can definitely make some recommendations based on what I've tried and what I have heard from others.

You can also make several different types of Protein shakes by adding in any of the following: unsweetened almond milk, SF flavored syrups, SF pudding, SF cool whip, yogurt (Greek or Kroger carb master), SF Jello, crystal light. There are some other mix ins but I can't think of them right now.

Give me an idea of what you currently like and I can make some suggestions for you. Also are you taking Vitamins?

Hey Evonnrae' date=' I am getting sleeved on November 8th in Dallas, TX.[/quote']

Who and where is your surgery? I'm in Dallas too. I was sleeved on sep 27 by Dr. Castro at Forest Park.

I THINK that Vitamin Shoppe will exchange Protein powder if you buy one you don't like. Might be worth checking out.....

Yes they will. You have to have receipt and it must be within so many days, maybe 30. Same with GNC.

Hey Jazee' date='

I tried it today for a snack & it was not that bad...next time I will try sugar free lol, thanks[/quote']

You've got some time so keep experimenting. Also beware that your taste buds may change after surgery. I LOVE sweets but after surgery not only do I not crave them but but many things are too sweet now. So many times I would add Splenda or stevia to my shakes pre op and I don't think I've added any sweeteners to my shakes post op. don't get me wrong, they are still sweet just not as much as before :-)

At the risk of sounding dumb...

When mixing the Protein with pudding' date=' I'm still using almond milk? This is how I've done it in the past. Or is it just the Protein & pudding, protein & yogurt? Lol if it don't taste or fill right I will add silk.

Thanks Jazee[/quote']

I've done it several ways, with the almond milk, or with Water or with just the pudding/yogurt. I'm not a milk or almond person so often times I will skip the almond milk so I don't use up my calories for something I'm not crazy about. I always add ice (i blend on my Magic Bullet) so i guess technically I always use Water :-)

You really will have to experiment to get it right for you. I would just suggest adding a little bit if whatever you're mixing in because you can always add more buy harder to salvage it if you have to much of something.

BTW, you didn't sound dumb at all. Glad you asked :-)

As I understand it' date=' it's really a problem for people with reduced kidney function, isn't it? I have read that it could be a problem for people with healthy kidneys, but you'd have to eat more Protein than most sleevers are capable of.[/quote']

Yes too much Protein is not good for those with reduced kidney function.

Hi all.

I don't post on here as often as I used too but I am currently 16m out. sw 240 dos 233 currently 119. vsg 6/10/2011.

I make vids and I have no regrets.

Congratulations on your success!!

Just experiment on ur meals. What kind of shake do u have? I need some new ideas...

Some ideas to try with Protein shakes ... Mix with SF pudding, Greek yogurt (plain preferred), Kroger carb master yogurt, unsweetened almond milk, SF cool whip, SF syrups (davinci or torani), SF Creamer. Some docs and NUT allow fruit (berries preferred because they are lower in sugar than other fruit) and if they do allow it, you'll need to mix with Water rather than milk. Also adding ice and blending seems to make a world difference!!

I have tried quite a few different Proteins brands and flavors and have found that I like to use unflavored Protein so I can mix it up with all the things I mentioned above. Happy experimenting!

Question re. Protein. I see how the min. requirement is different from dr. to Dr. and consuming too little is dangerous. Are there any concerns re: eating too much Protein? My nut. recimmends 60-80 grams day. Yesterday I started entering my food on MyFitnessPal and noticed I had 82 gr. P yesterday and 92 today! I really thought I was under-kept losing track of when I had 1/2 scoop (11 gs.) or a whole. The first days after surgery it was so hard to finish 8 oz. of anything! What a difference a week makes!

It is possible to have too much protein but for most it's not an issue as the excess just doesn't get absorbed and will be released with in your urine. Those with kidney issues might have to watch their protein intake. I can't recall the rationale but I know my grandmother had kidney issue and was told to keep her protein under a certain level.

You can "doctor" up the Protein shakes with flavored sugar-free syrups (I.E. Torani or DaVinci)' date=' coffee crystals (like Folger's instant) and extracts. The first 2-3 days are the worst, then it becomes MUCH easier. I also like them with 1/2 fat-free milk, 1/2 Water and 5-6 ice cubes. Some like to put in a blender. I like to put in a "Blender Bottle" (WalMart has the best price I found on these) and shake really well.

Who is your surgeon?[/quote']

Some other options for mixing up the Protein Shakes ... Unsweetened almond milk, SF pudding, Greek yogurt (plain is preferred), Kroger Carb Master yogurt, SF cool whip. Some also do fruit (berries are preferred because they are lower in sugar). But if you're going to do fruit, then mix with Water rather than milk.

Username is : vane13

Sent from my iPhone using VST

I need buddies too. I'm jeneajames@gmail.com

Thank you I emailed a pic hopefully it all gets better soon

Sent from my ADR6400L using VST

Have you heard from your doctor yet??

**what are your thoughts on having braids (extensions) in before surgery? ? I do have thick strong hair but haaaate doing it. My brown is getting married and I love having my hair braided not having to do it. Just nervous about the hair loss...?? Any thoughts or opinions cuz I know as the Braids grow out they get a LiL heavy and pull on ur roots lol

Sent from my Samsung Admire using VST

I'm 3 weeks post op and had braids during my surgery. I've actually have had braids for the last 6 months (different sets of course) and extremely glad I don't have to deal with my hair during recovery and starting back exercising. I also had braids when I was in my best friend's wedding last month (I did make sure she was ok with it). I guess it depends on what type of braids you get and how long but I don't regret it at all.

Also the Hair loss typically comes from a Protein deficiency. And it usually manifests 3-4 months after the deficiency. So having braids won't increase or decrease hair loss but getting your protein in (60-80g) will make the difference.

When is your surgery?

That's how mine is and I actually did take a little longer shower last night too do you think if I keep taking my antibiotics it'll go away? I know you're not a Dr but any advice is helpful before I go in.

Sent from my ADR6400L using VST

And yes you should always complete the round of antibiotics prescribed even if you feel better. The only exception is if you get sick from the antibiotic or have an allergic reaction, in which case you should call your prescribing doctor. Hear the recurring theme "CALL YOUR DR", lol

That's how mine is and I actually did take a little longer shower last night too do you think if I keep taking my antibiotics it'll go away? I know you're not a Dr but any advice is helpful before I go in.

Sent from my ADR6400L using VST

I know your self pay but it shouldn't cost anything to call the surgeon's office. You can describe to them what's going on and let the surgeon or nurse tell you the best course of action. Not trying to scare you but infections can be fatal if left untreated, especially right after surgery because your body has been traumatized and is still healing. Please call your surgeons office.

How would I know?

Sent from my ADR6400L using VST

Puss oozing (especially not clear), redness, swelling. If in doubt, call your doctor ASAP. Better to be safe than sorry.

I may sound dumb for asking but cand u add the unflavored Protein powder to it and up the Protein?

Just keep in mind that you can only absorb about 30g of protein at a time. The excess just gets released in your urine.

I have started working out. I sweat so much. My problem is I sweat in my head and my can hair gets so dry. I know that I can not wash my hair everyday but after I am done exercising it is extremely dry and it is shading bad. I have relaxed hair. Do you have any suggestions on what i can do about this. Please help!!

Braids or twists are an option

How long after surgery do you need to wait to drive? I never gave any thought that I would not be able to drive post-op.

It will depend on doctor's orders. I think the only thing that is standard is no driving while on pain med, i.e. narcotics. I've heard from some that they couldn't drive until cleared by their dr. at the 1 or 2 week post-op appt. my drs orders around driving were based on making sure the narcotics were out of the system. I think it had to be 24 hours after the last dose. My last dose was 30 ml fri night and I drove to Walmart Sun morning (just about 2 miles from my house) and was ok. I did have to take it easy getting in/out of the car but I felt ok to drive.