LBD

Wow- best of luck to you Monday people! I sure am nervous too... It has to be a natural reaction to an elective (but so necessary) surgery. 9 days and counting for me but with all of this anxiety it's a damn good thing I'm on this 2 week liquid diet... I would have gained 10 instead of losing 10lbs. Kind of feel like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff with safety below... So grateful for the people on this forum!

Good plan- wonder if they'd help older scars?

Have you seen American Horror Story? REALLY good show- next season also starts in October.

I went through the same thing... My pre-op diet starts tomorrow so today I had waffles for Breakfast and spaghetti for lunch! Felt guilty and had a Protein Bar for dinner. Sayonara carbohydrates.

Have you seen American Horror Story? REALLY good show- next season also starts in October.

Thank you for posting this... Pre-ops like me need this reassurance!!!! My surgery is scheduled for October 15th & I am starting to ask myself the same questions. I'm having nightmares about 2007 when my surgery went awry and then imagine sending my children off on the bus on the morning of October 15th, knowing what happened before. Logically I know that mistakes are rare and my surgeon is going to be extremely careful with my surgery but it's still scary as hell. Logically, I know that if I want to know my grandchildren, I have to do this and I finally got up the courage to tell my oldest son what I am planning to do. I was going to hold off because I didn't want to frighten him but the moment seemed right. He's twelve and knows what happened the last time, but when I shared this with him he was so sweet and supportive- not scared at all and knows that I need the help. In my head, I know this is right, it's my insecurity and fear that is getting in the way of a bright future with my family. Anyone have a fast forward button???

Thank you for posting this... Pre-ops like me need this reassurance!!!! My surgery is scheduled for October 15th & I am starting to ask myself the same questions. I'm having nightmares about 2007 when my surgery went awry and then imagine sending my children off on the bus on the morning of October 15th, knowing what happened before. Logically I know that mistakes are rare and my surgeon is going to be extremely careful with my surgery but it's still scary as hell. Logically, I know that if I want to know my grandchildren, I have to do this and I finally got up the courage to tell my oldest son what I am planning to do. I was going to hold off because I didn't want to frighten him but the moment seemed right. He's twelve and knows what happened the last time, but when I shared this with him he was so sweet and supportive- not scared at all and knows that I need the help. In my head, I know this is right, it's my insecurity and fear that is getting in the way of a bright future with my family. Anyone have a fast forward button???

I really hope to drop a newborn giraffe!

Yay! Will let you know how it goes... Everything will be fine and it will all be worth it! For so many years I've dreamed of feeling great in my own skin. I cannot wait to post those before & after pics!!!

Thanks for starting this thread & also for all the great replies. Off the top of my head, I was thinking about that hormone or neurotransmitter, Gherelin? It is produced in one area of the stomach and is essentially removed from the equation once that section of your stomach is removed. This was an added benefit and a surprise to doctors after the fact. It's my understanding that Gherelin levels are high in people with obesity because it sends hunger signals to the brain. So chemically and physiologically, we should be less hungry... Having my surgery on October 15th... Excited for my future and wish the best for you regarding yours!

Thanks for starting this thread & also for all the great replies. Off the top of my head, I was thinking about that hormone or neurotransmitter, Gherelin? It is produced in one area of the stomach and is essentially removed from the equation once that section of your stomach is removed. This was an added benefit and a surprise to doctors after the fact. It's my understanding that Gherelin levels are high in people with obesity because it sends hunger signals to the brain. So chemically and physiologically, we should be less hungry... Having my surgery on October 15th... Excited for my future and wish the best for you regarding yours!

Thanks for starting this thread & also for all the great replies. Off the top of my head, I was thinking about that hormone or neurotransmitter, Gherelin? It is produced in one area of the stomach and is essentially removed from the equation once that section of your stomach is removed. This was an added benefit and a surprise to doctors after the fact. It's my understanding that Gherelin levels are high in people with obesity because it sends hunger signals to the brain. So chemically and physiologically, we should be less hungry... Having my surgery on October 15th... Excited for my future and wish the best for you regarding yours!

Me too! Just got the email that It's approved!!! Now if they could just call me back to schedule before quitting time today....

Me too! Just got the email that It's approved!!! Now if they could just call me back to schedule before quitting time today....

Me too! Just got the email that It's approved!!! Now if they could just call me back to schedule before quitting time today....

Just did the required pre-op education class and completed all my pre op stuff. The only thing I was stressing about was my letter of medical necessity which I requested a month ago! Luckily my contact at my dr's office said that it would most likely go through without it. Should get the green light within the next 8-10 days... Hoping for mid October surgery!

Just did the required pre-op education class and completed all my pre op stuff. The only thing I was stressing about was my letter of medical necessity which I requested a month ago! Luckily my contact at my dr's office said that it would most likely go through without it. Should get the green light within the next 8-10 days... Hoping for mid October surgery!

As it was explained to me, the two week pre-op diet is there to shrink the size of your liver, which because of its location, can make the procedure more difficult. The liver lies on top of your stomach so it needs to be lifted and moved out of the way. They say that in some cases, the operation has to be aborted if they see that the liver is not in the right condition for the procedure. Clear Liquids the two days before are just so your stomach is completely empty before surgery. I'm surprised to hear the difference of opinion on this! You would think these things are non negotiable.

As it was explained to me, the two week pre-op diet is there to shrink the size of your liver, which because of its location, can make the procedure more difficult. The liver lies on top of your stomach so it needs to be lifted and moved out of the way. They say that in some cases, the operation has to be aborted if they see that the liver is not in the right condition for the procedure. Clear Liquids the two days before are just so your stomach is completely empty before surgery. I'm surprised to hear the difference of opinion on this! You would think these things are non negotiable.

That is awesome! You look great

My chest is about the same size pre-op, and I'm counting on it! Just hope they don't deflate lol!

Yes! As the ENT (who last week needed to extract a penny from my 6 year old's nasal cavity) put it, "Life is about not making the same mistake twice." Well, I've had my fill of bad choices, missteps and failures and it's time for me to make a change and mean it. For me getting this surgery is about knowing what I need for success, choosing something that is not a temporary fix. Those temporary fixes like Nutrisystems for example, (remember that dehydrated burger with the fake grill marks that soaked up Water like a sponge?) The thought of attempting something like that again is nauseating particularly because ultimately I would gain everything back and more. Life is short and I'm not messing around anymore!!!!

THANKS A LOT! IT IS VERY USEFUL!!!!!!!!!!
I thought I would share this with those of you that need Protein drinks and different options :crying:

I had this emailed to me a long time ago, and while cleaning out my inbox of the 2000 emails I stumbled across it again. I do not know the original author/creator/inventor or I would give proper credit.

pumpkin Protein shake
This is a wonderfully decadent way to get in your protein! Spicy, creamy and icy-thick.�milkshakes never had it so good!
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup skim milk or soymilk
1 scoop vanilla Protein powder (such as Matrix Simply Vanilla)
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 t. cinnamon, 1/8 t. cloves, 1/8 t. ginger)
2 tablespoons Splenda Granular
1/4 cup Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla yogurt
1 cup ice cubes
Place pumpkin, milk, Protein Powder, spices, Splenda, cool whip or yogurt, and ice cubes in blender container; process until slushy. Makes one Meal Replacement serving.
Per Serving: 230 Cal; 28 g Protein; 5 g Tot Fat; 13 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 2 g Sugar; 115 mg Sodium


banana Protein NOG
1 scoop Matrix Simply Vanilla protein powder
1 cup skim milk
A one inch chunk of banana
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth.

Banana/Peanut Butter shake (12 grams protein)
8 ounces fat-free milk
1 tablespoon creamy Peanut Butter
1/4 - 1/2 banana
Blend until smooth in blender.

Orange Dreamsicle (28 grams protein)
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein)
1 scoop (individual serving) sugar-free Sunrise Orange Crystal Lightâ powder
8 ounces skim milk
Alternatives: substitute 4 ounces orange juice for 4 ounces milk; substitute 4 ounces yogurt for 4 ounces milk; add 1/2 tsp. orange zest to shake.

Sunrise Smoothy
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup orange juice (or orange tang)
� banana (peeled)
1 carton Low Carb Vanilla Yogurt
1 tablespoon Splenda
4-5 frozen strawberries
Mix in blender until smooth

Cherry Vanilla
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
4-5 maraschino cherries
2 scoops low carb vanilla ice cream
1 cup cherry sugar free kool-aid
Mix in blender until smooth

Peach
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup Crystal Lite peach tea
4-6 frozen peach slices
4 ice cubes
Mix in blender until smooth

Strawberry-Lemonade
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup sugar free lemonade kool-aid
4-5 frozen strawberries
4-5 ice cubes
Mix in blender until smooth

Cherry Vanilla Coke Float
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 scoops low carb SF ice cream
1 cup diet coke
4-5 cherries
Mix in blender until smooth

Apple Pie Frosty
1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder
1 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced
(or 1/2 C no-sugar-added applesauce)
2 packets Splenda
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t nutmeg
3/4 C Water
8-10 ice cubes Blend thoroughly and drink up

Butterscotch Pecan liquid Pie
2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla
8 oz cold Water
2 T sugar free butterscotch pudding mix
4-5 ice cubes
1/4 C pecans
Blend protein powder, water and pudding mix.
(The pudding mix thickens the liquid considerably).
Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers.
Add pecans and blend again for a few seconds.
Pour into nice huge parfait glass and enjoy.
(about 300 calories).

Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake
1 scoop vanilla powder
1/2 cup SF cherry yogurt
4 ice cubes
splash water
vanilla extract (to taste)
cherry extract (to taste)
Put all of it in a blender and hit liquify! Enjoy

Choco Mint Shake
1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder
1 packet sugar free hot chocolate mix
1 teaspoon mint flavoring
1/2 cup of soy milk
1/2 cup of water
6 large ice cubes
Put all ingredients into blender
And mix to desired consistency. Serve cold.

Chocolate Almond Shake
2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
1 cup of soy milk
2 T Sweet N Low chocolate Syrup
1 t almond flavoring
1/4 cup of almonds
6-8 ice cubes
Blend all ingredients,
Except almonds and ice cubes,
Then add nuts and cubes and blend again

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter De-Lite
3/4 c. cold water
1/4 c. Toasted Marshmallow s/f syrup
2 scoops PS IOO Chocolate Protein Powder 4 packets. equal
1/2 small banana
1T. low sugar Peanut Butter
1T. s/f White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix
Put everything in blender
And whirl till smooth.
Scrape down sides if necessary
And whirl some more.

Chocolate Banana smoothie
1/2 cup banana Fat-Free NutraSweet Sweetened Yogurt
1/2 cup Non-fat Milk
1/2 cup ripe banana peeled and sliced
Dash of Vanilla
1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder of Choice
Put all ingredients except ice in blender,
Blend until smooth.
Add ice and blend
To give it a frozen smoothie consistency.

Chocolate Coconut Shake
2 oz Coconut Milk
6 oz Cold Water
2 scoops Chocolate protein powder
1 tsp Chocolate or Banana sugar-free pudding
Hand Shake well.

Chocolate Covered Banana
1 scoop Chocolate Isopure
1/2 c 1% milk
splash of sugar-free chocolate syrup
1/2 banana
4 maraschino cherries
2 handfuls ice
Blend

Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake
1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder
1 cup soy milk
2T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup
10-12 cherries - (no pits please)
8-10 ice cubes
Put all ingredients into blender
And mix to desired consistency

Chocolate Frosty Shake
1 rounded scoop Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Chocolate Protein Powder
1 rounded tsp. fat free sugar free French Vanilla International coffee
1 rounded tsp. fat free Creamora (non-dairy coffee creamer powder)
10 ice cubes
Use a blender to get a shake-like consistency

Chocolate Fudge Shake
2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
2 T chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix
8 oz water
5 large ice cubes,
tiny silver spoon (optional)
Blend ProScore, pudding and water, add ice cubes,
Blend till crushed with ice slivers still un-melted,
Pour into insulated cup (makes about 16 oz)
And eat it with a tiny silver spoon.

Chocolate OrangeSicle
1 1/2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
1/2 Scoop OrangeSicle protein powder
8 oz water
Shake very well

Chocolate Peanut Butter Death
2 scoops PS100 Chocolate Protein Powder
8 oz Cold Water
2 tsp Chocolate SF Pudding Mix
1 packets Splenda
1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Peanut Butter Syrup
1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Cookie Dough Syrup
1 Heaping Tablespoon (Daloop) of Fat Free Cool Whip Light
1 Heaping Teaspoon of Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter
approx. 6 oz of crushed ice
Mix until entirely smooth - pour - sit back and enjoy pure indulgence

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 tbs. peanut butter
1 cup skim milk
2 handfuls ice
Blend thoroughly

Chocolate Raspberry Shake
2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
8 oz water (or skim, lactaid or soy milk) sugar free raspberry syrup
Blend and enjoy

Chocolate Vanilla Swirl
1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
splash Vitamite
splash water
ice
Blend thoroughly

Chocolate-Banana Shake
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/2 banana
1 cup skim milk
2 handfuls ice
Blend thoroughly.
Hint: if you can't use a banana,
Try banana extract...tastes good!

Coco Loco
1 1/2 scoops 100%Whey Vanilla Protein powder
4 oz Vitamite
6 packets Splenda
splash Luzianne Peach Mango Ice Tea flavoring
2 drops Coconut extract
2 drops pineapple extract
1 drop Rum extract (optional)
5 ice cubes
Blend and chop ice thoroughly

Cookies & Cream
Splash of Cookies & Cream coffee Splash of Vitamite
Splash of water
1 tsp. Sugar Free DaVinci Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Syrup (optional)
1/3 scoop ProBlend 55

Mocha/cappuccino
1/3 scoop Pro V60 Chocolate Thunder
1/3 scoop Pro V60 Vanilla Cr�me ice Blend

Creamy Peach Melba
6-8 frozen peach slices
4-6 oz water
1 tbsp peach mango Luzianne Tea Flavor
1 tsp DaVinci Raspberry flavor
2 packets splenda
1 tbsp heavy cream
2 scoops Keto Peaches & Cream Protein Powder
Blend peaches,
Water, flavorings, & splenda until liquid.
Add protein powder.
Drizzle in cream last. Blend well.

Donna's Delicious Protein Smoothie
6 to 8 oz sunrise orange crystal light (premade)
3 ice cubes
3 frozen raspberries
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
Optional: tablespoon of light cool whip
Mix crystal light with the ice cubes and frozen raspberries,
Add the scoop of vanilla protein powder
And mix only for a few seconds
(mixing the protein too much causes it to foam)

Double Chocolate Fudge
� cup skim milk
1 packet, no sugar added hot cocoa mix
1 scoop Chocolate protein powder
4 ice cubes (or � - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender.

Egg Nog
1 scoop of Vanilla HDT 5+1 vanilla 1 cup of soy milk
1 teaspoon of rum extract
1/2 teaspoon of all spice
4-6 large ice cubes
Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency.

Ruptured Aorta. A very rare (and obviously serious) surgical error. Recovery from that surgery was rough because I had an upper respiratory infection and was coughing and sneezing with this huge incision/dozens of staples in my gut! 8 days in the hospital...NOT fun. I never had the gastric bypass then, (2007). With the help of this forum, I've managed to muster some strength, reason and objectivity and will get the VSG in the next month or two. Again, not meaning to scare anyone, I would just say that it's important to be in a hospital where there are other specialists available- as in my case, I needed a vascular surgeon to repair and graft the artery.

So sorry! Didn't mean to scare you. Just because my doctor made a huge mistake, doesn't mean anyone else's will and I wish you the best of luck. I guess I felt the need to share my story because I still am pissed off about it. That doctor never came to see me in the hospital except for one time at the end of my 8 day stay and that was to tell me that my "anatomy was different". Never apologized and I went through hell. Made sure that I have a surgeon now that seems to care more about what happens to me. I'm also realizing that being that mistakes like the one my dr made are so rare that my posts about it don't really help anyone else in coming to terms and making the decision to move forward, which is hard enough as it is...