Zane's Mom

I see these in the Protein drink section and it says it has 25 gm of protein. But I know it is not isolate, which if I understand right is the best kind of protein to have. So, could someone who knows the ins and outs of what is good and bad please give some advice about this product. It actually does not taste too bad to me. Thanks for educating me.

Thanks. It's actually a premade shake in a 15 oz can. It comes in vanilla, chocolate strawberry and Peanut Butter cup. I just grabbed on at a checkout counter when I was leaving a store and liked the taste. I thought 25 grams of Protein on the go. Cool.

I did not start counting calories until I was able to eat regular foods as tolerated. So I don't think you are missing out on anything. In fact once you get to more normal you may need to increase your calories to lose properly. That's when my fitness pal is a must. For the first month and a half I just concentrated on fluids first and recognize signs of dehydration and Protein next. I'm like all the others. Post op they were so much harder to drink and I had to find new ones to work with me. Now that I'm farther out there are bars that help with that too. At my 3 month checkup the nurses said I had one of the highest protein levels they have seen that soon post op. But yes two weeks ago my hair started shedding. I think it's just my body being in shock and not just the protein. I've been taking Biotin for months. So please keep track of the protein and the calories when your actually eating. Best to you ...

The only way I can drink plain Water is during or after a workout when I'm just dehydrated. Other than that I add flavor drops to water or I love a great iced tea. I have not been able to drink the Protein drinks I had pre surgery at all. Even 4 months out. I immediately bought unflavored Protein Powder and add it to everything I can tolerate. I now have a shake, I mix up the brands, and a bar every day. It does get better. You have literally woken up from surgery with a new life. And as a baby in the process everything is new and different. At least you see the light ahead making it all worthwhile. So keep going in what your doing!!! I think the most important thing is the hydration. Good luck

I've already taken two immitrex today and I can just feel the tightness in my neck and temples. I've only had one truly debilitating migraine in 4 months but the tension headaches and pre-migraine symptoms are troubling. I hope you are getting relief with some medication. I just try to take it easy, be quiet and rest.

I'm 4 months out and it's been happening this past month. At my 3 month check up my Protein levels were over 32. The doc said most 3 month post ops are 14 at most. So while I don't know what exactly it means, I know I am getting ALL of my protein and its still happening. I take all my Vitamins and Biotin since day one. So... I agree with most others. If it's going to happen there's not much you can do about it. I'm not worried yet. I took medication years ago which made my hair come out like crazy, so I know what's ahead. Just hoping the re growth is sooner than later.

Hello. I am only 4 months out but started at 190 hw and preOp and today at 149. I am 43 with a pretty active routine. You can read some of my other posts and see if you would be interested in "talking" with me. Best of wishes on your journey ahead. Amy.

I was the same as Lexie. Huge stall 2 weeks out for 2 or more weeks. Then it was good and at 3 months stall for 2-3 weeks. Don't change anything. You are healing and progressing as your doctors program and your new sleeve allow will be its own challenge. Keep on. I still get 50 plus grams of Protein each day from drinks and bars. The rest from my 5 small meals a day. I'm 4 months out. You are eating so little food that you need to just follow your program. Trust the method endure the madness of the change your body is making now!!!

I was all over the place. I was always once a day and post op it was days and days. But I wasn't uncomfortable. But when it did it was usually the other directions and very unpredictable and I'm glad a restroom was usually close. I'm 4 months out and pretty regular now. I didn't take anything for it because I wasn't hurting from it. Best of wishes to getting back to normal soon.

Hello fellow sleevers. I was 190 June 10 when I started my pre-op diet. Sleeved 6/17 and today I'm at 149. That's 41 pounds in 4 months. I'm thrilled with the results so far. I have had a pretty easy time with little pain and no real complications. I just read and post to figure out how to work past some of the quirks that go along with the sleeve. My dr said that since I'm so close to goal, 10 to 15 pounds, the weight loss will be slower from here on out. I have stalled twice for weeks. My hair is also coming out more than before, but I've been reassured by all the members here, so I just take it in stride. As for getting to old habits, I either pass on a "treat" or I have just a small bite. I'm so restricted, I prefer a great meal as opposed to Snacks. I'm always glad to know others are out there like me, and I'm happy to answer any questions about my journey. Best to us all ...

Yes. Totally relate. Everything I ate from mushies on made my stomach cramp and I didn't enjoy anything. I dreaded trying anything. I too did not throw up. The first two months of healing were hard. It's worth it though. It will pass and you will enjoy eating again. Just remember this is temporary.

It is so worth it if you are really ready to put in the work and change your life. I am 40 pounds down at 3 & 1/2 months and 12 more pounds and I'm at goal. Be aware the weight loss has been slow this past month and 1/2. But I was told that at my follow up. Since I'm close to goal I'll have to work my program well. Best wishes to you October sleevers. Feel free to contact me if you want someone to relate too that's going through close to what you will be.

Stanhope We are a lot alike. I live in Dallas and I think you had surgery here as well. I'm 5'5" and highest weight 190. I was sleeved on 6/17 and I'm at 150 now. So you're moving right along. I too want to start toning and shaping my body as I get smaller. I've been losing slowly this past month, but losing is losing. Keep up your hard work and I'm sure you'll reach goal sooner than you know.

I would say it's just the soup. Regroup and go back to the liquids. Even when starting on puréed foods that new sleeve will be picky picky picky. You and it may not agree on everything for quite a while and sadly it will win! But in the end ... You will. Good luck on your next try.

I noticed about a month ago that almost every day I have a lot of gas and discomfort as a result of it. Even after surgery and for the first two months I never had gas pains. At my 3 month check up I asked about it and the doc said the Protein bars have a lot of Fiber and that could be causing it. I do take 40 mg of the Rx Prilosec I take the Otc gas chewables and it doesn't seem to help. I have even started using a straw to drink my Protein Drink so I can exhale before I sip my drink. I thought maybe my regular drinks were allowing more air. This actually helps but I really want to know ... Am I alone. Is there additional help ??

I'm 14 weeks out and at 6 weeks I felt like you did. The thought of eating was dreadful. I was supposed to add normal food as tolerated. But I was not tolerating much. Then I would eat and my stomach cramp on the first bite and if I kept on then really sick. I have tried to not throw up much because that feels even worse. But that half hour between eating and picking up my Water bottle to help me out was torture. It's better now but I still come across meals that turned out not to be a good idea. Keep working it. I would suggest to take one bite and wait to see what happens then continue. It does get better. I look forward to every next day to enjoy something just a little more than before.

I agree. It was horrible because what you liked before is repulsive now but the thought of trying something new knowing the discomfort that may follow was torture. It does get better and you will find new go to foods. I was so thankful when the stomach cramps stopped with EVERYTHING I ate. But I have kept working my program and it works. Just think that after the new year you will be the one posting how you got three it to the newbies looking for advice. Best of luck to you

My surgeon said that the pain under you shoulder blade is the gas. He said it feels horrid and you cannot massage it out. For this you must walk it out. I have a feeling you just moved a certain way and some of the operation gas. moved too. Good to check with your doctor, but walk walk walk to see if it subsides.

I was in the same boat too. If I tried something before my stomach was ready I got so sick. It was probably too early for that but don't give up as you progress. I struggled with many foods and I just wish there was a magic schedule to ensure I was ready. I was so sick of shakes and nothing sounded or looked good because I knew the first bite might create huge issues. I'm about 15 weeks out and just recently have noticed that meals have been much more pleasant. I found new Protein drinks that I like and Protein Bars as well. Funny thing is I never had an issue with the bars. Even early on at 4 weeks. They go down fine. I can just encourage you to take one bite and chew thoroughly and wait a few minutes to see what your stomach thinks of it. Try to not overeat at this point. Good luck. It gets better and better.

I like what everyone else said. Bring Chapstick. I also brought my walking shoes. That way when I walked in the hospital I wasn't kicking the iv stand and stubbing my toes. Just know that all the bumps and on the road to success. And that's the way the road is paved. We just go along and make adjustments to stay on the path!!! Post any questions. There are no dumb questions. These people on this sight have been my saviors. Best wishes to you for a smooth journey and know you are not alone ...

I am sorry for your loss. And as a fellow bereaved mom, you know all I can say is it isn't fair, it just sucks. And there are no answers. I know we get it and that's all that matters. It's refreshing to know that a similar soul is going through this journey same as me. If you want to message or talk send me your info or I'll send mine. I'd love to hear about Zac. I know that the farther out you get the less you get to speak about your sweet boy. I'm always a listening ear.

NavyMom2006 I am sorry for your Loss. I think sometimes only those who travel a similar journey "get it" and know that you get lost in your grief until you realize that if you don't take care of yourself you will die as well. I'm glad that even with your sorrow you are able to start this journey for you. I wish you all the best.

Congrats. Those flashbacks are really eye opening and you have so many more victories to celebrate every day!!! I'm sure your spouse is enjoying the new you too.

Well. I don't mind answering that at all. My only son was 18 when he was murdered 3 years ago. My life has been unbelievable since then. I endured two separate trials to convict the two thugs who shot him in the head thinking they were going to rob him. I have adopted 4 kids in the past 5 years. I have been under a psychiatrists care since my son died and I take 4 medications daily just to function and keep my sanity. I go to counseling every week and a support group for bereaved parents every month without fail. My husband and I have 10 children total with 16, 6, 6 and 5 still at home. I have just been steadily gaining since his death and I wanted to do something about it. My bloodwork kept getting worse and worse every 6 months. I scheduled the lap band but as I went through the process my psychiatrist wanted me to make sure that I would be able to take my medication without fail. I had to maintain my mental stability. I also talked with my OB and my pcp, and we all agreed that sleeve would be safer to continue my meds. When they did the EDG, I did have a large hernia and there were ulcers all over my stomach. So surgery removed many of those. I consider it a drastic step, but it is a tool I am using to make my life better. And if I can reach my goal and be all the mom I can be for the next 13 plus years for the little ones at home, then I'm trying to do it all right. Isn't it better that I made an informed decision with commitment and conviction to get my health and well being under control before I was what ... What weight would you like to see before surgery is justified to you? I am still calling this my win!!!

I'm in the same boat here. I am three months out but for the entire month of September the scale has not moved. I have read all of the advice and I plan on getting into everything I'm supposed to. My kids shared a summer cold with me and then I pulled my lower back last week. I'm the one who has been laid up and not exercising. So I can't wait until my back heals and I'm back to exercise. So please post when your stall is over and what seemed to be the aha moment in getting past it.