healthier&happier4life

I'm not sure about your pre-op workshop. I did have a "workshop" type thing but it was with the nutritionist to review the eating plan, Vitamins, etc., It was nothing to be worried about. Just an informative session.

@@esskay77 Thank you! Yeah, I guess I just tried to stress myself about something that wasn't necessary! And, yes.. Now I know that I can handle the social situations!

I'm only a month ahead of you. I had my bypass June 20th. I'll be glad to chat and share my experiences if that will help!

Well, I'm back from the luncheon and I think I did fine. Thanks to all of you! Your variety of suggestions was very helpful! I decided not to eat before I went. They had fried chicken, of course! (That's what we eat in the south!!) I put a chicken leg on my plate, one spoon of potato salad, and one spoon of macaroni and cheese. BUT, I didn't eat any of the potato salad or macaroni and cheese which are two of my faves! I just put them on my plate so it wouldn't look so empty. I pulled the skin off of the chicken leg and had a few bites of the chicken and chewed very well. Nobody seemed to noticed that I didn't eat much, so I was relieved. But, everybody kept trying to get me to have some dessert. I told them I was too full and that I might have some in a bit, but I never did. All in all, I'm proud of myself! Especially for avoiding the deserts!!! It's been about two hours ago, so I think my stomach is going to be okay with that little bit of meat that I ate. THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

It's a luncheon at a person's home. Maybe they will serve soup, but I doubt it. I live in the south and soup is not usually served during our hot summer days.

I had my bypass on June 20th! First two weeks were fine. No problems meeting my fluid and protein goals. But this week I started the soft food stage and I'm finding it more difficult to meet my goals. I normally drink water like crazy, but now I have to force myself to drink it. I still don't feel hungry and can't "feel" what's going on in my new stomach. When eating pureed food I only eat 2 to 4 ounces at a time. I'm also very tired today. I've been forcing myself to walk on the treadmill, but it's getting more difficult! Anyone else having these problems?

I'm new to this site. I'm not sure what the "decline" on the site is all about. I've found people on this site very helpful in the few months that I've been posting on here. I especially appreciate all the advice that I've received over the last 2 1/2 weeks since I had my bypass. Thanks to all you veterans who are willing to spend your time sharing your experiences and advice. It is greatly appreciated!

Thank you @@Inner Surfer Girl I went back to WalMart today and found it! They had the caramel and the strawberries & creme. I bought the strawberries and creme to try. I put it in the fridge so it will get cold as you suggested. Hope it's good! I've been using the Inspire Protein powder to make shakes, and I like it, but after two weeks I'm ready for a change.

A day spent on bariatricpal.com is a day well spent!

Great article. Look forward to the rest of the series. I'm surprised that my sleep apnea is getting better already, and I'm only 2 1/2 weeks post op but down 20 pounds. @@Dr. Krainin - I hope you will explain in your article how we will know when our Sleep Apnea is gone. I've tried sleeping without my CPAP and my husband says I don't snore much at all anymore. However, after reading this article I think I need to keep using my CPAP. But for how long???

I've just started my 3 week post-op diet -- pureed foods. Just wondering when can I add a tiny serving of potatoes or Pasta with my Protein? I know that the protein is the most important part of the meal but wouldn't it be okay to have a tiny bit of starchy veggies or pasta sometimes?

I got curious about the Protein powder quality and found this article at Consumer Reports warning of heavy metals in some protein drinks. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/july/food/protein-drinks/what-our-tests-found/index.htm and http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/july/food/protein-drinks/whats-in-your-protein-drink/index.htm However, these appear to be the kind that body builders, etc., use.

OK. So where in the grocery store will I find these Premiere Protein shakes? I was in WalMart today and looked in the refrigerated section around the milk but didn't see them.

I'm only 2 1/2 weeks post op, but they told me to focus on Proteins & fluids. I agree that it is strange to be eating so few calories, but it's part of the post op plan. Also, as @@Djmohr mentioned, the Vitamins are important. Oh, and getting enough sleep! Good luck!

I'm sorry this has been difficult for you. Call your surgeon's office and explain about the insurance. Maybe they'll get you in sooner. Is there another surgeon you can use that might work quicker with you? I would just call the patient coordinator and explain your situation. I hope all works out well.

Thank you all for your advice! What I'm hearing makes sense... Make the most out of the first year. Great advice! THANKS AGAIN!!!

@ I can totally relate to what you are going through! I am only 2 1/2 weeks out from my bypass but I'm already feeling like, "What am I going to do now"? food was such a big part of my life before and now it's like there is a big, empty hole which used to be filled with food! I used to eat for anything and everything. I ate when I was happy, when I was sad, lonely, depressed, excited, bored. You name it --- I ate for it! Now, I don't know what to do with myself. I know I can't do this by myself. My husband, family & friends are supportive, but I still feel like they cannot relate to what I am going through. However, I've decided to go to see a therapist. Hopefully, this will help me get some perspective. Have you thought about therapy?

I'm 2 weeks out from surgery. I like the Inspire Protein shakes. I mix the protein with skim milk, so one 8 ounce serving yields 29 grams of protein. That really helps me. Also, the Danon Fit & Light GREEK yogurt is really good. I get it in the 5 ounce size which yields 12 grams of protein. So, one Protein shake and one yogurt gets me more than half way to my protein goal. Also, you can add the unjury unflavored Protein Powder to your chicken broth or cream of chicken Soup (strained). Not bad. I think there are good medical reasons for waiting and following the dietary directions.

It was my understanding that the chewables are absorbed better than capsules. Is this correct?

@@Julie norton WOW! For some reason, this x-ray of a 250 pound person bothers me more than looking at myself at that weight did! I guess seeing how the organs are enlarged -- even the heart! So glad I'm doing something about this!!

I'm on week 3 - soft foods. I had my first scrambled egg this morning, and it was delicious! No problems! It's my understanding that you just don't want to overcook the egg, so over easy sounds like it would work!

I'm about to start week 3 of my post op diet -- Puree/soft regular diet. My paper says, "cooked vegetables without a chewy skin--most canned work well. Green non-starchy vegetables." So, which vegetables can I try? Green Beans?

Thank you for the advice @Djmohr. I don't like peas so no worry there. I'll try carrots first!

My surgeon said the same as Shrinking Violet -- the pain is due to cutting through the muscle. I have one incision, on the left, that is more bruised. He said they do a lot of the work from that one.

My 1 week post op appt is tomorrow. Just wondering what to expect?