j16

As to the cancer, neither, I have such a strong family history that I am seen at the cancer center for preventative care. I really appreciate the feedback on this - As I tried to say, I am not expecting to be able to eat desserts or Pasta but when I add milk to my Protein Powder, have a meal with Beans like chili and maybe one slice whole wheat bread and vegetables and fruit I am often over the daily limit.

per day. (Sorry, I haven't figured out how to edit yet.)

Yes, I was told 14 oz per week of animal Protein (this was not by my Bariatric Center. They told me 120g protein and 50-80 g carbs

I'm really struggling (pre-op) to comply with the prescribed low carb high Protein diet I've been given and am concerned about how I will do this long term. I have cut out all Desserts, rice, Pasta, but still am struggling. I do not eat a lot of Proteins so am used to having a lot of Beans. I have a history of kidney infections and stones so am worried about having so much protein. My oncologist's office told me to keep animal protein's to 14 oz per week to prevent cancer. I have always heard high fat diets cause heart disease and that vegetables, fruits and Fiber are healthy. So all this seems counterintuitive. I know if I go with the gastric bypass proteins and fats are not absorbed as well so can understand having more of them and eating protein first but just can't get my head around why it is necessary or desirable to limit healthy carbs. Is it the calories or fear they set up cravings? I haven't been able to get a clear explanation from my center's nut.

My surgeon said 2/3 of the stomach would be removed with the sleeve. Now I am wondering also if that is enough.

Thanks all - it sounds like there is just no predicting what might happen!

For anyone who went through Menopause shortly before surgery I have a question. My doctor told me I am now officially menopausal, since I have been one year without a period. I have had no other symptoms. I am thinking it is because my weight has kept my estrogen levels up. My question is will I experience hot flashes, etc. if the weight comes off after surgery? Has anyone experienced this?

A

I'm so sorry.! Try to resolve even more to take care of yourself during this difficult time and continue to ask for support when you need it.

I really like George's Restore, a Protein Powder which you can buy online. Unfortunately, you have to buy a big jar as it does not come in individual servings. The powder has 16 Protein, 0 carb, and 0 fat. I add a cup of skim milk which adds 12 carbs so you might want to either add less or use a different type of milk. What I like about it is that it does not have that sweet chemical taste so many have.

Omg these taste so good but now I am worried. I am trying to get all my Vitamins, etc ready before surgery and ordered a three month supply. The problem is these taste like candy and I am already craving them. I'm scared they will turn into a trigger food. Has anyone else had this problem?

@@Rogofulm ... that's how I talk all the time. Love it!

BTW, would you expound a bit on this: "At support group last night our surgical coordinator/nurse was talking about how after 18 months we lose the metabolic advantage."

What is the "metabolic advantage" she/he was referring to?

Did she/he mean that 18 months is how long it takes for the body to figure out how and where to produce and release ghrelin elsewhere in our bodies (other than in the stomach fundus that was removed during VSG)?

A.

He didn't specifically mention the return of the ghrelin gremlin, although he did impress upon us that hunger returns in spite of the restriction, and our healthy eating habits need to be well-established so as to avoid falling into old patterns. I think the point he was making is that our metabolism stays "confused", for want of a better word, for about 18 months. After which, it recognizes that this is the new "normal" and settles-in for the long haul. I'm extrapolating now , but it may be that whether our metabolism settles-in at a faster or slower rate may depend on our nutritional and exercise patterns. I could expand that to include our muscle mass as well, since that contributes to our metabolic rate, right? So in my case, at 14 months out, I have about 4 months to build up additional muscle mass to support a faster metabolism. I doubt that it's quite so cut-and-dried, but it may be worth using 18 months as a target time-frame to have all our ducks lined up, whether they be eating/drinking habits, exercise routines, or muscle mass development. That last piece is an "aha moment" I'm having even as I write this. Thanks for the question, @@VSGAnn2014, it caused me to think more deeply about the topic, and may encourage some needed changes; specifically, the urgency to add strength training to my routine. Okay, I'm tired now....

Thanks all for the responses ????

Has anyone had GERD pre-op and no problems after surgery without having a hernia repair? I ask this because as I read through so many threads on this subject it seems like most people who saw an improvement in GERD symptoms after getting a sleeve had a hernia repaired at the same time. I have had mild GERD (currently controlled by med) which makes me scared to go with a sleeve. However, both my endoscopy and esophagram looked normal, so I think my doc at my next appt. will say I can go either way.

Ok I tried it ???? Actually, it wasn't bad - more like drinking a glass of milk.

Good point-lol! I will try it without sweetener this morning and report back.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have tried the vanilla Unjury and although I can get it down it's a little sweet for me. Do you think I would be able to use applesauce as a sweetener or are stevia or fake sweeteners the only option?

This topic caught my eye (even though I'm pre-op) as I've been put under at least 10 times with everything from ether to versed and being put under twice in one day for emergency gall bladder removal and a follow up surgery for a complication just recently. As I read through these replies I found myself panicking at the thought of my upcoming surgery. ????Anyway, the last thing I remember is being in a sort of holding room waiting for the OR room to open up and one of the nurses asking if she could do it. I don't know what "it" was but I was thinking don't let an inexperienced person near me! The first thing I remember afterward is being wheeled from recovery to my hospital room where my family was waiting. I have to say versed makes me nervous. It's probably unfounded but I worry that something that erases my short term memory will make me more likely to have dementia when I'm old.

The powder has zero carbs but it would prob taste really bad without something sweet.

Does anyone else use George's Restore for their Protein Shake? I really like it when I make it with a cup of skim milk and 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice but am not sure if I will be able to have it after surgery (with the milk and apple juice it has 24 p, 16 c, 0 f). I have been trying out different Protein Shakes and having a hard time finding one I like. I also looked up CR ratings and am concerned about some of the additives in the premixed types.

Thanks to all who responded. I guess I better start walking more pre-op! I was wondering about this because I just had my gall bladder out with a follow up surgery the same day and it took me three weeks to feel myself again.

I notice many posts where people talk about starting to exercise on day one. Will I really have enough energy to exercise after major surgery and getting so few calories during the first eight weeks?

I love the old Jane Fonda tapes. A few of them were made into DVDs. If you go online you can can find a site that sells all kinds of exercise DVDs and often can watch a few minutes of the one you pick out to see if you think you would like it before you order.

I didn't like it. I felt like it was portraying the women as "swingers" hanging out with men who had a fetish for fat women. I don't think that is a typical experience and was put in there to attract a larger audience.

Thanks all - I meet with my surgeon in a few weeks and will see what she thinks. Maybe my belly button will be healed by then and it won't seem so bad