Maggie143

Glad you found us! This is the nicest group of people with the best advice and helpful experiences. We are all learning from each other here, so you never know who you are going to help Welcome! Keep sharing.
I'm not allowed to add those things to my diet yet. Have my appt with the NUT and the surgeon this coming week. Fingers crossed. I'm having bouts of crying and am happy although just a little moody and my stomach hurts form over doing it the other day. I still don't want anything to eat or drink but my brain wants filet mignon and chili dogs I have to conquer the brain...

Yay you! Just finished the process and surgery on June 21st. It goes so fast. Listen to all the advice the surgeon and people give you along the way. Its all good and its helpful! Good luck in your journey to the new you <3

Telling you not to drink 20/30 min before and after your Protein shake is just stupid. The only reason for that rule is to not flush solids through your sleeve too soon so that you end up eating more than you should. So it really doesnt apply with Protein shakes . Fluids are fluids. And even the eating/drinking rule is archaic, carried over from the rules of bypass with no real logic behind it when it comes to VSG because out pyloric valve s still intact.
I say do what you've gotta do to get in all your protein and fluids and ignore the stupid rules that don't make sense and actually impede your ability to reach goals. And, BTW, that 64oz is a minimum you should aim for. You should actually shoot for more than that, especially if you are excercising, live in a warm climate, are experiencing a stall, diarrhea or Constipation. I actually got dehydrated on 64oz and now get 100oz every day.

Although I'm weighing myself and am pleased with the results, I had already decided that I was really going to start watching the scale and recording 100% of what I eat after I went for my 2 week post-op appt. It's what my surgeon and one of the floor nurses suggested and it makes good sense to me. In 2 weeks, I've lost all the Fluid from the hospital, the bruises from the IVs and heparin injections are almost gone, my stomach swelling is clearly almost gone and I feel truly human. Give yourself some time...day 3 post-op for me: I was still on liquid codeine, was able to only walk around a 1/4 mile loop behind my house, could only tolerate tiny amounts of Clear Liquids, no bowel movement, I was bruised all over, my incisions hurt, etc, etc, etc. Now I'm at day 13: I'm walking 2 miles, I'm completely off the blood pressure meds that I've been taking for a couple of years, I'm eating full liquids plus some chicken and blueberries that I've been sneaking in. I had a sip of my husband's beer last night and I didn't burst into flames My incisions are nearly healed and really, my only complaint right now is that I want to CHEW MY food. I'm tired of liquids.
It will all happen for you too, I'm sure, but it's hard when you're ready to see some results. I had to keep reminding myself that I had a major surgery...it's no small thing to have 3/4 of your stomach removed. Hang in there, and we'll all be here talking ourselves through this together!

I'm actually planning to take 6-8 weeks completely off from work. I travel extensively for work and due to budget cuts, Return from my last trip Aug 4th and have been told I likely won't see anymore work until late October. Since no work for likely 10 weeks, this was the perfect time. I've got at least 4 months sick leaved saved up and plan to retire next year; so why not use some of it this year and the remainder late next year if I want cosmetic surgery.
After my two week checkup, I'm contemplating heading over to my BFF's (3 hours away) who condo development has a rental unit I can use for a month. I think it would be easier being in a condo alone in a walkable city rather than having to share the refrig and seeing my family's food around.

But thanks for the advice. I really want to follow doctors orders, as most say that is how they've been successful. With putting in the no liquids 30 minutes before and after the shakes, yet keep drinking fluids all day, just seems confusing and/or conflicting.

The first week to two weeks is really hard to get all your fluids and Protein in.....Just remember the most important thing is fluids.....What my nurse coordinator had me doing that made things easier for me for the first couple of weeks she told me to just focus on getting fluids and not to worry so much about measuring and timing, but to instead make sure I was drinking enough to keep the color of my urine from becoming dark...........Then once I was able to get a handle on getting enough Fluid then start working on protein......and slowly work up to getting the 60 grams of protein......just remember your body will be fine for several days even weeks with not getting enough Protein, but you must ensure you're getting enough fluid....Focusing on one thing at a time is what helped me.
It may be helpful for you to measure out the total amount of Fluid you want to aim for, for the day first thing in the morning, and I know several people who used the small plastic 2oz shot glasses you can get from Walmart....(they're little red Solo cups)....I've heard several folks say that really helped them........they would fill up 4 of them at a time and when they were gone refill them all again.....
Good luck to you!!!

This does sound complicated. You may have to make a schedule.
For me, all of my fluids (Protein shakes, Popsicles, etc.) counted towards my Fluid total.
For me, the bottom line is: 100 grams Protein, 64 oz Fluid. Sip, sip, sip.

I had to laugh this morning reading the posts. Its nice to know we aren't rowing the boat alone and we are all dreaming of chewing and saltier, savory days ahead. What happened to my sweet tooth? Too much of a good thing, I guess really is a bad thing
John Bamber - could do that Soup - thanks for the heads up! A half a cup would meet my not over 6 gms of sugar soup requirement. I will look for that. I tried light chicken alfredo soup last week and lobster bisque. It was sooo gross. I couldn't get past an ounce.

Take it one day at a time. All will be well.
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Don't start your journey being frustrated at something you have no control over. You didn't do anything to gain that weight. Your body will release it when it no longer needs it. I think it was 5 days before I lost what I gained and now the real weight is coming off. I am 12 days post and very happy with things so far!

Be patient your very swollen too. Your body is in shock and learning to cope. Once you get a regular pattern it will kick in.
I'm in the same boat. But I did pre surgical diet. The liquid diet is something of a challenge for me not because I am hungry but I don't feel hungry. The broth is yummy once I start. I feel like I have a hangover but no major pain or discomfort. I'm on day 5. The shakes go down fine but Fluid intake is about 58 oz at max so far.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had to laugh this morning reading the posts. Its nice to know we aren't rowing the boat alone and we are all dreaming of chewing and saltier, savory days ahead. What happened to my sweet tooth? Too much of a good thing, I guess really is a bad thing
John Bamber - could do that Soup - thanks for the heads up! A half a cup would meet my not over 6 gms of sugar soup requirement. I will look for that. I tried light chicken alfredo soup last week and lobster bisque. It was sooo gross. I couldn't get past an ounce.

question for you guys a couple of weeks out - i gained so much weight while IN the hospital for the sleeve. they said it was just the IV fluids they pump you full of, but I went up 7 lbs over that 24 hrs. I'm now 3 days post-op and still havent lost it. I still have 2 more lbs to lose to reach my starting point. so frustrating.

I'm so surprised by how different my taste buds are regarding the Isopure Lemonade... I was able to drink that fine before the surgery, post-op it's gross. I hope my choice of liquid Protein Shakes don't have that same surprise for me - but they were much better tasting than the Isopure so I'm a little less worried.
Full liquids tomorrow - can't wait!

Thank you, thank you for everyone fessing up to being scared. I am. I really am. Its huge and I know it will be good for me but it is a part of your body they are removing and its for a lifetime. I know it will be a memory before we know it and we will be living with it and doing well. My brain won't shut off and is really going a million miles an hour. I'm not afraid of the surgery; I'm afraid of the change and wanting not to screw up.
Love the comment about the Gas-x strips. One of the girls in my classes got that same advice that she shared with me. I got the baby gas liquid drops and hope that helps. I was also instructed to sleep in a recliner, chair or elevate the mattress for a few days.
Pain - One friend said they had no pain and only gas in the shoulder. Said they were fine with everything they drank by day 5. Another friend told me she was in a lot of pain. She also did not do the liquid diet for the two weeks and I believe that has something to do with that.
All of us will have a different experience but that is what I am looking to hear. It helps all of us and we learn what works. Thanks and keep the info coming. Its good!

I had to laugh this morning reading the posts. Its nice to know we aren't rowing the boat alone and we are all dreaming of chewing and saltier, savory days ahead. What happened to my sweet tooth? Too much of a good thing, I guess really is a bad thing
John Bamber - could do that Soup - thanks for the heads up! A half a cup would meet my not over 6 gms of sugar soup requirement. I will look for that. I tried light chicken alfredo soup last week and lobster bisque. It was sooo gross. I couldn't get past an ounce.

I had to laugh this morning reading the posts. Its nice to know we aren't rowing the boat alone and we are all dreaming of chewing and saltier, savory days ahead. What happened to my sweet tooth? Too much of a good thing, I guess really is a bad thing
John Bamber - could do that Soup - thanks for the heads up! A half a cup would meet my not over 6 gms of sugar soup requirement. I will look for that. I tried light chicken alfredo soup last week and lobster bisque. It was sooo gross. I couldn't get past an ounce.

I am so glad I am not the only one that has taken a nibble on something! Granted it has been one bite and it is filling but I did have bite of chicken salads and cheese.< /p>
Good luck to everyone tomorrow! I am staying home with dogs!

I just ordered some high Protein Soups. I need a break from the shakes. Everything seems so disgustingly sweet to me right now, I am dreaming of eggs and refried beans---anything savory that isn't broth!
I didn't realize my tastes would change so fast. I liked the shakes pre-op. But even sugar free cranberry juice diluted with 3 parts Water was way too sweet.

**What doesn't kill us will make us thinner ** - Maggie143
This is my new motto! Thanks, Maggie! This should get me through some more Protein Shakes

Mine was the 27th.
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It's tasty
2006 - 2016
Lap Band, lost 112 lbs gained back 50
June 27 2016
Lap Band removed, converted to Sleeve

I've been eating Tomato Soup from panera, very yummy and satisfying!!

I made real Bone Broth - easier - just throw the chicken in the pot with veggies - in 40 minutes take out chicken and throw bones back in pot and let simmer till bones open, are soft and release the collagen. Its good and 12 grams of protein per cup.

My doc doesn't want me to focus on anything but getting my fluids in and 30 was fine by end of week and try to get to 40 48 by next and start sprinkling Protein in things where I can. I can do about one GNC Protein Shake a day but its taking me 2 hours to get it in. I feel full all the time. I just bought Bariatric Choice Liquid Protein fruit Drink Concentrate from Amazon. Its got 15 grams of protein in it. You put it in 10 oz of Water. Not too bad. I also bought NutriWise. Here are links if you think it might help you too.
https://www.amazon.com/NutriWise-Lemonade-Protein-Liquid-Concentrate/dp/B012E9XEOS/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467031761&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=nutriwise+concentrate+drink+le
https://www.amazon.com/Bariatric-Choice-Protein-Concentrate-Servings/dp/B01EB64I1K/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467031909&sr=8-1&keywords=Bariatric+Choice+Concentrate+drink+protein