ItalianGirlAZ

Officially 1 week post-op....everyday is a climb towards success...yes the first week was rough, painful, and making myself doubt the decision I had made regarding this WLS journey...one week later, pain has subsided, days are now easier, and that dark cloud of doubt has turned into a beautiful rainbow of positive feelings, get up and go's and wishing I had done this before that stupid lap band I had implanted 4 years ago...so ask me again, do I regret and doubt what I have done to live a longer, healthier, positive lifestyle? Hell to the No! Food is now SECOND in my life, not first...It's about ME now, and I'm finally in first place and plan on staying there forever! Join me and make food your "sloppy seconds".  

For those of you who are pre and post op...here is some hints to help with protein intake & vitamin intake your first 2 weeks and beyond to avoid doubts and discouragement on your new digestive system...

• Fairlife Milk - www.fairlife.com I drink the skim milk one & every 8 oz has 13 grams of protein which helps a lot if you're like me and cant drink the majority of protein powders out there since they are made with artificial sweeteners
• ProMod -  https://www.amazon.com/Abbott-Nutrition-Promod-Liquid-Protein/dp/B005XTYDH4 If you're like me and was given the little cup of "mystery syrup"  in the hospital that looks like honey, you can order that from Amazon...1 oz gives you 10 grams of protein, and I mix it in my chamomile tea and it's great...its slightly sweet but contains no sugars...keeps you motivated to go on and if the hospital recommends it, you know its good for you
• Smart Water - https://www.drinksmartwater.com/ Again, if you're like me and are allergic to artificial sweeteners, Smart water has electrolytes and will keep you hydrated like Powerade Zero and others...2 33.8 oz bottles a day keep me well hydrated
• Chicken stock tends to be made more from bony parts, whereas chicken broth is made more out of meat. Chicken stock tends to have a fuller mouth feel and richer flavor, due to the gelatin released by long-simmering bones. Stock also has 6 grams of protein for 8 oz vs chicken broth, which only has 1 gram of protein. 
• Vitamin Patches - For me, the first week was hard enough to get fluids down, much less thinking about incorporating vitamins to an already nauseous new digestive system. I purchased the Gastric Bypass Vitamin Patch Pack (30-Day Supply) by PatchMD, which is offered in the Bariatric Pal Store - https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/patchmd/products/gastric-bypass-vitamin-patch-pack-30-day-supply I started using them today, and within an hour, I felt better and more energized...I thought it was just me so I had my daughter try them as well & she had the same results...now I cant swear by them but I will wait and see what my labs show in a few weeks of being on them...the reviews say they work so we shall see...

Hope this helps...best wishes and a speedy recovery to all...don't give up, if life wasn't a struggle, we would be spoiled...