Sleeve_Me_Alone

Have you tried premade shakes like Premier Protein or Fairlife? Those are often a little more tolerable. You could also try Protein waters, like Protien2o, which are clear and more like a Gatorade than a shake. Lots of folks cut the shakes with Water, milk, or even coffee in the beginning, which can help, too.

It is very important to hit your protein early and often, but keep in mind it will be VERY hard in the beginning; you work up to it. And in time, most folks no longer need to supplement with shakes or bars (although some choose to). But you will likely get to a point where you get all of your protein form your meals.

Just Better Fiber has been a game changer for me! You are definitely NOT alone. Hang in there, you WILL find something that works for you.

My plan had no restrictions on them but did suggest bars with at least a 10:1 ratio of calories to Protein. So, if the bar has 150kcal, it should have AT LEAST 15g of protein. That way you get the most bang for your buck. They HIGHLY encouraged prioritizing whole foods, and minimizing supplements/packaged foods, but they understand that sometimes they just WORK.

I use half and half and some sugar free Syrup (Jordan's, Torani, etc.). I get the syrups at TJMaxx, Home Goods, or Ross. The selection is limited, but they are cheaper than buying online.

Is RNY not an option? If GERD is a concern but bariatric surgery is the goal, I would consider RNY and see if that fits your needs.

So frustrating! I'm so sorry. Maybe see if an appeal is possible? Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease....

I did self-pay in Mexico and had a WONDERFUL experience. Feel free to read some of my other posts for additional info. I know that's not an option for everyone, and many don't feel comfortable going that route, but it's worth looking into.

There are companies that will come out and do it. You can just call them directly and schedule. (Just Google "at home IV infusions" or something similar.) They don't typically take insurance, so you pay out of pocket, but because this is ALL they do, its usually not terribly expensive.

The other option is to work with the surgeon's office or your PCP to submit it through insurance and have a home health company come in and do them. That's going to be more leg work for you, but then it cuts the cost.

3 minutes ago, SuziDavis said:

How is the texture? I can't do the texture of more of the bars.

Barebells have a texture similar to a Milk Way. They are sort of soft and fluffy inside; less chewy than a Built Bar, but not grainy like a Dive Bar. They have great macros, and even come in a plant based version. My only complaint is that they are VERY sweet. I don't eat Protein bars much, but when I do its typically while I'm out and about and need something to replace a meal or carry me over between - these are SO sweet that sometimes they make me a little queasy.

You should follow the plan set out by your surgical team. Every team has their own nutrition plan, and no two are exactly the same. Some plans heavily restrict carbs of various kinds for longer, some don't restrict at all. It is HIGHLY dependent on your team, so the going advice is to defer to your plan.

Yep - sometimes packing up leftovers gets me to gag. I've noticed that having something else (non food scented) to smell helps; a candle, a napkin with an essential oil, etc. Even washing my hands with a good smelling soap can help take the edge off. It doesn't happen all the time, but I definitely know the feeling.

I have an office sweater, a bedroom sweater, a dining room sweater, and blankets on every ding dang sitting option in the house. Its a running joke in our family - my old lady sweaters and my blankets! I wish I had a solution, but 115lbs down, even in Arizona, and I'm pretty much always chilly.

It is safe, but it may not be fully effective due to the malabsorption.

If you can prove your citizenship they cannot refuse you re-entry. I had surgery in Mx 9/2021 and did not have a passport. I took my driver's license, birth certificate, marriage license (to show my name change) and my social security card and didn't have a bit of trouble. There were 3 other patients and 2 companions in the vehicle with me (6 of us total) and NONE of us had a passport and none of us had a problem. It was perhaps SLOWER, as they had more docs to look at, but it was not problematic.

Black tea does have caffeine, though usually less than a cup of coffee. If your plan restricts caffeine, look for a Decaf option, which they also sell.

Generally, the pre-op diet isn't about weight (although it can be if you have surgery or insurance requirements to meet). But more frequently, its to reduce the size of your liver to make it safe for the surgeon to do the surgery. Obesity OFTEN enlarges your liver which can get in the way of WLS and can pose a risk of complications, so the pre-op diet helps to shrink your liver and open up space for the surgeon to operate safely.

My suggestion would be to do exactly what they tell you to. ONE - its for your safety and, TWO - having the knowledge that YOU DID IT will absolutely help you stick it out when it gets harder post-op. And it gets much, much harder. You'll want to start getting into the mindset that there are simply non-negotiables post-op and that doing what you need to now will set you up for success long term and help you commit to those changes.

You should have gotten a detailed plan from your surgeon that tells you how to progress through the various phases (liquid, puree, soft, etc.) with examples of foods/meals for each stage. If you can tell us what stage you are in according to your plan and what other foods your plan allows, we can give some suggestions But because each plan is different, the prevailing advice will be to follow your plan and contact your surgeon's office if you need help.

I can't speak to beer, as I'm more of a liquor person, but for me carbonation is tricky. I abstained completely for the first 6 months, per my plan. The first time I tried anything carbonated it immediately came back up. Since then I've found that I can have small amounts of a carbonated beverage, but I do have to stir it to knock out some of the bubbles. Maybe 50% or so. However, I was never much of a carbonated drink person before surgery and opted to de-fizz things a bit anyway. So I'm not really surprised or bothered by having to do so now, even if its a little more than in the past.

I think carbonation is one of those things that is HIGHLY variable from person to person. Some people do great and aren't bothered by it at all, some people can't stomach it and completely avoid. You may have to give it some time and try again later.

Flavorless? Yes. Tasteless? Not really. The closest I've found is the Isopure unflavored. It doesn't taste like anything specific, but you can taste it when mixed in to other things, if that makes sense. Its not bad or off putting, but vaguely there. I had better luck with it when mixed into savory foods (soups and purees) vs. sweet things (pudding or drinks).

Have you tried Bone Broth? Its a good source of savory Protein and hydration. You could also try the protein waters @Voogs mentioned- they are more like Gatorade; less sweet than the shakes and no chalky texture.

37 minutes ago, Billy123 said:

So how do I message you?

Just replied! Also, here is the Mexico/self-pay board: https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/486-mexico-self-pay-weight-loss-surgery/

I could not stomach chewables. Every single variety I tried made me sick, no matter how/when I took it. Switched to capsules and haven't had a problem since!

I had surgery at HospitalBC in Tijuana, Mx. and have written here pretty extensively about my expertise. Take a look at my posts (click on my user name and go to "Activity"). There is also a board specifically for out of country surgeries with lots of great info!

Feel free to send me a message if you have any specific questions. I'm happy to share!

I take mine immediately before Breakfast, usually with my last swig of coffee. That being said, my plan doesn't prohibit drinking before food, only after. If you're advised to not drink before OR after eating, I would say try taking it after your meal, when you can drink again.

I just tell people I'm eating really healthy and moving my body more. All of which is true. But for a multitude of personal reasons, I've chosen to share my surgery story with those absolutely closest to me. There have been an instance or two that I've chosen to share with someone that I had previously though I wouldn't, so to some extent I take it case by case. But by and large I don't share. Its a VERY personal choice and there is no right or wrong way to do it.

I use Baritastic. The database isn't as extensive as MFP, but it does everything I need and its free. My surgeon & team also use it, so its nice to be able to link up with their office as an accountability thing.

3 hours ago, Flapjack71 said:

I can’t find anything online about JBF

https://getjustbetter.com/

You can also buy it on Amazon - just search "Just Better Fiber"