Tiffykins

http://verticalsleevetalk.com/protein-drinks-powders/1325-places-get-liquid-protein-samples.html The above thread will list several of the most popular whey Proteins available. I would not order any large quantities pre-op because your tastebuds might change post-op. Many patients experience this change, and can't tolerate proteins they like pre-op. With that being said, there are plenty of places for you to order sample packs that are fairly inexpensive. If there are any GNCs available to you, they will allow you to return open products that you try and can not tolerate. You don't have to make them shake consistency. Most of the powders can mix with just Water or milk. I personally hate thick liquids. I didn't like milkshakes pre-op, and I definitely didn't like them post-op. There are plenty of RTD (ready to drink) Protein drinks that are available as well. When looking at protein content, ensure that the protein grams are at least 4-5 times that of the carb count. Meaning, if the Protein Drink has 5 grams of carbs, make sure the protein gram count is a minimum of 20. Whey isolate and soy proteins are the most common ones that are recommended for WLS patients. Some patients have problems with whey and soy so they use egg or other protein options.

I was 113 pounds from my goal weight the day of my revision. I hit goal in about 6.5 months, and yes, I'm having issues maintaining. But, I am still within a normal weight range, and BMI. I am holding steady at 130-131 for the last few days. The gallbladder removal threw my body for a loop so I'm trying to get back to normal. I can technically lose another 11 pounds and be in a normal weight range for my height. But, I have zero desire to be that small. I am perfectly content at my current weight, and size.

Congrats on breaking that stall ! ! !

Nikki, girl I almost busted a gut laughing. I swear you're gonna give yourself a stroke if you're not careful. I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo HAPPY for you, and the scale was just screwed up.

I went through, and currently still dealing with trying to maintain. I started eating more, adding healthy carbs and fats into my diet around my 4th month, and sadly it didn't completely work. I've dropped 20 pounds in 2 months. It's been sporadic losses here and there, nothing consistent on a weekly basis, but nothing is really stopping it. I can honestly say my skin is looking way better. My arms won't ever be normal, and I don't have any desire to wear sleeveless or tank tops. It's my weird aversion to armpits. Anyways, if you decide you want to slow it down, you can, but don't expect it to stop. I would wake up one day weigh and maintaining, happy go lucky, get 2 days later weigh, and dropped 3-4 pounds in a matter of a couple of days.

Congratulations Chancie ! ! ! You're an inspiration to many of us. We miss you around here, and I hope everything else is going great for you.

I can only eat 7-8ounces of mushy food like chili or slider foods. With dense Protein, I can get in maybe 4-5ounces. For me, I don't get a solid full feeling. With the sleeve, one thing I've found is that one last bite is sometimes one too many. So, I still somewhat eyeball measure my food. Once I eat, I pretty much can feel that I am getting full. I don't get cramping or discomfort. When I eat a lot of meat, I'll sometimes get a hiccup, and I stop. Do they know about the sutured part of the stomach getting ulcers or cancer and the ability for that portion of the stomach to be scoped? You've peeked my interest, and I'm a super research geek. So, least to say I'm intrigued. I wouldn't trade my sleeve for the world, but I enjoy research and being educated on these type of things. Also, are you able to take all medications. Like with the band/RNY we couldn't take NSAIDS. Do you have that option with your surgery type?

I LOVE CATO ! ! ! You wanna know a secret, this will make you happy, happy, happy. Their LARGE is a size 12 top, yes a SIZE 12. Woman, you doing wonderfully.

I understand not being the "social gym rat". I tried having a work out buddy. EPIC FAIL. She wanted to gab, and halfa$$ it during the lifting sessions. Anyways, I've been asked by my surgeon if I would come in and do testimonials during the pre-op informational seminar, and while I have considered it, I'm not sure that I want to stand up in front of a room full of strangers and tell them all my story. There's a lot to be said for the anonymity of the internet. I did pop into one of the seminars because my bowling partner is getting the sleeve after watching me for the last 6 months living this wonderful post-sleeve life. The other pre-ops kind of oogled me, and wanted to know which surgery I had, how much I had lost, how I did it, and I was bombarded with questions about excess skin, and hair loss. I told them if those were their biggest concerns then they didn't need to have any of the weight loss surgeries. It may be harsh, but it's true. I honestly believe that if you're more worried about a little excess skin and hair loss then surgery isn't for you. When someone is willing to focus on the positives, healthier life, longer life, better food choices then I'd be more open to discussing all the little crap we endure through this journey. Plus, I feel like I am far too biased to give a speech to a room full of people seeking VSG, RNY or the band. I would beg the RNY'ers to really think twice about it considering all the regain, and I would tell the pre-bandsters just how deplorable my quality of life I lived with my band. I couldn't talk bad about the sleeve, and that doesn't seem fair to bash the others that are offered. As for the smoking thing, I think what bothers me about shunning smokers, is that the exhaust off of most vehicles is more dangerous than the 2nd hand smoke that we're puffing away into the sky. LOL just kidding, I'm a smoker so y'all know I have to defend my one disgusting habit that I just can't seem to kick yet.

Thank ya bunches ! ! ! It'll just be easier for me to find it, and post when people ask for info. You rock my socks ! ! !

Definitely check with your nutritionist, and surgeon. Here is a great excel spreadsheet that compares some of the most popular post-op Vitamins. I'm not a cheapskate when it comes to vitamins, but I don't believe in paying for something that you can find a very comparable option for less cost. VitsComparison.xlsx - Windows Live You do not have to sign in to view this spreadsheet. It's a LIVE file, and was compiled by Jill on obesityhelp. Once I'm out of my GNC vitamins, I might check out the TwinLab multi for women, but I'm pretty attached to my multi as it hasn't steered me wrong for almost 9 months.

I take for the benefits of Omega3s, plus it has DHA and EPA. We are trying to conceive and I spoke with my surgeon about it, he agrees that since I don't eat a lot of high fat, oil based foods that Omega3s would be a good option for me. Also, I do not like seafood, and my good cholesterol has gone up some since surgery, but Omega3s can help from what I have read. It's also good for your skin, hair, nails. I do not take Iron, my Iron, and other related levels have been perfect post-op. My multi has 28% of the DV for Iron. I'm assuming that because I eat a very balanced diet 95% of the time that is why my iron has not been affected by having sleeve surgery. There are plenty of food sources that are high in iron that are not meat related, and I eat a lot of those foods. I barely spend $30(if that) a month on my supplements/vitamins. My multi cost me about 10-12 for a 45 day supply, my b12 runs me $5 for a 60 day supply, my Omegas are 21.99 for a 120 days, my calcium is $9.49 for about 75-85 days (that is if I take 3-4 of them daily). My calcium level was normal at my last blood draw in January, but I need to get better about taking that one on a more consistent basis.

I'm sorry that is for DS patients, not sleeve patients. I take 2 great quality multi Vitamins (daily, chewables), 1 sublingual B12 (every other day), 1 Prilosec 20mg once daily, and 3 calcium citrate capsules daily. These are the vitamins/supplements I take because of the sleeve. I took a Multivitamin before surgery so that wasn't a new thing for me. I CHOOSE to take Omega 3s, and ground flax seed for my own personal reasons. But, cleared it with my surgeon.

Lee, I think a lot of problems with Proteins was the whey component. Yes, I was picky, but that stuff made me feel horrible as well. For the cream of wheat, I got the instant, and mixed in an egg white to give it at least some Protein. The tiny amount you are going to be able to consume isn't going to hurt you on carbs this early out. Plus, it's good Fiber. Strained cream of _________ Soups are good.

From a former bandster, let me just tell you, life with the band can be downright miserable. Heck, I only had mine for 8 months, and those were the most deplorable 8 months of my life. Life with the sleeve is pretty much effortless at this point. I absolutely love it to be brutally honest. I've been below goal (but still in a healthy weight range) for 2 months now. I eat anything and everything I want or desire in smaller portions, and couldn't be happier. Best wishes on your research, I promise the sleeve rocks my socks, where the band just left me miserable. The sleeve has overall better stats for loss, well heck all the WLS have better stats for initial loss, and lesser chance of needing a 2nd surgery than the band. Cheers to you, and keep us updated.

I know it's late, but I'm awake and bored. Come join me? ??

:thumbup: I'm in a SIZE 6 ! ! ! A fricken size 6 jean. I tried on 3 different brands tonight just to confirm it, and I'm finally in a 6! ! ! Seriously, a 6. I almost wet myself when John said"damn, babe your butt looks great in those jeans" I said "why thank you mister, guess what size they are?" Well, he had no clue, and I held up my 5 fingers and my one index finger on my other hand, and yelled "SIX" from in front of the dressing room 3 sided corner mirror. I seriously love my sleeve. Oh yeah, and I broke down and went shopping. I got this adorable dress. I've always wanted to wear a bubble type dress with hooker boots, and black tights. Best part about this find is that the dress only cost me 2 bucks. Yeppers, major clearance, and I bought hooker boots for 65% off. So, ignore my batwings (I have a shrug to wear over my hideous arms), and my pastey whiteness. Seriously, I don't tan, but thinking I'm going to invest in spray tanning once Spring arrives. Oh yes, this will be a date night dress for sure. For the ladies, imagine 3 inch heel black leather knee high hooker boots with opaque black tights. Ohhhhhhh, how I love my sleeve. Those ripples are just the material. I'm really not that "bumpy" under the dress.

Hi, and welcome to VST. I wish I had some advice or information to offer, but since this is a new procedure, all I can offer is my support. With the bowel movement issue, it seems fairly normal especially with a liquid diet. Since I am not familiar with the specifics of this particular surgery, it's really difficult to form any type opinion or true thought process on the procedure. I googled and there really isn't a lot out there at all, except for the one surgeon in India offering this procedure at a lower cost to the bariatric procedures. Best wishes, and keep us posted on your progress. It seems to be an interesting procedure, but my main concern would be all of the scar tissue and adhesions that would form over time from the extensive suturing. Plus, the fundus isn't removed therefore the Ghrelin is still produced. So, I'm assuming this is a strictly restrictive procedure. I'm not bashing anyone's surgery, but I have a real difficult time accepting that the "band" is reversible due to the scarring, and change in anatomy that occurs once scar tissue is formed. For me, the reversible option for this surgery seems leaves me a little skeptical. But, that is only my opinion, based on my own band experience, and others that have endured horrible scar tissue/adhesions from bands being placed. I understand the sutures can be removed, but what will be left of the stomach after? That's my issue with surgeries being deemed "reversible".

I am soooooooooooo glad that you had a great consult with your surgeon. Keep us posted on everything. I'm so stoked for you.

There are a lot of discussions that surround this topic. There's a couple of different "theories" as to why divorce is high among WLS patients. 1) I personally think the majority of people, men and women alike, that have been obese/morbidly obese for many years stay in relationships because they fear "being alone" or that no one else will love them so we stay with men/women that don't treat them the best. Once the WLS journey begins, some gain self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence while changing physically, emotionally and mentally they realize that they deserve more. At that point, some people start demanding to be treated with respect, and not tolerating or allowing bad behavior from their spouse. 2) The spouse of a WLS patient may not be able to handle the physical changes. Also, many spouses may feel threatened, and completely insecure due to the WLS patient's new found physical and mental strength. I've heard of a lot infidelity involved with WLS patients, men and women patients. That all stems from years of insecurity, and now neither of them know how to deal with all the changes they are both experiencing. I honestly can say that my personality has changed very minimally. I was extremely confident, and believed in myself more than anyone else ever believed in me. I knew that I deserved nothing sort of the very best from my partner. When I was younger, I went through a couple of rough relationships and left those even stronger and more determined to demand respect, love, and to be cherished regardless of my pant size. My husband struggled a little early on once I dropped a significant amount of weight. He noticed more and more men noticing me, and we talked it out. We're actually stronger today than we were before my WLS. We don't believe in divorce within our marriage unless one of the 3 A's (abuse, addiction, or adultery) occur and the guilty partner is not willing to seek therapy/rehab. From your post, it seems as if you are considering divorce with your husband. I'm an advocate of counseling if both parties are willing to work through the issues, but I realize it's not an option or not available to everyone.

Hi Karen and welcome to VST. I had a band as well, and revised to VSG. It's the best decision I ever made for myself. Maybe you could find a surgeon that has performed band to sleeve revisions, and that would help you in the decision making process. I wouldn't want to be someone's first revision as the band being there can make things more complicated. If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me via the private messaging system on here.

Wooohooo, I'm telling ya carbs are down right evil ! ! ! I'm glad you're enjoying the dancing, it makes working out much more pleasurable.

Right now, your body is also fueling itself off of stored body fat. But, if you can squeeze in some Greek yogurt that may help you with calories and Protein. Not sure what food stage you are on, but if you can have soft solids, maybe some chicken or tuna salad. It's super tough to get in calories when we're not hungry. I literally still feel like I'm force feeding myself. It's definitely a challenge. If you start working out, you'll definitely need to increase your calorie intake. Make sure you're taking a high quality multi-vitamin so you can get in those since you're taking in minimal calories.

WoooHooo ! ! !