Malaika

Daisy - glad you are home - you will feel better quicker being home and in your own bed, etc. I wish you a speedy recovery. KyHen - sorry to hear you're so sick - take care of yourself and try and get in some fluids so you don't become dehydrated. LoCal Gatorade or something to help increase your electrolytes is important. Keep us posted on how you're doing.

Oregon Rose - The tamales I get are fresh - you can usually find them in the deli section of the grocery store - where the salads, etc. are. I get mine from Widner Farms (home delivery that I got myself into and am waiting to get out of) they have GREAT chicken tamales. Also, ask around in your area and see if there are any mexican stores/restaurants that sell them -- they would probably be the best tasting. When we were visiting Ruthi in So. Cal. she took us to this small hole in the wall place where they made them by hand - and MAN-O-MAN were they good - and big - we split it 3 ways and I was full. Check you local phone book for some mexican stores. If they're too bland for you, try some red or green sauce or some salsa and a bit of sour cream

I would think crab cakes would be okay - IF they are very very moist. Also, cottage cheese is very high in protein, egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad are all good - the prepaid in the little cans is great as when I started out I couldn't even eat an entire little can (2 oz?) but it was good, moist, convenient and went down easily. The ricotta bake is DELICIOUS!

You increase your calories until you find the right calories/activity level that helps you maintain the weight you want to be. I know that Mac had a hard time finding that balance; however, I think she's finally done it. You don't stay at 800 calories forever, once you get to goal, you'll increase your calorie intake as needed.

Congrats to all of you with your upcoming surgeries - be sure to let us know how you are doing as soon as you feel up to posting - if you're going to be in the hospital for a few days and have a laptop - take it with you so you won't be so bored!

You can get the Secure Meal Replacements on HSN.com or on Andrew Lessman's website - it is very good - I loved it - before surgery - now I can't stand the texture (too thick) of any of the protein powders I used to drink before surgery ... hopefully you're tastes won't change drastically like mine did. I keep trying protein shakes every month or so to see if things have changed; so far, no luck. Good luck with your pre-op and post-op diet!

Cracker Barrel - OH How I miss that place - the closest one to me in Las Vegas is a few hours away ... I not only like their food, I love the country store! Great idea about the Buffet Carolyn -- there are so many buffets in Las Vegas, but since we both had surgery, we just don't even consider eating at a Buffet; however, if we're with a group, maybe they'd consider a reduced price for us.

samtcd - Welcome to VST. I had my surgery in Mexico - however, it was Mexicali - I can't say enough good things about Dr. Aceves. I don't know about your doctor; however, all I can say is RESEARCH, RESEARCH and then RESEARCH some more.

Liciawms - welcome to the VST family and congratulations on moving toward a new healthy lifestyle. I had my surgery in Mexicali MX and it was an awesome experience. The 2nd day for me was the worst - mainly from the gas pains. The only place I really "hurt" was where they put the drain - and that was more like sore muscles than true pain. Just be sure to walk, walk, walk and that will help get the gas out of your system. I was pain free (except for the drain incision) the 3rd day and thereafter. Keep us posted on your progress and don't forget to ask any questions you may have - someone will have answers for you.

I've been on a tamale kick lately - I can eat about 1/2 of one and that puts me at a comfortable level -- I like chicken the best. For a whole tamale it is 230 cals., 16 g carbs and 14 g protein - so I don't think it's that bad for 1/2 of that and it keeps me full for about 6 hours.

I thought DH = darling husband; guess it doesn't matter, darling, dear, as long as it's nice .... When I asked Dr. Aceves about having sex (while I was in the hospital) - he said "Not here, please" (and then turned very red) ... lol ... he said as long as it didn't hurt, it was okay anytime I felt like it. I will tell you this (if not wanting TMI - stop reading) -- now that I have lost about 52 lbs and Bearded has lost 49 or so, it sure feels different - and is even better than it was before!

Janette - THANK YOU for letting us all know how you are doing - we were so concerned for you. Even though we both live in Nevada, we are so far away from one another. If you need anything or I can help in any way, please PM me. I am sorry you have gone through such a horrendous time. I am glad you are out of the hospital and home with your family. I will pray for you that all other issues resolve and that you are able to get on with a "normal" life without TPN bags, drains, etc.

The old "eyes are bigger than the stomach" syndrome.

Daisy - tell them to put extra protein in your IV! Hang in there - I agree with Tiff that the gas will probably go away once the gallbladder is out - excess flatulance is one of the signs of gallbladder issues. I know you would have preferred to "wait" until after the 1st of the year - however, look at it this way - you'll be feeling better before Christmas - and it's xtra $$ to add onto your medical for tax purposes. (Trying to think of the positives here!)

ML - CONGRATS and keep up the good work - with an attitude like that you will be a success!!! Dec. is right around the corner, and so is the beginning of the new you!

Ruby - You did do good considering the circumstances - be proud and yes, your first NSV I would say. Thank you and your family for all that you are doing for America.

AMEN to that Carolyn!

Gingin - are you on clear liquids only or liquids? If you are on liquids, drink lots of protein shakes to keep you feeling full and to keep up your energy level. If clear liquids only, add protein packets to your liquids. You do need to have your strength up for surgery.

You are in my thoughts and prayers today, JSM

Truthfully I wouldn't purchase too much before your surgery because after your surgery your tastes may change, you may become lactose intolerant, etc. I found Lipton makes the flavored packets you can add to water that are made with splenda instead of aspartame - they have lots of flavors - the best price I found them for was at Target. They don't have any protein in them; however, if you get tired of drinking plain water, they're a nice change. I buy the adult chewable vitamins at Costco - they're pretty tasty.

Oh Jenn - reading this brought back such memories -- my smell was SO SENSITIVE following surgery -- thankfully that has finally dissipated -- however, the sensitivity to sweets still remains. As to all the other feelings, those are normal, too. Hang in there, each day will get better -- I promise! BIG HUGS to you!

Welcome to VST Rene - and I love your avatar -- I'm guessing since you're artsy-fartsy they are beads - love the colors. Congrats on your decision to get the sleeve - you'll love all the changes that will be coming into your life (after the initial post-op diet anyway)

I'll be emailing Nina too - for my and Bearded's receipts -- although I know they gave us one the day we paid -- they might be in the folder - guess I'd better check before Nina gets bombarded with email requests for receipts! :thumbup1:

I grew up in Greenwood, Indiana - just south of Indianapolis. My ex-sister-in-law used to live in Evansville - visited there often.

We DEFINITELY had a great time and as soon as I have a spare minute to upload the pictures, I will post them here. Hopefully next time those that weren't able to make it, will and it won't take us 6 months to plan. I had to rush out because I had another appointment, but I sure wasn't done yakking!!!