Search the Community

I brought my favorite soft blanket from home. I was glad that I brought slippers for walks in the hall. Comfy pants for the car ride home, my incisions were at my normal pants waistline. At home, I had all my Protein shakes that I would need for the next two weeks. I Water bottle that measured how much I was drinking. Good luck!

Today is day 1 of my 14 day pre-surgery Protein shake diet. I feel excited about my upcoming surgery - about the changes in my life. I'm just scared about how hungry I feel now and wondering how I'll make it anothother 13 days, not to mention after surgery. Anyone out there have to drink Protein shakes exclusively before surgery and any words of wisdom?

I'm getting ready for surgery and could do with some recommendations for protein powders, drinks, etc. Any suggestions would be great. I like chocolate flavors, and also want to find a good unflavored powder to mix with other foods.

When on clear liquid I used a lot of ProtiDiet liquid concentrate. They are 15 G protein per packet and I put them over a little bit of crushed ice to make a slushee.

So what type of food are you eating? I am cleared to eat protein but I believe I am getting bored. Today I picked up some honey walnut shrimp and immediately got sick. I know better but it sounded so good.

I had my six-week follow up with my local doctor yesterday – to say I’m happy is an understatement. Although I’ve complained about my weight loss in other posts and lamented about being a slow loser, I am happy with the way things are going. I don’t use my doctor’s numbers to track my weight because it’s inconsistent – they weigh with clothes on, sometimes shoes on (depends on the nurse), I wore heavy jeans yesterday compared to lighter capris the last time, etc. I use my Thursday weigh-ins on my home scale to track my loss. So, I’m down almost 41.8 pounds from my high weight and 24 since surgery. Wow! Writing that is surreal. My body fat has been decreased by 5% already and while I have lost some lean muscle mass, it’s not a concern right now, I just shouldn’t lose any more. Even more than the numbers, I can see physical differences in myself. Why do my fingers seem longer? OK, it’s that they no longer look like pork sausages that were masquerading as fingers! My shoes fit differently now and as a side benefit, I can actually reach down and tie them and not look like I’m steer wrestling trying to lift my right foot up to my left knee. I have a jaw line – you can actually define where my head ends and my neck begins. When I was driving down the road the other day, it felt like the seat was pushed further back than normal. It’s not like my legs grew…there was just more room between my belly and the steering wheel! I noticed the vanity in the bathroom the other day while brushing my teeth – I was standing closer to the sink, again, because my belly wasn’t in the way. I cross my legs (like a lady) all the time now, BECAUSE I CAN! There are many subtle, but very real changes that are happening to my body and I’m trying to bask in each and every one of them. This has been an amazing journey so far and it’s only the beginning. There will be lows, but there will also be lots of good things happening, too! I’m noticing some other changes as well. I feel more comfortable around other people. It is easier for me to strike up a conversation with a stranger. I used to be a fairly outgoing and chatty person. Since starting to gain weight about 15 years, I slowly became an introvert to the point where I would avoid talking to people I have known for years. I would pretend I didn’t see someone in the grocery store so I wouldn’t have to stop and talk to them. I would sit in the outfield during my son’s baseball games rather than the stands or by the other parents because I didn’t want to be around people. My social circle has been reduced to my family. In the past few weeks, that has changed. I’m slowly coming out of my shell. I caught myself smiling yesterday morning when I was walking into the hospital and a couple of people I crossed paths with smiled back and said “Hello.” I felt like they were reacting to me smiling and not having, what I assume was an “I’m pissed off at the world so go screw yourself” look I used to have. I discussed my diet with the doc as well. A few weeks ago I started to restrict my carbs because I thought it was the right thing to do. We always hear “carbs are bad” and I restricted mine down to between 20 and 30 per day. What I didn’t immediately connect was my very low energy level to the carb restriction. I didn’t feel good and I blamed it on coming down with a cold. I would come home from the gym and be completely exhausted and take a 60-minute nap. Understandably…I wasn’t giving my body enough fuel to get through the workout. I now realize carbs are an important part of our diet and they aren’t necessarily evil. Bad carbs (refined sugars and flours) are bad. Complex carbs like those found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains are great carbs and a necessary part of your diet. Once I increased my carbs to about 50/day, I started feeling so much better and have that increased energy that so many speak of after weight loss surgery. Increasing my carbs hasn’t changed my overall calorie count by much. I’m still taking in between 800-900 calories a day (on hard workout days I can go over 900 because I am truly hungry). I’m increasing my carbs by adding ¼ cup of fruit to my shakes, adding 1-2 tablespoons of refried Beans, or part of a Carb Balance tortilla to a meal. It’s amazing how different I feel now compared to a few days ago. Also looking forward, I now have no restrictions to my diet – that’s terrifying. I had the security the past 6 weeks of “I can’t have that because it’s not on my plan.” This is where that discipline comes in, right?!?! So, here are some of the high points from the meeting with the doctor yesterday: · Weight loss is good, more importantly, the 5% body fat reduction and minimal loss in lean muscle mass · Blood pressure is lower – 117/82. It hasn’t been that low in years. · Diet looking forward – no restrictions on what to eat; min 80 grams of Protein daily and 50 grams of carbs should be OK. · hair loss – I’m noticing some shedding (*gasp*). She OK’d Biotin and 1 gram of folic acid daily. There is so much debate on whether anything works, but I’m willing to try (she said the most important thing was the protein). · Real coffee is now approved, but only one cup per day. This makes me happy. I had to pinky promise I wouldn’t go back to my old habit of 3-5 cups per day. Honestly, I don't think I can fit more than one cup of coffee in a day! · Exercise - no limitations and start strength training as to not lose more lean muscle mass. · Constipation – ahhh the pooping (you know I wasn’t going to get thru an entire post with out a comment on the poo). I’ve been taking Colace and that’s the only thing that has helped. Per doc's orders, I need to cut back to one per day, then stop entirely. Doc wants Metamucil and more Fiber in my diet for a more natural approach. I wish everyone a very, very Happy New Year. 2014 is going to be a great year for us! Be safe!

Hi @@tanya131313 have you tried liquid isopure with ice to dilute it and add a packet of crystal lite fruit punch?? I have a whole msg I posted earlier this evening on the GB forum about this topic. I too couldn't take in protein until I did this trick. It helps. I now get ally protein in. I use the alpine punch isopure drink.

My insurance will not cover the cost of WLS, so therefore I had to take out a hardship withdrawal from my employer's healthplan. The loan is pending, based upon the surgery being medically necessary followed with a statement from the doctor. My doctor will willing to do the surgery using the selfpay option. I have a BMI of 40 but no commodities. I am soo afraid that I will be denied,this is my last hope. Not sure how to get around this hurdle. I am sure that bariatric WLS will be looked at as cosmetic. Any suggestions, before I contact my MD? Has anyone else been faced with this obstacle?

For protein right now I'm doing the 3 oz shots and the isopure as a change up. Less liquid in the shot so I don't feel as full but both taste pretty bad.

Went and got the Gatorade. I used a little sip to chase the Protein shots down. Much better, thanks for the suggestion, Precious Cargo! I can only have clear liquids until 7th day post-op so no shakes for me. I am interested that some people can only have clear liquids first week and others can incorporate shakes, etc. I am envious. Even the shakes sound good about now! one thing I meant to mention that I didn't expect about the surgery... It was not a big deal, but right before going into surgery they gave me an injection of Heparin to prevent blood clotting and twice post surgery they gave injections of Lovenox (sp). Both in the tummy area. Didn't hurt as it was a small shot but thought I'd share my experience in case it helps others prepare their questions to stay informed about what their own experience will be like. I was also pleased that they did not insert a catheter to keep the bladder empty. They just had me use the ladies room right before surgery. I was pretty numb after surgery so had to make myself try and go. You'll want to keep your bladder empty to avoid UTI. For those about to be sleeved, let us know how it goes! (i'm trying to add the weight loss ticket tracker to share my progress too!)

Ive posted this topic as it was a very valid point I had to consider prior to my get my band fitted , Get fitted in UK or abroad in Belgium as was the cheaper option. UK Price £7000 , Belgium £4,100 ( 4,500 Euros ) , obviously for belgium trip travel expenses and hotel expenses post op for a few days extra costs. Now I struggled with this for a while , what if this what if that , the clinic and consultant both been very highly rated , but finally I decided with the UK option and pay the extra , it included 1 year after care , as many consults , monthly dietician and free fills throughout the year to get me started. Still a little much but I finally decided nope Local is best. Now .. ok Im sure your thinking to yourself , we all think this , so I will leave my experience with you. 25th March , first band fitted , everything fine for two days , everyone great at hospital etc, surgeon consultant great , I was exstatic thats me on the way .... 26th March , get home ...... 27th March ... My wife picks up my meds I left hospital with , and says ( because I know tablets an issue , so had been breaking them down ) , these decoflanac tablets Nick it says you have not to break up , they must be taken whole, oh I said so thought well the pharmacy would not have gave me them if I m not supposed to take them I thought , pops one in .... oh no ... dear I choked ... choked again ... the damn pill had gotten stuck ... I wretched , and wretched and was violently sick all night .. oh a terrible state I was in , called my consultant next day , come straight in he says , Saturday straight in , and he checked me immediately. He felt perhaps the little fill to prime the band was problem , drained that , and that possible my stomach where pill had gotten stuck perhaps inflammed, but I tried to drink some water as he refused to leave it was until it was cleared fluid was staying down , and I wasnt being sick .. previously being sick immediately after drinking anything prior , it staying down 30 mins all appeared ok and we were both convinced it had sorted. So went home in car with wife , 30 mins later , up it all comes , I try to drink , up it comes again , I reassure my self its still possible inflamation thats causing the blockage and decide stay with it a couple of days .. by Monday I was readmitted by the Consultant as he was concerned my dehydrating in addition to the problems ... Mon 30th , readmitted , a series of x rays carried out , this horrible aniseed tasting stuff , Bariaum Meal whatever so he could track where fluid going , X ray showed above the band the pouch as if it had expanded 4/5 times its size , but the fluid I was drinking some was getting into lower part of my stomach. So still on the its inflamation of the stomach at the band , he then decided back to theatre to carry out an endoscope ( camera down the throat and into the stomach ) Tues 31st - Endoscope , goes down , he could see a little inflamation but the camera had passed thro the band , and he still couldnt understand as to why I couldnt drink anything or what I did drink immediately came back up , so he decided sorry NicK we have got to open you back up again , and look back in side and get to the bottom of this, yes I agreed as for me to be honest I am seriously thinking oh Ive had enough of this , rip the damn thing out of me, but consultant reassuring me to hang in there we would get to the bottom of it .. Weds 1st - Back to Theatre , opens me up , turns out part of my lower stomach , had managed to get back up through the band , twisted itself , he believes this had possibly happened due to my wretching so bad and being so violently sick all night initially when the tablet got stuck , so he straightened everything back up , done some extra stitch work to the band to stomach to ensure no further problems , apparently he said I had an extremely mobile stomach .. ie moves a lot ... but anyway by 5pm Im awake , Im sipping fluids .. and finally Im happy ..... Thursday 2nd - Im back home and everything fine. Now the moral of my story , my lasting thoughts ... Had I gone to Belgium and flew back 2 days later and this happend .. what would have I done ???? Would I have managed in agony to get back onto a plane , to go to Belgium ? Would I have had to wait ? Would I have had to go to A & E local hospital ? On the cheaper option ie Belgium at 4500 euros , would I have to pay for all the remedial surgery that was required in my instance , nearly another week in Hotel , well if Belgium it would have had to be in hospital still so definate charges there ... Think about it long and hard as to where you have it carried out , yes Im sure not everyones experience was not like mine , but I didnt think it would be mine either a few weeks ago . I had to share this , I didnt mean to go on either or make dramatic , of which the experience was for me , remember it is your health and make sure you cover all aspects of having it done good or bad. Finally , I do want to say and appreciate I was just unlucky, one of the statistics, The staff and care I recieved in UK was excellent. The consultant superb ... and finally well Im here and finally a bandster , so managed to get there in the end. apologies if gone on a little too long type as I talk LOL kind of .... Nick:thumbup:

MY surgeon suggest 1-3 Protein Drink with Water ONLY, & lean cuisine,healthy choice or smart ones for dinner. 64 ounces of water. Hope this helped. Good luck. I start it tomorrow!!!! Sent from my SM-T560NU using the BariatricPal App

I'm almost six weeks post op and still can't even smell certain foods without gagging. I can't figure out what to eat because of it. I'm good with scrambled or fresh eggs but not egg whites. I'm also able to eat egg custard, chicken breast and chicken salad and cheese. My protein shakes are too sweet and turn my stomach and the premiere shakes are getting old and almost to the gagging point.today I ate 1/4 c. Egg custard, 3/4 premiere shake, 2oz chicken breast and 4 small diced cubes of cheese. I know I'm not consuming enough but have no imagination or time when it comes to food.i work 5:30 am- 6pm and am exhausted when I get off. Any help is appreciated.

Hi All, I am new to this site and I am looking for some advice and wondering if anyone out there can set me straight. I am a 29 year old female who lives in London and decided over the summer to have the single incision LAP-BAND®® surgery as I did not want to obese anymore, be the largest member of my immediate family and the largest lady in my office (I am 5'3, size 22/24 and weighed until recently 18 stone). I contacted Healthier Weight and have booked to have surgery on 21 November in Manchester. I had strong objection from my family who felt I should just diet and exercise (my family is a mix of sizes) but I still booked the surgery and had a consultation with Dr Ashton in London. I have only told one friend who has also had the LAP-BAND®® surgery in Australia and she does not regret it and my partner has said he will stand by me whatever I decide. So I was all set and went on a 3 week holiday in California with my partner with the idea to start the pre-op diet when I returned which means starting tomorrow, but I am now in complete doubt as to whether I should go ahead with the surgery. I have been overweight my whole life and diets don't seem to work for me. However, I know that I don't look that large and on returning from the USA, some of the women there are a lot bigger and just seem to get on with it. I don't know whether choosing the LAP-BAND® is just the easier option, have I given diet and exercise a proper chance. Will I be able to stick to the pre-op and post-op diet especially with the Xmas period coming up? But on the other hand I know that doing this surgery is the best way to ensure that I have a healthier life. I am able to diet and exercise for a couple of months max and then fall off the wagon. I want to be healthy and I want to be slim and not have any problems when I decide to start a family but is surgery the way to go? If anyone could offer any advice or let me know whether they also struggled with the decision it would be much appreciated. :w00t:

Best way to prep shakes? Right now I use 4oz milk + 1 scoop for 25g protein for my preop diet. I cannot guzzle 8oz of powder, yuk. So. . My question is, after surgery, I need 3 scoops + 12oz milk. Does anyone make the shake in the AM and drink throughout the day? Or do you mix a tsp in 1 Oz of milk every serving?

I would keep your protein drink as one of your meals. I drank SF Carnation Instant Breakfast for breakfast. For lunch (in the soft phase) I would have some chicken in a can or tuna in a can mixed with low fat mayo. I wouldn't be able to finish it all, so I would have the rest for dinner. Sometimes, I mixed it with Low Fat cheese. I've been losing pretty consistently throughout the whole process. You will still lose as long as you maintain your portions and don't snack between meals. Good luck!

Ok guys, needs some insight. Besides the obvious : gas x strips, protein shakes, measuring cups, water, SF jello, broth, vitamin water zero, SF ice pops. Is there anything else I should stock up on, surgery is scheduled for 7/18/2017 and I'm shopping for everything on 7/15/2017. Help!! Thanks <3

I was sleeved on march 4th and lost 11 pounds 1 week post surgery. Since then I have only lost 3lbs. I follow my diet and get as much water as I can. The only thing is that I am NOT getting the 70 80 grams of protein that I should be getting a day. The only protein I'm getting is from my food I am NOT taking any protein drinks because they seem to make me very sick and I'm not sure if this is contributing to the lack of weight loss. Has anyone else had any of these types of problems?

Only a 3 month pre-op diet - you're lucky! I had to do mine for 6 months. My NUT essentially put me on the Atkins diet, with the main factor just keeping carbs below 20g/day, and eat mostly Protein. She told me not to track other nutritional stats other than the carbs since that is what shrinks the liver. And, like you, I was told that while they wanted to see me lose about 15lbs, as long as I didn't gain weight from my initial weigh-in I was good. I did Inspire whey protein (favorites being Peanut Butter chocolate, Double Chocolate, and the latte one). After that, I just simply at steak, chicken, seafood, etc. Good luck with the diet and the approval!

mine had me give up carbonated drinks, gradually wean myself off caffeine so I'd be off of it completely before I had surgery, gradually increase my Protein and decrease my carbs, and practice chewing 30 times before swallowing. She also wanted me to practice not eating and drinking at the same time. I was already eating pretty healthy food (sounds like maybe you were as well), so she seemed to be focusing more on behavioral things to get me used to what I'd be doing post-surgery.

Take a look at your protein intake to ensure that you are meeting your protein goals. if you need to you can increase your protein. I would suggest that you give you doc's office a call too!. Good luck.

eggs fish, and low to no carb protein drinks. My pre op diet was a meal replacement protein shake for breakfast and lunch, and then I ate 3-4oz. tilapia fillets for dinner. Did this for 10 days, lost 12lbs. Drink water in between meals to reduce cravings and hunger. Also drinking ice water burns more calories then room temp water.

Jessica welcome, welcome, welcome nice to see you we've been expecting you Valentines Day - love, committment, happiness what a great day to be sleeved how perfect is that?!!!!! not lovin' the Protein shakes??? lots of people (me too) had trouble with the Protein Shakes yech, the powder, smell , taste even the already mixed are not on many/my sleevers hit parade i always think its cool when i see family members/friends have WLS together hopefully the little french fry incident your MIL had was just "a crazy" occurance/mistake these slips can and probably will happen over time - but this early????? oh well - stuff happens you and MIL - encourage, support, help each other you do what you know YOU must do (all the rules et al), and you will be a hit - NOT a miss 25 lbs lost pre and post op!! wonderful job keep up the good work - I know you will things will and do get better day by day raising a glass of Protein shake to the health of you and MIL kathy congrats

How much protein are you getting?

What's your preference on unflavored Protein. I had unjury and like it went to the Vitamin shoppe and bought Isopure Just wondering on what ppl like that Doesn't have to be shipped .......