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I drink the Protidiet hot chocolate. It has 15 grams of protein and satisfies my chocolate craving.

I like chocolate. I get my chocolate fix from sugar free hot cocoa ( not too often or the lactose gets me)', sugar free torani syrup in coffee, and the occasional piece of chocolate candy. I liked the chocolate Protein powders per-op, but not post-op. Lynda

Okay so I finished my 6 months pre-surgery requirements. Ready for a surgery date only to receive a call from the scheduler to tell me that my lab work shows my protein levels are too low and they have to wait a month to retest and now it looks like I won't have my surgery until February...I feel like crying. Will I ever get this surgery???

Hi Those In The Know. I'm making a Thai broth I really like and have added some gen-pro unflavored powder to it. Anyone know if you freeze it and then re-heat it later in the microwave if it's a palatable consistency? Thanks!!

"Oh Yeah" bars are awesome and some have 28grams per bar. They taste just like a candy bar. Peanut butter fudge, chocolate coconut and more... my nut analyzed them and they are all good protein

Think thin bars are 20g protein 0 sugar. I've found them at bed bath and beyond. SAMs club and weis so far

I am concerned... I am not getting enough protein in at all. I feel full all the time and it's hard to drink 60grms. Does this get easier?

Hello. I am to new to this. Read through tons of posts. So helpful. I am self-pay and Mecico is my only option. Dr. Lopez at a light me seems affordable and reputable. Any advise on him or his hospital? Are there hidden costs? How many nights do you spend in hospital? What pre-op diet does he require. Thank you in advance for your help!!!

It can be all kinds of things. Drastic change in diet, caffeine withdrawal, the type of Protein you are using and what you are mixing it with. Hang in there it will get better!

Are you getting accurate nutrition from your protein drinks? I'm drinking Boost which is meant for meal replacement and is a balanced source of nutrients. Might wanna try something like that.

So, my one year surgiversary was in August and I've been thinking of how to Celebrate the success of the past year with my Bariatric Pal friends. What can I add to what hasn't already been said? What were my experiences that can inspire and help newcomers? What were the challenges I faced and overcame? What makes my story so much more special than anyone else's? I came to the conclusion that the answer to all of those questions is, everything and nothing. For all of us the journey is unique and it's our most special accomplishment, but all of our journeys are very familiar and the same for many who came before us. But if I left this post right here, you'd say he lost his enthusiasm along with his weight, so let me tell my story (I promise to keep it short but sweet). I've been overweight most of my life, I made countless attempts at getting it under control, I'd lose 10- 50 lbs. and slowly lose ground only to gain it all back. Sound familiar? In the meantime life went on, career, marriage, kids, house, bills, you know, right? Being young we feel invincible, yeah I was heavier than fit people but I could handle the weight. Of course, I was more of a spectator than a participant but I always figured I'd take care of it some day. Family, job, good times and bad times,there's always something that took priority over losing just a few pounds. But time rolls on, and occasionally I'd try another perfect weight loss answer, but ultimately it wasn't permanent and it was just another failed attempt. When I hit my fifties I noticed more muscle pulls, back injuries, knees were aching more, out of breath sooner, heart was working harder. So in my mid fifties I was put on meds for elevated blood pressure, shortly after statins for cholesterol. At sixty I was put on a CPAP for sleep apnea, and meds for pre diabetes. It was getting real, I was seeing the damage of carrying all the extra weight, but my doctor was keeping things under control, no worries. Then my hips began failing, I could hardly walk, I needed a cane to get in and out of chairs, I didn't want to move. I went to see an orthopedic doctor and he said the pain was from compressed cartilage caused by my weight, so I asked what we could do, he said "nothing, the damage is done". I think that's when I said enough is enough, I'm destroying my body and my future was heading towards life as a sick and handicapped old man. So I had a serious talk with my PCP, looked at my options, did research and made my decision to go with WLS at 62 years old. On my day of surgery the surgeon asked if I was ready, I said "let's do it", and I never looked back. Here I am 14 months post surgery, no more meds, no more CPAP, no more diabetes, I walk miles with almost no pain,and otherwise feel fantastic. I'm now doing things at 63 that I wouldn't have tried doing at 53, I went from feeling like an 80 year old to feeling better than I ever remember. I was in size 3XL shirts and pants with waist size of 46", today I can wear large to medium shirts and 34" waist pants, now I can shop off the "normal" racks. I've gone from the sidelines and into the game, I'm stronger and I have more energy, I can walk, run, and climb, and play, I feel young again. I'm still not used to the face that stares back at me in the mirror, there was a heavy guy looking back for the last 40 years or so, now I see a leaner more vibrant looking man, it's strange but I'm getting more used to him. So that's what makes my journey a special success to me, yours may be similar and it may be different, but it will be your special journey. I'm still learning to live with my sleeve, you can't erase years and years of lifestyle overnight, but after a year it's becoming more normal to listen to my sleeve and pay attention to what and how much I eat. If I can offer any wisdom, its to make your decision and then own it, go ahead and commit 100%. I know a lot of people regret not doing something sooner, but we can't change the past, we can only change the future. Best of luck to you all and thank you for your stories and experiences, I have learned and still learn from them.

Hi Shawna, I highly recommend the sleeve. I was banded in 2005 and did great for many years, up until mid 2015 or so when I started having reflux, heartburn, and the random tightness/looseness that sounds similar to what you are describing. It was a given "yak" after every meal and then non-stop heartburn for the next several hours. Problems at night with regurgitation in my sleep. It was pretty unpleasant. I had a endoscopy early this year and gastro doc found some erosion, pre-barretts condition, so he advised an unfill and consult with my surgeon. After a consult and psych eval, I was approved for sleeve and had the band removed and sleeved on June 17. I have never had a second thought. So far, much easier recovery than lap-band, it has gone like clockwork. It is a different experience than the band. The food restrictions became really annoying with the lapband...no such long term restrictions, aside from carbonation, and drinking liquids around your eating times. That has not been an issue. I am 6 weeks post op, follow up appt today. Will be moving to regular diet soon. Still on soft foods, I have ZERO hunger. It is great! Once you eat a meal, Protein first, my experience has been that I get pretty full at around 4oz of food. And I don't get hungry for a LONG time. In fact, I ever really get hungry anymore, but I know when I am "empty". My surgeon and his nurse practitioner (i see her on some follow up visits) advised 3 protein filled meals, with small Snacks in between. There is a protein target and calorie target they have given me, based on my personal data....I am sure it may vary from person to person. So far, it has been great. The best thing is the absence of hunger something that actually came back pretty often with the band...I think because of the reflux issues. Anyway... sleeve is the best thing I have ever done for my health, even over the band. Down 31 lbs in six weeks, I hit the gym 3-4 times a week, and am already off a daily blood pressure medicine, as I am now in the normal range. My .02.

Well I had my endoscopy this morning. Piece of cake. I've been on this pre op diet since June 28th. I saw my surgeon last tuesday and haven't dropped any weight really since. I don't get it. I'm following this diet outline they gave me. I only cheated once last friday. I walk daily. And the scale doesn't move. I'm scared that I will get all ready for the surgery on Thursday and the surgeon gets in there and says that my liver hasn't shrunk at all. I have one more day of protein food packets then Wednesday is all clear liquids and a bottle of magnesium citrate (ugh). On another note, it's kind of irritating that they don't give you the time that you are suppose to be at the hospital til the day before. The hospital is an hour away so I'm trying to plan what to do with my son and my mom won't give me an answer if she is going to take me to the hospital or not because she doesn't know what time. It's just really frustrating. I pretty much just want to scream right now.

I had my gastric sleeve surgery on 9/4. I lost 6 lbs. the first 6 days post op then stayed the same for about 6 days. I was bumming out somewhat, and someone on here said do your measurements. I was really glad I did them before surgery. I took my measurements yesterday and lost a total of almost 17 inches!! I could not believe it. And I lost 2 more lbs as well. I read that because of consuming so much protein, fat is turning into muscle which weighs about the same as fat but is smaller, hence losing inches and not weight. Than eventually the fat starts burning off. This made me very happy!! So, anyone who is not losing much in the beginning, I highly recommend measuring :)And I did lose 9 lbs. on the preop diet;so down a total of 17 lbs. and 17 inches. Yay!!!!

Thanks ladies, that is good to know. I also like iced tea with lemon that I brew myself, so that would count as water too. Tamg, I will have to buy some College Inn broth, I have seen it at the store, thank you! I happen to like the protein shakes, I maybe the only one that like them. I add cinamon to spruce it up a bit, ice & put it in the blender.

Kellythestar!! U *should be* excited!!! This is the coolest thing for those of us who have struggled and yo-yo'd forever!!! I was sleeved 2/13/12 and, praise God and knock on wood, have had no problems. Sure the first couple days after were not a party but they were doable and soon u feel better & better every day!! Since the week b4 surgery til now I've lost 30# so believe me it will work for u and u will not have all that much hunger. Only periodically do I notice I'm a bit hungry which is prolly when I've gone more than 2-3 hrs without getting in some protein. U really aren't hungry and when u do eat, it is very minimal and u r so full!!! I love it!!! I'm excited for u and believe u r going to do great and recover fast!! Best wishes!!

I am so happy with my sleeve!! That is an understatement!!!! --Surgery with Dr. Garcia on 4/2 --starting weight preop 238.8 --surgery weight 228 --current weight 1 month out 204.6 --34.2lbs one month out plus preop --I'm mainly concentrating in low carb/high protein and liquids... Not so much on calories but still only eating 600-800per day per fitness pal......As far as exercise I have started the gym yesterday at one mile and light lifting will increase to 2 miles in a week and so on.....will go 3-4 times a week is goal.... My fiancé has now booked a date on July 23rd with Dr garcia for sleeve surgery!!! She is tired of yoyo dieting and over being scared as she has watched and taken care of me on my recovery she is amazed and inspired!....she also wants to do this lifestyle change and commitment with me and feels like we can help eachother through it!! I told her to just be aware as everyone's experience is different...my recovery has been smooth and uneventful and I am very thankful/grateful for that! --Things I'm eating daily... These three items alone guarantees 72g protein per day... --Two protein shakes a day pre made pure protein from Costco... will continue until I'm able to get more from foods in a few months then will I probably will have one a day eventually...30g protein each! Two=60 --Dannon light and fit Greek yogurt 12g protein!! (One a day for me as the protein is awesome--only 80 calories and low in carbs....vanilla strawberry and blueberry best!!) --Snacks I have on hand at all times.... String cheese, SF Popsicles (2-3 per day and they help with liquid intake), flavored water crystal light bottles, eggs for eggs salad, tuna salad, chicken canned for chicken salad, shredded mexi cheese as its lower in fat, refried beans, plain greek yogurt as sour cream substitute... Sliced turkey and deli meat from deli, Cracker Barrel light cheese squares, sf jello, sf pudding, peanut butter, stuff for ricotta bake in muffin tins recipe, babybell cheese circles, Gatorade, cream soups, Lipton chicken noodle soup....today...I'm going to start on soft/solid food and look into emilybites.com for the wonton recipes that are sleeve friendly! Pizza bites, lasagna bites, taco bites, BBQ chicken bites, Hawaiian chicken bites, buffalo chicken bites etc.... I'm also go to try crab this week and ground beef to see how I can do with it!! Anyway just wanted to give an update as I used this site preop and post to get me through!!! It's important to me to give back, so if it can help even one person, it is worth it!! I am committed to this forum and to myself for making this decision and promise to follow up as I progress!!!! Happy Sleeving!!!! No regrets!

Yeah. That's my next option. Thank you.

I am lucky, I only have to do 5 days of the diet with 5 premier Protein shakes daily. Today is my last day and I am so tired. Tomorrow is clear liquid diet and I'm afraid I won't be able to take my son to the museum like I planned. What will life be like after surgery, will I always be tired? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Welcome to the forum Hi I tried premier shakes which is fine but at first I couldn't tolerate them. I did the best with Nectar Syntax shakes different flavors. So yes, I've met some protein shakes that I couldn't tolerate. Your taste buds may change too.

Oh yesssss... You're body is now getting no caffeine, no sugar, and is switching to low carb. Plan to feel like crud for a few days. I'm day three in and still have my headache. The good news is this too shall pass. When I've done high-Protein liquid diets in the past at around day 5 or 6 it seems to resolve and I get tons of energy. I'm hoping that happens here.

Hello everyone, I'm scheduled for May 14 with Dr. Kelly and yesterday, I began my pre-op diet (2 weeks as my BMI is >49). I did have some hunger (usually resolved by drinking some water) in between my meals. I found that I developed a headache late in the afternoon yesteday, and I still have it this morning! I have been eating/drinking my Protein shakes and other "allowed items" and I don't think I'm below the calories or fluids intake I'm supposed to be at. Do you think this is just my body trying to get used to being off the carbs? I wasn't a big caffeine consumer, though I did drink some pop (mostly sugar-free, but probably not caffeine free). I've been cutting down on the pop for the last week, and been totally off of it for the last 3 days. Any ideas? Anyone else have this happen do them? Did it get better over the course of the 2 week pre-op diet? I'm also used to taking Aleve for headaches, and now I have to switch to Tylenol, so that will be a change as well! Lots going on! LOL

I was sleeved july 11. I've lost 35 lbs. I have been in a stall for a few weeks but am trying to stay positive. I'm working out 5-6 times a week. It's amazing how much easier it is without those extra 35 lbs!! My daily Breakfast is a Protein shake. I just can't get my protein in otherwise. I eat a lot of chicken breast but am trying all sorts of new recipes to make sure I don't get bored. Snacks are usually greek yogurt. Tuna is a go to for me as well. 0 My Multivitamin makes me feel nauseous for about 15 minutes afterward. Not fun but it's a small price to pay.

I purchased cases of Protein shakes.... Don't do that- your taste will change! Some things that were very helpful were: liquid Children's Tynol Chewable Gas-x Smart Water. (Don't know why was easier on my tummy) Small Strainer Flushable Wipes Good Luck! Please don't worry too much I fretted and fretted and it really was not a huge deal...

Ok so for the past 3 days I still haven't been able to get one full meal down due to what I assume is horrible gas pain. I was banded on 12/13. I've been up walking around being active. It takes a good 3-4 hours before it subsides then I finally get hungry again and try all over. I once again get about 1/4-1/2 cup of protein shake drank before that feeling comes back again. I can't even get down water afterwards. I don't want to get dehydrated and I know I need my nutrients as well but I'm at a loss. What am I doing wrong? Please help!!!