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Hi all, I am in Canada and allergic to wheat. For those of you In The same boat..... What do you use for protein shakes/drinks? Also, what's a good premade drink? For days I have to work, I have trouble getting a smoothie done early in the morning so being able to take a drink with me would be a good option.

I like yellow pea protein...

I'm currently in the middle of my two week diet before surgery. The center that is performing my surgery sets you up with an eating plan with Meal Replacements they prescribe... Plus a sensible high Protein with vegetables meal... Like an expensive version of Slim Fast! My LORD am I hungry. It wasn't as bad last week while I was at work, because I stay busy... but, this weekend has been torture. I'll make it, however. Eye on the prize. I've finished getting all my supplies for the surgery and at least the first three weeks after surgery. It's funny, because all these folks who have been so supportive this past month are starting to freak out on me and I think they want me to freak out also... I'm gonna smack the next person who tells me, "Well, if you can do this two week diet.. why don't you just keep doing it and lose weight?" I'm going to smack them on both sides of the head, I tell ya. But, I'm still looking forward to the surgery. It's like a big jumping off point! Had to rant.

In going on week five and can attest to the three week stall. I started upping my protein and added in walking and by the middle of week four I was losing again.

I'm in the process of getting everything ready for insurance submission while I also am trying to change some of my habits so the transition will be a little easier. My question is about protein. I've really never been big on protein - like chicken, for example, is usually so bland and dry. I love red meat and seafood so that's one area I'll focus on to increase protein but I was hoping to get some ideas from all of you in terms of how you increase your protein intake. I know I will need to supplement with protein shakes but I'd love to have a solid list of ideas of proteins (and ways to eat them) going into surgery. I don't dislike chicken, I just find it bland. I'm open to new things and trying anything. I'd love to hear your ideas! THANKS!

Hi all~ Hope everyone is well! Here's my 1st question~I havent gone to my sugeon yet (nxt wk) but was banded by him and had it removed a few yrs ago. Now I want the sleeve cause I gained about 100 back. I have united healthcare through OXFORD and when I read up on their site yesterday, I saw something about a 6 month dieting log or something like that. Really??!! I didnt have to do that w/ the band (2003) so how do you do this? If I could diet this weight off why would I opt for surgery?! How exactly does that work? I wonder if being I was banded for a good 6/7 yrs and had it off for 2 yrs now if I still would need to go through this 6 month WAIT because I need a diet log. Like what...6 months of weight watchers?? Geeeezzzzzzz!! When I was banded yrs ago and had to do Protein shakes, I used Isopure (chocolate) it has 65 grams protein. I would put 6 oz skim milk into blender add the Isopure and bottoms up. I think many used Water instead of milk but the milk made it taste better + gave me Calcium. I relly haven't read anything about Isopure on this site and wonder why. Also, I was told that your body cant absorb more than 30 (ish) grms of protein at ONE time so anything more than 30 grams is wasted and that you should have it twice aday. Anyone heard of this??? I appreciate any/all the help

No surgery type is right for everyone. Some are good to go with restriction only, some need malabsorptive too. There is not a thing in the world wrong with either one. It is your job to see what YOU need. We all have different issues. Me... I just like to eat. I'm a grazer, I like high fat, high carb foods and lots of it. For me restriction alone is most effective. I suck at taking Vitamins and such... I'd probably die of malnutrition with bypass because I know me and I would never take the required vitamins. I found the surgery type right for me. You need to do the same, you need to find what is right for you. Yes and no... the sleeve is the first part of DS. With DS the sleeve is typically made larger, with a stand alone procedure the sleeve is made smaller. I can eat 2oz of solid Protein, if I had DS my sleeve would hold double what I can eat.

@@Chefkevin, I suggest getting some Protein powder that either tastes like Cookies for shakes, or using vanilla or chocolate protein powder to make cookies. Try looking at the online blog, The World According to Eggface. She even has some protein ice cream recipes! Also, this book helped me not bring stuff home I couldn't stay away from: "Emotional First + Aid" by Cynthia Alexander.

Hi, I'm vegetarian also (although I have started to eat fish now and again) but as far as the band is concerned you can get plenty of protein in with nuts, seeds, pulses and grains. For a while I found eating basmati rice difficult so I switched to cous cous, after a couple of months I tried rice again and I can eat it fine now. When you are making your Soups (broth) I suggest you put a handful of lentils in with your veggies. Protein drinks are terrific when you are on the liquid stage. A bowl of porridge (oats) with some animal milk on is as protein rich as a piece of quality meat. For the mushie stage I found houmus (blend a tin of chick peas, 2tbl sp sesame seed paste, clove of garlic and juice of 1/2 a lemon add olive oil as you blend) a terrfic protein rich easy to eat food. Good luck on your journey.:glare:

I also use the fitbit flex. I love it, You can get different bands really cheap on ebay if you want to change colors. As far as tracking, I try to get in 7500-10000 steps a day. I do whatever I can during the day to increase my movement. I also love the dashboard. It's a good way to track Protein.

I'm supposed to be on the puree stage but I can't stand it. I can't even take normal food and puree it and eat it. I'm not sure if it's in my mind or a texture thing but it makes me gag. I've tried to eat no sugar added apple sauce and couldn't get past the taste. I have some apple sauce that I canned last spring but I'm afraid to try it. I put sugar and nutmeg in it and so far the sweet stuff has a funny taste to me. I have been able to get through a pudding cup a couple times. Tried greek yogurt blended but its too sweet. I did followed the advise of someone on this board and have been making my own protein drinks with unflavored protein powder so I am getting some of those down. I really can't wait to get past all these stages and be able to eat normal food. I think I'd be a lot happier.

Hey everyone! I just got my pre-op tests done and am still on-course for a July 31st sleeve. I'm trying to get my new diet stuff lined up and wanted to see if anyone has recommendations on Protein powder or other liquid items. Is it OK if they are sweetened? Does it matter if it's real or artificial sweetener? I'm not diabetic if that matters. Also, can anyone recommend anything else in particular that might make the liquid phase easier? I'm open to all suggestions! I really love food so I want to try to make the liquid phase as tolerable as possible with high-quality/tasty products!

My anniversary is the 23rd. I'm starting to get new worries everyday lol. I'm worried about the extra skin now. Also being able to eat enough protein. It changes all the time. I just try to remember that even with extra skin I will be healthier.

Jacqui, I totally agree with you. Take this week for me. I had a fill on Tuesday, I haven't eaten much since then. You'd think I would have a huge loss for today. Nope. Lost an ounce. That's it. When I feel like I'm eating too much, I have better losses. Amy, if it works, keep playing up on the vanity angle. She will lose ALL of her hair if she doesn't start getting some better, overall, nutrition. I was getting plenty of Protein as that was my dr's instructions and I was still losing A LOT of hair. I found a good Iron supplement and added back my veggies and my hair loss has improved. Still losing some but it's not near the amount it was. Best wishes!

see... i don't think of what i'm doing as a diet because i can eat almost anything that i want. i think of it as a lifestyle change... making healthier choices. i don't spend all my time counting calories and fat grams and wondering if i'll have enough Weight Watcher points at the end of the day. i concentrate on how much Protein i'm putting into my body and trying to stay low carb. i felt just like you after my 1st fill. i DID actually start gaining weight. i totally freaked out and called my doctor to say that i was more hungry AFTER my fill than i had been before. 2 weeks later i went in for my 2nd fill and i feel MUCH better. this is what they call "Bandster Hell" because we've done everything we're supposed to, now we have to wait until the band and body start working together. keep your chin up!

I receive many private messages from members inquiring about Bariatric Protein, Supplements & Vitamins. The most frequently asked questions are which bariatric protein, supplements & vitamins products and brands are best suited for Gastric Sleeve patients and where to purchase them - at the best price, online and offline. Please take a moment and share any and all you have on this topic with your fellow members.

I feel you! I had surgery 4/18 and haven't had all the exhausting additional medical issues you have had, and have good emotional support, and still feel exhausted at times, feelings of hunger, feelings of sadness from loss of food pleasure and food sociability, and intense irritability with the limited food choices that are presently before me. I think you need to give yourself credit for having been through the medical wringer and persisting. I totally get the food issues you are talking about - I HATE artificial flavors, I HATE most fake sweeteners, etc. I've gone with unflavored protein powders and liquid Stevia - I'll make myself a protein drink with skim milk, unsweetened cocoa and a couple of drops of stevia. I have found that when I've been diligent about having two protein drinks a day with skim milk - for a total of 58 grams of protein from that alone - my fatigue has felt much better. But my physician's assistant said it can take up to three weeks, and you have to factor in the additional surgery, etc. I think doubt and self-reflection are part of this journey - sometimes when it gets overwhelming, it's easier to just break it down and think about what you have to do for this afternoon, this evening, etc. Hang in there, I have faith it will get better!

Yesterday I started a 1200 calorie diet and journaling everything that I eat and drink. I also started walking yesterday. I think if I get my workout in the morning it will help me stay motivated through out the day. What is the liquid Protein diet?

I used a Ninja blender to mix my Protein shakes. It had a removable attachments and I found that the single serving cup worked best for me. This is essentially what you are calling a Nutri Ninja Duo using the Nutri Ninja cups. After blending, you remove the cup from the blender turn it over, take off the blending head and screw on the sip and seal lid and you are good to go. Very convenient. Long story short - I would highly recommend it.

Usually if they won't approve sleeve, then they won't approve sleeve . . . no easy loophole. But if your surgeon and/or PCP can find a medical reason that bypass would not work for you but a sleeve would, you might be able to appeal on that ground. For example: you have a condition such as arthritis that means you will need to take NSAIADs after surgery. You have irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's Disease, or another intestinal disease that would make surgery on the intestines risky or impossible. Your surgeon will probably be the best person to consult for other possible reasons. If your insurance still won't cover it, I would think your options are either self-pay (in the US or Mexico/abroad) or see if you can find other insurance that does cover the sleeve - perhaps through a spouse or partner, a professional association, the Affordable Care Act exchange in your state, etc. Good luck!

I started using EAS carb control chocolate before surgery and post-op found Premier Protein chocolate. I've tried Muscle Milk chocolate, but Premier has been my favorite.

Hi John, That's a tough question because everyone's tastes are so different. I bought Swanson chicken Stock, and lots of premixed Protein drinks. Before surgery I loved Atkins shakes and had one every morning for Breakfast. After surgery they turned my stomach and were way too sweet. Everything disagreed with me. I had a week of nausea and the only thing that agreed with me was watered down mashed potatoes. Even they weren't in the liquid stage, I made them so thin I could drink them. Some people like the protein powders that you mix into your broth. There is also a high protein Water called Isopure zero carb you can buy at GNC. I didn't like it because it was really sweet. Don't buy too much before surgery because your taste will change after surgery. V8 settled very good in my tummy. Good luck and sorry I didn't have too many ideas.

My pre-op diet was simply to go without carbs for almost 2 months before surgery. THAT was really the hard part! I was a total carb addict - pasta and bread were my dearest friends! When the doc said no carbs, I thought it would kill me, and that I'd never be able to survive without them. But after a month or so without the carbs, I started not to miss them as much - I really got into the swing of eating without them! Trust me - the first month was toruture. But then it got much easier. I got the sleeve 2 weeks ago. NO urge whatsover to eat those carbs at this point! I am rarely hungry, and really, I am just focusing on getting in my fluids, proteins, and calories. Food is not what it used to be for me. There are still moments when I see people eating pizza or other things and I'd like to have a bite, but it is not NEARLY as tempting as it was - I am already feeling much better about things.

I'm proud of your weight loss. I too have struggled. I have gained back all the weight I lost after surgery. I am doing atkins for two weeks to jump start my weight loss. I have to drink Protein shakes before lunch and dinner or I will throw up. It sounds like neither of us have bodies that want to cooperate. Good luck to you.

I have not contributed or participated in a very long time, But I hope this may be of some help. I have made wonderful progress with my lap band but it has not been without significant issues. I lost most of my weight by November last year (9 mo). But starting mid May I started having more and more problems with eating. After a month of losing way more food than I was able to keep I finally talked with my nurses. I had to go in and have a couple of ccs taken out of my band. Which I did NOT want to do. But it turns out my sensitive stomach did not go away with lap band surgery. I have a limited capacity to take in the Protein shakes, so I have to use them judiciously. I can use Lactaid to help, but after a few days in a row of one or two, that's it. I tell you that because after a fill I have at least 2 full days when i really cannot eat. Most mornings I cannot eat, but I have to use something to get my Vitamin and meds down without me getting nauseated and I was using the shakes for that. That had to change. Once they got me past 4cc, I really had to work at what I could eat. Crackers worked but they are not what they want me to eat. I found that for Breakfast I need very little, but I have to go with whatever works. The rest of the meals I am able to stick to my plan pretty well. When my stomach is super irritated I have to revert to bland slider foods. if that does not calm things down my next step is to check with my GP to see if I have some kind of stomach virus or UTI going on. More times than not I do. If none of those work, then my final resort is to call my surgeons office and have a little taken out. I always put it back in 2 to4 weeks. I have found that texture is everything, and anything that is cooked dry or stringy is never going to stay down for me. But overall I can eat a wide variety, I focus on the protein, and try to keep it "chunky". I am to a point that I do use fruits for Snacks from time to time, but I don't eat a lot of snacks as a norm. On days when my band is tighter, I sometimes have to eat 4 or 5 very small meals to get enough to keep me going. After having several tests and a couple of upper GIs we can clearly see my pouch is pretty small. I often have symptoms of a slip, but it has been checked many times and I have had no slippage. Its just me. I admit it can be very aggravating, but it definitely beats the alternative. Though there are many struggles, they all seem minor in comparison to being able to achieve a pretty healthy weight. I know I will never be skinny, but I am so much better off than I was. I never thought I would wear mediums as a norm, but Here I am. So if you are having similar problems, just know it is a very manageable situation.