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For me, the envasive nature of the other options amde this MY only option. I was banded last week and have been up and walking around since day one. This is completely reversable, which also appealed to me. It has been used in Europe for about 10 years with reduced side effects over the other surgeries and reduced side effects with the newer bands over the ones they originally used. There is a TON of great information on this site - every subject that you could imagine and tons that I am sure you couldn't imagine. start reading through old threads, ask any questions - the support here has been great. By the time that I went in for my first appointment, I already had so many of my questions answered from lurking here. Good luck and I know you will make the right decision for you!

I work as a residential instructor in a group home for developmentally disabled adults. I am on my feet most of an 8 hour shift. My work includes medicine administration, bathing, feeding, dressing, personal care and laundry as well as paperwork, running errands (driving a company car with residents on board) and much more. I start my liquid protein diet this friday July 15th and am having Lap Band July 29th. I am scheduled to return to work August 8th (after surgery). I have a high pain tolerance but am wondering if I will truly be ready to be back on the 8th. Any advice, comments, concerns would be greatly appreciated. I have read alot of past threads on recovery time.

Been banded since Jan. I have a Protein shake every morning for Breakfast - 25 gm Protein. Occasionally I will have a 2nd one during the day in place of a meal.

Hoosier Girl, I just read your vacation tips on your blog. HILARIOUS! Thanks for the laughs. I was hoping peanut M&Ms could be considered protein. BUMMER! So seriously, did the cheese fries make you sick? (I can't eat them anyway, I have celiac, so I have to stay away from the deep friers that also fry batter) Since lactose and I don't get along very well, and wheat, barley, and rye also can't be tolerated, I wonder what the VSG will prevent me from tolerating in the future...definitely avoiding the cheese fries!

4th week....greek yogurt from light and fit, red seedless grapes, shaved deli meat ham and turkey. Saltines(2 will do it),cracker pretzels because it has no yeast so it won't get stuck, moist scramble eggs, soups, chicken-no noodle, bean soup, pasta fagioli without the pasta, ham salad from publix, protein bars, sugar free ice cream. I make sure i meet protein of 60grams and stay under sugar before giving myself a treat. Oh yeah, i managed 2 wings very slowly. Increasing the calorie intake has broken the 3 week stall.

My surgeon recommends 1000 calories a day after surgery with at least 60g Protein. This is the amount your body needs to maintain a healthy weight with limited or no activity. A person with anorexia usually consumes MUCH less than this. I had a friend who was severly anorexic and she would eat stuff like ketchup, mustard greens, hot sauce on a couple of crackers, and all sorts of no calorie food for meals. The difference is WLS pts are eating the RIGHT amount for sedentary lifestyles and are making sure they are meeting nutritonal requirements for a healthy weight. Someone with an eating disorder (anorexia and bulemia) is starving their body of nutrients in order to be a healhty or unhealthy weight. And if they are refering to the post op diet then that is only temporary and would be required of anyone having major abdominal surgery..... Hope this helps...i have had this question too.

I'm almost done with my first day with this liquid diet. So far, I'm not even hungry, thank goodness. I bought some powder packets(bariatric fusion) from my doc, and I liked the cappacino and orange cream. That's all I've tried. They also carry stuff called ProtiDiet, and they have liquid (basically liquid crystal light) and the fruit lunch was good, and they're 15 Protein per 5oz!

I make my own shakes (I am on the regular diet but I make shakes/smoothies twice a week for breakfast for convenience sake). This morning I had 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt, 1/4 cup skim milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla Protein powder, 1/4 cup frozen diced strawberries, and a packet of stevia. Yesterday I didn't have the strawberries, instead I added some vanilla extract. 22 grams of protein. I tried the Slim Fast brand low carb shakes- OMG awful!!!!! I'll stick to my own- cheaper and better tasting by far! I had to add that in the days right after my surgery I used no sugar added Carnation instant breakfast- it's not bad- I thought it tasted like chocolate milk, but only 13 grams of protein including the milk. -Kendra

wow, you're just a few days before me!!! I am 2/3! I am off tonight to get a few Protein drinks to try and the stuff needed for my 3 weeks of Clear Liquids post-op! All the best to you and stay in touch since our dates are so close!!!

Thank you, @Cindymaried !!!! Sounds like you've done great!! I am expecting the worst, so hopefully I surprise myself with how easy it is LOL I am off to hunt down some Premier Protein tonight!

I definitely recommend premier Protein. That is all I could drink.. I am 6 months out and the first week I had a little buyers remorse but only because of the nasty liquid meds. They were so hard for me to choke down and felt like they were burning my throat and I literally barely slept for a week. But I would do it again in a heart beat. I also couldn't drink straight Water. I still have a hard time I drink power are zero and crystal light. Hope you have a smooth recovery. Good luck !!!

Are you at goal weight yet? My program instructs 500-1,000 calories per day, mostly Protein, until goal. I'm not saying you can't go over that if instructed, but if you are at 1,200 that might explain why you're not losing or gaining. The post about Water retention also makes a lot of sense. Good luck.

Pick up there Cookies n creme, strawberry milkshake, chocolate Peanut Butter, chocolate milk, and vanilla creme. All in MUSCLE MILK LIGHT. There chocolate is lousy, but this,,, will keep you from being bored. It's good stuff and low in calories to. 195 cal. 25 G Protein. I drink this stuff every day, and my stock is running low, so I need to buy some also. If you see a good deal let me know. Right now, Amason.com has the best price I can find. Good Luck, Shirley.

I couldn't drink those protein drinks for anything. To me they tase of metal and processed crap. Sorry. Not sorry. What did I do ? and what do I do now 12 years later ? I tried them pre surgery. Most of them made me horribly ill. I found out I cannot digest any of the sugar replacers or any of the milk replacers. It brings on colitis. Like weeks of the runs with terrible cramping. So.... I pre made myself super strong chicken broth; for post surgery I strained it through doubled cheese cloth. I kept and froze the chicken, and carrots separately. Later I made those into mashed carrots with some broth to thin it. And I basically food processed the chicken and had that as I was able to sip non clear liquids. I also made really strong vegetable broth - not soup, broth. With mushrooms and squash, and things like that. I froze my soups in tiny containers. And I made fish broth too. And beef broth. With the bones, and then super strained at first. I still make this and use it as the base for sauces, as I strain out any fats too. I eat simple proteins. I made and ate early on lots of chicken salad with some added broth, and humus instead of mayo. I still eat it that way. more protein and fiber. tuna mixed with greek yogurt. eggs mixed with yogurt for egg salad. Now, I make myself chicken thighs, and vegetables all the time. I like to use my crock pot to make boneless skinless thighs with carrots or chunks of sweet potato - and whatever vegetable I feel like adding. I am into gardening so I might add seasonal veggies like cabbage or beans or english peas, I use very little salt, lots of fresh herbs. I use the crock pot to make pot roast which comes out so tender and easy to eat, with tomatoes and serve it with cauliflower "rice" - I made all these things early on, and just mashed the heck out of things, adding homemade broth to smooth.

8/10/09 Day four. Somebody shoot me. this f’ing sucks. I’m having less than 500 calories a day with 95% of them being liquid. It should be 100% liquid but I can not tolerate the powdered protein they want me to be consuming every day. I’ve tried every imaginable form of it out there. It all tastes like crap. It’s all thick. Really I’m not being a baby about this. I’m the girl who can’t drink milk because it’s yucky. If I force myself to drink it, it’s just going to come back up. I can hardly eat jello because the texture makes me gag. So I’m started to supplement my liquid diet with a daily single serving of tuna. 60 calories, no carbs & 12 grams of protein. cheater I know. go back thru my blog I don’t think it’s any surprise that I’m a cheater. So any way let’s add to it. let’s pour salt in my wound (I hate the word wound). I had to start using my bypap machine Friday night. In order for insurance to cover it they have to see that I’m using it 4 hours a night. Really? instead of helping me sleep better this thing just ensures that I don’t sleep through the night. It’s uncomfortable. It’s noisy. It smells funny. I feel like a dumb a. so I’m not sleeping well and I’m tired because I’m consuming minimal protein. I’m having a WTF was I thinking moment today. Really? all of this for what? To be healthier and get into a size 10 jean. Maybe an 8. Really? please God promise me this will all be worth it down the road because today it isn’t. 8/12/09 Day six I could not get out of bed this morning. I slept like crap thanks to that stupid stupid bipap machine. Really? I have to add that to my already stupid restrictive life. Now I’m not even allowed to sleep? Anyway, so I call into work. Told them I felt awful which was the under statement of the year. I think the lack of protein finally hit me. I felt like I was moving my body through water. My limbs were heavy. I was sluggish. And my head was foggy. Gosh it’s great to be me. So I slept in a little then got as far as my desk. In my pj’s, unshowered I spent the next 3.5 hours working on photos. That wasn’t so taxing. I told the kids to pretend like I wasn’t home. Sha was there. I just shut my door. I felt good about what I got done. I played some tutorial videos as I worked and actually learned a thing or two. I had to rush through the shower to get out the door in time to get to the hospital by 1:45 for my pre admission testing. On the way I gave Dad a call to get an update on him. He talked all the way from Reinbeck to Cedar Falls and then some. At this point I was crabby. I was so tired. I was dizzy. A couple times I thought this must be what it feels like before you pass out. So I sit thru the pat’ing. She’s telling me to do this and don’t do that and I’m just sitting there staring at her. I know I’m not smiling, I don’t think I had the energy to smile. I told her at one point I needed to write some of what she was telling me down or would never remember it. I told her the liquid diet had wicked away my memory and my personality. Sad but true. Once I’d signed off that I was aware of all the bad things that could happen from the procedure they walked me down to the lab for yet more lab work. Why is it a little tiny needle in the crook of my arm hurts so much more than the thousands upon thousands of jabs that I take while sitting for Juno? Finally I’m allowed to go to my appointment with Dr. hodges which requires me to drive around to the other office. Yeah well first I have to remember where I parked my car. I go outside and I hit the lock button so that the horn can lead me to it. Except when I hear the horn I seriously can not tell what direction the sound came from. It’s like a freaking fun house! finally after walking around for a minute or so (it’s not a big parking lot) I find my car. Thank goodness!

I’ve wondered that myself lol. It’s hard to know when I just had so much done! Thank you. That’s possible I guess for the protein shakes. I’ve used a flavorless dissolvable protein powder today. Since surgery I’ve had it once or twice a day but the past two days have been exhaustingly excessive lol. I’ve focused on liquids today and adding my protein to my hydration and have actually been a little better. Thank you for your thoughts!

Not pregnant but wanted to offer a few products I know of that are not gmo and/or, organic: Naked whey grass fed Undenatured whey Protein Dr Axe Collegen Protein and Healing Protein Phood plant based high Protein powder Best of luck!

So for my surgery I have to go on a two week liquid diet. This consist of sugar free jello, broth, sugar free popsicles (which who doesn't want these in the middle of winter), protein shakes, and 1 protein bar a day. My first protein shake I made was vanilla. The consistency and smell made me gag, no gonna lie. So I doubled the water and I think it is watered down enough for me to handle. I am taking a sip of it and chasing it with water. I am on my second sugar free jello which (oddly enough) not that filling. I know it sounds like I am whining...because I am. BUT I feel like venting it out on my blog is better than taking it out of someone else around me. I have chopped my protein bar into three pieces so I can have one with breakfast lunch and dinner. I feel like this way I can "eat" something with each meal. It is only 10:30 but I am already looking forward to my broth.

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NONE of us had a date as soon as we wanted. As LilDiva said, once you make up your mind...... Good news is that you don't have to wait months. I am excited for you. Now you can read posts of what you will need and try some Proteins to see what you like (and don't.) I am excited for you! Congrats.

I had gotten the starter kit from unjury and sample packets from (bjs bariatrics website )Syntrax. I also have pure Protein powder(store bought). I tried them all while on my pre op diet...they saved me and kept me going each day..the different tastes they all gave were a nice change. Post op, they all tasted the same to me. But you won't feel up to much of anything besides clear thin liquids for a few days or a week or two. All depends on your sleeve and recovery. I had and still have a very tight sleeve..even at 3 months post op. It was swollen shut post op for the first couple days and I couldn't take anything in.. (that doesn't seem to be the norm tho) I started to feel human again about a week n a half 2 weeks. I wasn't a fan of the Clear Liquids stage at all..but trudged threw it and followed the plan. Once I was allowed the shakes again was when I felt better for sure. I never had buyers remorse as they say...I just really disliked the clear liquids stage. I have followed my plan to a T and have had great results so far. 3 months post op and I've lost 48% or 68 pounds. Now, for Breakfast I have either a rtd pure Protein shake (target or walmart) or I will add a scoop of syntrax cookie flavor to my cooled coffee. Good luck with your journey!

Eat more protein 60_80grams a day

Hi Stratty! I had surgery 1/19 and also have lost 6 pounds since then. I am very pleased. 6 pounds in 10 days is great! Remember that this isn't gastric bypass...the weight loss will be slow but steady. I am also having trouble getting all my Protein because I am just not hungry. I do like the shakes, but it takes me a long time to get one down. I am also on mushies now and have added other forms of protein but it is hard to get more than 50 grams per day. Hang in there. Sounds like you are doing great!! Linda

Yes ma'am. After you talk with your primary, they'll referral you through IEHP. I think I received a call from Dr. Krahns office, 2 or 3 weeks after my appt with my PCP, telling me about the seminar. They hold it I believe twice a month, at like 6 or 6:30 pm at St B's (in a conference room by the cafeteria)... Once you confirm the seminar, you'll get a packet and info to fill out (basically asking what have you tried to lose weight and medical history). I filled mine out before the seminar since I arrived early. During the seminar there'll be some people who work in his office there telling you about the four different types of bypass' and go over any questions you'll have. I think by the time everything was said and done and questions were asked and answers, I think i was there for 2 ish hours. About two weeks I received a call from Dr. Krahns office to schedule my first appt. My first appt was Dec 28th, and there they double checked my medical history and talked about with surgery would be best for me. I was given a giant packet to study and keep for after surgery and was given a "quiz" packet to answer to return back in at my next appt. I was also asked to follow a low carb, high protein diet and to lose 5-10% of weight. My next appt is Feb 2nd, with my PCP for my medical clearance, and also Dr.Krahn's office. Hopefully I'll get my surgery date and do the other necessary requirements done for surgery.

I started with the Bariatric Advantage Protein powder and I could not take it! Worst aftertaste ever. I tried the chocolate Premier Protein and it is soooo much better. Went out and bought the vanilla and strawberry days later. I'm on the pre-op diet now too - good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App