Went to my family doctor today for checkup. She was the one to recommend the sleeve to me. I love her! She was pleased with my weight loss. Down from 1st visit to WLS (which was 250 and then day of surgery I was 222, today (5 weeks after sleeve), I weigh 207. Smiles all around. She said I am not getting enough calories. I have been averaging 400 calories a day. She said it should be 1000. She said not to pay that much attention to sugar right now. Of course she did not mean candy,, cookies and cake, etc. She suggested I add more fruit and try to eat more small meals. I'm going to try ... but i get full so fast and it takes me about an hour to finish my protein shakes. Any other suggestions?

Were you diabetic pre-op?

Yes. But she said it is being controlled with diet and exercise right now.

What brand of shakes are you using? I had the Bariatric Advantage for my pre-op diet but I find they are too thick and full of air post-op. (Actually any shake made in a blender is too airy for me to finish in an hour.) I like the Syntrax Nectar Chocolate Truffle shakes made in a blender bottle - has one of those little wire ball in the bottle that helps to blend everything when you shake it. My goal is to eat 900 calories a day. Some days might be a little less, but that is what I shoot for. I still drink at least one shake a day made with light soy milk. In addition to the 900 calories, I also try to get a minimum 80 grams of protein - I want to keep my hair!!

I drink EAS Advantage. It's the only one I like ... and I've tried them all. Do you mix the Chocolate Truffle with Milk? I am stressing on Protein, too. Also worried about my hair! I'm going to try the blender bottle. When I make them in my Magic Bullet they get all airy and foamy.

I mix the Chocolate Truffle with light soy milk. (It's a powdered shake mix.) I had switched to soy milk before my surgery because I had heard that some people may become lactose intolerant afterwards. There have been a couple of times that I've ran out of "my" milk and I had to use skim milk - and I didn't care for the taste. It wasn't bad, but it just wasn't as good.

I haven't had the surgery yet but am already worried about my hair. It's finally growing back after losing a bunch after a new medication. The chocolate truffle shake is the powder, correct? I've never had soy milk, but I am clearly lactose intolerant and have been for years. Is soy milk also a powder?

Hi Annie.... the light soy milk is found in cartons either with the regular milk or in the refrigerated health food section. I prefer the Silk brand but the Walmart brand isn't too bad. I have found the best price at Walmart for the Silk brand. I think it is around $2.79. The highest I have found is $4.79. My mother-in-law likes the 8th Continent brand. I have only tried it with shakes, I am not sure if I could drink it straight. Oh, and it is liquid.

The chocolate truffle is powder.

Thank you so much. I guess I should try some of these things before the surgery so I'm not at a loss afterwards!