Hello, I just scheduled my surgery date for August the 25th. I am so excited, but very nervous. They put me on this protein drink, 3 times a day, and it is just awfull! I was wondering if there was any ideas out ther for what I could mix with it to make it go down better? So far I have mixed skim miilk and then another time I tried orange juice, but not really any luck with the taste. Also, I was jsut curious how long of a recovery time it took some people, like how many days was it before you were able to return back to work...Anybodys input would be very helpfull for me Any advise from any body who has just recenlty had the band, would be great too. Thanks :eek:

Who is your doctor? is it a dr in Texas?

Dr. Benevides in Richardson TX

Someone on here recommended slices of frozen banana blended in with the protein drink...and it works. It makes them taste a little thicker and adds some flavor to them.

Cool, thanks, I am going to have to try that

Hi Courtney,

I just had my Surgery on Friday of last week. I am feeling really good today. I took it easy over the week-end and yesterday, but I could have easily gone to work today. I had my surgery at the Richardson Surgery center. where will you have yours? My Doctor was Dr. Jayaseelan everything went so smooth my husband checked me in at around 9:45A.M. and by 10:30 I was already to go in. I don't remember anything after that. He picked me up at about 1:30 and I was home in my Bed by 3:00P.M. the frist night was pretty tough, I had some pain medicine but I never used it. I hate that groggy feeling so I just took advil that worked fine.

The worst part for me was I had some conjestion and I had to cough that really hurt, today is so much better. I also didn't take a shower until Monday( I know that Sounds terrible) but I didn't want to remove my bandages until they had started to heal. I removed all the Bandages yesterday and I am really glad I waited because I can see that the incisions are healing and now I am not worried about breaking open the cuts. As far as eating goes I was on a liquid diet 7 days before I had my Surgery, that was terrible. I was so starved all the time. This week however has been much much easier after the band.

Thank you so much for the info. I really appreciate everybody's input.

How about mixing your protein drink with different flavored extracts..like bananna, vanilla, rasberry, mint, any one of those with some splenda will help it to taste better.

I see Dr benavides also. He comes to a clinc here in College Station/Bryan. I did not like the staff in Richardson but the people here are great. Did you buy the protien drink from the office? i bought the vanilla and put about 2 tsp of sugar free jello pudding (the powder) in it and made it like instant pudding it was better than plain.

I use frozen fruit in my Protein drinks. Today I used frozen pineapple chunks with a tablespoon of shredded coconut for a little Pina Colada. I also use frozen mixed berries and peaches, or fresh bananas. I don't like wasting, so if I make a drink and the fruit doesn't naturally sweeten it enough, I'll cheat and squirt a shot of chocolate sauce in my shake, but DON'T TELL ANYONE!

I've also used low fat frozen yogurt instead of milk, which makes it thicker and sweeter and still low in calories.

Welcome Courtney!

And congrats on your upcoming surgery.

As you will see, every doctor has a different idea about pre and post op diet.

My doctor seems to be a little out of the norm. He wasn't really big on Protein shakes, seems to think that they could cause some unwanted gas and feels that one would get enough protein with eating the correct foods. But I do occassionally make a Protein shake and as Laserjock said, add frozen bananas and that helps a lot. I also let mine sit in the fridge overnight, it breaks down the foamy part of the shakes that usually made me sick to my stomach

My doctor also advised me against eating spicy foods and drinking alcohol, but other doctors seem to be okay with consuming both.

I had my surgery on a Monday and went back to work the following Monday. I've had absolutely no problems with going back to work. It's amazing how much better I felt every day after surgery, my incisions are almost completely healed and I can't really tell that I had anything done.

I usually make a protein shake for breakfast. In the blender, add skim milk, unflavored protein powder, one sliced fresh (not frozen) banana, various frozen fruits (strawberries, blueberries, etc.), sweetener, and a handful of ice cubes. Blend thoroughly. The ice cubes make it thick like a smoothie. This makes enough for my husband and me. The fruit helps you get your fiber in.

Best of luck to you, Courtney! You better start wearing your favorite "big" clothes as much as you can. Because in a few weeks, they're going to be forever "too big" for you!:cheeky :cheeky :cheeky

Gas? What gas? HAHAHA, just call me Farty Pants! Especially cause I add my fiber tabs to my morning shake.

As far as your doc thinking you can get plenty of Protein in without the shakes, maybe he's right. But I can't eat in the morning because I'm too restricted. So it's either have the shake or not eat at all.

As far as how you feel, are you Superwoman? That's incredible that you feel good so soon. You must be a fast healer! Good for you, far out, and all that jazz.

Courtney,

I was banded three weeks ago. I took two weeks off work, just to ensure I was fully recovered. The first week was difficult for me, I was very dizzy and lightheaded. My advice is to lay low for a week or so. If you must return right a way, work 1/2 days. Good luck...stock up on clear soup and baby food...love the pears.

Man, we definitely have Texas represented on this site, don't we?

Welcome Courtney, Kyleigh.. everyone new!!

Cynder7, be sure that you're drinking enough liquid. That will cause dizziness and lightheadedness. You don't want to get dehydrated!