Ok -- scheduled to be sleeved 10/21. I've been going through the forums and online but thought I would put all of my questions in one place.

I'm currently low carb, but ~50g a day. 2 weeks pre-op i'm supposed to be ~20 carbs a day. Which isn't an issue... BUT... I'm going to be on vacation in Orlando for part of that. So I'm trying to make sure I have my ducks in a row. I'll bring some shakes along, and tuna packets, etc. So I think I will manage ok.

Do you have any recipes for low-carb high Protein Cookies? I want to make sure I have something I can take with me to Florida that's more exciting/quick than a shake if I need it available. I've been googling, but I thought I would ask the general hive-mind.

What was your pre-op grocery list? I have been working on cleaning out the cabinets of all the stuff that aren't going to work for me. I know that everyone is different, but what did YOU plan on? I am liquid for 2 weeks post-op. The NUT and doc gave me the list of foods, but I am having a hard time translating that into a list. Like... is canned broth ok? Is there a better option?

What is your favorite flavored Protein powder and why? Currently I have Optimum Nutrition gold standard in chocolate malt flavor.

Realistically, how "quickly" do you go through a tub of powder? I know that I wont be making full shakes for a while, so not sure how much I need to have on hand.

Do you use an "unflavored" protein powder? If so, which one? I think this would be good to be able to add to Soups etc if needed.

What Vitamin (brand) did you use post-op? my NUT was not specific.

Do/Did you have a goal outfit (even if not a final goal)? If so, how did you pick it? Any recommendations on what I should look for in clothing for my new body? I've been wanting to get one, but I have NO idea what will look good on my new body. I am so not fashion conscious. I thought about getting one that is midway through, but I just really don't know what to expect. I am probably going to have to get a consultant! I've been drooling over modcloth clothes, but I just have no idea what will look good on me.

When did you start to "feel" your weight loss? I've already lost some, but still dont really feel it.

When did others start to notice your weight loss?

There's just so much swirling around in my head, and I already get busybrain on a normal day. I have 26 days to prep. LOL

Pinterest for your recipe, there is a ton there, just buy one tub of protein powder that u like, your taste may change and besides you won't be bed ridden???? (we all think that for some reason) I think clothes shopping is more exciting after some weight loss rather than just having something in your closet. And the weight loss is felt differently on a daily basis, some days I wake up and touch my body and think... Wow I feel so skinny, then go to the scale and haven't lost an ounce! But I've found that inches and pounds are totally different and sometimes have nothing in common. Good luck and enjoy Florida (my home state)

Do you have any recipes for low-carb high Protein Cookies? I want to make sure I have something I can take with me to Florida that's more exciting/quick than a shake if I need it available. I've been googling, but I thought I would ask the general hive-mind.

Okay, this will sound harsh but I promise you I don't mean it that way! Cookies? IMO, best not to try to re-create the foods that led you to obesity and kid yourself that they are healthy. Don't worry about whether food is "exciting." Food isn't entertainment. You want excitement, go to a horror movie or ride a rollercoaster. Pack some packets of flavored tuna or salmon, or take some turkey Jerky.

What was your pre-op grocery list? low-sodium V8, boxes of broth (chicken, beef, ginger miso), CarbMaster milk (Fair Life is similar if you don't have Kroger stores near you), SF popsicles and fudgesicles, light cranberry juice.

What is your favorite flavored protein powder and why? Favorite is probably Chike, it tastes the best to me. Their iced coffee flavor in particular is one I love. However, the numbers aren't necessarily the best, so I have also used Syntrax nectar Sweets, Syntrax Matrix, powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chocolate Splendor, and Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard. All sorts of flavors. I really like coffee drinks so if I am not using coffee flavored protein powder (or even if I am), I will add a couple of teaspoons of instant coffee to my chocolate or vanilla Protein shakes. Also, I used a lot of Unjury Chicken Soup flavored protein immediately after surgery because that tasted better to me than anything sweet.

Realistically, how "quickly" do you go through a tub of powder? I know that I wont be making full shakes for a while, so not sure how much I need to have on hand.

Just buy lots of samples before surgery. Your tastes may very well change with surgery, so no use investing in a big tub before hand IMO.

Do you use an "unflavored" protein powder? If so, which one? I think this would be good to be able to add to soups etc if needed.

I used it a little bit, both Syntrax Nectar and Unjury. The thing with adding it to hot liquids is that you have to be very careful about the temperature or it will turn into a curdled disgusting mess.

What Vitamin (brand) did you use post-op? my NUT was not specific.

For the first four weeks after surgery, I did a double dose of Wellesse liquid multi-vitamin. After that I switched to Trader Joe's High Potency chewable multi - cheaper, lower calorie, and lower carb than virtually every other chewable out there, especially the "bariatric" Vitamins. My labs have always been great.

Do/Did you have a goal outfit (even if not a final goal)? If so, how did you pick it? Any recommendations on what I should look for in clothing for my new body?

No goal outfit. My only piece of advice for clothing is that when you are in the process of weight loss, stick with used clothing (thrift stores, EBay, thredup) or with what you can find at incredibly discounted sales.

When did you start to "feel" your weight loss? I've already lost some, but still dont really feel it.

I don't honestly remember very well. Maybe 3 months after surgery?

When did others start to notice your weight loss?

I initially lost about 60 lbs during the pre-op year, which no one really noticed (I started at over 350). Then when I had lost about 50 lbs after surgery people started to notice. At 75 lbs after surgery people who hadn't seen me since surgery were visibly startled.

Okay, this will sound harsh but I promise you I don't mean it that way! Cookies? IMO, best not to try to re-create the foods that led you to obesity and kid yourself that they are healthy. Don't worry about whether food is "exciting." Food isn't entertainment.

Totally get that -- I am not much of a cookie eater in general... I just meant that it would be easier to port around than a shake and shaker bottle, and something that I can munch on while everyone else is going to be eating and drinking theme park junk food!

Thanks for all your input!! I've been looking for sample packs of optimum nutrition, but can't find them in stock anywhere!

People here like Quest Protein bars (I love them) but it will be a month at least after surgery before you are probably allowed to eat them. They are great in a pinch.

@@redsohare you can buy samples of Optimum Nutrition and several other brands at nashuanutrition.com. I would give you a direct link but it looks like the site is temporarily down for maintenance. Hopefully they will come back soon! Just Google Nashua Nutrition Protein Samples and it should come right up -- but keep in mind, you don't want their "free samples" page, you want the one where you purchase samples. The free samples page usually doesn't offer anything you would want. Good luck!

Eating pre-surgery was a lot easier than post surgery.

I did not like the liquid broths, I preferred the cubes that dissolve in Water. I could not tolerate the cream soups after surgery, but they were fine before. I also did a lot better with the ready to drink Protein shakes. They are quite portable and taste better.

My shopping list:

greek yogurt (lots)

sf pudding

ff cream soups

diet v8 splash

sf popsicles

sf Jello (although I didn't eat much of these)

I notice little things about my body, and I'm 4 months out. My tummy looks different although it doesn't look smaller to me. I've lost 50 pounds or so and I'm firmly in a new size. None of my pre clothes fit anymore. People started noticing way before I did. I have taken a picture every month and the first time I saw a difference between my before and after picture was at 3 months.

My "cookie" substitute was Protein balls that taste like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I took peanut butter and chocolate protein powder and mixed it up until real smooth. I rolled it into balls the size of walnuts. One, sometimes two was more than enough to take off the edge of hunger. Just don't forget that peanut butter has calories and you wouldn't want to go crazy with this.

My liquid diet included bone broth, which was basically homemade vegetable soup with meat on the bone, and vegetables. Boyfriend ate the veggies and meat. I drank the broth.

My preferred brand for shake mix was Syntrax Nectars. My favorite was the grapefruit because when I mixed up with Crystal Lite Lemonade it tasted like Fresca soda. They have a lot of flavors. I waaaaay overbought and took about 18 months to use it up. Right now I have on hand Syntrax Matrix Vanilla, Syntrax Matrix Chocolate Mint (tastes like a Peppermint Patty) and Core Athlete pumpkin Spice......OMG it's actually good!

I used the unflavored in soups.

My Vitamin is a generic brand from Walgreens, labeled for women over 50. My labs are fine.

My goal outfit is just a few pounds from fitting. I bought white skinny jeans and a Vera Wang silk blouse. I have never in my life bought clothes of any quality. Vera was my first. I also ditched the white granny panties and Walmart $6 bras for good quality girly things that match.

I felt a difference in my weight at 30 pounds down, and that is when my primary noticed a difference in my face and skin tone. People around me noticed a difference around 50 pounds down. At 65 pounds down I had an appointment with my pain specialist whom I had not seen since pre-op. He did not recognize me and when he and his nurses were doing their pre-procedure "time out", he said "Are your SURE we have the right patient on the table." I cracked up. Total NSV!

I just made Protein balls with Peanut Butter, protein powder and sf torani syrup last night. I made a bunch of them and put them in the freezer. They are delicious and one was pretty filling.