I'm soooo nervous. I will give a short summary of my life. I am a mother of four. My BMI is 38. My weight varies between 210-215. I have decided to pay for the gastric sleeve as Kaiser will not cover it. I have researched many dr and gone to several consultations. ibhave many questions for those who have already had the surgery. First, the pre-surgery liquid diet. One. Of the Dr's I saw recommended that I complete only a one Day liquid diet prior to surgery. Another recommended a 5 day. What are your thoughts? Second, how soon do you recommend I drive after surgery? I'm not a fan of pain meds so I will probably only have them in the hospital so I am not concerned about being 'under the influence'. I will most likely drive myself home and take breaks every 30-45 minutes. (The hospital I plan on going to is about 2 1/2 hours away from my home.) Third, post-op, I will be doing a liquid diet as suggested. Any thoughts on a great Liquid Protein drink. I'm considered Isopure for the clear liquid phase and a powdered Protein for the full liquid phase. I have a million more questions but I will start with those. Any encouragement will help. Thank you.

Find someone to drive you home from the hospital.

Do you have help with your kids? Do you have a plan in case of complications?

The preop diets vary according to surgeons. No biggie having differences. The post op diet is super-duper important. Life or death stuff.

Try various protein powders and shakes, but don't stock up because your tastes might change after surgery.

Yes, I do have help with the kiddies so I'm not worried about that. I also have a plan if there are complications. Thank you also for your comments on the protein shakes/powders. I will start trying different types. Thank you!

I use the premier protein shakes but the only flavor I can tolerate is the vanilla and chocolate I absolutely can't do the powders but that is me. I agree you have to figure out what works for you. Remember that after surgery your taste buds change. Everything is so much sweeter. I honestly love the Isopure water but can't afford them they are crazy expensive. Yeah driving home isn't a good idea at all and the hospital won't discharge you without driver there for you. You will be so weak you won't want to drive. All I did for the first few weeks after surgery was sleep because you don't get the calories your body really needs to have energy. I have a 2 year old daughter and she was so amazing and cuddly with mommy. She laid in bed and watched movies with me and got me water and just kept asking if I was ok. The only thing that I really ate was sugar free Popsicles, broth and sugar free jello along with the shakes. I never had to do a liquid diet before surgery because I was doing a lower carb to prove I could lose weight for my surgeon and lost 8 pounds in 2 months and he had me in surgery.

Thank you!

Your welcome. We are here to help. If you think of anymore questions please ask. It is a scary thing to go through but in the long run it is worth it but I am not going to lie the first month you will wonder why and the hell you did it but it gets so much better just don't give up and stay strong.

It's totally normal to feel scared. Your life is about to change in so many ways. You're entering the unknown, which is scary. But luckily, it will all be worth it. I'm only 6 days post-op and it's been a ride so far, but all the pros I keep thinking of outweigh all the hardships. I'm just ready to live life fully without weight holding me back. Think of how much energy you'll have for your four children! Super exciting. Plus, you have a great community here for support.

As the others said, you have to have a ride home and you'll definitely want one. As far as shakes, just try different ones. I also drink Premier. I mostly like chocolate and strawberry, but vanilla isn't bad either. Your doctor is probably suggesting the one day liquid diet because of your lowish BMI. You're not incredibly overweight so that's probably why you need less. If you're really concerned, do another day. It won't hurt.

Good luck!

I think the caramel Premier is the best Premier and I'm fully prepared to fight anyone who says otherwise!

I really really like GNC's Snickerdoodle Lean Shake! 170 calories and 25g of protein.

Carmel premier shake??? I drink premier but never knew about carmel!! Where can I buy violetisle

Carmel premier shake??? I drink premier but never knew about carmel!! Where can I buy violetisle

I got mine off the Premier website but I also heard you can get them at some Costcos. They are so yummy imo.

Thanks! I gotta try iy

You should know that most hospitals will require that you have someone pick you up after surgery or they will not discharge you.

As for the pre-op liquids, it is determined by each surgeon based on their comfort level. In my opinion, the more experienced seem to be fine with a one day liquid pre-op diet.

You can find the Premier Protein drinks at any Walmart, this includes caramel.

Being nervous is perfectly normal. Find something to take your mind off it. In my case boobs worked really well. ?

Edited April 18, 20179 yr by Navigating the Wilderness

Caramel premier I get from Walmart and it is definitely the best one.

Violetisle that is funny!!!! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Carmel premier shake??? I drink premier but never knew about carmel!! Where can I buy violetisle

I get my carmel premiere shakes on Amazon. I only found chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry at Walgreens and WalMart.

Agreed! The caramel flavor is amazing! It's really good in my decaf coffee.