Hey everyone! My VSG surgery date is set for June 4th, but I feel that my situation is pretty unique in that I'm a graduating high school senior about to go to college. I'll be on a meal plan and will have access to good quality food, so I'm not too worried about that. However, I'll also be in marching band, which means that I have to go to band camp in August. As of now, it sounds like it'll be six days, from noon-10 pm, and we'll only be outside from 6-10 (so I won't be completely dying from the Georgia heat).

Since I'll be two months post-op at this point, what advice do you have for me to stay hydrated and make sure I get all my protein while being on someone else's schedule and while having a smaller stomach? How did you physically feel two months post op? Any other general advice for going through college while losing weight from a sleeve?

I'll definitely use a CamelBak so I can sip on water throughout the day instead of trying to drink more during water breaks, but that's the most I know at this point. I'll make sure to keep this updated as I learn more about how camp will work.

Thank you!

It sounds like you got the water planned out and that is the most important.

You should be fine energy wise. Thats far enough post op for you to be very active and enjoy it.

The Premeir Protein shakes would give you 30g so 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening plus your meal plan should get you to your protein goal. Taste test the flavors before you go they are not all palatable.

good luck with your surgery and make the most of this new start you are about to receive.

Generally after surgery, you will be placed on a weight restriction. But if you are a couple months post-op, that restriction should be lifted by that time. Walking in the marching band should be good exercise. For the first several months you will have dietary restrictions. You will need to consume protein shakes. I blended my own from protein powder (Muscle Milk Light), but protein shakes can be bought premixed. After several months, I transitioned into using protein bars.

In your case it might be a little too soon to transition to protein bars. Check with your surgeon's office. It wasn't until the 3rd or 4th month that my nutritionist recommended them. Your stomach may still need a little extra time. A protein bar is probably too dense at this point. I used Quest protein bars. These bars were good in that they had high protein, minimal sugar and also contained fiber. They also came in a lot of different flavors.

Protein bars are good when you are on the go and can't drag along a blender in order to mix a protein shake.

A Quest protein bar contains 220 calories and provides 21 grams of protein. A Muscle Milk Light protein shake [2 scoops of powder in a 16 ounce glass] contains 210 calories and provides 25 grams of protein. So they are comparable.

Thank you both! Right now, I'm on Bariatric Advantage for my pre-op diet, and it seems to be doing very well giving me energy and keeping me satisfied. It's easy enough to add cold water and powder to a shaker bottle and not even need a blender, so that's what I'll probably keep doing just for the sake of ease. I'll look more at protein shakes and bars, especially as I get closer to August.

After surgery some shakes you previously tolerated might not be tolerated in the new smaller stomach, I had to ditch the shake versions for clear ones - like ready-made blue raspberry Isopure. Remember to replace salt lost with marching in GA heat.

I am almost 2 months out. I'm outside a lot and can't always drink water. I try to start and end my days with 24 oz of water, this way I don't get dehydrated during the day when it is ore difficult. I keep a ready to go protein shake incase I do get low energy. It can also be a protein water. I take a few sips in between whatever I'm doing. Marching band may take more energy and may require extra protein and fluids. Listen to your body. I would also make sure someone knows about your surgery incase of an emergency. Also because I'm a mom with college age kids; Be careful. (I'm not saying you'll do any of this, it's just because I care.) In college there are many parties and lots of drinking. Your body cannot handle what most others will be able to tolerate. Best of luck to you. Have fun.

2 minutes ago, domi said:

I am almost 2 months out. I'm outside a lot and can't always drink Water. I try to start and end my days with 24 oz of water, this way I don't get dehydrated during the day when it is ore difficult. I keep a ready to go Protein Shake incase I do get low energy. It can also be a Protein water. I take a few sips in between whatever I'm doing. Marching band may take more energy and may require extra protein and fluids. Listen to your body. I would also make sure someone knows about your surgery incase of an emergency. Also because I'm a mom with college age kids; Be careful. (I'm not saying you'll do any of this, it's just because I care.) In college there are many parties and lots of drinking. Your body cannot handle what most others will be able to tolerate. Best of luck to you. Have fun.

Thank you! I'm hoping to bypass the problem of not always being able to drink water with the CamelBak. We have some protein shots that I could always add to the water to regulate my protein throughout the day.

And luckily for me, I really have no interest in drinking at all. I know that I can easily become addicted to things given my family history and my weight problems, so I'd rather not even try drinking.

I like Premier Protein Clear from Sam's. It tastes like G2 Gatorade to me. It's got 20g of protein. It's even good cut with water. You might try that in your camelbak. Pickle juice is also a great electrolyte replacement!

No advice to add as I'm just post-op myself but I hope I can say without sounding too patronizing that I'm so happy you've made this choice at this time in your life! I weighed 250 lbs or more when I graduated high school and I really wish I could have lost weight then instead of gaining another 100+ pounds over the intervening 10 years. You will not regret it. High five for planning your camp experience in advance - and good luck!