Hi,

I have my gastric sleeve, hiatal hernia repair and gallbladder removal on 6/24. I've been so busy leaving everything at work ready for my absence, house, kids and pets ready that I haven't do any research on any tips you all might have for pre-op, post-op. I have the list of recommendations from my doctors but I would love your advice on better protein shakes, dos and don't dos that are not included in the doctors list.

Thank you!!

I found that after surgery all protein shakes and powders tasted awful (I've heard that Syntrax is good, but I can't access that where I am.)

My vote for least repulsive pre-made protein drink is Fairlife's Core Power (26 g).

Thanks for your advice!!

I agree with the core power, its a little pricey (at least where I'm at) but after surgery that's the only one that I still really like that I also had preop.

I don't know if it makes a difference, but I had the bypass and found that my taste hadn't changed at all. I drink primarily Premier chocolate protein shakes. Cafe Latte is also good once you can do caffeine again. I do like the Bariatric Advantage protein powder they sell here in the store. I've only tried chocolate and strawberry but both taste good and don't upset my stomach.

Hi @Lilianagv. I had my gastric sleeve surgery on June 3rd, so am just a little over 2 weeks post-op. I found that after the surgery, thin liquids went down better (kind of still do). I bought the Premier Protein clear isolate premade drinks, got some clear whey protein powder from MyProtein, made jello, and had sugar-free popsicles. Occasionally I had chicken broth.

Best of luck! I'm very happy with my decision to have the procedure.

Thanks everyone for all the tips! I will have clear protein drink handy in case I can’t tolerate the regular shake

Orgain makes some of the cleanest protein products on the market. Syntrax Nectar has a ton of flavors and lets you go from fruity protein water to chocolate (if you like citrus, the fuzzy navel is great and available on Amazon). I have tolerated every single item I have eaten (including all pills)…my tastes are the same (although my sugar craving is gone). Good luck, welcome to the club!

Gummybearqueen thanks so much for the info! I am so happy to get it done and start loosing weight! I gained so much weight in the last 6 years that I am ready to look nice and healthy again!!

Protein shakes are disgusting. I preferred soups - cream, consommés, bone broths. Strain them very well to make sure there’s no herbs or small pieces of meat or vegetable in them. Warm drinks seemed to be more soothing & easier to drink. (I used to heat my chocolate shake.).

It’s not uncommon for your taste buds to temporarily change or for you to become more sensitive to smells - it does pass but can make some foods taste or smell disgusting. I only bought vanilla & chocolate shakes as I thought they’d be more pleasant to drink if my taste changed. I also bought my soups, bone broths, etc. too.

Buy some disposal underwear for that first week post surgery. Some us experience ‘dramatic’ diarrhoea after surgery which can be embarrassing (can literally just run out of you).

Make sure you have all your over the counter meds ready at home too (pain relief, gasX, non swelling fibre supplement, Imodium, stool softener or similar, electrolyte drinks or powders, etc.).

Don't be surprised if you spend a lot of time on your couch after surgery. Your energy levels will be very low.

Invest in small containers for meal storage, good measuring cups, a fine strainer, kitchen scales. I used teaspoons & sporks to eat & served my food on side plates & in small bowls (tapas size). I also found it easier to sip through straws to begin. Don’t be surprised if your fridge & freezer are filled with your left overs.

Good luck with your surgery.

On 06/20/2021 at 22:03, Arabesque said:

Protein Shakes are disgusting. I preferred Soups - cream, consommés, bone broths. Strain them very well to make sure there’s no herbs or small pieces of meat or vegetable in them. Warm drinks seemed to be more soothing & easier to drink. (I used to heat my chocolate shake.).

It’s not uncommon for your taste buds to temporarily change or for you to become more sensitive to smells - it does pass but can make some foods taste or smell disgusting. I only bought vanilla & chocolate shakes as I thought they’d be more pleasant to drink if my taste changed. I also bought my soups, bone broths, etc. too.

Buy some disposal underwear for that first week post surgery. Some us experience ‘dramatic’ diarrhoea after surgery which can be embarrassing (can literally just run out of you).

Make sure you have all your over the counter meds ready at home too (pain relief, gasX, non swelling fibre supplement, Imodium, stool softener or similar, electrolyte drinks or powders, etc.).

Don't be surprised if you spend a lot of time on your couch after surgery. Your energy levels will be very low.

Invest in small containers for meal storage, good measuring cups, a fine strainer, kitchen scales. I used teaspoons & sporks to eat & served my food on side plates & in small bowls (tapas size). I also found it easier to sip through straws to begin. Don’t be surprised if your fridge & freezer are filled with your left overs.

Good luck with your surgery.

Disposable underwear?!?! Yikes ?

9 hours ago, Arabesque said:

Protein Shakes are disgusting. I preferred Soups - cream, consommés, bone broths. Strain them very well to make sure there’s no herbs or small pieces of meat or vegetable in them. Warm drinks seemed to be more soothing & easier to drink. (I used to heat my chocolate shake.).

It’s not uncommon for your taste buds to temporarily change or for you to become more sensitive to smells - it does pass but can make some foods taste or smell disgusting. I only bought vanilla & chocolate shakes as I thought they’d be more pleasant to drink if my taste changed. I also bought my soups, bone broths, etc. too.

Buy some disposal underwear for that first week post surgery. Some us experience ‘dramatic’ diarrhoea after surgery which can be embarrassing (can literally just run out of you).

Make sure you have all your over the counter meds ready at home too (pain relief, gasX, non swelling fibre supplement, Imodium, stool softener or similar, electrolyte drinks or powders, etc.).

Don't be surprised if you spend a lot of time on your couch after surgery. Your energy levels will be very low.

Invest in small containers for meal storage, good measuring cups, a fine strainer, kitchen scales. I used teaspoons & sporks to eat & served my food on side plates & in small bowls (tapas size). I also found it easier to sip through straws to begin. Don’t be surprised if your fridge & freezer are filled with your left overs.

Good luck with your surgery.

Thanks so much for all the tips! taking notes!!

6 hours ago, GummyBearQueen said:

Disposable underwear?!?! Yikes ?

I didn't know about the diarreah, I will definitely keep lots of under ware available just in case!!