Spuddko53

Hey guys, don't know if anyone has tried these but I bought these Protein shots called Body Choice that I like. There are 25grms of protein in each (each one is almost 3oz) and I just mix it in with my other flavored drinks. The only flavor I've tried is Grape though. Today I mixed it with my SF Crystal Light berry Lemonade and it tasted pretty good. The taste of protein in these was strange at first but now I'm fine. I'm 11 days post op and still struggling to drink enough fluids and get my protein in.

I was given the RealizeMySuccess.com website and that allows me to chart all my stats, keep track of the foods I eat (or don't) and record the food label info of each item I eat/drink so I can visually see how much protein, etc I'm getting each day and what foods/drinks my body rejects so I won't forget. This has been really helpful for me pre-surgery and eventually will keep me on track as I travel further down the road. Spudds

I found "flavored" protein shots (26 grams) at both Walmart and costco. Since I love grape flavor the most, I just poured it into one of my Grape Zero Powerades/G2's or allowable juices, etc (pre-surgery) and that really helped me tolerate the taste much better. Spudds

Hi Wendy, I tend to agree with "notfatjustfluffy". Finding a really good and reputable Dr. is extremely important with this surgery - especially after reading some of the threads about complications due to lack of proper pre-op preparation. I've read everything about those who go through a rigid dietary/medical/therapeutic regime prior to surgery/after as well (as I did) to eating TACOS the night before (which is very dangerous due to fatty liver disease most of us have - not mention the need to "shrink" the liver beforehand to ensure safe surgery measures). Then there is a gal whose surgeon apparently went through with the surgery even though she had not followed the dietary restrictions as necessary - only to have her liver "nicked" (because it was so large due to her lack of weight loss and compliance pre-surgery) and ended up with 2 blood transfusions and other complications. My surgery was done 3/8/11 at UCSD (Thornton Hospital) in La Jolla, California by Dr. Santiago Horgan with a CTO team that did everything under the sun to help make this a successful and uncomplicated surgery. It's a long haul, but worth the effort when we're looking at serious health issues. I know there are places here in San Diego but he's the most reputable. I'm pretty sure they also do private pay as well. Just sayin'....be careful who you choose and make sure you understand everything that goes into this surgery. Spudds

Hello to fellow sleevers, I just had my sleeve done on March 8th at UCSD (La Jolla, CA) with Dr. Santiago Horgan and his wonderful CTO team. Prior to surgery I was put through an extremely strict and regimented program and diet plan. I also had blood tests galore, Upper GI's, Lower GI's, Middle GI's (jk) - everything under the sun to make sure I was READY. They had a series of Group Therapy classes I went to as well. After surgery, I began having this burning feeling in my chest and it still hasn't gone away yet but I continue to drink my fluids and take Prilosec. They did another Barium Swallow the day after to confirm there were no leaks. I also had a liver biopsy done at the same time. 1- for the study they're doing to track Fatty Liver Disease (or in my case NASH) - Non-alcoholic Steatosis Hepatitis (another term for unexplained liver inflammation); and 2- b/c my PCP required it! Other than the feeling of having spasms in my esophagus and burning in my throat and chest, I guess I'm in pretty good shape. They have me on a VERY rigid 4-level eating/drinking plan for the next 6-8 wks but right now I'm doing the "full liquids" thing. Glad to be part of this group!