suequeue

Hey, Stephanie I am now a week and a half post op and although am on the liquid diet still, I can swallow normal size capsules without a problem. It will still be some weeks more before my surgeon will have me go to soft foods, but I have been told that the opening is small at the bottom of our new stomach "pockets" and that things can get stuck, which does not sound good. Maybe that is what the overzealous nurse was referring to?

Banded and hiatal hernia repaired on July 6, a week and a half ago, and to prepare I did a two week protein shake regimen. After surgery I was on a three day clear liquids only diet, but I was supposed to be getting my protein, and vitamins--hello Isopure!... After that, it was back on the protein shakes again. I will be on that for another two weeks. I know my surgeon does an awful lot of bariatric surgeries...he seems to have a more restrictive dietary plan than many other of these other physicians have. I am losing weight quickly, having a challenging time getting up to 90 grms of protein daily, though. I have not been putting myself in situations where others are eating meals and I think it is helping. I wonder if I will even need a fill at all? I've lost over 20 pounds--it feels very exciting, although I know it is a bit deceptive, cause my intestines are completely empty right now. It is helpful to stay busy during the day. I am not supposed to do any exercise except for walking right now until after I see my doc, Dr. Feng, for the post-op appointment. I am also not supposed to lift more than 5 lbs for four weeks after surgery. That is the hardest thing to do, by far.

What a great idea for a thread. I am taking all these suggestions to heart. Some more I thought of: treat myself to some audiobooks, like the Sweet Potato Queens series, or Tina Fey's new Bossypants, or similar fare from funny, accomplished women.--Love the flowers idea. I think I will start an orchid collection--on the ten pound line. I love them cause they last so long and remind me of the tropics. Massage--for sure! Maybe some belly danceor hula classes, or a lesson with a couple of friends to eliminate the embarassment factor and up the fun factor.. Also, more concerts at night. We have a great jazz venue in the area. Also there is the SF Opera, which is amazing. Thanks so much for getting me starting thinking in this direction. In fellowship, Sue from Santa Cruz

What a huge variation out there for the pre-op diet. Mine is supposed to be just Protein shakes, three a day. But there are also these guidelines that my surgeon gave me: 75-90 g protein per day less than40 g carbohydrates 600-800 calories per day less than 30 g fat So I have been making a lot of my own concoctions with some real food. I got the roasted red pepper/tomato Soup in a carton and used a cup of that, some soy protein, some chicken broth and some V8 juice along with some black pepper and a touch of hot sauce. This makes a nice savory option so I don't alsways have to be drinking sweet tasting things, and I can regulate things so I keep within the guidelines. Also I put a lot of ice, a few frozen strawberries and some real lemon juice with my whey powder and splenda, of course, and it is pretty delicious. I just hate the idea of drinking fake 'manufactured' food instead of the real thing. I have lost 8 pounds in the last 6 days doing this! I have had waves of weakness when I had to go and sit/lie down for a few minutes. I have to be careful in the heat to drink lots of Water or my favorite grapefruit crystal lite drink. Yesterday I made the mistake of going way too long without a Protein shake and ended up eating some roasted chicken--maybe 4 oz. It was a good wake-up call that I have to be taking in my shakes every 4 hours or pay the price. Thank goodness I am very occupied during the day with work. Otherwise, it would be much harder. As it is, I have had an easier time of it than I expected. My surgeon expects me to continue this diet for 3 weeks AFTER surgery, as well, so even more reason to make it liveable from the start. Best of luck, everybody!

Hi Kim, I have surgery on July 6, too. Been on a 'protein shake regime for almost a week. I was told the purpose is to reduce the fat around the liver, as well as its size so the surgery is easier. I have been making a lot of my own protein shakes, cause my physician gave me these guidelines: 75-90 grams of protein per day less than 40 grams of carb per day 600-800 calories per day less than 30 grams of fat per day I like this, cause I can make my own protein shakes with whey powder or whatever. My current favorite recipe is 7 frozen strawberries, ice, juice of a lemon, three Splenda packets, a half cup of my whey powder (24 grams protein) and ice. Then blend the heck out of it in a blender. It's like ice cream, only healthier. My doc also wants me to continue eating like this after surgery for 3 weeks! So I'd better make it liveable. Of course, right after surgery it will be different. Three days of clear liquids first. I am sure without this pre-op requirement, I would have been having a 'last supper' every day. I found myself doing that just before the pre-op diet as it was. Good luck! Ihave already lost8 pounds!

Hello, everybody!!! Sue from Santa Cruz, California here having my surgery in less than two weeks. Some facts: --it has been over eight months since I started this process when my BMI hit 40 my gp let me know that gastric surgery would be an option for me under my insurance --freaked out a bit by the roux-en-y and the sleeve, staples, etc., but felt most comfortable with the lapband, although it does require all that filling and having a port, not particularly looking forward to that --having just had my 60th birthday, I just felt exasperated that I have still not permanently gotten my weight issue in control and decided my health justified this drastic course I am most looking forward to feeling lighter and stronger so that exercise is less of a chore! It has been a vicious cycle in the past couple of years of the weight creeping up, and the inclination to be active decreasing and the stiffness, aches and pains increasing. Can't wait to regain my VIBRANCY! I am an emotional eater, and will need to continue to work on that front along with getting more physically active. I am trying to remind myself often that the lapband will be a tool, but not a magic solution to my obesity. Man, I hate that word! V I have two beautiful grown daughters who also struggle with weight, and feel guilty and sad for not having been able to transmit a healthy relationship with food to them. At this point, I just want to be in the best state of health for the last few decades of my life. Currently two days into the Protein shakes regime, and feeling lighter already. I have been very busy with work, and so far it has not been too bad. I have made my own shakes with costco whey powder, gives 25 grams of protein for 9 carbs. I add a big tablespoon of high quality cocoa powder, and some splenda and Water. I also tried adding some frozen bluberries and yogurt to the Protein Powder. Kind of like a milkshake when I do that. For a little variety and something savory not sweet, I tried chicken stock with some V8 juice and pepper. Not bad at all. Wishing us all luck! Surgeon: Dr. John Feng Palo Alto Medical Foundation Scheduled: July 6th, 2011 Pre/post-Op diet: Protein Shakes and Clear liquids for two weeks before, and three weeks after surgery

hurray a new group just starting out i am sixty ! years old, just starting my two week liquid protein regime tomorrow i am lucky to be able to have my insurance cover the costs, and scheduled for july 6th i have battled my entire life with being overweight, losing nearly a hundred pounds a couple of times over the years, but then four years later all the weight was back plus some more this last year my bmi got up to 40 and my physician suggested that i would qualify for the surgery i am nervous and also excited having a little community will be fantastic from california, near santa cruz hello all! sue Q