annnmariee

CARBMaster yogurt is a store brand that can be found at Kroger, Food 4 Less, Smiths Marketplace, Ralphs, and Fred Meyer. They have several different flavors. The ones I've had have either 8 or 12 grams of protein and 3 or 4 carbs, depending. And they're usually about 50 cents a piece. Totally worth it!

I CANNOT stand them either. Had to have 3 a day for 2 weeks preop and, after about 5 days, I was gagging them down. I would actually plug my nose like a kid taking medicine just to get it over with! After those 2 weeks I vowed to never drink another protein shake again. And I haven't. While on liquids after surgery, I just dealt with not getting much protein. (I did try an unflavored Unjury in some juice, but there was a definite smell AND taste change. Gross!) Since moving to pureed, etc., I've had no trouble getting protein from actual food, thankfully. So, to answer your question, NO, you do not HAVE to drink protein shakes.

A woman at work asked me if I saw this today (I did not). She wondered why I didn't have the sleeve instead since the woman lost such a large amount in such a short time. (I guess I'm not losing quickly enough after only 6 weeks.) I told her I liked the idea of slow and steady. I'm really beginning to regret telling my coworkers, but kinda had to since I work at the hospital where I had it done. Either way, I know I made the right decision for me to have Lap-Band.

I ate a lot of sugar-free popsicles to get the feeling of eating. I also drank lots of boullion. The best thing to keep in my mind is that this is sooo temporary in the big scheme of things. And so worth it!

JerseyGirl, I'm sure it wasn't funny to you at the time (I know I wouldve had a hard time keeping my composure) but the end of your original post made me LOL. A friend and I have a motto: "I hate people." Your experience is the perfect example of why.

First, congrats! I think every doctor has different recommendations, but I was instructed to eat a half cup in 30-45 minutes. Sounds kinda crazy but, once you're doing it, it makes sense because you do fill up quicker. Good luck!

The nurse at my surgeon's office told me to take either Optisource or Flintstones Complete. I bought the Optisource but will switch to Flintstones once I finish this bottle. (Optisource is kind of pricey.)

Thanks for the replies! I will ask more questions of my dietician next time I see her. Protein is obviously important in anyone's diet but I guess the dilemma is finding a good balance between calories, carbs, protein, and even fat. Then again, if I knew those answers, I might not have needed the band to begin with. It's all part of the process, right? In the long run, it'll be sooo worth it!

I'm having a little trouble understanding the role of protein in our diets. From what I understand, the protein is meant to fill you up and make you feel full longer. Is that it? Or does it actually boost your metabolism and help with the actual weight loss? I was banded on 9/20, and I'm just not hungry at all. I'm getting an average of 60 grams of protein and 64 ounces of fluids (whether I feel hungry or not). Yet I've only lost a couple of pounds. I totally understand this is a time for healing, but I'm wondering if I should try to force down 20 more grams of protein.

Marebeth, I think the pain is pretty much gone for me. Like you, I had a little problem with coughing the first few days, but that's gone. I'm so glad you mentioned the pain meds because I was just thinking today that they might be the problem. My biggest (and really only) complaint now is the really full/bloated feeling. Did your doctor mention anything about dealing with the hernia repair? Mine didn't say a word. It's been all about band recovery.

Ro-Jae, thanks for the words of encouragement! Jmar,the nurse had me start on milk of magnesia today. Fingers crossed! I also think that might be a major reason for my discomfort -- everything smashing together inside.

Up until the time I started the preop diet, my normal diet probably consisted of 90% carbs. So yes, I find it very hard. But then I remember they are what got me to this size, and it makes it a little less difficult. Plus, I've read and heard a lot about the problems bandsters have with breads and pastas (my love!), and I want them even less. I'm a scaredy cat and I don't want to risk any problems if I can help it. I say that now, one week postop. Who knows how I'll feel in a few weeks? In the long run, I do think low carbs will definitely be my biggest struggle.

I've been lurking on this board for a few months and finally decided to join after I read your post. I also had the band and hernia repair (woo hoo! No more GERD!) on the 20th, and I have just about the same issues as you. I honestly hadn't even thought about the fact that the hernia repair might be causing some of the pain. I guess I've been so focused on the band itself. Today has been much better all around, though. It was the first day I was allowed full liquids rather than just clears, and I'm loving it! And I went shopping with my daughter for a few hours which felt great! I also don't really feel hungry. I'm guessing that'll change in a couple of weeks, right? So far, this has been one of the best decisions of my life. You?