carlotareyes

Hi there, just got sleeved this past Tuesday, May 15th. Is there anyone lose on this site from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill?

At first I too was stressing about the Proteins, and then I let it go. Stress always does more harm than good. Eventually I will get my Protein intake to the right level, but for now I do what I can do. I think my daily intake now is about 20 grams. I have one Protein shake a day. That is all I can stomach. After that I have drinkable (kefir) yogurt that taste good to me. That has about 11 grams of protein per cup. I never got near 60 grams of protein before weightloss so I'm not stressing about making my numbers after. I am just listening to my body, giving it good nutrients. I did buy some NowFoods flavorless protein isolate which dissolves in any cold liquid. You can put that in any drink you want, even crystal light. Each scoop is 25 grams of protein. I found it on Amazon.com. I really do like that and it got rave reviews. We are at a stage now where we are taste testing everything again for the first time. Let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to share my experience. Best, Carlota

Some people said they had a lot of gas pain up to their shoulders which they had to walk off. I did not have that, however I did have constant air bubbles getting "stuck" in my sleeve which was annoying. That part tapered off little by little and ended by the 5th day. It is definitely going to take patience. I was on Clear liquids the first week of post op and it was hard because my family is big and they love to cook caribbean comfort foods, which I love but will not be able to eat for quite some time. In the end it is totally worth it. Including my pre-op diet I have lost 20 lbs. I feel soooo much better and I sleep much better too. Definitely no regrets. Where did you have your sleeve done? UNC? Duke? I had mine done in Mexico but will be continuing my post op at Rex. Happy Healing, Carlota

Congratulations! You will be so happy once it is done. I was nervous about going in, but everything went great, no complications and definitely no regrets. If you have any questions, let me know for sure. Are you getting your sleeve done in the Triangle area. UNC? Duke?

I hope your surgery went smoothly and you are healing well.

Hi Angellic, I am glad that there is someone else from my area on this site. Did you get any news on when you will get sleeved?

Still on the liquid phase of post-op. I did not like any of the chocolate Protein shakes on the maket, so I decided to make my own. I also don't like the idea of drinking anything that is non-perishable and has been sitting on the shelf for who knows how long. All have way too many chemicals and flavorings that are not natural. Yuk!! My recipe has a total of 215 calories with 25 grams of protein. 1 cup Fat-free milk (80 calories) - you could also use Almond, Rice, or Soy milk if you prefer high quality unsweetened powedered chocolate (not Hersheys!!, use a much better quality cocoa - it will have a higher Iron content) (30 calories, 2 Tbsp) 1 scoop NowFoods, unflavored protein isolate (105 calories, 25 grams of protein isolate) 1 or 2 packets of Truvia (to taste) or use other preferred sweetner (0 calories) Heat up milk on stove and add the chocolate you want (if you prefer a lighter or darker flavor). Since the chocolate is without sugar, it is very low calorie. After whisking let it cool. Once cooled, put in a blender, add scoop of NowFoods protein, packet(s) of Truvia or other sweetner, and ice. Blend until consistency of frapuccino. Yumm!! Other option: * If you want as a Mocha add a little coffee flavor extract. * Make popscicles! Instead of blending ice, just divide the amount into popscicle trays and freeze. You will have a yummy chocolate protein pop. I specifically like the Now Foods unflavored protein isolate because it dissolves in any liquid and adapts to any flavor. I ordered this protein from Amazon.com.

Good lord, I can't type! I meant to say "is there anyone ELSE from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill?"

I just got back from seeing Dr. Alvarez in Piedras Negras. My surgery was on May 15th. It was a wonderful trip. Everything was flawless in regards to transport, the way I was received, the surgery, recovery and discharge. I highly recommend Dr. Alvarez. He is the best in my opinion. He holds annual reunions to keep in touch with all his patients, which I plan on going next year for my one year surgery-versary.