bmbrush413

Syntrax nectar shakes (fruit flavor - mix with Water and ice) Syntrax Nectar shakes (vanilla bean torte, chocolate truffle, double stuffed cookie - mix with milk) Lactose free Smart Balance Milk sugar free Popsicles Vitamin Water Zero Crystal Light I had trouble at first with lactose intolerance - seems to be getting better. Just keep an eye out for that. I wasn't able to tolerate many premade Protein shakes because of it.

Jealous! I'm 4 weeks out and my surgeon's instructions say no alcohol for a year...maybe next summer!

Definitely check - every doc/nut says something different...

I have a desk job and I was going to try go one week - wound up taking 3. I was exhausted and it also took some time to get used to the new diet.

I used Syntrax Nectar shakes - fruit flavors for something other than vanilla and chocolate. Google BJs Bariatrics and you can "make your own" sample pack out of the flavors. Totally saved me for my 3 week post-op liquid phase!

3 liquid, 1 purée, 1 soft, then start to move to "regular"

I was all liquids for the first 3 weeks, then one week of purées, now I'm into the mechanical soft phase (itty bitty pieces of soft food). Next week I get to start trying real food. I have had no complications at all, so I'm happy with the way things have gone. Those first three weeks were a real b***h to get through, but it was worth it!

Ice cream, etc is on my avoid list until at least 6 weeks out... I wouldn't do that again for a while!!

I made chicken into crockpot twice - same method. Use 1 pkg. boneless skinless chicken thighs, then add 2 cans of Soup (once I used cream of chicken and cream of mushroom, the second time I used cream of mushroom and French onion) along with one can of Water and stir. Cook on low for 6 hours. Chicken practically falls apart. Purée with some of the sauce. Another lifesaver - mix a few tablespoons of ricotta with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, and top with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Microwave one minute or until hot. If you can handle it, I also puréed part of a meatball with some sauce. Hope this helps!

Mine is on the left side, but I know what you mean... I sneezed before and was nearly in tears. It still hurts an hour later.

One of my favorites! That and the roadside lemonade got me through 3 weeks of all liquids!!

I take Nexium every morning, and if I have any other issues my surgeon said to take Pepcid or Zantac in between.

I'm almost 4 weeks out (sleeved 3/26). I having some really weird discomfort - just to the left of my belly button stretching almost to one of my other incisions, just above my waist. It doesn't hurt all the time, but when I cough or laugh I notice it. It also bothers me when I roll over in bed, and sometime just when I'm doing nothing. Anyone else experience something similar? It's not gallbladder (wrong spot) or from my stomach itself (too low). I'm going to call my surgeon's office in the morning, but I was just curious to see if anyone else felt the same thing...

I was told I could drive as soon as I was off pain meds. I waited 5 days though...

I was supposed to have protein shakes in the hospital the day after surgery - but they gave me Glucerna ones that I couldn't tolerate...

3/26 - 30 lbs down and I hit the dreaded 3 week stall! Fortunately I was cleared to go back to the gym and I'm now on purées. Hopefully that will help!

Some people are allergic to the glue...

As far as the OP - slip on slippers were helpful...I hate those socks! Phone charger, face wipes, Chapstick or some kind of lip balm, a small blanket (my room was cold), and if you'll be there for more than one night, your own pillow.

I am almost 3 weeks out, and my doctor put me on ursadiol (aka actigall) to prevent gallstones during the rapid weight loss. The first go-round, they called in 500 mg once a day and said to cut or crush them. They are GIGANTIC. I tried cutting them and couldn't get them down. I tried crushing them, and since I'm still on all liquids, they don't dissolve and it tasted so bitter and disgusting that I was nauseous for hours. So...I went to the pharmacy and asked what other forms it comes in. They had a much smaller 250 mg version, so when I went for my follow-up I asked for that and they said it was fine - and to take it 2 times a day, or both at once. I took it today, swallowed it whole, and I'm still nauseous. Anyone else have this problem?? I can't imagine feeling like this every day for the next 6 months...

Sugar free Popsicles helped me a lot in those first few days!

I'm still on the two 250s - much better now. I guess it just took time for the swelling and everything to go down.

Yesterday was my first day of purée, and I pureed a meatball...worked out okay.

I've had that problem for years...I always felt like i swallowed a rock or wad of gum. It always surfaces at this time of year. My GI doc finally linked it to my seasonal allergies. If you have allergies, get on your meds right away! I started in with it a couple of days ago. Got back on my Zyrtec and much better within 2 days. Just a thought...