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Does anyone know where I can get samples of unflavored protien? I'd like to try some, but don't want to buy a huge container until I know what kind I'd like. Is it ok to put this into soft foods or can I only use it in liquid? What consistancy does the powder make a liquid? Is it gritty or does it dissolve?

oopps Donali, I see your post now. Thanks! I'll check it out. I'm off to the psycologist now.

Sue, it's duodenal switch??

Sue, what is DS? I'd like to do some research on it before I see the doctor, in case it's something I'm interested in.

You people are hysterical!! I went to the class and the nutritionist said to try, but not to worry if I couldn't do it............that sounds like a little too much freedom for me! I'll try some of your suggestions for protien drinks. Thanks!

Thanks everyone for all the feedback. Sue, I'm really afraid that if I have the band done, I could be in constant pain, because I am now. It seems to be getting worse each day. If there's a 50-50 chance of me still having it after surgery or of me having it even worse, I'm not sure I want to take that chance. I think I'll go to another doctor just to be sure, but I'm thinking it's just not for me. I really appreciate your help and encouragement with this. :cool: Laura

I also forgot to say that the same doctor I'm seeing will do the bypass, if I choose to have it done. I don't have to find another.

I was diagnosed about 5 years ago with GERD and I clearly have it. I was on Prilosec until it went over the counter. I stopped taking it because of the expense and am now taking about 8-12 long lasting Tums per day. It's gotten considerably worse over the past couple of months. The doctor wanted to do the test because of that. The test measures the pressure in the esophagus at different places. It also makes sure there aren't any twists or abnormal anatomical features. When I had the original diagnosis, they said that the valve between my esophagus and stomach had relaxed quite a bit and was allowing food to reenter my esophagus, causing indigestion and heartburn. Apparently, the opening is even more pronounced and it's causing the food and acid to just sit in my esophagus, not moving at the rate it should. The doctor asked if I was having chest pains recently and yes, I have been. That's what it is. I don't have any doubt as to the doctor's assessment of the situation and his idea that the band isn't for me. He also suggested getting a second opinion, but I can't see how it would make a difference. The fact is that the band is known for causing acid reflux in people who don't have it to begin with. How much worse it would be for me who, not only has it, but has a really bad case of it?? As hard as it's been the last few days to accept that I won't be getting the band, not all hope is lost. I can still have the bypass and will have great success with that, I'm sure. It's just making the choice to do something that extreme.

I had my esophageal motility test, which by the way was the worst thing I've ever experienced, and found out that my esophagus is so messed up that I can't have the lapband. I've pretty much been in shock for the last two days. I had determined, from the beginning that I would not have the bypass, under any circumstances and felt so good about that decision. The decision I have to make now is whether to have the bypass or not do anything at all. I think to do nothing is crazy, yet I had my heart set on the lapband. I've gone ahead with the rest of the tests and have the psychologist's appointment on Friday and will let her know what's happened. I feel so disappointed, yet I know that things happen for a reason and my prayer was that if I wasn't to have the lapband it would be abundantly clear. That is exactly what's happened. Now, my fear is that it isn't in the plan to have any surgery and that I'll be like this the rest of my life. I don't know........... I really appreciate all of your input and help and wish you all many blessings on your journeys. Laura

Thanks for the reponses! My concern is the two weeks of liquid protien BEFORE the surgery. I'm sure I'll do fine after. I just am going to have a hard time drinking only with my stomach still the same as it is now. :cool:

I haven't even had the surgery yet and I'm already concerned with the 2 weeks before and however long after I have to be on the protien drinks. I tried the Adkins, Cafe Au Late, and I nearly hurled at the smell. It didn't taste much better. Does anyone know of any that actually taste good? I have the nutrition class on Wednesday and will find out exactly what they mean by liquid protien diet, but I'm wondering if anyone had to do it. Was it three of these drinks a day and only that? Were you able to have any food at all? Water? How were you able to manage it? I'm thinking that if I can't stick to Weight Watcher's for two weeks, how do I do this. It's different when you have a stomach the size of a finger. I also noticed the price of the Adkins was about $8-$9 for four. Is that anyone else's experience? Laura

DeLarla, you're a funny one!! I have a creepy friend, too. She's the girl who does my nails. She just loves a good, oozing pustule!!

Sue, I'm kind of stuck into it now. All of my appointments are set for next week and I assume I'll have a surgery date as soon as the test results are faxed over. I meet the actual doctor tomorrow and I'm sure it's not a problem, since the resident told me that he does lapbands for 50BMI. I feel pretty good about the choice of surgeon. We'll see if I feel the same tomorrow. Thanks for the input, Sue and everyone. I'll keep you updated. Laura