SpaceDust

The problem with most of the Protein shots is the primary protein is collegen, which our bodies do not readily convert for use. Good protein options are whey protein isolate or soy protein isolate for most people. So, while a number of them say they have good Proteins, it's usually a ways down the ingredient list, and the actual usable protein may only be, for example, 11 grams out of the 40-50 grams that they claim to have. There is one protein shot that appears to be reasonably.high in good protein, and I've been told this one is acceptable - it's called Yes, Whey. There may be others, but this is the only one I'm aware of. This Carnivor shot that is linked to above may also be a good option if you can tolerate them, since they use beef protein isolate, which our bodies should be able to use in theory. Of course, if your doctor or NUT recommends you use them, follow their directions. I'm neither a NUT nor a doctor, just someone who has done a bunch of research

My diet specifies soft cooked eggs only when I'm allowed to start them (two weeks out when I start soft food - we don't have a pureed stage though some foods in our soft stage are recommended to be pureed) - scrambled, poached or soft boiled. I'm pretty specifically not supposed to have fried eggs. How did you do with the egg? Did you tolerate it well?

Ugh, I never did really like the EAS shakes. You also need to be careful with their RTD shakes, as most of them are too high in carbs. For RTD, I like the Premier shakes - I keep some of the vanilla and the chocolate in the fridge for grab and go convenience. I have an assortment of powder Protein as well, mostly Syntrax (some of the lighter fruit flavors, vanilla and the Cookies and cream), unjury chicken and unflavored and the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% whey that I was taking starting late last year (and still like because it leaves me feeling full a bit longer than many of the others!) We'll see which ones I still like when I start full liquids next Friday

It's very normal, even for those of us who aren't getting negative feedback. I'm 2 days away from my surgery and I still have my moments of "do I really want to do this? I'm losing so well on my pre op diet. .." Ultimately, I remind myself that I've been here before, and I need the support of the restriction to keep me in check for the long run. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

I'm an apple currently, but I'm more naturally a pear when my weight is lower - I always carried the most weight in my hips and thighs. Here's to hopefully becoming a pear again, if I can't miraculously become perfectly proportioned Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

It's a good book to have in your arsenal, for sure. Just remember that it doesn't take the place of your surgeon and dietician or nutritionist; keep in mind that there are different schools of thought regarding appropriate diet, what's allowed and when it's allowed, etc. so don't be surprised when you find some things don't match. That said, this is an excellent overview and provides a number of useful tips and reassurance to help get through the process

Mine will be at the surgery center. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Yup, that would be me, sorry for abandoning you, Daydra! We'll still show 'em how it's done, though!

If you can have a handful and not have it become half a bag, or tempt you to have other high carb, low nutrition foods, then it sounds like a perfectly reasonable way to treat yourself at this stage of the game. Just keep an eye on it to make sure that portion size doesn't creep up, or become a handful in the afternoon, and another one before dinner, and the one in front of the tv later in the evening! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Welcome! There are several of us with surgeries on Tuesday. I know I'm having some nerves, too, and it led to some odd dreams last night! Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Hi, all - I have a 1 week pre-op diet. It consists of 3-4 Protein shakes plus a small dinner, total of no more than 870 calories. I started a day early to get a jump start, and so far I've managed to stay on track. How is everyone else doing?

I have Dr Michaelson, and my surgery is on July 2nd. Have you met with Sarah (the dietician) before? She's a sweetheart Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Another one for the 2nd here! Mine is at NWWLS in Everett (just north of Seattle). Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 using VST

Good luck, Jennifer. I'm in the middle of my pre-op diet, surgery on the 2nd. It's not easy, but we can do this! Trish

30 lbs in two months is excellent! Hang in there - I know that none of us are particularly patient about wanting this off NOW, but we also want to be healthy at the end of it, right? You're losing at a nice pace, keep it up!

First things first. Care about the thyroid, because it's in your way right now. See it as the next step you need to take. Either your new bloodwork will show there's no issue and you'll be able to resume the path to surgery immediately, OR you will have to take medication and it will delay your surgery for a short period while you get it worked out. Either way, you win, since you do not want your thyroid working against you! Now, the second thing, and I'm sorry, but this is the "tough love" element. You need to stop using this as an excuse to sabotage yourself. Get over the whole eating whatever I want schtick and get your mind back in the game, because it's a long ways from being over. It's one thing to know it will be another several weeks and ease up a little to eat the occasional tasty treat, and entirely something else to start gaining weight again because at this point you've had a minor setback (aka, you have to reverify with another blood test). Take a deep breath. Take several deep breaths. And now get back to it. You've GOT this. Good luck. You know we're here for you!