CrochetGranny

:clap2:Yesterday was the day! Got to the hospital about 9:00. Surgery was to be at 10:30; think I went in around 11:30. Everything went A OK! Got out, drank a bunch of little cups of water, walked around, peed, and then left for home at 6:00. Nice little hospital, great service (Clinton, Il). (Only problem pain medicine made me nauseous - had to sit and take a few deep breaths, then everything was ok) More water the rest of the evening. Today is clear liquids- jello, sugarfree popsicles, water, decaf coffee and tea, broth. Tomorrow I go to full liquids. I have had a couple small twinges of ache in my left shoulder; not enough to take anything for it. Took a dose of Vicodin yesterday at the hospital, it made me nauseous, tried the liquid Tylenol at home, same deal. (Didn't barf but it took all I had not to!) That was about 9:00 p.m. Tried the Vicodin again this morning, didn't get nauseous. It is now almost 4:00 p.m. and the reduced dose of Vicodin is all I've had today. Don't think I'll need anymore; maybe a dose tonight before I go to bed. Tried to fall out of the bed last night!! Rolled to the edge to try to sit up like they instructed at the hospital, but I was dizzy and just kept on rolling; had to jerk myself back or I'd of been on the floor for sure!! Worried that I pulled something, but I don't think I did. My port area is a little tender, the other spots not at all. Doesn't hurt near as bad as the bruised ribs last fall when I rolled my ATV!! Couldn't sleep in bed then for 3 months - I slept in my bed last night with no problem! (except the almost rolling out part). Have been walking around a little bit, but mostly lolling around in the recliner. I will be glad to have some different flavors tomorrow. I'm not hungry today, but the water and diet jello, etc isn't getting it flavor wise.

:clap2:Yesterday was the day! Got to the hospital about 9:00. Surgery was to be at 10:30; think I went in around 11:30. Everything went A OK! Got out, drank a bunch of little cups of water, walked around, peed, and then left for home at 6:00. Nice little hospital, great service (Clinton, Il). (Only problem pain medicine made me nauseous - had to sit and take a few deep breaths, then everything was ok) More water the rest of the evening. Today is clear liquids- jello, sugarfree popsicles, water, decaf coffee and tea, broth. Tomorrow I go to full liquids. I have had a couple small twinges of ache in my left shoulder; not enough to take anything for it. Took a dose of Vicodin yesterday at the hospital, it made me nauseous, tried the liquid Tylenol at home, same deal. (Didn't barf but it took all I had not to!) That was about 9:00 p.m. Tried the Vicodin again this morning, didn't get nauseous. It is now almost 4:00 p.m. and the reduced dose of Vicodin is all I've had today. Don't think I'll need anymore; maybe a dose tonight before I go to bed. Tried to fall out of the bed last night!! Rolled to the edge to try to sit up like they instructed at the hospital, but I was dizzy and just kept on rolling; had to jerk myself back or I'd of been on the floor for sure!! Worried that I pulled something, but I don't think I did. My port area is a little tender, the other spots not at all. Doesn't hurt near as bad as the bruised ribs last fall when I rolled my ATV!! Couldn't sleep in bed then for 3 months - I slept in my bed last night with no problem! (except the almost rolling out part). Have been walking around a little bit, but mostly lolling around in the recliner. I will be glad to have some different flavors tomorrow. I'm not hungry today, but the water and diet jello, etc isn't getting it flavor wise.

Well, tomorrow's the big day!! I did pretty good on my pre-op diet until the last few days. Instead of the diet frozen dinner, I had a couple salads with v/o garlic dressing, some ripe tomatoes, some fried fish. I stayed pretty well within the calories, carbs and protein allotted, but I think some days I had too much fat!! I won't be writing in here anymore until I'm on the other side - got to get up early tomorrow to make the hour and a half trip to the hospital. See ya on the other side!!

Well, tomorrow's the big day!! I did pretty good on my pre-op diet until the last few days. Instead of the diet frozen dinner, I had a couple salads with v/o garlic dressing, some ripe tomatoes, some fried fish. I stayed pretty well within the calories, carbs and protein allotted, but I think some days I had too much fat!! I won't be writing in here anymore until I'm on the other side - got to get up early tomorrow to make the hour and a half trip to the hospital. See ya on the other side!!

In only 3 more days I'll be out of surgery about this time and starting the rest of my journey to a smaller me!! I have so far lost 11 pounds (9 on my pre-op diet); so ready to get this done and over with!!! I need to be cleaning my house and getting ready since I reckon I won't feel much like any cleaning in about 3 days!! But don't feel like it today either!! No day is a good day! Had people over for a wienie roast last night and a hayride. One couple brought their grandkids over cause they wanted us to let them ride one of the horses - as usual it was not enough and they wanted to ride in the pasture and run the horse instead of in the small pen, and ride the other 2 horses which are real high energy horses. Then DH over- heard their grandma telling them "I don't know why they won't let you ride the other two horses, you'll just have to be satisfied with this one." Well DUH - they've rode some horse a couple of times and think they're experts (at age 7 and 10). How about we bring our grandkids (6, 8 and 12) over to your house and let them drive your truck - just around town. After all, we once let them drive our truck and they were able to keep it between the ditches for 1/4 mile. WHY OH WHY are some people so stupid? Then the 15 year old says 'this horse is trying to rub me off by going under the trees' - well, why don't you simply rein the horse around the trees. You're supposed to be the driver!! Oh yeah, according to them the horse doesn't know how to guide - well, he's been ridden hundreds of miles thru forest and up and down mountains with sheer drop-offs and we've never had a problem with him - could it be the driver????? Hubby was sure pissed when they left and so was I. Why do people think they can come to your house and do what they want with your horses and then insult you and them when they can't handle them? I told him this morning that's it - no more inexperienced riders on our horses. Especially if they won't listen. Oh well - my rant for the day!!! Had the Matrix chocolate for breakfast this morning in water. It sure tasted thin; should have had it in milk I guess. I'll stick with Unjury and a couple of the others. Signing off for today!!

Ninth day on pre-op diet - going great!! Another protein review: 1) Unjury chocolate flavor: very good, same as other unjury, I put it in 6 oz skim milk. Liked it fine. Seen my PCP today. Although she was not enthused in previous visit about the lapband, she wanted to know when it is scheduled; I told her. She offered to get me liquid shake mixes but I told her I was using primarily Unjury. She asked how I felt about the surgery; did I think I would go into a depression, etc. She was glad to hear I was exercising and dieting in preparation. Reminded me to stay away from the artificial sweeteners; eat something (protein, fat) when I eat carbs, etc. She is an advocate of the Schwarzbein lifestyle. I think she will provide good support for me as she has really been on me to lose weight, exercise more, etc.

Unjury is great and can be purchased at Unjury.com

Congratulations on your date with the band!! I enjoy reading the journals, it gives you a perspective of what goes thru people's head throughout their journey!! I am on my pre-op diet; I was originally given a date of Aug 8, then changed to July 20. I am also 5'2" but started out at 245, now down to 236.5 with preop diet, so we're about the same. I'm self-pay so didn't have to jump thru too many hoops; I will be 60 in October. Can't wait to get this done also!! Anyway, let us know how you're doing!!

Ninth day on pre-op diet - going great!! Another protein review: 1) Unjury chocolate flavor: very good, same as other unjury, I put it in 6 oz skim milk. Liked it fine. Seen my PCP today. Although she was not enthused in previous visit about the lapband, she wanted to know when it is scheduled; I told her. She offered to get me liquid shake mixes but I told her I was using primarily Unjury. She asked how I felt about the surgery; did I think I would go into a depression, etc. She was glad to hear I was exercising and dieting in preparation. Reminded me to stay away from the artificial sweeteners; eat something (protein, fat) when I eat carbs, etc. She is an advocate of the Schwarzbein lifestyle. I think she will provide good support for me as she has really been on me to lose weight, exercise more, etc.

Hi All, a Mary emailed me asking what kind of shakes I recommend; I can't respond privately because email access is blocked both thru the forum and personal email. Mary, if you see this, you asked about accessing the journals. You just go to the top of the page and click on journals (but you must be logged in). Just scroll down to my journal and look at all the entries - several of them mention what Protein drinks I prefer and why.

Took my check to the doctor's office today. Checked to see if they have my doctor's records - they do NOT!! Only have until a week from Friday to get them. Hope this doesn't hold up my surgery! Did my lab work today and chest x-ray. Didn't do the EKG because I just did a nuclear stress test a couple weeks ago; of course they need the results of that which they don't have yet!! I need to set a list of small goals to have along the way. My final weight goal is 130 (5'2") which is the largest of the weight range for being 'normal' on the BMI chart. I would be happy with 140, don't know if I would ever make it to 130. By my birthday (October 16): 1) Would like to be able to walk 2 miles in 45 minutes (small goal, but I can't do it now!!) 2) I also would like to get my blood sugar in the mornings down to 120 or less in the morning. 3) Would like to be down a total of 20 lbs (already down 7.5). 4) Would like to ride my bike at least 4 miles at a time. (I can only do 1 mile now with a rest in the middle.) 5) Have my blood pressure down to 120/70 (with or without medication) I don't want to set my expectations too high because I don't want to feel like I have failed. My surgery is 7-20-07, so I have almost 3 months to make these goals after my surgery.

I got some Unjury from their website and also ordered a sample pak from BariatricEating.com; also got some various from Walmart, Walgreens, and Vitamin World. I have been posting 'reviews' of what I have tried so far in my journal (CrochetGranny). My doctor says they must be 200 calories or less, less than 10 grams of sugar per serving, and adequate protein.

Took my check to the doctor's office today. Checked to see if they have my doctor's records - they do NOT!! Only have until a week from Friday to get them. Hope this doesn't hold up my surgery! Did my lab work today and chest x-ray. Didn't do the EKG because I just did a nuclear stress test a couple weeks ago; of course they need the results of that which they don't have yet!! I need to set a list of small goals to have along the way. My final weight goal is 130 (5'2") which is the largest of the weight range for being 'normal' on the BMI chart. I would be happy with 140, don't know if I would ever make it to 130. By my birthday (October 16): 1) Would like to be able to walk 2 miles in 45 minutes (small goal, but I can't do it now!!) 2) I also would like to get my blood sugar in the mornings down to 120 or less in the morning. 3) Would like to be down a total of 20 lbs (already down 7.5). 4) Would like to ride my bike at least 4 miles at a time. (I can only do 1 mile now with a rest in the middle.) 5) Have my blood pressure down to 120/70 (with or without medication) I don't want to set my expectations too high because I don't want to feel like I have failed. My surgery is 7-20-07, so I have almost 3 months to make these goals after my surgery.

This morning I tried IDS low-carb Multi-Pro Whey in Vanilla-Cinnamon flavor - really really good!!! And this is from a person that doesn't really LIKE vanilla stuff. This was in my BariatricEating.com sample packet. I don't care for flavored coffee (I take mine black) but I think this would even be good in coffee for those who like the sweet flavored coffee stuff. I imagine you would have to watch the temperature of the coffee though, because Unjury says not to put theirs in anything above 130 degrees. Well, in 10 more days I will be on the other side (of banding). So far I am not nervous, the diet is going good. I've told a few people and no 'bad' remarks. Went and got my cashier's check for the surgery ($15,500). Got an appointment with my PCP Friday; will be telling her I'm for sure getting the surgery and it'll only be a week away then. She was pretty non-committal when I told her before. I hope she's forwarded my records to my surgeon. Need to get the TV in my bedroom hooked up in case I want to loll in bed the first day or so; gotta watch my soaps!!

This morning I tried IDS low-carb Multi-Pro Whey in Vanilla-Cinnamon flavor - really really good!!! And this is from a person that doesn't really LIKE vanilla stuff. This was in my BariatricEating.com sample packet. I don't care for flavored coffee (I take mine black) but I think this would even be good in coffee for those who like the sweet flavored coffee stuff. I imagine you would have to watch the temperature of the coffee though, because Unjury says not to put theirs in anything above 130 degrees. Well, in 10 more days I will be on the other side (of banding). So far I am not nervous, the diet is going good. I've told a few people and no 'bad' remarks. Went and got my cashier's check for the surgery ($15,500). Got an appointment with my PCP Friday; will be telling her I'm for sure getting the surgery and it'll only be a week away then. She was pretty non-committal when I told her before. I hope she's forwarded my records to my surgeon. Need to get the TV in my bedroom hooked up in case I want to loll in bed the first day or so; gotta watch my soaps!!

Sounds like an old Diet Workshop recipe from years ago - we made it with cottage cheese, diet lime jello, and pineapple. No whipped cream. Glad you brought it up. I've been thinking about how I'm going to get protein for breakfast after I'm banded (besides eggs, ugh!) and this would be great!!

Hi sweetforlife. I am on day 5 of my pre-op diet and so far not having a problem. Make sure you are getting your Protein in. I am doing a sweet shake for Breakfast (I like Muscle Milk Light). I tried several but so far that is my favorite. I can have a morning snack of 6 oz tomato juice or 6 oz light juice, I'm not usually hungry midmorning (probably because I have my breakfast at 8 or 9) so I usually skip the midmorning thing and do it midafternoon. I try to drink at least 2 cups of Water between breakfast and lunch. I (so far) have been doing either the chicken Flavor unjury in hot water for lunch or the Unflavored Unjury with Better than Bouillon in hot water. I usually do a great big cup of this; I like it and it really satisfies me and fills me up. Then in the afternoon I try to get in two more glasses of water (you could do diet soda, Crystal Lite, ice tea, etc but I usually just do the water). I also usually do the snack about 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. For supper I get a frozen diet dinner (less than 300 calories and less than 20 grams carbs). Then MORE water in the evening. I'm allowed an evening snack of either: another Protein Drink, or 6 oz light/no added sugar yogurt, or 3 cups unbuttered popcorn. I usually don't have the evening snack. Last night I did have 1/2 cup blueberries (nutritionist said I could substitute a 100 cal serving of fruit for juice, and since I hadn't had juice for a snack in the morning, I did the blueberries at night. I can count all the shakes, etc as liquid, so by this time I usually have in my 8 glasses of water which surprises me, because I have always had a problem with this much liquid. I know not all pre-op diets are the same and some are radically different, and maybe you aren't allowed to have a meal a day. Hope this helps you some. I, like you, started my pre-op diet early, but what I did was have the liquids during the day, and then a regular meal at night. Also, if you are allowed to have a small meal, you might try it at lunch if this would help. I did try it one day that way, but I was starving by supper; don't really know why!! Good luck on your diet!!

Day 5 of pre-op; going fine; not really hungry. I'm glad this is going good for me; I see so many posts where people are having problem with this pre-op thing. Protein shake today: Muscle Milk (chocolate flavor; regular) - pretty good; but I prefer the Muscle Milk light. So far Muscle Milk is my 'sweet' protein shake of choice. Haven't yet tried the flavored Unjury; I need to do that. I do the sweet shake for breakfast, the chicken broth one for lunch, and then my frozen low carb diet meal for supper. I can have 2 snacks a day, usually just have one. I am down 5 pounds since the start of the pre-op which is good (for me). I have been on so many diets it has destroyed my metabolism (besides never exercising). I walked on the treadmill 45 minutes this morning (2 mph); even that made me sweat!! I started a couple days ago with 20 minutes, then 30; today 45. I walk at 2 mph, with 1 minute bursts (ha ha, if you can call it that!) of 2.8 every 5 minutes. Since I have CAD, I have to work up to the faster speeds and longer times. It is sooo hot here in central Illinois today; but we are due for a cooldown; thank God!!

Day 5 of pre-op; going fine; not really hungry. I'm glad this is going good for me; I see so many posts where people are having problem with this pre-op thing. Protein shake today: Muscle Milk (chocolate flavor; regular) - pretty good; but I prefer the Muscle Milk light. So far Muscle Milk is my 'sweet' protein shake of choice. Haven't yet tried the flavored Unjury; I need to do that. I do the sweet shake for breakfast, the chicken broth one for lunch, and then my frozen low carb diet meal for supper. I can have 2 snacks a day, usually just have one. I am down 5 pounds since the start of the pre-op which is good (for me). I have been on so many diets it has destroyed my metabolism (besides never exercising). I walked on the treadmill 45 minutes this morning (2 mph); even that made me sweat!! I started a couple days ago with 20 minutes, then 30; today 45. I walk at 2 mph, with 1 minute bursts (ha ha, if you can call it that!) of 2.8 every 5 minutes. Since I have CAD, I have to work up to the faster speeds and longer times. It is sooo hot here in central Illinois today; but we are due for a cooldown; thank God!!

Hi Brandychick - my dad always drank brandy and water; I don't care for it but thought I'd throw it out here!!

Today is day 3 of pre-op. I stayed within my calories yesterday, but overdid it on carbs!! I thought all the dinners in my freezer were less than 20 grams carbs; I cooked one then looked at the carbs: 43!! oh no, should have pitched it but I went ahead and ate it. Then had blueberries for snack, and they are higher carb too. Some friends came over and brought a watermelon, I went ahead and ate some because I didn't want to have to explain. She asked twice what kind of diet I was on and I said predominantly liquid, she wanted to know what kind, blah blah, so I finally went ahead and told them I was going to have lapband surgery in two weeks. (Wasn't planning to tell very many people, but I'm not good at making up stories as I go along) Anyway, I was surprised, she said it would be good for my health; I about fell over in surprise. Another protein review: 1) Whey Gourmet Creamy Orangesicle Swirl - just 'ok'. Too sweet tasting for me. I mixed it with ice and water; maybe should have used a little more water. I wouldn't buy it but others would probably like it. (It came in my Bariatric Eating sample pak. My goal for the rest of the diet: STICK TO IT!! Don't overdo the carbs. I am feeling full; however, the day I had my regular meal at lunchtime, I was hungrier in the evening, so think I will stick to having the regular meal in the evening since I feel fuller longer.

Today is day 3 of pre-op. I stayed within my calories yesterday, but overdid it on carbs!! I thought all the dinners in my freezer were less than 20 grams carbs; I cooked one then looked at the carbs: 43!! oh no, should have pitched it but I went ahead and ate it. Then had blueberries for snack, and they are higher carb too. Some friends came over and brought a watermelon, I went ahead and ate some because I didn't want to have to explain. She asked twice what kind of diet I was on and I said predominantly liquid, she wanted to know what kind, blah blah, so I finally went ahead and told them I was going to have lapband surgery in two weeks. (Wasn't planning to tell very many people, but I'm not good at making up stories as I go along) Anyway, I was surprised, she said it would be good for my health; I about fell over in surprise. Another protein review: 1) Whey Gourmet Creamy Orangesicle Swirl - just 'ok'. Too sweet tasting for me. I mixed it with ice and water; maybe should have used a little more water. I wouldn't buy it but others would probably like it. (It came in my Bariatric Eating sample pak. My goal for the rest of the diet: STICK TO IT!! Don't overdo the carbs. I am feeling full; however, the day I had my regular meal at lunchtime, I was hungrier in the evening, so think I will stick to having the regular meal in the evening since I feel fuller longer.

Well, I survived the 4th of July without totally pigging out. Yesterday, July 5, started my pre-op diet and also had my pre-op visit. Knew I would be away from home all day so filled my cooler up with water and protein shakes, etc and headed to pre-op visit. Ended up eating about 700 calories (1000 is my limit) so think I did great. Went to visit hubby's sister and went to open-stage music she goes to; didn't get home until 11:00 p.m. I was afraid I would blow it since I wouldn't be home, but did ok. Ok, three more protein evaluations: 1) EAS AdvantEdge carb control strawberry cream - eh, I was able to drink it but not crazy about - too much 'milk' taste for me and I don't do milk. 2) New Whey liquid protein orange - 42 grams of protein, but I only drank half. Pretty darn good. Kind of tastes like liquid orange jello with a tart taste. Even if you didn't like it you could drink it because half a tube is only 1.5 ounces. 3) Whey Gourmet Chocolate Peanut Butter protein powder - really good!! It said to mix with water but I used skim milk instead. I could do this several times a week!! Normally can't stand the sweet tasting stuff because of the artificial taste, but it was really good. Yesterday I recorded my starting weight and starting measurements in a Word document. I was going to post them here, but the measurements are so darn big I'm ashamed - I'll post them when I have something smaller to compare them with!! :faint: Today is day 2 of my pre-op diet, my surgery is 2 weeks from today!!!

Well, I survived the 4th of July without totally pigging out. Yesterday, July 5, started my pre-op diet and also had my pre-op visit. Knew I would be away from home all day so filled my cooler up with water and protein shakes, etc and headed to pre-op visit. Ended up eating about 700 calories (1000 is my limit) so think I did great. Went to visit hubby's sister and went to open-stage music she goes to; didn't get home until 11:00 p.m. I was afraid I would blow it since I wouldn't be home, but did ok. Ok, three more protein evaluations: 1) EAS AdvantEdge carb control strawberry cream - eh, I was able to drink it but not crazy about - too much 'milk' taste for me and I don't do milk. 2) New Whey liquid protein orange - 42 grams of protein, but I only drank half. Pretty darn good. Kind of tastes like liquid orange jello with a tart taste. Even if you didn't like it you could drink it because half a tube is only 1.5 ounces. 3) Whey Gourmet Chocolate Peanut Butter protein powder - really good!! It said to mix with water but I used skim milk instead. I could do this several times a week!! Normally can't stand the sweet tasting stuff because of the artificial taste, but it was really good. Yesterday I recorded my starting weight and starting measurements in a Word document. I was going to post them here, but the measurements are so darn big I'm ashamed - I'll post them when I have something smaller to compare them with!! :faint: Today is day 2 of my pre-op diet, my surgery is 2 weeks from today!!!

I need to know about this super good gravy and 1 carb cheesecake!!! Both sound great.