epc317

I took my antidepressant (tablet) right up until the day before surgery, and was given it in the hospital. I had no issues.

My NUT requires 70-90 grams per day. (I shoot for at least 80)

Oikos make greek yogurt dips that have good flavors. I used the cucumber dill in chicken salad. This way you could add more yogurt without that "yougurt-y" taste. http://www.oikosyogurt.com/greek-yogurt/oikos-greek-yogurt-dips.aspx

The Syntrax Nectar Roadside Lemonade was my saving grace too! I couldn't stomach the "milky" shakes. I added a packet of Crystal Light lemonade to give it an extra punch of flavor. Drink it over ice too. I also add the Syntrax Lemonade to plain Fage yogurt. It kind of tastes like a lemon cheesecake filling or custard. Yum.

I had pretty severe reflux / GERD pre-op (omeprazole twice daily was controlling it) My Dr. had no issue with performing the sleeve on me. In fact, it helped me qualify for insurance covering the surgery as a co-morbidity. Post-op, it's really improved. My Dr. also found a hiatal hernia when he was performing the sleeve and went ahead and repaired it. I think that's helped improve the reflux as well. I don't see it being an issue for you.

I pureed the canned chicken with some Oikos Greek Yogurt dip in the cucumber and dill flavor. Yum! They also have other flavors. They're low fat and add a little extra Protein. http://www.oikosyogurt.com/greek-yogurt/oikos-greek-yogurt-dips.aspx

I had a similar experience with the woman who registered me at the hospital for my pre-op testing. When she started asking me info and realized what kind of surgery I was testing for, she went on and on about how I really don't need it, and she used to be bigger, but lost weight due to a depressive incident and not eating because of it. The whole time, I was thinking "Ok nutty lady, you can stop any time now." People always have a tendency to tell me their life story, but this got really awkward. I thought a medical professional should be just that... professional. Geez.

Pre-op I had a huge sweet tooth. After almost every meal, I'd have to a bite of something sweet. Now I have zero desire for sweets. I don't think that's a bad thing!

I was also one of the lucky ones. I had to sip maybe the first week or so (I probably didn't HAVE to, but I did it out of caution), but now I can drink pretty much like I did pre-op. (So no excuse for me not to get my liquids in!)

I've suffered from severe migraines all my life and not eating enough during the day has always been one of my triggers. (So naturally, I was concerned how the low calorie intake post-op would affect this.) In fact, the pain meds in the hospital triggered a bad migraine, causing me to stay an extra day due to not being able to keep anything down. A week or so post-op, I started waking up with the beginning of a migraine almost every morning. In the hospital I was prescribed Imitrex, which my Dr. said was safe for my healing stomach. (My saving grace has always been Treximet, but it has NSAIDs - my Dr. has since approved it's occasional use) Slowly, as my body got used to the reduced calories, the migraines started going away. (It's amazing what your body can get used to) Definitely get your Water in, as dehydration can also be a trigger. I guess my advice is - I've been there, and it gets better!

I went on a road trip recently and took a little cooler with yogurt, cottage cheese singles, mini baby bell cheese, some lunch meat, and a pack of pre-made tuna salad.

Sadly, they were the first thing to go. My bras all became super big in the cup. I had to dig out some OLD bras from the back of the dresser. I'm really hoping the rest of me catches up. Looking forward to heading to Vicky Secrets to splurge on some new bras once things even out!

Goldfish crackers

I second the Premier Protein shakes in chocolate. I like them right out of the little carton, but most mornings I pour in into a blender bottle, add instant coffee (mostly decaf with a little regular) add ice and shake. Yum.

Agreed. I couldn't even finish one bottle. Disgusting.

I had questions like, "Do you think some rules are meant to be broken?" The anti-establishment rebel in me thought, "sure, on some occasions". They interpreted that as me being likely to not follow the rules post-surgery. So I got flagged and had to do 2 more NUT visits and do a food long for that time as well. (At that point I was technically done with the NUT/log) It may have pushed my surgery date out another month, but overall it wasn't that big of a deal. Just annoying. I'd suggest keeping in mind as you answer, that they want to know what you're thinking in relation to surgery... not just asking in general relating to everyday life.

I woke up with one on post-op, and actually found it really helpful! In the beginning, it was a lot more comfortable with it on. It holds everything in place and helped with reducing pain. When I took it off, it found like everything was loose and "exposed". I probably wore mine for the first week or so, but I could have taken it off anytime.

Perhaps you're gaining muscle and losing fat? (Which would tone you and pull things in creating a loss in inches)

Indianapolis here. *waves hello*

You should be doing deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia. I was given an Incentive Spirometer for this in the hospital. Maybe ask you nurse if they haven't mentioned this?

I didn't have to do a clear liquid stage post-op, but straight to full liquids. However, I haven't been able to stomach many of the protein mixes I liked before surgery. (I also thought Isopure was nasty both pre and post-op) The one thing that works for me is Syntrax Nectar Roadside Lemonade. I mix it with water, lots of ice and a lemonade flavored Crystal Light.

I had them in the hospital. The nurse had me plug my ears with my fingers and swallow hard. It actually did the trick to stop them. (I had always done the "hold your breath" thing)

I just laughed so hard, I startled the cat! Haha!

I'm on day five of the pre-op diet (surgery date 6/25) and the first few days were rough! It's gotten better, but I'm still kind of in a mental fog and extremely tired by the end of the day. I took a four hour nap this afternoon! I get two protein shakes a day and a dinner with 4-6 oz of lean protein and non-starchy veggies. If hunger persists, I'm allowed a piece of fruit, light yogurt, more veggies, or 1 oz of light cheese. I've had to eat an apple in the late afternoon to make it through to dinner. I think this really is mentally prepping us for post-op... I'm definitely eating slower, and savoring what I do get. We're so close - we can do this!