Cabingirl

I like the Quest mixed berry best of those I've tried -

This was dumping AND beer cheese soup. Nearly inevitable.

Enjoy your 5 bites and have a wonderful happy birthday!

I was sleeved mid-August and am 64. I had a serious illness (big-time pneumonia) following my surgery that prevented me from exercising until now. I'm curious about your exercise challenges and routines.

It's worth searching the forum for lactose intolerance as during the couple of months I've been participating, there have been a number of discussions on this topic.

One "free" option to receive nutrition info may be the support associated with your hospital, if available. Our hospital's support group is led by two NUTS who love to answer any questions the group members ask.

I get thiamine (B1) injections monthly, and the process is quite similar - choose a bum cheek, expose, and you're given the injection. For me the stick is almost non-existent, and the meds cause a sting that lasts maybe 5 seconds.

The valve between my stomach and small intestine is permanently stuck in the "on" position, and was prior to surgery. For most people, this does result in GERD, although many people have GERD and don't have a malfunctioning valve. My surgeon and GI guys say there is no fix for the faulty valve.

We have the Vitamix and love it. We previously killed a few of the cheaper Bullets, etc. as well as a quality blenders. It's versatile and we are pleased with our purchase.

Here's our 7-month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He's a sweetie

I like PopChips as well (9 wks out - I've had them twice), and I've a few Stacy's Pita Chips w/ hummus.

If you're still in the hospital -- are you telling the nurses how you're feeling? Are they able to offer you either meds or walking? They will contact your physician, or whomever is on call, if you feel it's warranted. 'same when you go home -- if something is near intolerable, call the doctor's office (if possible, speak with the nurse). They can tell you what's "normal," and can quickly discern if your pain/discomfort should be addressed quickly.

Today: Breakfast, premier vanilla protein shake Lunch, 2 oz turkey w 1 slice low-fat provolone Snack, 1/4 cup 2% cottage cheese w/ mango salsa Dinner, 1/2 cup home-cooked pinto beans & scant 1/2 cup home-cooked spaghetti w vegetables

I'm 8 weeks out from surgery. My biggest challenge is my inability to tolerate any of the many(!) protein drinks and powders I tried. I read several posts from members who recommended the Premier Protein drinks. I took the recommendations and purchased both the vanilla and chocolate shakes. Hurrah! Icy cold, I can tolerate (even maybe like) these. Price-wise, they are reasonable, and super-handy since they are pre-made. Thank you!!!

Premier shakes have 30 grams of protein 160 cal, 5 g carbs, 1 g sugar

Me too. I thought I was being a good Scout and laid in all kinds of (expensive) protein powders. There's a scoop out of a couple and the rest have never been opened. Turns out I can't/won't tolerate that stuff no matter how hard I try.

Averages are just that - the compilation of outcomes for thousands of patients/individuals with many different personal results. The problem is that us non-physician types want to know what we can do best case. When a surgeon tells us what may be expected, he/she can only give us that proven average. To suggest anything else would be professionally inappropriate.

Im hypo. Too, and wasn't familiar with EPO. I'm 8 weeks out and expect to lose hair due to surgery and stent in ICU, and difficulties with protein -- the surgery is worth the hair loss but I dread it -- I already can fill a hairbrush in a couple of days.

Ugh! I'm with you on the 3 a.m. Wake up call. I've tried everything over the years but not the GABA When I had my sleep study, which I knew would be a joke because I would be unable to sleep just because I needed too (that may be tough to follow) the physician's conclusion was I had "poor sleep quality." Really.

I use MFP and the only thing I consistently "obsess" over is my protein intake because I have had tremendous difficulties getting my protein. Doc told me not to think about calories, but focus on the protein. I think that once I consistently hit my protein goal, I can let go of the protein obsession. Based on what I've read here, I've recorded my weight when I've been at the doctor's office and tried to resist the temptation of jumping on the scale frequently.

It's worth having the conversation with your surgeon in terms of how he estimates your recovery time. I encourage you to have the surgery as you intended. There is such a variety of experiences re. recovery time among our "family." You'll have an added incentive to start getting in shape now in anticipation of your trip which sounds wonderful!

I'm hypothyroid as well, sleeved 2 months ago. I've had my medication reduced once and lost a total of 37 lbs since my surgery. I'm in my 60's, and it is a slow-go, but it is real.

... as long as you consider this a topic of discussion and not presented in any way as research, then this is slightly interesting. It is in no way representative of VSG patients.

I am definitely not on track for 100+ lbs in six months (how DO they do that?!?) VSG on Aug 15 -- weight on first appointment was 283, day of surgery 271, today 241 for a total loss of 42 lbs from start to finish, from day of surgery 30 lbs. I'm in my 60's.

You've lost 40 pounds in four weeks and improved your eating habits. Take some deep breaths and ENJOY the journey.