seattleslew

My NUT started my 2 wk pre-op liquid diet with 5 shakes a day and Clear liquids (broth, decaf tea, s/f caffeine free drinks) and Jello. By the evening of 2nd day I was throwing up, couldn't stand to take a shower and my husband noticed I was pretty confused (more so than normal ). I had drank 64 oz of Water each day and didn't have trouble with the flavor/consistency of the shakes but couldn't figure the problem. It was clear to me I couldn't sustain this and still drive, let alone take care of my daughter. So a call in to my surgeon & NUT today, realized I was only taking in about 700 calories a day and am dehydrated....I was supposed to be mixing my shakes with Skim Milk (90 cal=80z) instead of water (as per the pkg directions). And if I had kept all the information straight, I would have noticed the pre-op water requirements are much more than post-of 64 oz of water. I was supposed to be drinking half my body weight in ounces - let me tell you, I wish was 128 ounces. They moved me to four shakes (w/skim) a day and a 300 calorie meal with 150 oz of water a day. My sweet kind doctor assured me he will still do my operation even though I've messed this up...he encouraged me to do the best I could once I am back on my feet to try the 4 shakes a day but if I have to add a low fat snack in then do it - he is still willing to help me. I can't tell you how relieved I am because I feel today like I have swine flu and can barely get out of bed. Please if you're reading this, count your calories & double check your water. It feels awful & its slow bouncing back. My husband made me a scrambled egg and I've got 32 oz of water in me this morning and I'm starting to feel human again. Back on the horse tomorrow.....

Ya'll are hysterical. I have so many mental images in my head with hair munching deer and gardens with fluffy tufts. Seriously? As long as it doesn't keep falling out, I think I can live with some 'thinning' while I'm thinning. My green thumb husband will be thrilled.

Best of luck to you Jenelle, from one who's coming up right behind you on April 21st. My daughter means the world to me and I am looking forward to all the new things we can do together. Prayers & a safe journey to you!

Thanks everyone for your supportive posts - I think if I can do this with some slight modifications. I am overwhelmed by 154 oz of Water a day -- I have not been successful there. But I picked up the post op Vitamins & supplements today and I told my first person today (outside of immediate family) about my surgery..kind of nervous but she was very supportive "I wondered what you've been doing..you can tell the difference". Just wait, sister, just wait!!

You and I are in the same boat. I've been surfing here all day looking for someone else who's having trouble. My surgery is the 21st also. Two more weeks. I have to have 5 shakes a day, tea, Jello or Water. I guess every doc is different. Other than to say you're not alone - I don't have a lot to add. I have tried adding instant miso to my broth but that's not everyones favorite. I found adding some of the "thai" seasoning from the kroger produce section (by the herbs) added some more interest to the broth. Good luck! I'm around if you ever want to chat!

Thank you for sharing - it really helps.

Congratulations!! I am happy for you and looking forward to that -- what a great feeling that must be!

Catfishunta, when you use the isopure unflavored in your jell-o do you just mix a scoop into the Water called for on the box?

I have found the Bluebonnet "whey of Life" at my local health food store - it's not gritty at all. They come in Vanilla, chocolate (sorry) and an Isolate (plain) that you could add things to like S/F Torani coffee syrups. Especially in the plain isolate -- World Market stores carry many more flavors in the Torani syrups than the grocery stores. Or you might look into PB2 or equivalent powdered Peanut Butter products. They mix in smooth and at 1.5 Grams of fat per serving they also boost the Protein and are a nice change from 'sweet'. I recently found at "The Vitamin Shop" two things I like. The Syntrax brand Protein shakes have a whopping 23g of protein , the store is limited in their flavors but there's 15 of them. Check out the sample pack you can order from mybariatricpantry.com I am 2 weeks pre-op and my doctor has me on liquid diet only (Translation=5 shakes a day) so I feel your pain. I am trying e-v-e-r-y-thing I can to stick with it. So far, the Syntrax seems to be the one I like best, I'm curious about the Isopure brand they carry but you have to buy such a large container. I think I'll order the Syntrax myself.

Good luck Angela25 -- My surgery isn't for 2 weeks and I am fluxuating between excitement & nervousness too. Let us know how your feeling when you get home -- all the best.

Best of luck to you Booklover324! Let us know how you feel when you get home.

IT was only a 3 month. My first visit was in October and by December I had a letter from Cigna approving me, get this, for 1 day! LOL..I thought wow, I only have 1 day but when I called them, they explained they don't provide coverage date ranges and assured me that the approval would extend for the year if I decided to switch surgeons. They were very nice about it.

I am also on Cigna OA+ and I was approved for VSG after completing the surgeon's program (psych eval, nutritional counseling, stress test, apnea test and began a weight loss diet plan). As I understood from my NUT, it's your BMI that will qualify you(well, me) -- And I have osteoarthritis in one knee. I opted to switch doctors so now I have to reapply, hopefully not start all over but if thats what it takes! Good luck to you LinsayLouLou.

My first post here -- even that makes me nervous! I completed the weight loss pre-surgery program with one hospital, got clearance from my insurance and decided I was not comfortable. I think it's important to listen to those little intuitions and I visited a second facility and surgeon. What a difference! I know its going to make a difference in my confidence level, taking the time to find the right surgeon & after care support that's right for me. Now, I'm just feeling impatient, waiting to get cleared (again!). My only fear now, that my husband and daughter will hate the changes that need to be made in our house. Like my dysfunction is rubbing off on them. I know, in the end, it will improve their health as well -- but I'm afraid of their disappointment at having to change 'for me'.