SugarFreeMe

Just remember that unflavored only means it's not vanilla, chocolate or any other flavor. All Protein powder has a distinct taste to it. I found that I could put it in tea but not any other liquid as it made for a funky taste (to me). There are several companies that offer free samples of thier shakes. You should be able to search for those on here. Are you sure your going to be on a clear Liquid Protein diet pre-op? Most are liquids, but not necessarily Clear Liquids. (I believe anything with protein wouldn't constitute being clear).

So glad you had a good time - I've been researching vacation places, I'm hoping to be able to go somewhere fun in the fall with the hubby. Congratulations on staying on plan. It's not always easy but very rewarding when you do. Good to see you back on the boards, love your smile.

Look at it as a way of loosing a couple extra pounds which helps the liver shrink which helps during surgery, lessens complications and help with healing afterwards. Your husband will come around, just do what you need to do for yourself.

You won't be sorry if you choose the Kane Center. Everyone (and I mean everyone) is so great. The support is great and like I've said to everyone, there's nobody there who's ever given me "The look". Anyone who's overweight knows what that is and I've never seen it. Keep us posted on your appointments. Dr Kane visited me in the hospital after my surgery. He was very nice, answered my questions and explained everything in a way I could understand. You'll like him very much.

I would love to meet up with you. I'm in Elgin, so that would be awesome. I have to add, I stepped on the scale this am and I'm down 2 lbs, FINALLY. I'm going to be posting a few pictures. I compared them today and I can see how good I'm doing so I'm good now. I was thinking last night after my post about everything I'm doing and I know I'm doing everything right, so I need to be patient. I also have to remind myself I have Hypothyroidism so I'm not going to loose as quickly as everyone else. Let me know when you next meet is and I'll be there.

I had my sleeve on May 12th at Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove. Dr. Rantis was my surgeon. The staff were amazing and took great care of me. I got home Wednesday night and am doing pretty well so far. That's awesome news. Welcome to the losers bench. I'm very glad you had a great experience at Alexian. I was so impressed with the staff at the Hoffman facility, glad you had the same in Elk Grove. Keep me posted on your progress. I'm stuck in another stall, Dr Guske wanted me to drop another 15 before my next appt. I now have 3 weeks to do that, not going to happen unless I starve myself at this point. I've even doubled the time on treadmill, increased the speed and doubled the incline.....Nothing. I'm trying desperately not to be upset, but 1 1/2 weeks with no loss is depressing. Nothing I can do except keep working the program right???

Mine was taken out before I went home. It all depends on the surgeon and i believe also the amount of fluids coming out. By the 4th day when I was released my had pretty much stopped draining.

You need to pay attention for signs. I either hiccup or belch when I'm full. My surgery was the 18th of March and I'm still only at about 3/4 of a cup of food. At that point I feel the food go down more slowly and then I typically hiccup. Weird I know, but it's my sign. You'll figure yours out, you body WILL tell you when its done.

It could be the type of deli meat along with the liquid content. I can eat chicken salad and rotisserie chicken, but grilled chicken - no way. I can eat scrambled eggs, but add meat and it's not a good thing. Just keep experimenting with different things. Unfortunately I think stuck foods are unavoidable until you figure this thing out. I read a post from someone who had surgery 2 years ago who just got sick on waffles so I guess the game doesn't ever stop.

Although I'm sure you think your starving you probably aren't. Your most likely experiencing "Head Hunger" or your body is just wanting more fluids. Your tummy is still swollen from surgery, food at this point would be a problem. Drink Water and keep busy, the feeling will pass.

If you're easily offended and if you don't want to hear the truth, stop reading now. Because, the cold hard truth of the matter is that you need to help and your not going to get what you really need here. You need to call your surgeon and your psych and get serious. If you can't get thru the pre-op diet without messing up, you need to be sure your fully committed to this. The procedure is only a tool, if you can't stay away from foods that are bad for you now, who's to say you will post-op. It's a serious commitment and it shouldn't be taken lightly. I'd call your nut first thing tomorrow and have a serious conversation. They may suggest a longer trial period for you and postpone your surgery, who knows, but you need to be 100% on board with this because it's not easy and it's not fun. Like snow, my pre-op was so much more strict then yours, 3 shakes a day with sf Jello and sf popsicles for 2 weeks - That's it, nothing else. Was it hard, you bet your arse it was but I knew this was what I wanted and thing, not even a crappy pre-op plan was going to stop me. I wish you luck, seriously I do.

Great website with lots of recipes and great tips from someone who's been here. theworldaccordingtoeggface

I guess my first question would be, what did you eat? If it's something new and your tummy doesn't appear to like it, chalk it up to "something I can't eat right now, try again in a couple of months." If it's something you've had before and the spasms are accompanied by pain I'd keep an eye on it. If it doesn't improve within several hours, call your surgeons office office and discuss it with them.

There could be several things bothering him that he's not coming clean on. My husband also was very non-committal about my having the procedure however I learned as things went on that it was because: a) he didn't understand the procedure, b.) he was fearful of my loosing weight and not being satisfied with him anymore and c.) he was afraid I couldn't do it because he did see me try so many times and each of those times I did good and then failed. Now that I'm 2+ months out he see's the results and my determination. He's seen me face my demons and win. He knows I'm determined this time and he's fully on board now. If your husband is open to talking, see what the real reason is. Many people have warned me that when they lost weight their spouses became very fearful of seeing them change because they then thought they also needed to change. Make sure he understands this is about your health, not your relationship with him. Best wishes for a successful surgery.

Anita, I'm also not a big red meat person although it's supposed to be harder to eat after surgery. As far as eggs and dairy, do you not like the taste? I've never been a huge fan of greek yogurt but post-surgery I love it. I'm also eating a lot of legumes. I make salads with different types of Beans and then add other veggies for flavor. In additional to chicken I'm also eating turkey and ham. You should look for a recipe books for either WLS or vegetarians, also search recipes above for options. I'm sure you'll do fine and who knows, maybe your taste buds will change after surgery, many peoples do.

My first 2 weeks post-op was strictly liquids (shakes or liquids with Protein added), week 3 pureed with shakes, weeks 4-5 soft food with shakes. Starting week 6, food as tolerated within plan (no fatty or sugary foods). Concentrate on getting Proteins from food started at week 3, I used the shakes to supplement only. What I've done since week 3 is add up my calories and proteins after dinner, if I was short on them (400-600 calories, 70 grams of protein) I had a shake later in the evening. If I was good on my counts and I needed a snack in the evening I had a SF Jello. I hope that helps. Best wishes.

Lisa, I wasn't going to sign on tonight but I'm so glad I did, even if it's only to send you encouraging words. Just over 2 years ago I lost my brother to terminal cancer. I know all too well what your going thru and what's to come. You really need to remember that your health is important in order to keep your strength and energy up. Just remember back when you were at your heaviest how much effort it took to do the simplest of tasks. You know in your heart you don't want to go back to that, you just need to remind your head of that. Have you thought of contacting your psych for a consult? I'm sure he/she would be more then willing to help you through this and they're trained to assist in overcoming your demons when your at your worst. It may not seem easy, but you should try to take some time for yourself also. If your husband requires a constant companion see if a friend of his will come by on a Saturday morning or afternoon so you can do something for yourself. Get a mani or pedi, go to lunch with a dear friend or even go see a movie by yourself, something that will make you laugh. Your a very important person in your husbands life, now more then ever so it's really necessary for you to take care of yourself. When you go to the store you need to remember to buy the things you know are good for you and stay away from the no no's. Or, ask a friend or family member to shop for you or go with you, then maybe you won't be tempted. (peer pressure works for me, my friends don't let me slip up) Above all else, remember to keep coming back here for support. Anytime you need to talk your welcome to message me. I'll help in any way I can. My thoughts and sympathies are with you.

For me it was cold turkey on the first day of the pre-op diet. Up until day three I was miserable, after that it was all good. Caffeine withdrawal headache was gone and everything. I think it's a personal decision.

I didn't worry about a bra for a couple of weeks. I was so cold all the time I always had a t-shirt and a sweat shirt on so it wasn't a big deal, that and i'm not very well endowed.

I'm not an expert here, but if your not getting in your Proteins and calories your body will quit burning in an effort to conserve. Instead of getting Protein from shakes, try protein bars and high protein foods. Like recycled said, measure your food before you sit down to eat so you don't over do it. If your truly hungry later have a high protein snack like a cheese stick, almonds or a tbsp of Peanut Butter. I found that the only Protein Shake I could stomach after surgery is Muscle Milk Lite (20 grams per 8 oz.), chocolate. (the vanilla cream is way to sweet). Good luck

I know this is a hard decision to come to terms with, but for me it was a no brainer. After watching several family members die from heart disease, cancer and other medical problems I knew when I was diagnosed in Nov-13 with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes that i needed to do this and I couldn't wait any longer. The night before my surgery I took my last diabetes and high cholesterol meds. My A1C has gone from 7.9 to 6.4 in one month and i'm no longer considered a diabetic. After a month my cholesterol numbers are withing normal ranges. High blood pressure I'm told may take longer to correct, but if I only have to be satisfied with 2 out of 3, I'm so okay with that. WLS is a very personal decision that only you can make with the assistance of your support system, your PCP and your surgeon. Best of luck to you in whatever you choose.

I also did cold turkey when I started the Protein shakes. The first 3 days were hell, but then it was all good. Today after 8 weeks I was allowed to have coffee again and it was wonderful!!!!!!

At my 2 week a PA checked the incisions, peeled off the steri-strips and did a quick check-up, no surgeon. Today was my 8 week check-up and I not only saw the PA, but also my surgeon. I have another 3 month, also with the surgeon. The center I went to is all about staying in contact with the surgeon. But, as others have said each center/surgeon is different. (I took a shower right before I went so the steri-strips came right off. Up to that point I didn't have the nerve to touch them)

I like to cook my chicken and turkey with a tsp of olive oil and a tsp balsamic vinegar. It helps to keep it from sticking and it adds great flavor. You can also try adding a bit of Worcestershire for flavor. As for soups: I was looking at Jewel this weekend by their gluten free freezer section and also by the organic food isle and I did see several soups there. I don't know if you have a Jewel by you, but I'm guessing most big grocers have gluten free and organic sections. Maybe try that???

Nikki - Are you getting feedback from everyone else. I'm almost 8 weeks out and people are really starting no notice now. I was going to measure myself before surgery and never got to it, but I know I'm down. I still fit into the same pants, their just not so tight (no muffin top), I definitely notice the difference in my shirts (no popping buttons). Don't get frustrated, your doing awesome. Like I said, I'm almost 8 weeks and down 36 lbs. Keep with your plan, walk and don't forget to get the fluids in.