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So, I joined these forums specifically for this question, but I think I'll hang around for awhile. Yes, I know my medical team would have the best answer, however they are ever so hard to get hold of if you don't have an appointment. So here goes. Originally I was told to use nothing but whey Protein and shoot for at least 20 gm per serving. For the last 14 or 15 months, I've been using Max Protein from SEI Pharmaceuticals. But it only comes in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. Not very original. So I've been looking around for protein supplements. So here are the questions: 1. - What's your absolutely favorite? 2. - I see a bunch of them that contain Casein. From my research, Casein is essentially a time-release protein because it gels up in the stomach when used as a supplement. Now, those of us with bypass surgery know that nothing time-release works well with us. Are you able to tolerate supplements with this type of protein in it? Most of it would probably be used in baking or cooking, not necessarily in simply shake format. The one I'm specifically interested in is MyoFusion Elite protein. I've heard good things about the taste.

It's very similar to what eggface does for pancakes. It's cottage cheese, egg and sugar free pudding mix. Chocolate pancakes!

Most insurance requirements are 6 months or so. My surgical group actually won't even submit your paperwork to insurance until you attend a 6 month nutrition class. Between all the appointments and insurance requirements, my entire process was about 1 year from initial seminar to surgery. You most definitely are not the only one that went or are going through it. You should actually feel thankful that your insurance will even accept you. Many flat out deny requests for WLS. Unfortunately it's just one of those things you have no control over and need to patient about. Pushing the surgeon's office certainly won't help. What might help is starting to prepare yourself now for some of the post surgery things you'll have to do. 1. Work on the 30/30 rule. This is probably something you have been introduced to already. Don't drink 30 minutes before your meal, take about 30 minutes to eat your meal, then don't drink anything for 30 minutes afterward. Trust me, it's harder than it looks and takes time. Getting used to it now is better than trying to learn later and hurting yourself by drinking with a meal. 2. Get used to taking Vitamins. Find chewable or liquid options for after surgery. Vitamins will be your friends for the rest of your life. 3. Research Protein supplements and find one that you like. Just be warned, your tastes will change after your bypass surgery. 4. Find other online resources for recipes. You'll most likely be on a liquid diet for a bit after surgery, then will progress to mushy/purees. Resources like Eggface or Bariatric Foodie might help you learn a bit before the surgery. Education is the most important part of your journey. 5. Work on weighting and tracking your food. You'll be on a strict portion limit for at least the first 6 months or so after surgery. Get used to weighing foods and forming the habit now. Just be patient. I know it's not what you want hear, but it's the truth. And remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint, even after surgery. It won't happen overnight.

Sip, Sip, Sip. The surgeon described to me what the pouch looked like. Since you are so new and have a very young pouch it's very small. It is about the size of your thumb from the tip to the first joint. So, obviously not much room. Water and other liquids could very well fill you up very fast. Take small sips of the liquids, and take it slow. Only one every few minutes. Yes, it will take you awhile to "eat" your shake, but that's the idea. Follow their guidelines to a T. Do not deviate one little bit from them. Do not rush the process. It will eventually get better, but for now do exactly what they say to avoid complications.