BeagleLover

I suggest using the tools available for pre- and post-op diets. I did the pre-op diet, which included 3 Protein shakes made with unsweetened soymilk. The unjury brand really worked for me. I found it good tasting, especially chocolate Splendor + 1 1/2Tb. malted milk powder. Maybe because I had adequate protein, I found it easy keep my calories between 650 and 750/day. I lost 4lbs. in 9 days--- NEVER happened before. In between, I drank a lot of Crystal Light and ate sugarless pudding. There are a number of flavorings (Torani or DaVinci, PB2) you can add to either the shakes or the pudding to provide variety.

You will likely lose a lot of weight with WLS. I don't even think it's possible to compare someone else's loss pics with might happen with your body. Women just have different shapes and sizes and lose weight differently. After weight loss, if you still perceive an imbalance of proportion, I suggest wearing clothes that hug you right under the bust and loser from that point on down. You will look fabulous!

Nashua Nutrition breaks various brands down into sample sizes. I recommend unjury for taste, especially their chocolate Splendor + malted milk powder! If you've been told you can have caffeine, I've heard a lot of people really like Chike Iced coffee.

My surgeon directed me to have only Clear Liquids for 2 - 3 days after surgery. You still need 60 - 80 grams of protein/day. I couldn't get that much in right after surgery. I used Isopure ready-to-drink clear Protein drinks with lots of protein. I got mine in Vitamin Shoppe. If it tastes too strong, I suggest diluting it and keeping it very cold.

@aSleeveStory. Congratulations on your choice to take charge of your health. The sleeve is a very safe operation. Chances are that your kids will *not* have to grieve your death for a long time. You will save them from all that unnecessary heartache. Keep you eye on the prize! Best wishes. P.S. Joan Rivers didn't look like it, but she was 81 years old!

I had surgery Friday, Sept. 26th. I've been enjoying a case of Progresso New England clam chowder, and a case of their small cans of chicken bouillon. I mix one can of each until it's boiling, then strain out the potato chunks. Put it in the blender and pour into a bowl. If you want to make it a Protein drink/soup, measure out one cup of the soup back into the blender and add 1 scoop of unjury chicken soup Protein powder. Delicious--- especially that it's hot and salty. Hits the spot.

Update: I was sleeved on Friday, Sept.26th by Dr. John Brebbia at Medstar Montgomery (Montgomery General) Hospital. He is very easy to talk to and, the surgery went very smoothly. He removed the gas at the end of surgery, so I didn't have any gas pain. By Sunday morning I felt 99% as well as when I walked in there. In case anybody is interested, he holds seminars to explain the differences between the surgeries (the Bariatric Coordinator is Kenny Alexander (301) 570-8593 ). They have a great program of nutritional meetings once a month to get people ready. I highly recommend Dr. Brebba and the program at Medstar Montgomery.

My experience was similar to @@Babbs and @@vincereautmori (minus the catheter). I was getting pain killers through my IV and was "fuzzy" and sleeping a lot. I got visitors the next day when I was more ready for them.... worked out fine. By the next day I felt 99% normal.

@LumpySpacePrincess Wow! Wow! Wow! Congratulations!

@@Dragon Fly, I had the same problem losing weight. It took forever to lose any weight and never stayed off. Forget about worrying about weight loss anymore. Just keep on the program. One day it will be surgery day. I was sleeved last Friday morning. By Sunday my blood sugars went to normal (after having diabetes for 4 years), and I felt 99% normal. After one week, I lost 9 lbs. That has NEVER happened in my life! I'm following the program as instructed and will continue to lose. My surgeon said that I can expect to not have sleep apnea in 3 - 4 months. I am SO happy I did this. It DOES work. My obesity will not cause me to die 10 years earlier. You will lose lots of weight and be much healthier too. It truly is an incredible tool.

I went to a neighborhood block party. Everybody brought food! I remember wanting a meatball SO badly. I brought my own treat-- no sugar yogurt pureed with a little paw paw + Sweet N' Low. It was delicious. Still wanted that meatball. Just keep in mind what your end goal is and you'll be fine!

Powdered Peanut Butter with the fat removed. I add it to sugar free chocolate puddings and it tastes like a creamy Reese's peanut butter cup. I bought mine at Target.

I had my gall bladder removed laparoscopically around 5 years ago. Recovery was a piece of cake. Took it easy, and didn't need any pain meds.

@@DeanieG, why don't you start your pre-op diet? That'll get it going a little quicker! That's what I did.

@@GreenEyes604, I'm not a pre-sleever. I was sleeved one week ago at Medstar Montgomery by Dr. Brebbia. If you have any questions or want to get together, let me know!

@@KayleeC14, I suggest PB2 mixed with water to make "peanut butter" as a dip for veggies.

The way I think of it--- this is an absolute cakewalk compared to the aftermath of obesity: possible knee replacement, hip replacement, stroke,etc.

PER @VSGAnn2014: I saw the surgeon in his office twice pre-op. While in the hospital, I saw him before surgery (in surgical holding) and the following day. I also saw his PA the day after surgery. I saw the surgeon and the PA 10 days after surgery. Then saw the PA 5 weeks after surgery. My next appointment will be 3 months post-op with the PA. Thereafter, I will see my surgeon and/or the PA quarterly throughout the first year post-op. I know I will be expected to see him regularly thereafter as well, but I don't yet know the frequency. He expects to see all his patients forevermore post-op. He says research shows that the more follow-up WLS patients have, the more successful they are (as a group). Mine says something similar. He will eventually see me 1x/year. He said that the folks that do the best come to the support group every month. It helps them keep with the program.

If you want confirmation, I would ask how long you should stop the meds before you have labs to prove that you don't need them. Definitely, I would call the surgeon's office! I had diabetes for4 years, with the damage to the pancreatic islet cells that goes along with it. My surgeon said that my diabetes would go away after 3 - 4 days! My blood sugars went down significantly after just 2 days. You haven't even had that damage. You sure don't want to be in a position in which your blood sugar is too low. To answer you other question, I was sleeved on Sept.26th. I see my doctor for my 1st followup Oct. 7th. Kudos to you for having the surgery BEFORE you were finally diabetic. You should have no problems with diabetes.

@@Boopgwee, I hope you feel better soon!

I was sleeved on 9/26 and also didn't have any pain. I stayed in the hospital, got my pain meds filled, and never needed to use them! Also, I have had diabetes for 4 years. My blood sugars were normal within 2 days. It usually takes 3 - 4 days for diabetes to go away. I feel like a big weight has been lifted!

I wouldn't worry about the number of pounds you lose or stalls, just follow the program to shrink the liver. The pounds will really come way down on their own after surgery. Best wishes!

I had my surgery last Friday morning. I felt totally normal since Sunday, like nothing happened. I sneezed tonight pretty hard--- no problem. Didn't feel anything. Some people have reported bringing a firm small pillow with them to the hospital with them in case they cough to provide support. .

Holy smokes! This will pass.

No. I feel very lucky and happy. The best is yet to come!