Beni

Yes, please keep us posted. I hope you feel better soon and I am glad today is a lil better.

Yes, time to call the doctor

Hurray, Karen is back and stronger then ever!

Thank you so much. I used to wake up everyday with a tummy pain. My GP wrote a scrip for a gallbladder function test last year and also told me to do a Prilosec twice per day for a month. Because the Prilosec worked I never did do the test. It was kind of expensive. I have never had an big attack. But I do get tummy pain around my middle/waist and I always wonder if my pants were too tight the day before. NO. Also, I get big time bloating but I never know when it will happen or why. You ER experience is just like the ones I have had. They are worthless. In our family, we have had 4 trips to the ER and each and every time it was a: they don't know what's wrong. I am glad your doctor figured it out.

Thank you so much Kindle, I wrote down all this info in my NEW food BIBLE. The insoluble fiber and your fantastic pudding dessert idea. It sound so yummy and healthy. I also found interesting you use so many different types of Protein fiber. I think variety is key and also by doing so you are getting different sources and processes and spreads the benefit/risk.

How was pain in the first week after coming home? Did you take any meds for pain? Which ones? I was told I should have no pain just soreness at which point I thought, right and the Easter bunny is real!

25 pounds. AWESOME!

Thanks Auri, I'll order some of the 15 flavors of protein

Hi kindle, What protein do you take? I like the idea that includes fiber.

Healthiertoday1227, did you also have gallbladder attacks. I have been told they are very painful. My symptoms are somewhat mild but now I am wondering if it's not the gallbladder after all. How did your doctor determine it was gallbladder?

Thank you Kimberly1184. I will hold off on the implant. The last thing I want is extra pain to deal with. I just feel bad because my chewing, which I am supposed to do for 20 minutes per meal will be less efficient. That tooth cracked all the way through eating a corn chip and had to be removed. Imagine that! On other side of my mouth I have a sensitive tooth with a filling. It was done when I was a child and recently redone a month ago. It's now super sensitive. It will eventually require a root canal but I am waiting to see if it will calm down. Blast. Both sides of my mouth are in trouble. I will have to chew for 20 minutes with my front teeth. It's a good thing I am not going out to eat for a while! I will look very odd but if chipmunks do it, so can I.

Dr Maozzez I believe works out of Fair Oaks Hospital ( he may work at other hospitals as well). But the upshot is my surgery is at Fair Oaks Oct 28th and they are a Center of Excellence. By the way some insurances require a Center of Excellence for approval. At least that's what I have been told on the bords but I have not fact checked.

FIY did a bit of research on omeprazole (Prilosec) and pantoprazole (Protonix). They are both very similar drugs and I am sure our doctors will make the best choice for us. They come under a category of proton inhibitors which cause decreased acid secretion in the stomach. Now, I also found out they inhibit vitamin B12 absorption. VERY IMPORTANT not to take it within 3 hours of vitamins. It also states either drug must be taken whole (not crushed) and slow release is also not okay. Again the doctor has the ultimate say but I thought it was interesting. A long list of side effects is also listed just like with any drug. I feel like I understand this a little better.

eacarpenter, what kind of pain meds where you given for that first week when you went home?

Selina, your plan is solid and very easy to follow, Thank you for sharing

I think this only proves, once more, that protein is key to feeling full. Please tell me about Nectar protein powder and where you get it?

Great! Correct on the ulcers, but acid is manageable with Prilosec. You just have to be on top of things. As a complication at this point, this is an easier one, especially since you know before hand you have a tendency to acidity. I do too, oh well! I like to think I am just super efficient at cracking every molecule of nutrition. In a famine I would be set, unfortunately I live in abundance, thus I have obesity. Not fair, lol

My bypass will be Oct 28th. I can't wait. I only had to lose 5 pounds which I did in a week but I hope to start a little pre-surgery diet of my own two weeks before surgery. I will also focus on exercise beyond walking. I am thinking it will help with the recovery. 5 pounds to go is not much at all. The 2 week diet will do it for sure.

Congrats and thank you for the advice.

I plan on keeping my bypass to myself and husband. I am not even telling the kids. I need to keep my head clear and my eye on the ball. This is high stakes game right now. Emotionally, I don't think I can handle everyone's reactions, feelings and questions. I have spent my entire life giving but not taking care of myself in part because everyone's needs always seemed more important then mine. This time, I am taking care of ME. I may feel differently down the road.

Congrats brown eyed gal, that's so great. Hurray for jello and popsicles. I too am going down that road. My bypass is Oct 28th.

Hi everyone, now that some of us have started to buy and drink protein shakes are there any favorites as far as taste. I think vanilla and chocolate is were I'll start. I went GNC but was not sure which to buy.

Hurray for mushy foods!

My doctors approach: What was explained to me 1. Protein shakes for two weeks after surgery and Water to allow recovery 2. Progressively introducing foods in stages, liquid, soft, etc. Not until week 8 you begin chewing if I recall correctly. A lot of folks like the protein shakes because they are easy and reassures them they are meeting the required protein intake specially if they exercise and are trying to build muscle. However, because it is a liquid it will travel through your pouch much quicker then food. solid food is a must to keep you satisfied for several hours. That's how you get the "full feeling" that lasts 5 hours. With shakes the duration of "full feeling" is shorter. You will be hungry sooner. If you are not careful you could easily take in too many calories thus defeating your WLS. High calorie drinks is how you slow down your weight loss and who needs that. Having said that there are also some folks who have trouble keeping meats down and depend on shakes to meet daily protein requirements. Hope it makes sense. This is what I have learned but I have not placed into practice, as my surgery is October 28 Hope it makes sense.

I was told by my doctor's nutritionist: I would be doing post surgery, two solid weeks of only Protein shakes and Water to allow the pouch to heal. So for right now concentrate your efforts on that protein. I can't remember the amount right now