Queen_Bee

I use the Jay Robb egg white Protein, and Jay Robb Whey protein isolate. You can find it at GNC. It's 25g of protein per shake. Additionally, you should investigate the sweeteners used in the shakes. I found out I am highly intolerant of sucralose, which almost everything that you buy flavored, is sweetened with. I found out I can actually do whey protein *isolate*, as long as there is no sucralose. Premier shakes are full of sucralose. Good luck! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I chose to go with the sleeve for a few reasons. 1. Doc said I didn't have that much weight to lose, so the sleeve is a good option. 2. I didn't want to lose the ability to eat "bad" stuff. I cook and bake, and I need to be able to taste the items I'm preparing. 3. I wanted to keep absorption of medication and nutrients as close to nature's intention as I could. 4. I feel like I need help with portion control, so my sleeve is a perfect tool for that.

My plan allowed sugar free pudding during the liquid stage, so I made some homemade Jello pudding pops in the freezer. You can add Protein powder in too, if you need it. Also, one sugar free fudgesicle is around 9 carbs if you're looking for easy. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Krystal, in my experience, I didn't start getting that full feeling until I started eating food only. And for me, that felt exactly like thanksgiving day feels like for my whole presurgery life. It was a vivid, "oh my god, don't take another bite" kind of pain! Isn't it crazy how your stomach tells you stuff? I spent a lifetime ignoring and never feeling signals. It's a whole new world! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I spent 10 days in Vegas, and my sleeve saved me from the endless buffets and treats! LOVE my new skinny stomach! It saved me from myself. So glad I did this surgery, definitely appreciated my new tool! <3 Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

You might try egg white Protein also. GNC carries a few brands, some with flavor like vanilla or chocolate, and some plain. Usually around 25g protein per shake. Not like it's any yummier than whey, but it is a different flavor to get sick of for a while. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Surgery 10-24-16 HW: 255 SW: 230 CW: 210 Avoiding carbs like the plague and working out pretty intensely. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Ditto. I started with 3 small bites of Caesar salad at about 6 weeks postop, and have worked my way to a few more bites. No problems. I haven't actually sat down and eaten a raw carrot yet, but I probably could if I had a craving for one. Start small and see how it feels. Easier to recover from a bite or two if things go wrong. Good luck! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

CherCare, your dilemma sounds very familiar to me, so I will share in the hopes it helps you. After what seems like years of suffering, I finally figured out that I have an intolerance to certain types of artificial sweeteners. In the last 2 months, you've probably been dieting, yes? I would start with the sugars you're consuming. Personally, I cannot do sucralose or stevia even in small quantities. Most premade or ready to eat foods have sucralose. Flavored waters, Water Enhancer drops, premier Protein shakes, protein powders, diet yogurts, etc, etc. It's everywhere in low calorie foods. And there is also a thing called FODMAPs. These are short chain carbohydrates that some people have problems digesting. All of the fake sugars fall into one of this overall category. I suffered for years, had every uncomfortable test known to man, including my gastroenterologist removing my gall bladder because "maybe that will help." It didn't. They just kept telling me I had IBS and tried to throw pills at me. Somehow I made it through 30+ years without IBS, but suddenly I had this. In actuality, I was only ill when I tried to "eat healthy" aka diet, that I had diarrhea. When I went back to eating what I liked (non diet food), I wasn't sick. I used to think I was allergic to dieting. The most Enlightened wisdom and profound eureka came in the form of an awesome nutritionist who taught me all about FODMAPs. My regular doctor and gastro doc have no idea what FODMAPS are. They both looked at me as if I was speaking Greek. I would see a good nutritionist who will help guide you through a FODMAP elimination diet so you can figure out the offending foods and start feeling normal again. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Post surgery abdominal binder. Some surgeons recommend, especially after boob jobs, tummy tucks, pregnancy stomach support, etc. Not sure why the bariatric surgeon community has not fully embraced it yet... It helps so much. Especially if you need to cough! You can find them on Amazon for fairly inexpensive. I also have heard some insurance companies will cover the cost since it is medical equipment if the bariatric surgeon recommends it. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Yes and yes! I had the *exact* same issues 5 weeks ago post sleeve. Get yourself a binder, and wear that for a week or two. It keeps everything tucked in tightly, and I found I could sleep on my side using the binder, plus a good kidney pillow. Support the tummy, and there is less pull on that muscle where that incision is. I called my nurse about it, and she said the reason that particular incision hurts so bad is because there is a long stitch behind there connecting the abdominal muscles. She said it would take 4 weeks to heal. My back pain went away after a couple of weeks of Tylenol and gas-x strips, and the above side-sleeping method I mentioned. The incision pain is now gone, but it took about 4 weeks for me to be able to sleep on my side without pain or pulling. I still like the kidney pillow too, as I find it comfortable. Good luck! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App