Seamehyde

Could someone give me an idea of the recommended calorie, fat, protein count I should be getting. Everyone seems to have gotten that information from a Dr. (in a book or pamphlet) I didn't, not from nutritionist either and she is no longer available. I started at 235 on August 1(I am 8 wks out today). I have been able to tolerate everything I've tried-no major bread or sugars or fried foods except maybe a tiny pinch. I've never felt that "full" feeling yet. I would love to have some basics from others about the same stage. I'm getting between 800-950 cals, at least 60 Protein, and 64 ozs. water. I hit a 3 week stall at week 4 and stayed at a 25lb loss, it finally broke and now I am at 32# down. I'm good with that......I just want to know if I'm in the right area. This sight crashes on me so, if anyone can help, feel free to send me an email mshydeaway@gmail.com . I would very much appreciate it and good luck to all!

Are 310 Nutrition Protein shakes a good choice for protein after having the sleeve surgery. They have 15 grams of protein. Should I stay with the whey isolate? No health reason or preference for this. I always get my protein amount daily (preferably by food) but I like to add the shakes just in case but not overdue it. I use 1 shake per 24oz. mix, 1 c. almond milk, and or water. I can do either, just found a good deal on 310 and after I ordered, I realized these weren't the isolate.

I will purchase if you still have them. Just leave me a message and we can make arrangements as long as they are still sealed. It would allow me to try before I purchase more.

This Procarenow.com sells a dark chocolate calcium candy bar 500mg. (Half of needed daily supplement). It is very good, and usually save if you buy 3 bags. A little pricey but excellent.....you get your chocolate and calcium.

I was a self-pay in Northwest Alabama. Cost was $3000 Dr. Fee, $6000 Hospital (overnight stay, out at 10:00 a.m. next morning), and $800 for anesthesia. $9800. No frills, and no special care. Did not include special insurance and any complication would have been extra. I did well and no complaints, both surgery staff and after care was great. This does include well-checks and visits to surgeon for the first year. (1 wk, 1 mth phone check, 3, 6, and 12 month visit.) All bloodwork, or additional tests are separate and average about $300 but, we must do this to keep a check on vitamins and minerals. My main Dr. orders these and faxes a copy to my WLS to add in my records. I live 2 hrs away. My bloodwork and Dr. visits are covered by insurance but the vitamins etc needed are not. I did receive a bill for another lab for $277, apparently for either testing or disposal of the stomach portion removed. My surgery was the sleeve. I wouldn't risk going to Mexico.....too far away if complications occurred. An acquaintance went and has had several major complications in the 3 yrs since having it. No Dr. wants to deal with her issues so she hasn't had a good experience.(Not saying problems wouldn't have occurred anyway but, it has cost her bigtime and health is still a concern on a daily basis.) It cost more locally but your Drs and hospital are near if needed. It's a tradeoff for each individuall

I was a self-pay in Northwest Alabama. Cost was $3000 Dr. Fee, $6000 Hospital (overnight stay, out at 10:00 a.m. next morning), and $800 for anesthesia. $9800. No frills, and no special care. Did not include special insurance and any complication would have been extra. I did well and no complaints, both surgery staff and after care was great. This does include well-checks and visits to surgeon for the first year. (1 wk, 1 mth phone check, 3, 6, and 12 month visit.) All bloodwork, or additional tests are separate and average about $300 but, we must do this to keep a check on vitamins and minerals. My main Dr. orders these and faxes a copy to my WLS to add in my records. I live 2 hrs away. My bloodwork and Dr. visits are covered by insurance but the vitamins etc needed are not. I did receive a bill for another lab for $277, apparently for either testing or disposal of the stomach portion removed. My surgery was the sleeve. I wouldn't risk going to Mexico.....too far away if complications occurred. An acquaintance went and has had several major complications in the 3 yrs since having it. No Dr. wants to deal with her issues so she hasn't had a good experience.(Not saying problems wouldn't have occurred anyway but, it has cost her bigtime and health is still a concern on a daily basis.) It cost more locally but your Drs and hospital are near if needed. It's a tradeoff for each individuall

I had a stroke at 35 that took me down for 9 weeks. I've had another at 50 in addition to 3 TIA's. Was forced to close my restaurant business due to stress and no tolerance for heat. This was my dream and 35 years of my life, 23 of owning my own 200 seater steak/seafood restaurant. Started college and will graduate in Dec. with office degree, (hate it but, I started and I will finish) Weight went from 160-238--considered morbidly obese for my small 5'3 frame which was always small until all the meds. Drs couldn't control the blood pressure pushing 300, and suddenly diabetic pushing 300. Told me I would have to begin Insulin. I said HELL NO!!!!!! I refuse! Meds were only making health worse, and body was beginning to hurt,,,joints, muscles, leg cramps. Now granted, I didn't eat perfect but, I did and do eat fairly healthy. Recent pictures didn't help either but......INSULIN was the last straw. My insurance won't cover anything bariatric so I was a self-pay at $10,000. That hurt the pocketbook but, no Mexico chances for me.(Although I have read of great results....a friend did that and has nothing but bad health issues and no Dr. wants to do anything for her in the states. She's miserable and can't even work anymore and she's only 40. Since my day of surgery, no meds except thyroid,low dose heart, and anti-depression (1/2 pill) because they started me on those at 35 and they at a b***h to get off of. In my case I became suicidal (for no reason...happy life and young family at the time) BP and Blood Sugar has been fine since day after surgery. Aug 1 was surgery date, down 25lbs first month, only 8 since Sept 1--hit a 3 week stall, and in another from 7-9 weeks. Lost 1.2 today(won't count it until it lasts for 2 days.......I lack 2-3 lbs until I hit wonderland. My first goal...I plan a manicure (2nd in my life for a treat. Overall health with no INSULIN was my main cause, but now, I'm looking towards the weight loss. I'm still waiting for that ENERGY I'm supposed to feel but, maybe it will hit soon. At my age, I'm estimated to only losing to 175, but I'm going to hold out hope for about 150 since I was always 110-125 before all the meds took control. This has caused a complete life change, and large drain on finances (with lifetime bariatric supplements and probable gallbladder surgery) Gonna shoot for the best and take good care too prevent additional problems. I like my bones, and my teeth! SHORT ANSWER---Better quality health and future with my family and someday grandbabies. Best of luck to all of us!!!!!!

I had both done. I did not have any pain whatsoever. My only pain was the soreness from the abdomen muscles that were cut. My only pain meds were what they gave in the hospital. I did use the hydrocodone at night but, that was basically only to be able to sleep. My only problem is at 5 weeks out, I still don't have my full voice back. I developed a h-pylori infection in my stomach which involved taking an absolutely nasty antibiotic that made it impossible to eat or drink ( I feared dehydration, but made it through on about 20-30 oz a day w/powdered protein in soups an SF popsicles. Protein shakes or Protein water in any form would not go down or stay down. At five weeks, I'm good and energy has increased each day. I've been able to complete 3 full days of school, homework, cooking meals, and clean-up. I've lost 27lbs. but been in a stall for a week now. Not worried, just happy to be able to consume food and drink again. I've had no trouble with any food. This week, I have tried chicken, eggs, sausage, ham, cheese, fish, bacon-wrapped scallops, inside of steak fries and tator tots, green beans, and chopped nuts. No matter what......it does get better.....good luck!

Had surgery August 1, all went well and surgeon fixed a small hiatal hernia at same time. I've had no real pain and for that, I am very thankful. I am still extremely week! One week out I saw PCP and tests showed I was anemic(no surprise) and I had H-pylori-stomach infection. Until then I was able to get liquids in and close to 90 gr of protein. Put me on 3 meds for two weeks to get rid of h-pylori, Now I can hardly stomach anything. Very difficult to get liquids in. I can eat mashed potatoes and gravy, pimento cheese, and today, cottage cheese. Liquids make me sick but I'm trying to get down.....protein shakes are a no-go! I do put unflavored protein in everything I eat. I can also do pudding, yogurt, jello, and SF popsicles. I am on mushies...but nothing tastes tolerable with this medicine. I started back to college and I am a walking wimp! Brain fog, and so weak I feel like I can fall out at any time. Please suggest something to eat that might help with energy. I am barely getting those chewable vitamins down. Also eating 2 calcium bars a day. I have B-12 patches, and liquid B-12 and taking Vitamin D twice a week. You'd think Iwould be bouncing off the walls, but I'm dragging my butt from one day and on. P.S. I'm 53 years old. I have lost 20lbs as of yesterday. Happy for that but, I need to get back into my life. Thanks for suggestions! Wishing everyone else well!

I had mine yesterday, just got home. Surgery was delayed 3 hrs because Dr. was stuck on interstate and all lanes wee shutdown. Surgery went great. Had dry heaves for about 4 hrs. Easy since then. No pain, no gas pains (just like plain gas) and liquids are smooth going down. Get a little weak standing up for long, but it's easier each time...No real pain, just feels like pulled muscles or a baby. I wish you all the best.

Just wanted to wish all tomorrow's patients the best and pray we all do well with no surprises. I probably won't be online until after I return home. Definitely want to keep up with how well we all do. POSITIVE THINKING and PRAYERS! I'll try to post pretty regular for the first couple weeks while I'm home to maybe help others and ease the tension. I'm first up tomorrow.....safe surgery and safe travels to all. I'll be in Huntsville, Alabama.

Mine is Tuesday, Aug 1 also. I started mine on Thursday. Had an awful headache all day. Not use to a lot of sweats and although they don't taste bad, 3 Premier Protein shakes a day was too much, Broth was good. I used home-canned turkey-vegetable broth. You can flavor up plain broth with spices. Since I am only required to do liquid only on Monday,chicken breast just to eat I received my genepro 2 I ordered and tried with my broth. For me, it worked just as claimed (maybe a slight tinge of smell) but it did dissolve completely in broth when prepared as directed first. Made the liquid diet easy now. I've done fine with not eating. Knowing this is just temporary and I will eat again is not a problem. I cook for my family and no temptation. Just have to remember NOT to taste out of habit. I did have an hour last night when I suddenly became extremely nervous and questioning if I was doing the right thing, but I got on here and read and calmed myself. I'm excited and scared(a little) but, it this is for my health. Praying for no complications because I am a self-pay with no coverage for complications.

Thanks all. I was just surprised about the pills. Whole purpose for surgery is to avoid insulin. My bottle of liquid pain med is huge(over half pint) Anesthesia has never bothered me before after several different surgeries and I've only had to take 1-2 pain meds after them. It's a 2 hr drive for me from hospital so Drs always have me get the meds after all the travel.I think he must have forgotten the cheaper nausea....I feel so bad about that expensive stuff I had filled and hopefully won't need. Cancer patients can't afford this stuff. WalMart should have told me the price on it.......here I was being whiney about the cost of the pain patches. Thanks again for all the kind words and encouragement. Just trying to be prepared. Praying for a complication free surgery and recovery for all of us. Bless you all for being willing to help and encourage others. Have a wonderful weekend!

So,... I have my sleeve done Aug. 1st. I had to pre-order my meds because WALMART could not even fill one. They each had to be ordered. I pick it up today and my pain meds are liquid hydrocodone(ok with that) I was told not to fill the expensive one unless needed, however, they had NONE of these so, I went ahead and had them order them...2nd was a pain patch $95...was told $75 when it was ordered on Monday evening). I told them to put it on hold because I normally have a high-tolerance to pain and hoping I could save the 100. Third- Vitamin D in PILLS(about the size of gas pills-softgel) Fourth-Nausea Aprepitant-3-pills--much bigger hard capsule pills.(Also the one he didn't advise filling unless needed-I assumed it was the patches at 100.00) Cash pay for these were $561.00---That's not a typo! This is for 3 nausea pills normally for cancer patients. and they are 2-3 times bigger than the vitamin D. I asked about them not being liquid form and this is what the prescription said. Did any of you have or able to swallow pills right away???? Did you need the pain patches??? I hate to waste money and what if I don't need or can't take that nausea pill??? Promethazine always worked for any other nausea I had...........they can't be returned. Is $95 good for 12 (3-4 days worth I think pain patches? I will have 2 weeks home time and then return to college-no hard labor just 1 small flight of stairs.....opinions?

Yes, knowledge governs.......it has zero calories and no sugar. Actually, this is POWERADE ZERO.........I've read some have trouble even keeping water down. This is supposed to help and helps replenish electrolytes. It has sodium potassium, calcium, and magnesium and a variety of flavors to change of tastes. I was looking for Gatorade ( I'm sure that's what I was told) I found G2 but it has it has sugar or sugar substitute in it. Looking forward to reading and keeping up with all our do's and don'ts and what occurred with everyone.

Just wanted to put this out there for those soon to be surgeries. I've read so much about how bad the gas will be the first few days and the necessity for the Gas-X DISSOLVABLE Strips. You might want to get them ahead of time. They may not be easily found in stores (although Wal-Greens has them). They were about $6.00 per 18pkg, recommended 2-3 at a time. Wal-Mart does not carry them in store(or not in all stores) CVS does not either. Amazon had them listed from about $9 up to $30. Crazy prices. It's been said they are discontinuing them but I suspect they will probably come back at a higher price due to increasing needs due to bariatric surgeries etc...All I could find were the mint flavored but I'll probably need them for fresh breath anyway. I got 4 boxes to be safe....I had to order because our nearest Walgreens is 50 miles away. Trying to make sure I have everything needed for the first week or two. Found that zero Gatorade too. I'm just ready to get this party started. Cooking supper tonight, all I could think of was how I'm going to miss my veggies. Crazy right, ok with giving up alcohol and desserts, I'm going to miss my steamed veggies, cabbage, asparagus. I only have a 24 hr liquid diet but, I'm going to start a week earlier and be diligent the last 3 days. Dr. said no need but this is one time I'm going to go with my gut. I'll abide by his orders afterwards. (smile) Have a great weekend everyone!

Thanks Dizzy, Newbie, and all. I'm really excited. Just got home from my last Dr. Visit, and paying hospital and anesthesia (self-pay). I think I'll be ok with the phasing of food. I'm just happy it will be a month before my birthday. I don't want to be feeling bad in front of company.....we always celebrate birthdays. Plus, college starts back the 17th, so I will have 2 weeks to recoup if I have a rough start. I can't wait to see how we all do. I'm really looking forward to getting off a lot of meds and getting some energy after a bit. I do know I will probably feel wiped out for a month or two but..........that shall pass.

WOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My surgery just got changed to August 1st. Now I have to hurry and get my college work and exams done before then............this will allow me 2 1/2 weeks before I begin my last semester of college............I may even get more than a Popsicle for my birthday on the 29. Less time to research and cruise on this site but......so happy I will get a little re-coup time. I'll check in tonight for some more reading! Back to school work. I'm a almost 54 year old starting a new career. I worked in food all my life and owned my own place for over 23 years. My life revolved around food...............this is definately going to be a journey but, one I'm looking forward to.

I'm almost 54. North Alabama. I'm scheduled for Aug.15th. I was told only a 2 day pre-op liquid diet but from all I've read..........I think I'll be starting about a week before. surgery weight will be from 230? Of course the weight loss is something I'm looking forward to, getting off all the medicine is my greatest anticipation and feeling better. Birthday is the 29th so, guess I'll be celebrating with a 1/8 c applesauce/pudding or something . I wish you all the best, easiest, surgery and transition into our healthier lives.