Orchids&Dragons

It is a major life-change. The benefits are enormous, but there is a price to pay and a lot of work to do. It's normal to have cold feet at this point, most of us did. But think of it this way: Where will I be in 2 years with the surgery? vs. Where will I be in 2 years without surgery? Your choice.

Definitely start with ground meats, imo. Something like a mild chili, so there is plenty of moisture with the meat. For each tablespoon of food, break it up into about 6 bites, then chew well. Let one mouthful (I know, amusing term at this stage) settle before you start the next.

Congrats on your surgeries and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

My fave is the salted caramel - to die for. Enough so, that even being high protein, I don't think I want them in the house again until I reach maintenance. They just kept calling my name!

One of the biggest differences is the surgery performed. The requirements for sleeve and bypass are pretty distinct.

I just ordered a couple dozen protein shots from the BP store. 2.5 oz/15g protein. For when it's almost bedtime and I still need more protein. I don't even care if I like the taste. Just a way to get the protein down. UGH! I'm not saying I don't like them, this is the first time I've ordered them, so we'll see. "PROTEIN50" gets them for 1/2 price, just through tonight.

I liked it, but I'm trying to get all shakes out of my life!

That's dreadful, but at least they're taking care of you now. (hugs)

How did you forget sip, sip, sip?

You asked to be more fit and healthy. This is your preparation!

Last one for today, I promise!

When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful. ~Barbara Bloom It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. ~Edmund Hillary

Sorry to hear that. There's just no way to know ahead of time Hope you feel better soon!

Yeah, evolutionary cousins!

Sounds like you may be eating too fast and getting too much air in your stomach. I know you've been going slow, but go slooooow, like a sloth on valium slow!

Don't you like blueberry smoothies or mixed w/vanilla yogurt?

I actually like the Cookies-n-Cream. Maybe it is a flashback to Cookie Crisp. I'm ok with that. I don't think its as cloyingly sweet as the banana or peach.

I was going to the gym pretty regularly for a couple years before my surgery, but it's been fits and starts since then. Took time off for surgery, don't go when my bowels are unpredictable, etc. Anyway, I went this morning and was using the rowing machine (my favorite piece of equipment) and had this weird feeling along my lower rib, right hand side. It wasn't painful, so I'm not worried, it was just odd so I'm curious. When I pulled back on the "oars", I got this odd pop,pop,pop feeling, almost like bubbles popping. Not just once, it happened every time. Does anyone know what causes this? Thanks!

Don't be too scared, but you're better off cautious than not. Start off soft and small, like a tablespoon of refried beans or watery oatmeal. Then eat them slowly, like 6-7 bites per tablespoon. Let each bite settle before you take another. I was insane and started with chili, but that comes with living in a house with 4 men. That's what they cooked for dinner that night and I couldn't resist, the smell had been killing me for hours! I lucked out and handled it fine, but it could have gone soooo bad! Chicken or tuna salad are usually pretty well tolerated, also moist, cooked fish. Good luck!

That's how I feel about you and several others on the site. You're wonderfully supportive and kind

I'd be honest with the surgeon's office, just in case. But for most of the pre-op diets on here, you would probably be ok so long as you're more careful going forward. But surgeon's requirements do vary. Since you're doing extra days, my bet is that you'll be fine.

Can anyone recommend a good unflavored liquid protein supplement? Thanks!

@dsapeg69 Congratulations! You look amazing, very inspiring! And thank you for your service!

Congrats on your surgery! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!