Cala B.

I don't know if you diaphragm will be quite ready after only 10 days. Even in April you might still be very tender.

Thanks for the reply. So far I have only purchased ready-to-drink shakes, I hate trying to get the powdered stuff mixed, meh. I purchased a bunch of BariatricPal meals and some of the SmartCakes (I think?), a few soup variety packs.

Has anyone tried IDEAL PROTEIN products? Good, bad, or blech? Worth the $$ or not? Any specific favorite products? Do they follow bariatric patient guidelines (high protein low carbs, low or zero sugar)? I'm still pre-surgery, getting my "homework" done; I don't have sleep apnea (yay), still pending are the two nutrition classes, cardiologist visit, and psych evaluation, then I'll be able to meet with a surgeon and get a surgery date

That's all I meant, that he really shouldn't have mentioned the surgery. But I know sometimes we spill stuff we don't mean to when taken off guard. IMO humans are busy-bodies and naturally curious, some just don't have filters for what's appropriate maybe? That said, I don't generally ask those questions of strangers myself, and have never reached out and rubbed the belly of a pregnant woman (even with permission or invitation!), why do people do that? lol

First of all, your husband opened the door by mentioning your surgery. I would put a kybosh on that and tell him to not discuss it with ANYONE without your express permission. I would be curious too but probably wouldn't ask a total stranger.

I am pre-op, but my instructions say no lifting more than 10 pounds, no reaching (details in the attachment), so I vote with the others, definitely get the surgery after your move! If you're anything like me, it would be hard to resist doing more than you should post surgery Abdominal Precautions.pdf

I found a large selection at Vitamin Shoppe, not sure if they are in your area? They have some great sales, I was able to get IsoPure drinks "buy one get one 50% off" and tried several different shakes to see what I like. They have one shake that has 51 grams of protein but I find it hard to gag down. I am pre-op

I made my own ground turkey (Italian sausage) meatballs without breading but with asiago and parm cheese and eggs. I brown them, then simmer them in tomato sauce (with garlic and Italian spices) for a few hours and YUM! Some recipes I found online mention adding almond flour. I'm not sure how to figure out the nutrition, but with no breadcrumbs I'm thinking they're at least close to the bariatric recommendations. I will have to look into it further once I have my surgery.

I would highly recommend a cruise, there are always a lot of food choices so you wouldn't have a problem finding something appropriate.

https://www.realgoodfoods.com/ This brand makes a bunch of high protein low-carb frozen meals

Today was my first set of appointments to start the process; nurse practitioner, dietician/nutritionist, and physical therapist. In addition, I got my bloodwork and EKG done. I already have a mammogram and colonoscopy on record. I went in with a positive attitude and I think that helped, I was more excited than nervous. I mentioned that I had been reading the forums on this site to learn what I could and I think it helped me comprehend the massive amount of information I was given because I sort of studied ahead, plus, they gave me a notebook The dietician noted that I take a lot of supplements, and she stressed that I will be restricted to taking only a few after surgery, at 200% the regular dose; multi-vitamin that includes iron and other minerals and B12 sublingual at night, calcium citrate 500mg liquid or chew three times a day, plus vitamin d, liquid or small gelcaps. I forgot to ask about my Wellbutrin and allergy medicine. Oh well, there's time! A lot of people in these forums say NOT to try the drinks, food, or supplements pre surgery, but my dietician encouraged me to try different things to find what I like (even though my preferences may change post surgery). I have already purchased some Protein20 drinks, Premier Protein shakes, sugar free Gatorade, Propel electrolyte water, bone broth, and some Millie's sipping broth samples. My choice is the gastric sleeve but they will probably try to convince me that the bypass is the best option (and "gold standard" as I keep reading everywhere). I was scoped in July and they found a hiatal hernia, some non-bloody ulcers, and Schatzki's ring. I was instructed to continue with the Omeprazole in order to continue to calm my esophagus and stomach. I hope they let me stick with the sleeve, I don't want to deal with malabsorption issues and I prefer being able to take NSAIDS. I have enough dumping from having my gallbladder removed and being sensitive to grease/oil. Today while at the hospital, I had a long break so I had brunch consisting of an egg-salad sandwich (which they said was freshly made that morning) and half a bag of chips. Let's just say I had to visit the restroom 4-5 times during the rest of my time there, ugh! The insurance company has told my hospital (OHSU Portland Oregon) that the procedure is covered, but have not yet responded regarding what they require from me. The hospital requires two nutrition classes and a few more tests. My EKG came back "borderline" so I am being referred to a cardiologist to make sure everything is ok. I made my two nutrition class reservations and psychological evaluation appointment, as well as my sleep study consult. I'm 58 and have had a hysterectomy (1 ovary left) so I'm not required to get a pap smear, review birth control, and they're not requiring that I be screened for drugs & alcohol (I quit smoking 31 years ago). I'm hoping to have it all done by February, but won't know what else I need to do until my insurance company forks over some information! This facility only requires 24 hours of clear liquids before surgery (yay). While I was given my diet information, I think I'm going to slowly incorporate better habits and definitely pay attention to my protein and fluid intake for now. Since my BMI is slightly over 41, I was cautioned not to lose more than 10 pounds because it would put me below the required 40 BMI. That is unless I end up being diagnosed with sleep apnea (I have high cholesterol); neither joint pain or depression qualify as co-morbidities. My lab results have already been provided and they found my ferritin to be low, so I need to begin taking carbonyl iron with vitamin C right away. I've read a lot of different posts of people sharing their program information, so here is my post-surgical diet information from my booklet: STAGE ONE - first day following surgery - CLEAR LIQUIDS STAGE TWO - starting day two post surgery, for 14-21 days - FULL LIQUIDS STAGE THREE - starting 2-3 weeks post surgery, for approximately 6 weeks (depending on how the patient is doing) - SOFT FOOD STAGE FOUR - approximately two months post surgery - SOLID FOOD (low sugar & low fat) Over the weekend I cleaned out my cupboards of a bunch of food and food-like substances; what wasn't expired I took to work. Fed the crows some expired cereal and crackers. Haven't tackled the freezer yet. Since my surgery isn't scheduled yet I have plenty of time! I just wanted to thank everyone who posts their experiences and questions and advice, I think people are very supportive here for the most part!

That's good to know.......the medical staff has indicated they can repair the hiatal hernia during bariatric surgery, but nothing was mentioned about the abdominal one. I hope to be able to get a tummy tuck once my weight has stabilized, I've heard they can combine it with a hernia repair. My only issue with waiting is it's uncomfortable to even try situps, it doesn't feel right!

Good question, thank you Briswife! I've got homework to do before I get to see the surgeon, so I will have to ask him/her. I've just been going by what I've read here and there. If it's not allowed for either that issue is a moot point and I'd just be concerned with dumping.

((hugs)) back at you, thank you! I can't believe you had to go through that so young, I'm glad you are better! My mom had mouth issues as well, she had canker sores, and she kept losing her teeth. She definitely fought to live, she was only 72; before she passed I teased her about how many sewing projects she had started, she'd have to live to over a hundred to complete them all! I have been doing a great deal of research, on these forums and elsewhere on the internet; I am reading the good, the bad, the ugly, etc., everyone's experiences are different! BUT I will trust my medical team to answer questions I have, they seemed pleased that I DID have a few when I was there yesterday. I am worried about having to wear adult diapers if I get the bypass, only sorta kidding! And I would miss my Aleve horribly! It might be time to change your name to FluffyNoMoreChix? You've accomplished a lot, congrats!

Matt, thank you for your input. I have read a lot of your posts so I'm somewhat familiar with what you've experienced. I know part of my mind set is that my mother had the bypass in 2007 and she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012 (but I think she was already stage four at that point). During her cancer treatments she had a difficult time consuming enough calories (dry mouth, loss of appetite), and some members of the family were convinced that part of the problem with her not getting enough nutrition was due to the bypass. In no way is anyone saying the bypass caused her cancer, just that we think it may have interfered with her getting enough calories. We tried to convince her to eat like it was her job, but I lost her in 2016; they had estimated she had 5 years but she only got 4. To be fair, that type of cancer is terminal no matter what you do, it's always just a matter of time. Another thing is, I rarely have GERD and the Schatzki's ring issue is mostly under control as long as I take my time, chew my food thoroughly, etc......which is what we need to do no matter what surgery we have! I don't know if the bypass would be any different from the sleeve for that specific issue. They suspected I had EoC when I got scoped but the results came back negative, and I had no symptoms with the ulcers. They said I might need to be scoped again to see if things have improved. They put me back on Omeprazole but from what I've read, all bariatric patients are directed to take it post-surgery. I like having the option of NSAIDS and feel like I already have enough dumping in my life, even when I'm not committing dietary crimes! In my mind, I'd rather have a little GERD now and again rather than dumping every day. But of course I would rather have surgery once and not have to get a revision down the line, so I need to consider the bypass. Thank you Lynn and Gaby :)

I have been wearing nylon spandex capri's over my bathing suit bottoms for years, and I love the racer-back tankini suits......

Plateaus are really common, no matter the weight loss method. I'm a little shocked that your doctor is so critical that you are 3.2 pounds short of a 40 pound weight loss. Maybe I'm misunderstanding part of the story? But either way, what you need is support and encouragement, not "shoulda woulda coulda". Hang in there, it will get better! The only thing I can suggest is trying different food combos and/or different workout methods, switch things up a bit.

Lmao, log beast, thank you for the laugh! SO, if you can tell you have a log beast that is ready but somehow unwilling to be born (lol), carefully press your perineum and it should slide right out (with some TP as a barrier of course). I've been doing this for years when I'm a bit bound up. If you Google you will find it's fairly common.

Medical devices such as a CPAP do NOT count towards your baggage, therefore it is an allowed third carry-on item. https://www.smartertravel.com/travel-cpap-machine/

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread! I have been very lucky to be able to avoid cold sores by taking L-Lysine, topical treatments really don't do much for me. Everyone is different, but feedback is very helpful! Back to the original topic, I am curious about Frustr8's question as well! I'm also curious if "most" bariatric patients are experiencing hair loss or is it mainly bypass patients? So far it sounds like I should take biotin and l-lysine to help prevent hair loss, but I understand there's no guarantee. From what I've been reading, doctors aren't entirely sure why hair loss is so common, but it has to be the extreme diet change, it must shock the system. My initial consults are booked for 10/30 so I'm I am reading everything I can in order to be prepared!

You're thinking of Lycopene L-lysine is known to reduce the severity of cold sores; I have found I don't get them at all if I take a few thousand mgs if I feel a lip tingle. I take it whenever I feel a little "meh"