i1Linda

Where in Kroger? Seafood department? Frozen foods? I would like to try it.

Okay - I'm only 5 months post-op (tomorrow) and have thick hair to start. I am seeing some hair loss but not horrible. Much less hair loss than post-pregnancy. Now that was a lot of hair coming out.

BigTex - Awesome idea on the Sunrise CL mixed with vanilla Protein Powder - It sounded so good, I had to go make one - YUMMERS :thumbup: I am sipping it now while watching my Cowboys.

Hi Marci - Welcome to VST! Go for it Girl!!! This surgery has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. Initially it was all about "doing it for me" - I thought I was being selfish but did not care. I was TIRED of being fat. In reality however, it has been wonderful for my entire family. I am so much happier (even though I never thought of myself as unhappy), healthier and more energetic. My boys can hug me and wrap their arms all the way around (something my 8 year old pointed out - I love that). And of coarse, my husband loves it. Congratulations of your surgery date. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Bernadette - I was right there with you - dead set on getting the band. I was a walking, talking LapBand commercial. I went to Dr. Nick's seminar and something about Grehlin caught my interest when he talked about the sleeve. I went home, found this site and learned so MUCH more about the sleeve and the complications of the band. Whew! I have so many people here to thank for a narrow escape. Take care girl.

Wow Bob! You're getting skinny. WTG :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Hi Mica! Welcome to VST! I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with the band. It must be disheartening to go through with the surgery and then have complications later on. I too initially thought the Sleeve sounded too invasive for me. But luckily, I found this site before I got banded and learned before hand what you and so many others have suffered through. All things considered, I think the sleeve is far less invasive (they go in once, remove a large majority of your stomach, you heal, you're on your way to a healthier life) - so much easier. If you're able, I would take Stoongal's advise and attend one of their support groups. You will learn a lot that can help you on this journey.

Tdriver - Post-op you obviously start with Clear liquids and slowly progress to solid food. Once you start eating things that need to be chewed, you will get a feel for how much chewing is necessary for your sleeve. Initially, when I started eating solid food, cut my food into little pieces, like feeding a toddler. Today, I cut my food up the same as I would for my four year old. Much smaller bites than I would eat pre-op but not tiny. I probably chew 10-15 times for solid Protein (maybe less sometimes for softer food). My sleeves tells me when I screw up and eat too quickly and/or don't chew enough. The food hits my stomach like a rock and I am really uncomfortable (sometimes painful) for a few minutes. It's a non-subtle reminder to eat more slowly. Some people will vomit, but I haven't since I was in the hospital starting clear liquids and my tummy was swollen. Overall, I haven't found the chewing process difficult, especially after my tummy healed. You will learn to understand the chewing needs of your sleeve.

Bernadette - Wow - what a terrible experience. I'm glad you got your band out before something worse happened. I am so thankful I found this site before I got the band and got sleeved instead. Initially, the band sounded much less invasive. Long term, I'm certain the sleeve is the least invasive. I'm glad you are feeling better. Have a speedy recovery - sip, walk, sip, walk. :thumbup:

I think it has 5 gram of protein - when made with 8 oz skim milk it has 13g. When I was post-op I added a little unflavored protein to it (not much - just enough to bump it to 20g).

Woo Hoo!!!! Way to go Mamie!!!!! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

NewMe - Welcome to VST ! Good luck with the insurance approval process. Please feel free to ask questions if you have them. I have found lots of knowledgeable & supportive people here.

You're almost there Angel. Hang on. For me, the pre-op was the WORST part of the whole thing. Yes, I was in some pain and discomfort post-op, but I wasn't hungry anymore. The pre-op with a normal tummy is the worst. Midwest Girl is right on, you'll look back on the pre-op diet as just a big inconvenience. The SLEEVE is so worth 2 weeks of pre-op misery.

We are all a bit scared - it's surgery. I got a bit freaked out before knee surgery last month. It's completely normal. I can't imagine watching THAT program right before WLS. I would have a major freak out - I tend to worry about things. Hang in there - you're almost there. :crying:

Woo Hoo! That's awesome Nick!

Cardio Coach ROCKS!!! Can't wait until I am cleared again for my elliptical - dang knee surgery.

Longhorn - Dr. Nick uses the drain for the same reason. The Fluid coming out, lets him know what's going on inside.

Theresa - I asked the dietician and she said around 800 calories. However, it wasn't really the calories that were important. The daily fluids and Protein intake are what's important. FYI - I eat on average 800 calories a day. Sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more. Rarely can I get over 1000 calories unless I have a major carb craving and attack the box of wheat thins in the pantry (I really need to stop buying them). It's so funny that I feel guilty eating a WHOLE 1000 calories in a day. I good day used to be eating less than 1400.

Well put Tiffany. There are risks and benefits with every surgery, procedure, and every medication we put in our body. With our doctors help, we have to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. But don't forget that caring an extra 50-100+ pounds is a risk factor for just about every major illness (cancer, heart disease, diabetes - just to name a few). For me, the huge benefit of having WLS and losing my excess weight FAR exceeded the risks of the procedure itself. Good luck with your journey. Take a deep breath, everything will be fine. Just a few more days and you will be on your way to a healthier you.

Yep - had a drain for a week post-op. I too was worried about pulling it out accidently. However, after having it removed, realized that it was in a LOT further than I thought and an accidental tug wasn't pulling it out. Kind of a pain to have it, but not painful.

Okay - I have one. Yesterday, I was reading the newest issue of People Magazine. Every year they have the people that are now "half their size". Anyway, I usually read this a bit envious, wishing it could be me. This year, I reading these terrific stories of weigh loss thinking - "that IS ME". Granted, I am not at goal yet - 31 lbs to go. But I wasn't envious, because I know I will be at goal soon and it WILL HAPPEN. It's not a wish but a near certainty.

CC - Congratulations and welcome to VST. It sounds like you are doing great. Each day gets better and once you are totally healed, it gets GREAT. Keep us posted on your progress. And again, WELCOME! :w00t:

Dawn - Welcome to VST and congratulations on your recent surgery. First off, follow your surgeons instructions especially these first 6 weeks. Let your knew little tummy heal properly. Don't worry about what you can't eat right now, it's not forever. It's not that you can't have it, you just can't have it now. Just 6-8 weeks. You will again be able to eat things you shouldn't occasionally, but your sleeve will help control how much. Walk - get in some exercise and get the blood moving. Sip - stay hydrated. Weight loss rate depends on how much you have to lose. I lost a little every day until the 3 week stall. Then during week 4, weight loss started up again. I seem to lose weight in a stair step pattern (if you plot on a graph), nothing for several days/week than a bunch of pounds over a couple of days, then nothing for several days, etc. You can browse through the forum and see different people's tickers and see their weight loss progression. Good luck on your journey and feel free to ask questions. I have found incredibly supportive and knowledgeable people here - we are all in this together.

Well for New Year's Day breakfast, I made pancakes for the family. I haven't done that in a really long time (July). Anyway, I received a sample of Wonderslim Protein HotCakes and thought I would give them a try - a treat for me. I made them as directed with water and added 1/2 serving of diced "no sugar added" peaches and served with SF pancake syrup. Yummers! Now, I think too many carbs for a daily breakfast, but a nice substitute as a treat. (one package makes 2-3 pancakes - 120 cal, carb 19g, sugars 2g, fiber 5g, protein 12g). FYI - I couldn't eat them all - I only ate 2/3 of it and am now STUFFED. Uggghh!