Search the Community

I saw my surgeon today and he said I have everything in order for getting approved. Said I should know in a week or so and be set for surgery within 3 weeks. I am excited.:scared2: I only have to do two days of liquid and lose 3 pounds before surgery. However, I am ready to get started. I need some ideas of things others did that helped get prepared. I stopped drinking pop 10 days ago - not a bad as I thought it might be. I have a Protein powder I like (I am allergic to dairy so I have found a soy product with no carbs, one gram of fat and 24 grams of protein). I have found I like it ok with just Water and Crystal Light. I plan to start having Protein Powder drink for Breakfast and lunch and do a Lean Cuisine for dinner. I want to have my protein stores built up and my liver leaner by losing weight before I face the surgery. I have started on liquid Vitamins, Calcium, etc. I plan on seeing my docotr to find out what meds he wants me to continue and how to get liquid or can I crush them. I would welcome any other suggests of things that helped other people get prepared and do well in surgery and after. Thanks for your help in this. Debra:thumbup:

I brought home a piece of birthday cake and had a few bites about 9pm. I starting sliming and it lasted until 3 am.= 5 hours! I have experienced this before but the longest it lasted was 2 hours., this time it lasted 5 hours and I was wondering if it would ever stop. I guess it is called sliming....please let me know. No food came up...it was like dry heaving every few minutes but siliva (sp?) comes up with foam.....tons of it. I am surprised a little bit of cake could have caused it....I thought it happens with a piece of meat not chewed well enough. I do know about p.b.-ing, that is when you throw up food and then you feel fine. But I want to make sure this 5 hr. sliming is sort of common. Today I am on liquids and protein drinks....there is some pain when I drink. Please let me know of your similar experiences. Thank you, Loree

I don't know that I am a good one to ask. Someone on another thread said I was the poster child of what NOT to do. I had shredded chicken and mayo. I think it might have been a little too much, too soon. I have done well with cottage cheese and some canned fruit, runny oatmeal, soft white fish with some sauce. Also, pureed chicken noodle Soup was good. And cream of wheat went down easy. My docs food list said scrambled eggs, but I got the golf ball on that this morning. Ugh! I had Mexican on Friday. It will last me for 4 days since I had only 1/2 enchilada and a couple tablespoons of Beans. Skipped on the rice. The main idea is to introduce food textures gradually. I still have a lot of liquids. On work mornings, I really don't have time to devote 15-20 minutes to eating. I have a scoop of vanilla whey Protein powder in a glass of milk. I holds me until lunch. This is a list I have been collecting from LB groups and forums. If they are too thick, blend with milk and/or broth. Hope they help. Maybe they will inspire your own imagination. Blended cottage cheese and fruit Trader Joes oatmeals Chili – blended during mushie phase Cream of Wheat creamy Soups applesauce yogurt - Dannon Lite N' Fit Protein Powder for shakes frozen fruits for Protein Shakes Small pudding cups (SF/FF) or yogurt 1. refriedbeans toped with cheese 2. cottage cheese & soft low fat cheeses 3. pudding 4. cream of wheat/grits 5. yogurt 6. Jello 7. mashed potatoes 8. scrambled eggs (but not for me! ) 9. Tuna 10.Plain crackers 11. lowfat milk 12. soups(cream or pureed) SHAKES 8 oz soy milk, mini banana, frozen blue berries and a couple tablespoons bran Cereal Choclate Protien mixed with Milk, 3 strawberries, sm banana, some crushed pineapple 2 bananas peeled, broken in half and then frozen 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup plain yogurt 2 cups 100% apple juice .25 cup wheat germ (optional for additional fibre) mangos and peaches SOUPS chicken/beef/veggie broths (low sodium as needed) soups & broths Blend soups "Imagine" Soups - in cartons. (Potato Leek, Butternut, Squash, Corn, Creamy Tomato....and more. They are considerably lower in sodium than Campbell’s soups Egg Drop Soup - 4 Cups, 160 calories total2 - 14oz cans low sodium chicken broth 1 - tablespoon rice vinegar 2 - teaspoons soy sauce 4 - egg whites 1 - tablespoon *optional* flour for thickener (or even better buy soup thickener) 1 - tablespoon *optional* ginger I also add a few green onion chunks for flavor, but remove them after cooking since I can't have solids right now. Bring all ingredients on the stove to boil except eggs - once boiling drizzle in egg whites.

You did just fine with your post! Welcome to LBT! *laughs* I remember feeling the same way! I would have given my right AND left arm for a big ole steak! Fortunately I was able to talk to my surgeon and get his permission to move on to mushies after week two. I'm telling you what, that first bite of cottage cheese was pure Heaven! Talk to your Dr and see what he/she thinks about your moving to mushies. If they dont want you to, then I have a suggestion. I blended Bean with Bacon Soup in the blender before heating it. I got it to pure liquid but its warm, its thick, and it's rib sticking. That will help. Are you keeping up with your Protein? 60 grams per day minimum? If not, try upping that. It won't cure the desire to eat, but it will help you feel better. Hang in there. It's rough the first few weeks of liquids, but it will get easier and you'll do better in the long run by sticking to Dr's orders.

I am a slow loser! I only lost 38-40lbs so for. It has been very difficult, but my Dr. wants me to lose that way. I started at 223 and had my sudrgery on Sept. 9 2007, so I reaaly look at you all and wish it was me. But i try to look at it as I only have 45lbs to go before I am at my goal weight. But I have a question for you guys, Do any of you drink like smoothies or protein drinks? My Dr. tells me not to do drinks,but it is hard for anything to go down early. I know I should listen to him but I get tempted to drink one in the morning so I 'M NOT STARVING!!

There are pkenty of low carbers around ho will tell you ketosis is a good thing and the way your body is meant to run. Now you know just how dangerous and stupid tha is. You cannot live on protein alone, you need good carbs too and at this stage even yogurt, pudding and custard are acceptable. Blend som frui into purprotein shakes for example.

It will be so worth it when you go down a pants size, I lost 22 pounds on my pre-op liquid diet. I was so miserable but now I'm glad I did it. From time to time, I go on a 3 day protein shake fast to jump start my weight loss.

I am pre pre-op diet but I love to cook, too -- cauliflower is amazing whirred up with a stick blender, Cuisineart, etc. I steam it then pulverize, adding organic chicken stock to get the consistency I'm looking for. Cumin very nice, ground coriander -- and I have made a kind of "pesto" with cilantro, garlic and steamed cauliflower -- needs a little salt & pepper. Also the Indonesian squash soups -- yum. Sautéed onion, garlic, ginger then spices: cumin, coriander, etc., many recipes call for several almonds ground up for a nutty flavor, add can of coconut milk if that is ok for your food plan, then the steamed squash of any kind and stock (can be veggie or chicken). Cook down then pulverize -- very savory and satisfying. Everyone is crazy about this soup. Freezes beautifully.

Sooooo...its day 4 of pre op liquid fantastic diet. .. its not totally bad..but what doesnt help is my family walking up to my face chewing cookies obnoxiously lol...I feel like its going to get soo much easier with time, and now i kind of realize i can do the whole thing ..i was having serious doubts about a week ago. Its just been going so fast..i went to my first dr. meeting to talk about the lap band a little over a month or two ago and im having surgery in 9 freakin days!!!..Still in between excited or nervous...worried that it wont work for me just like every other weight loss program for the past 9 years ....heres hoping something will finally work for me ~xoxo Melanie~

my doctor allowed veggies too, but no yogurt or any of that. i could only use Protein shakes and 1 cup of veggies per day. so, it sounds like you have more options than I did. while you may lose weight on the pre-op, please try your best not to cheat on it again. you can make it 14 days and that is really the most difficult part (other than the 10 days of liquids only right after surgery, if your doctor makes you do that) if you are really having trouble sticking to the diet, you should contact your doctor and tell him. don't try to reason with yourself and give yourself permission to eat cheese or do anything that is not per the doctor. that is not a good way to go into this process. if you do that kind of reasoning now, believe me you will do that after you have healed and are ready to eat real food again. resolve now to do what you are supposed to do and stick to it as best as you can.

I asked the same thing! The pain really isn't anything near a c-section. I think you would be fine at graduation, I went to a wedding day 6 after my sleeve. I took along my protein shake. You should be able to drive right off as long as you aren't taking prescription pain meds - I took tylenol at home. I think if you plan for graduation, you should be fine. Don't over do it the few days before. If you go to track meets, you can sit and watch and sit your water - I would probably sit at the top of the bleechers so you have the rails to lean on, I think it would have bothered me sitting with no support. Hope that helps!

I'm six months out and was having a hard time with dehydration and hunger so I started to make sure I was drinking 64oz of water a day at least per my Dr. So now that I'm drinking I figured it would help with some of my hunger between meals. I feel like I need to eat like every 2 hours. I'm trying to have healthy snacks with protein. I'm just afraid I'm over eating. Does anyone have this problem or any suggestions. I'm also wondering how many calories should we have a day?

Dense proteins mainly include meats, like chicken, turkey, lamb, and lean cuts of beef. But also nuts, soy, and some beans.

Hi. I don't normally start new topics but I wanted to get this out there. I've read several posts that people are using the Boost high Protein as their pre-op diet. While at the store yesterday I saw it and took a closer look. My recommendation is to stop drinking this stuff!!! If you read posts from a lot of experienced bandsters we highly recommend the Premier Protein shakes (ready to drink). Below are a comparison of some important Nutritional facts. Boost High Protein Ready To Drink 8 oz 15 g of protein Total Carbs 33g Sugars 27 Cals 240 Fat 6 Premier Protein shakes 11 oz 30 g of Protein Total Carbs 5g Sugars 1 Cals 160 Fat 3 Your doctor has you on a high protein/low carbs diet to force your body to burn protein and then fat. The Carb levels in Boost are out of this world. I'm sure they taste great but no surprise look at the sugars level. Yes I know Premier is at costco and BJ's (and possibly online) but there are other RTD shakes available at walmart, and health food store that are better than Boost. Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

i use walmarts body fortress whey protein powder it has26g protein 2 g sugar 140 cal i mix it with skim milk very good, and gnc has an unflavored powder 110 cal 2 g sugar 21 protein and i mix it with my crystal light,very yummy hope that hellps

I'm doing great! It does hurt but nothing I can't handle. The worse part is the hiccups and nausea. At 8 I get my foley out and start my water and protein drinks.

Basically, in order to shrink your liver, this is what you have to do: high Protein, very low carb, low to no fat, and because you are straining your system, you have to drink a lot of Water. You will find that everyone's diet varies. Mine allowed us 3-4 Protein shakes, and 3-4 cups of non-starchy vegetable Soups. Most people are also allowed sugar-free popsicles, sugar-free puddings, clear broths, and sometimes, fat-free greek yogurt. We were told to stay between 900-1000 calories, almost no carbs, no fat, really you're doing 80% protein and water. I'd suggest you run these and other suggestions you get here by your doctor and ask him if those are okay by him.

hi friends, I am searching for the best Protein shakes! I have heard Premier is pretty good....they are sold at my local Sams Club. Are there any others you would recommend? Also...are there any sites that offer free samples to try before you buy? and...while I have you....what Calcium supplements are you taking? thanks in advance!!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

No Protein? You can still get some protein with clear liquids. If you feel like the liquid is getting stuck I would recommend slowing down, you may be full. I get mild tightness in my throat and STOP drinking or eating. I do belch more, but that's it. Its weird to open the refrigerator and go "Hmmm, yep, not hungry". Are you getting enough fluids? I asked that question and even my NUT said not enough Water will make you feel tired. I am doing much better now - still a little sluggish but not like before. You may want to time yourself doing the liquids and make sure you are over doing it. hang in there - it will get better!

First off congratulations. make sure you walk daily as much possible. You will have gas pains but they will subside. Keep in mind that right now it is about healing, not about losing weight. I have read a lot of post of people upset with themselves because they are not dropped major weight. They are only a few weeks out of surgery. So make sure you focus on healing, the weight loss will come. Make sure you are getting you protein in and taking multivitamins. That is important to healing. Get you rest and do not lift anything. Most important, follow the rules your doctor has provided. Congratulations again, and welcome to the journey.

I had to meet with a nutritionist before my surgery in a small class. There were three patients. In that same day, I also talked to a physical therapist and a nurse from the surgery floor who told us what to expect there. The nurse was really good about making sure we knew to be proactive with pain management. In the hospital before I was released, the nutritionist came in to talk to me briefly. She just went over my diet again and made sure I had what I needed available. This is when she told me what I'd need to eat for my daily Protein intake. For me, I have to eat 70 grams of protein a day. About a month later, I had another class with the nutritionist. This time, it was a large class of about 20 people. She went over all the potion sizes and food labels and what we should and shouldn't eat. My surgery costs included two more visits with the nutritionist, and those would be one-on-one and can happen when I feel I need them. There is no expiration date. So if I'm struggling with an issue, she could help me.

Much good advice. I felt ... not quite human... the first TWELVE WEEKS post op. I wasn't in physical misery... but I was kinda numb in many ways. I have a somewhat driven/type a personality type so I was able to slide into the mode of focusing on my rules, my food, exercise ... and then waited. Maybe I was depressed too - I dunno, I didn't feel that way at the time. I was more just "flat". I have a long history of using food to get that calm feeling - it was described to me that I used food as an emotional ballast. I kind of related to that remark; I was following the sleever rules which did NOT really support my food as emotional ballast situation! I was flat, not quite myself. Then, enough weight came off that I could do things! I was still quite overweight, but I went on a little hike with my college age son and I felt so happy I could do a normal Mom thing! I got fitter an fitter and then Mothers day became a hiking tradition where I kick ass! I think you can imagine how those experiences would shift the feelings too! Having said all that, get meds if that is what will get you started back on track! No reason to cut ourselves short on life - Only you know if that is a good option. I had lost 50# before anyone noticed (besides a close friend who complimented non existant weight loss!).

Quest are actually a Protein blend, not 100% whey protein isolate. I drink Quest sometimes *now* at 16 months out because I'm getting most if not all of my protein from food (I drink shakes more as a convenience now). But we were told early out when you're relying on shakes to meet your protein needs to stick to 100% whey protein isolate. Samples - I don't really know of any free ones - usually you pay a couple of bucks for an individual packet, but it's way cheaper to pay $2 for sample than pay $30 for a big tub of it only to find out later you hate it. I'd definitely invest in a bunch of samples. And don't forgot a lot of people's tastes change after surgery - so try the samples *after* your surgery Calcium - I use a variety: Upcal D (a powder you mix into food or thick beverages (it doesn't dissolve very well, so thin, watery drinks don't work as well. I usually mix it into my morning yogurt)), Bariatric Advantage chews, occasionally Calcet Creamy Bites (they're wonderful but 40 calories each - yikes!). Sometimes I'll also make a double Protein shake and drop a couple of calcium tablets in it. If it's somewhat acidic (like the fruity Syntrax ones), the tablets will eventually dissolve.

Extreme low carb the first 2 weeks no more than 30 carbs per day from condiments. All the Protein you want (without breading) green Beans and a host of other green vegetables, lettuce, cucumber, onion, etc etc. Stay clear of non green veggies or starches like corn, peas, potatoes, no bread,etc. Can have fat too.......... I'm finishing 3 weeks on it as my surgery is monday. eggs, bacon, sausage, etc etc all good.

Hi, I was originally interested in the sleeve but thought better of it after my initial consultation and after looking around on the forums am glad I have changed my mind it seems a much better option. Did you have a band for long and did it work for you at all. I'm currently 273 pounds and 5' 3" and have tried every diet going I lost tons of weight a few years ago and gradually put it all back on again as usual. Good luck with your operation and let us know how you get on.