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I'm going the night before. . I want to check out the area a little bit and not have to stress about making it there in time for surgery. I also wanted to hit up walmart for some vitamin waters and maybe the gnc for some isopure. I was going to bring some unflavored protein powder with me and try and add it in where I can. I know surgery makes you tired anyways but I only have a week before I'm watching my kids and neice and nephew full time again so I'm going to try and get as much protein and rest in as I can! I can't believe it's almost just a month away, eep!

Everyone is correct my plan vs my husbands plan were totally different. Pre-op Me: 3 Protein shakes 2 weeks prior high protein no-low carb one meal per day day before surgery all Clear Liquids Hubby: 3 Protein Shakes 2 weeks prior, as many leaf greens he wanted, one meal high protein Post op: Me: 3 days clear liquids, 28 days full liquids, 2 months soft foods, then begin progressing and adding as sleeve is comfortable Hubby: 1 day clear liquids, 1 week full liquids, 1 month 1 shake a day and whatever soft foods, month 2 eliminate shakes (his doctor wanted him getting his protein from food opposed to supplements) We are both doing great and followed our doctors plans, with the exception of his post-op he waited a bit longer to progress than one week. Just get your doctors or nuts (if they work together) plan and follow that, if you have questions ask! They are there for you!

Had surgery 2/22 and so far I'm doing awesome with staying hydrated, bowel movements, gas, walking, pretty much everything except getting protein in! I've found that I tend to get nauseous with the few powders I have on hand (isopure zero carb, isopure clear, & any bariatric fusion) I can seem to tolerate one milk based protein premade shake I picked up yesterday as well as plain low fat milk. However the stats aren't the greatest on the shake and I can't get enough in a day... any suggestions to help with this? I plan on adding unflavored protein powder to my purées when I start them on 3/2, but till then I'm not quite sure what to do... :/

Your post describes me ....too lazy to cook anything that takes too long. Since I have been able to eat solids I have been eating lots of fat free refried Beans heated in the microwave with a sprinkling of low fat cheese and sometimes a small spoon of sour. Taco Bell has a pinto beans and cheese side that is good for two meals! At work I've brought a pack of lean sliced turkey and baby swiss cheese and for a snack I make a meat and cheese roll. Since I like warm foods sometimes I microwave it a few minutes so it's not so cold. Individual servings of 2% cottage cheese is high in Protein. Yesterday I had tuna with low fat mayo and a chopped up hard boiled egg in it. Like I said cooking is not my forte. Last weekend I did actually make egg, spinach, green pepper, onion muffins as well as turkey meat loaf muffins. I have frozen some for later and have eaten some for breakfast and lunch this week. Good luck with your WLS journey. The peeps on this site have offered some excellent ideas to help.

I am still focusing first on veggies and Proteins like I did with normal restriction. However, I have added a few things because I am hungry. For instance, I have found that oatmeal is really filling for me, sticks a long time and is really low in calories. Bananas work well too. I also eat a whole grapefruit from time to time by peeling each individual subsection. I am finding that without restriction, I need to get that feeling of fullness and try to find healthier options to get there. Pregnancy is making me ultra hungry . . . even within an hour after meals sometimes.

Do you have a sprouts market? They have a brand named Nature's Plus...Spiru-tein...So far, the ones I've tasted are great..try Cookies and cream... They should be at other markets...110 cal, 14g Protein, o fat....12 sugar grams???... detectiontest Good Luck!

I am also new. considering between the different options. I have been approved yet surgery is at least 1-2 months out. i am leaning towards lap band but wondered if anyone on this site regretted their decision? Would you do the other types of bypass if you had it to do again? Please be as honest as you can. I need some guidance from those who have had this done. i want the good, bad and ugly. LOL

There are no forbidden foods. Alrhough, the focus should primarily be in healthy eating with an emphasis is getting the required protein. My doctor says no carbonated beverages.....ever. Some doctors don't say that. However, I think they are more the rarity.

Yes, I have PCOS as well. I was actually diagnosed years ago - probably more than 15 years. But in the past few years, things have gotten bad, and while I was not yet diabetic, my doctor upped my dose of metformin to 3 times a day. Even taking all that metformin, I was struggling to even maintain my weight, let alone lose it. And I knew diabetes was around the corner because things were getting worse and my dad got it around this age. This is the main reason why I chose to have bariatric surgery. I think PCOS is a very common reason. I did my surgery self-pay, so I did not have to go through the pain of a doctor monitored weight loss regime before hand. However, I have read others talk about it on here. It sounds like there are two point of the monitored weight loss regime. One is to make sure you can follow a restricted diet, since your diet will be very restricted after the surgery. I am 3.5 weeks post-op, and I probably spend more time and energy on food that I did before the surgery - I have to eat more often, and I have to track my food to make sure I am getting protein, and I have to make sure I am getting enough water. Not everybody is up for that, and those people who aren't ready aren't successful long term. The second is to reduce the amount of fat stored in your liver, which makes the surgery safer. It sounds like you are following the advice from your doctor well. He knows you have PCOS and about your medication problems and why you are struggling with weight loss and how hard you've been trying. Your profile says you have lost 26 pounds - so that's not nothing. A 26 pound loss is enough to reduce the fat in your liver, and to show that you can follow a diet. So let us hope that you still will be approved. Also, talk to your doctor directly about this concern - she probably has dealt with insurance companies/patients before. If you're wanting some suggestions on how to get your diet back on track just to make sure you are approved, I wonder if you have thought about low-carb? I'm not an anti-carb fanatic, and I hope to be able to eat reasonable amounts of carbs in the long term now that I've had this surgery. But before surgery, whenever I was having trouble controlling my appetite, low-carb usually got things back on track. At it's core, PCOS is a metabolic problem with your glucose/insulin metabolism and low-carb helps. And doing low-carb pre-op will prepare you for the post-op diet. The post-op diet isn't strictly low-carb, but when you can't eat much and you need to make sure you get your protein, it pretty much ends up that way.

Im almost 10 months out. I don't think i have a stricture but i notice i can eat more carbs than protein. In almost any form. Its scary actually. But i can only get down about an 1.5-2oz of dense protein. If i try i might fit in veggies with that. But i usually don't bother. I still have about 20lbs to goal and eating carbs slows me down. Hope you're able to get where you want to be soon[emoji4] Sent from my SM-G925T using BariatricPal mobile app

I've had several friends ask me questions about the band and just thought I'd share it here. I'm about 2 months out with my band. I don't yet have good restriction, but am working on that. I am limited in quantity so far - just not enough. However, things I'm learning: having a band doesn't prevent me from eating junk The band controls hunger - but I need to make sure I don't eat when I'm not hungry I still need to make good food choices - I may only be able to eat a small amount, but I have to choose to make it a healthy small amount I could, if I wanted, eat a greasy meal - just one bite at a time Snacking must still be controlled I still need to eat according to my doctors recommendations (so, yes that means writing things down & tracking calories, carbs, protein & fat) I'm not prevented from eating sweets (never was a big sweet eater but unlike bypass I dont' get dumping) Having a band is a great diet tool! I knew what kind of eater I was going into this - and I knew it was a tool. My doctor explained how with lap-band, much of the success would be contingent upon me! This is one tool I'm going to work to make sure I succeed.

I had surgery on Monday, came home on Tuesday afternoon. I'm worried about going back to work on Monday! I am concerned at some of the journals that I have read because I am feeling very light headed and dizzie when I get up. Some patients are already eating chicken breast, tuna, etc. I was instructed to stay on the clear liquid for 3-4 days and then gradually add liquids like Protein drink and cream Soup. I have a feeling that I am not getting enough nutritian in my diet which is causing this light headed feeling. I also have this heavyness under my breasts where I believe the band to be. Is that the feeling I will get when I am full? Everything I consume is Fluid so I don't see how I could get too full? Anyway, I hope your short time off will work out for you. I took a weeks vacation and also choose to not tell anyone at work that I was having this done. I guess I go to work Monday and hopefully I will be ready. Also, very tired and not doing a whole lot yet. Let me know if I'm having "normal" feelings at this point. Ms. M.

Sometimes during a stall your body is just adjusting to the quick weight loss. Often you lose the most inches at that time, things shift around. Be patient. If you are really concerned up protein and double water intake for a day or two. Stalls can last 3-8 weeks sometimes, especially those last pounds.

What are you guys eating after 6 weeks from bypass surgery? Would you guys share a typical day? I struggling with food, or shakes, I don't have any strictures or problem, just my stomach can take certain food, and I get full very fast, I'm not taking 60gr of protein. I'm feeling very discouraged.

Hang in there...it does get better..I'm struggling a lil still but I have to talk myself thru those times. Mine told us in preop class she said that's why they have us going thru these classes an they also have support group meetings I am going to look that up an chk it out myself I think its a great tool provided an will help...keep us posted sweetie. ..that lol voice in my head Iv had to reprogram it so it tells me you can do this!! I just started on regular adderall it's helping...it's not a magic fix for me but it is helping...I have started a few projects around the house to put my mind on other things. For the first month man it was a full focus just trying to get my fluid an protein An meds in every day! That was my priority. .hang in there u will make it!! ((Hugs))

Went into my second apt after surgery and gained 2 pounds . Hopefully a strict Protein drink diet with maybe one small meal or fruit or meat a day will help this! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Had a long day at work/school and was wondering what to eat. To my suprise the lady friend had cleaned the house and had din-din waiting for me. Usually after a night like that I woul grab a few slices of deli turkey and call it a night. But she had bought these things called foldit from a company called Flatout. They are little flatbread like deals but they are made from flax seed and whole wheat with-bran and barley and five grains. 90 calories for a whole one which i couldn't finsh so 45. She threw on some of my boars head maple turkey at 60cals a slice and a teaspoon of smart balance mayo for 50 cals. She grilled it for a few seconds in the forman grill and shredded a wedge of low fat babybel cheese and let that melt over it. so flatbread-45cals, 7gprotein, 15gcarbs boarshead turkey-120cals(2) 28gprotein smartbalance-50cals total 210 and lots of protein. It was deelish and since sandwiches are my favorite food it felt like I got to eat normally again even though half of it filled me up and I couldn't touch the half sour pickle I so wanted. But I got a good lunch for tomorrow.

Hi there, I recently had my band removed due to several issues since placement in sept 2008. My insurance company revised there policy on their revision surgeries. I had appealed it all the way to the state level in 2012 and denied, they said not medically/clinically necessar . Gained all my weight back since the after having 2 babies. Made an appointment to see my surgeon in July after I found Priority Health's revised policy on a fluke.fHe mentioned the BPD with DS is an option for the "super obese". I had to decide after my appt on Tuesday so they can submit for approval. I went for long term success over safety. With 2 little girls at home, I hope I chose right! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Started eating salads without discomfort at about 3 months out. Per surgeons orders made sure to chew very well. I love greens from a visual standpoint because what looks like a large volume on your plate ends up taken up a small volume in your pouch. 10+ months out and I generally have a salad every day for one meal. I like to add beans or half a veggie burger to my salad greens for extra protein and usually some sliced almonds, grape tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil vinaigrette. Also, some fresh ground pepper and salt!

For me, it was a good six months before I tried salad, and now at a year out, it's still rare that I eat one because by the time I've gotten my Protein in, there's just no room. I understand wanting some, though. Just be aware that you may not have room without sacrificing your protein goal. On top of that, many people report pain/discomfort with salad, especially in the first several months. I know a few people who still can't tolerate it a couple years out. I get my veggies diced and thrown in eggs or sauteed with chicken/shrimp/ground turkey. Good luck!

I was fortunate to have a great team at the Kaiser Options program beginning last September 2011 - classes once a week with a group, 6 sessions with the nutritionist and 6 with a behavioral therapist to help us uncover the emotional components of our eating habits and getting us ready to deal with many life situations and life after surgery. The nutritionist guided each of us in our pre-op weight loss (10% loss expected prior to surgical approval) I was started on 1400-1600 calories for 4 weeks, 1200-1400 for the next 4 weeks, and then 1200 from that point forward. It helped alot to do the tracking and at that time keeping a manual log, eventually I moved over to myfitnesspal.com, it's easy and the database has tons of values already there for you to just click the button. Today I'm six weeks out from surgery and from last Fall, I am down 60 pounds. The weight has come off slow but steady, even after surgery, but I am making subtle changes that I hope will increase the rate of my loss, mainly cutting carbs and increasing physical activity. Mostly I was doing daily walks on my breaks, and I bought some resistance bands to use at home, and a couple of exercise DVD's including Richard Simmons - Sweatin to the Oldies. Anything to get that heart pumping and burn some extra calories. You sound like you have a good attitude. Keep that up and try hard to follow any plans your medical team has for you. Good Luck!

I'd be interested to hear about that too, I hadn't heard about that. I don't use them in place of protein from food, but I do keep them on hand for when I come up short in a day and just can't eat any more. I use maybe 2 or 3 per week of the 26 gram bullets.

Some of these looked really good...

I am in the beginning of my new life journey. I have attended a seminar and am waiting for both my psych and surgeon appointments. Since I have decided to do this, I feel like my weight and appearance are getting worse and don't know how my view of myself changed so drastically in a matter of a month. I am just so ready for the change! On top of that, I have a great friend who I have been friends with for 15 years. She is "my person". She is also overweight however has no desire for surgical options. I completely understand that and know that it is a very personal decision. Unfortunately, I feel guilty because she is sad that I am going to be changing. She keeps asking what we're going to do when we go out because we can't go sit and talk at dinner or shop at the same stores. I know I shouldn't feel guilty and I am beyond excited for this journey. How do you deal with the varying degrees of opinions??

i am not banded yet will be either in july or aug just waiting for my physc evaluation but i am trying to find a good high protein shake that is pretty good any suggestions? and also how many sugar grams each should you or do you consum in a day? i do slimfast and a brand from gnc but was wondering if the sugar content was too high any1 with any suggestions would be very much appreciated thanks