Eating post surgery question

[newbietx 0]

I am considering VSG surgery, and I want to know if I will be able to continue to drink Green smoothies (greens and fruit in blender); I drink one every day and don't know how to live without them! Also, I want to know why the surgeons say people lose 70 - 80% of their weight. I don't want to do something this drastic unless I have a chance to lose all my weight! (53 year old female, 150 lbs overweight). And do I have to do Protein Shakes? I hate them...but love greek yogurt. I am willing to do some things I don't like of course. I have tried everything and am tired of being obese.

[magpie30 187]

you should be able to continue the smoothies, once you progress to full liquids, but should probably add some unflavored Protein Powder to them. You do have a chance to lose all the weight you want, you have to remember that the Sleeve is a tool not a cure. It will help you but it's still up to you to make healthy choices. and yes, everyone does Protein Shakes, and no they generally aren't very tasty. It sounds like you should attend a seminar on weight loss surgery offered at your hospital or at least make an appointment to speak with a surgeon who can answer all of your questions, and help decide if this is right for you. Good luck!

[makemyownluck 785]

You do have to do shakes in the beginning stages, usually for a liquid pre op diet and then for a week or two after surgery. Many continue to use them because it's an easy source of Protein to make sure they meet their Protein requirement post-op. But you don't have to if you are able to get enough protein elsewhere in your diet.

Also, you say you have 150lbs to lose, are you saying you wouldn't be satisfied with 105-120 of that being gone forever? Many people change their goals as they lose, especially when they have that much to lose. However, it is a tool, so it is what you make of it. You can lose it all through a lot of effort on your part with working out, and maybe even plastic surgery to take care of lose skin which can account for 5,10,15 lbs or more depending on how your skin reacts to that much weight loss. How well your skin does is based on genes, age, and current condition.

There are definitely a lot of variables to consider, and I agree with mags, you should go to a seminar at a local hospital to get more info! And poke around this site, there is much to be learned.

Good luck to you!

[newbietx 0]

Thank you for your responses. They have been very helpful. I see this is a very supportive group. I have always thought this was a last resort, but lately I am feeling the result of a greatly improved life would be worth it! Plus I have a friend whose husband had this done a year ago and he says it has been worth it. I am going to go to a seminar, and read up on this forum some more.

[Itsme! 98]

I'm the 38year old version of you. I thought I would never even think of doing something so drastic. Then in October last year there was a lot of media around WLS and the benefits and I said screw it, its what i need, and I am doing it. Since then I've lost 40 pounds, found Premier Protein shakes are my friend, cut out soda and pastas/breads/rice, and am scheduled for surgery NEXT Wednesday! I don't know how much I'll lose post op, but I'm confident that I'll lose more and be healthier and more active with my family.

[newbietx 0]

Well, I will be anxious to hear how you do post surgery. Best of wishes to you. I can't believe it but I am going to call today to set up an appt. with a surgeon I know to check this out. Maybe I could make friends with a Protein Shake too. I'll check out that brand you mentioned. Thanks!

[melodymouse 196]

You can drink smoothies once you reach the full regular diet phase. You just drink a fraction of what you do pre-surgery or drink them over a longer period of time than just the 30 minutes you should take to consume a normal meal post surgery. I do drink smoothies about twice a week. (They're great for Constipation issues!) I just have to make some adjustments in accordance with my doctors'/nutritionists' guidelines. I add extra Protein powder to them first of all. I also do not add ice to the blender but instead I pour them over ice. Most important of all, you need to let them stand for at least 2 hours in the fridge to let the bubbles dissipate. I usually make mine in the morning and drink it for lunch. Forcing the air into your system can be very uncomfortable and inhibits your digestion. I'm sure others may do it differently, but this is what works for me. Good luck!