New to the site and 9 days post-op of the sleeve and looking for encouragement:)

[soubifan700 6]

Hi fellow WLS buddies!

Ok, so far my journey to a new me has been pretty depressing. When I went for my surgery, my Dr. said I had a hiatal hernia that he had to stitch up so I ended up staying in the hospital for 5 days because I couldn't get anything down (even water).

I am 9 days out and I can take Water pretty well but I found that I can't do milk products so doing Protein shakes have been super hard. I had to buy liquid Protein so I only get in about 25-30g of Protein a day:( This in turn has made me feel super weak and has given me bad headaches.

As time goes on, I can keep down more such as my multi-Vitamin and Prilosec. I was super excited for this surgery but now I feel like I made a huge mistake (apparently this is normal, but no one told me lol). I am getting better with time, but does anyone have and uplifting words or maybe some advice? I know I need a lot more protein in my diet, so if anyone knows any good sources of protein that don't deal with milk, I would super appreciate it.

I feel like I want to eat because my stomach has been moving a lot and growling, but nothing sounds good to me (not that I would eat yet;). Has anyone gone through the hiatal hernia? I would love to hear from people who are a few months out just so I know there is hope in the future (would love to also hear from fellow newbies too!!)

Thanks for time reading my post and I can't wait to meet fellow weight loss surgery peeps!

Soubifan700

[Nikkidoodlebug 120]

@@soubifan700 I haven't had my surgery yet but my doctor told me to get Isopure Protein Drink from GNC ( so I did) it is a thin Protein drink. It has 40 grams of protein in it, maybe that will help you. Good luck!

[soubifan700 6]

Nikkidoodlebug Thanks for the Protein advice! Good luck with your future surgery! If you have any questions about the procedure or even the hospital stay, please feel free to ask!

[Nikkidoodlebug 120]

@@soubifan700 you're welcome and thank you!

[Veronica Page 488]

@@soubifan700 Did you doctor not give you anything for the hernia like liquid Zantac. Only reason I'm asking is because the growling is usually associated with that and can give people the mistaken impression that they are hungry and cause over eating. I take mine first thing in the morning and it helps the growling and gurgling sounds coming from my tummy. Good luck with recovery and since you are a January Sleever there is a post op thread with tons of people including me who all had our surgery recently.

[bewell 222]

I also used GNC's Isopure. you can also get it on Amazon. The grape isn't to bad. The good thing is you don't have to drink much to get some Protein in.

I tried it before surgery and it tasted OK but since surgery, EVERYTHING tastes different even Water. So the ISOPURE does taste a little weird but I drink 1/4 cup and then try more later.

Best wishes and I'm told it gets better. I'm sure you will too. You just had a bumpy start.

[soubifan700 6]

@Veronica Page- Thanks for the kind words! I hope your journey is going good! My Doctor never gave me anything for my hernia so I will definitely look into it:) Thanks!

[soubifan700 6]

@bewell- I will definitely have to try the ISOPURE! I'm surprised I wasn't told about it from my Doctor's. Thank you for the encouragement and I really hope your recovery and journey goes wonderful!

[HMR 33]

Im a month out and had a hernia repair. I didn't have any problems with the repair, but still struggle with getting all fluids and protien in. I have started using http://www.musclegen.net, it has been great. It will mix with gatorade and clear fluids, just makes the cloudy, no real taste or texture. Some people are naysayers about this product but I have seen several others using it and I showed it to my NUT and she was fine with it. Smaller scoop too, with 30 grams protien. I ordered off Amazon. Hang in there, it will get better, I'm onto purees and struggle to get those down as I don't feel hungry or can't get much down. My doctor told me that at weeks 3 and 4 they have found there is an increase in inflammation due to healing, and I had some pain during those weeks, but it has passed. Just don't overtax your new stomach and try to let it heal. Good Luck.

[hco7416 25]

@@soubifan700 I had my surgery on Monday. Was disappointed when I came home and found out I cannot tolerate dairy. I suggest getting your Protein Shakes in with Almond milk or lactose free milk. I also purchased Unjury unflavored Protein which you can mix with anything. broth, tea, gatorade, Water, etc. That may help you get your protein in. Feel Better!

Edited January 24, 2015 by hco7416

[GEAUX SAINTS 143]

I haven't had my surgery yet,next week, fingers crossed, but I do have my Protein powder!!! My son is 3 years out and has tried them all. He finally found a good one; Optimum Nutrition 100% whey Gold Standard, Rocky Road, 5 pound (got ours online). He suggested 1-2 scoops to 2-4oz of very cold Water, which is exactly what I did. Get a small shaker bottle and get after it. It's really good!

[applegal79 19]

I use the pre mixed Premier Protein drinks from SAMs/Costco. They are a little pricy but 30g Protein and tastes like a chocolate milk. I'm not a fan of these protein powders because if they don't mix well I can't get them down! I had my surgery on 12/12 so am still taking baby steps to 'normal' food. I found a product called GENEPRO on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K6OSDYA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1422081162&sr=8-1) that is 30g protein in a small scoop. I've read people put it in their coffee, I add it to my light cream Soup and stir it up till it's dissolved in. (Don't put it in your Water it makes it a very foggy color and doesn't dissolve well) I can't stand the Isopure it tastes really nasty in my opinion! I have tried these protein waters and the grape isn't bad! Just keep trying you'll find something that works for you!

attachment=51087:ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1422081372.189330.jpg]

[soubifan700 6]

@HMR- Congrats on your surgery! I agree, the hernia has made drinking and eating a bit more difficult sadly. Thank you for the suggestion for the protein! I will definitely be looking into it! Please keep me updated on your hernia healing, cause any information would be great! Sadly, my doctor really didn't give me too much info on what to really expect with it besides having a bit more difficulty with liquids and foods. Thank you for your post and I hope your journey is wonderful!

[soubifan700 6]

@hco7416- Congratulations on your surgery! I feel you when it comes to dairy:( Sadly, I have tried lactose free milk and even soy milk. My doctor thinks that I can't even get those down because of the consistency and the tightness of my hernia site makes it harder to get through. I have just purchased some unjury, the strawberry Sorbet that goes in Water or other juices. It has 21g of Protein and I've heard it tastes great with crystal light lemonade or the orange kind. Thank you for the kind words and I hope your recovery is speedy and good!

[soubifan700 6]

@kellsbells- I hope your surgery goes well next week! Congratulations on taking that big step, and it is wonderful to hear that your son is doing so well! Thank you for the Protein ideas! I never realized there were so many products lol!