25 Days Post Op & ...........

Hi everyone! Surgery date 02/17/04 & I have lost 25 lbs. No complications thank God! The only problems I have is finding a protein shake that I might be able to enjoy. Any sugestions, anyone? I'm also having problems with drinking 32oz per day, I might do about 24oz. I don't get hungry at all, & seeing people eat doesn't bother me, I have even cooked for my husband. Once in a while I feel like I need to taste something but when I take my fluids I'm ok. Just yesterday I start it to experince some pain on my left part of the stomach. I have checked my little incisions & they look fine. I'm hesitating in calling my Dr. I wish everyone the best! God Bless you all...

You are doing GREAT. No complications for me either. I found that if I keep water or other fluids next to me I do well with getting them all in a sip at a time. Ice chips is a good way too plus it will give you some crunch. I like Pro-comples, Apple Nectar, and AnyWhey tasteless Protein. I have also found that Isopure Protein drink from GNC is really good. It is ready made and comes in a can. Very smooth and no lumps. I like the banana the best so far. 35 grams of protein in them. If the pains continue or are severe, definitely call your doctor. I had pains one day that came and went all day, then totally disappeared. I chalked it up to healing pains. Again if they are consistant, go on for long periods of time, or severe call your doctor .. don't take a chance. Mary

I just checked, it is not Isopure at GNC that I buy. It is World Wide Pure Protein .. comes in chocolate, vanilla, caramel, strawberry, and banana. Runs anywhere from $2 to $2.69 a can depending on the store.

Thank you Mary, I will try it. Right now I have been taking Protein 95 from GNC but I'm willing to try others. I called my Dr today at 1:30pm & his nurse did not return my call till 4pm. I was a bit upset about that because it could have been something serious. According to her I have nothing to worry about since I'm not vomiting, constipated or have fever. She thinks I have probably lifted/pull something the wrong way. I hope this pain goes away. I was told to take Liquid Tylenol X strengh. Mary thank you so much for the info. It is great to chat to others who are going thrue the same. God bless you with your journey as well. Maria

Maria, we have the same surgery date! I also have left side pain, it is very common if you have had a lap procedure. The left side is where they make the biggest incision and put the biggest instruments through for the surgery. The bruising that I had on the left side of my bellybutton just went away and I still get some pain if I move just the right way or if I stand for too long or sit for too long. I find that it feels better after I exercise (even though it may hurt a little while I am walking). I also had problems with the protein, the GNC store that it is closest to my house has sample packets to buy just for trying different kinds. They also recently added a refrigerated cooler with single serving already mixed drinks to buy and sample. I have found that I like Isopure (they are clear and taste like crystal lite-grape, apple melon, orange, fruit punch, etc), they sell it in 20 oz. bottles and they have 40 grams of protein-$3.50/ bottle. I drink it over a couple hours and count it for 3 meals. I have also tried the Worldwide pure protein and ultra pure protein (16 oz cans with 30 to 35 grams of protein) that Mary suggested and they are great-$2.65/can. I also found Nitro-tech (16 oz, 40 grams protein), they were on sale for tropical punch 4 pack for $12 (I really haven't found too many milky protein drinks that I like--I stick to the clear drinks). Another product that I bought was found at the grocery store (diabetic section), it is Bob's Redmill Soy protein powder (5 grams per tablespoon), it is unflavored and I add it to soups, hot cereals, yogurt, basically anything that has a soupy consistency-$5/ 2 pound bag (I can't even taste it in the food). I used to spend about $5 a day just on breakfast and lunch on the go, so I have no problem buying these drinks that replace the bad foods, it seemed like a lot of money at first. Hope this helps and good luck, Dorothy Brown

Dorothy, Thank you for all the information which makes me feel at eased. I was worry about the pain because I didn't experince any right after surgery and when I came home it was just discomfort. I guess I'm feeling more pain now than before. I'm going to try the GNC Protein shakes you & Mary have recommended. I'm sure something will work. I was reading your profile & you are very blessed because you didn't have to wait so long for your surgery. I start it my back in July of last year, went thrue all my testing & come to find out my husband's Ins Policy excluded the surgery. So then I singned up with my Ins at work & got approved in 3 days. God has ways of working things out! Thank you so very much for all the information & may the Lord bless your journey as well.