The only surgeons in Edmonton are the ones that Weight Wise have on staff and unfortunately they have long wait list. The program has changed a lot since I did the program but it took me 9 months to go through the program and then 5 months wait once approved for surgery. 

Have you been approved for surgery yet? I ask this because lot of people go through the program at the clinic and don't qualify for surgery. Keep doing what your doing and your plateau will end and you'll be on the losing end of things again. Little changes help like up your protein and lower your carbs, eat lots of veggies to keep you full. Stay away from pop and juices as they only leave you hungry.

Good Luck.

Kee.

PS. I forgot to say, one thing you might want to try pre surgery is to start separating your liquids from your meals. You won't be able to drink at the same time that you eat after surgery, so get used to drinking your water etc. about an hour before and after any meal you eat. 

Think of it like a sink - water will push solids down the drain faster. The longer the food stays in your new tummy the longer you will feel full.

If they haven't told you to add protein drinks then don't add any new liquid calories. You are right that you will need them afterwards as you wean back on to food again. But your tastes will change so no use buying much ahead of time. I bought some and hated them after surgery, and then had to get new ones. I do add protein powder to recipes to up my protein count for the day. Cut out sugar, pasta, refined breads as you can't have it post surgery really anyway.

Good luck ;)            ~mtrai

Hi Kendra - you're doing great. I find eating more protein will fill you up longer, and it helps you heal after surgery.  I have replaced sugar with protein powder in most of my recipes. Here's three recipes I am cooking all the time lately!

Winter Soup - beans and quinoa, a grain high in protein. I usually omit the spinach and use what spices I have. It's very filling and you can use after surgery when you can tolerate soups, or blend it up. I freeze in single serve containers to take to work.

Winter Soup
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 vegetable bouillon cube + 6 cups boiling water (or use 6 cups vegetable broth)
One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup  quinoa, uncooked
1.5-2 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed (about one 15oz can)
1 tsp good-quality curry powder
Pinch or two of ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 cups baby spinach leaves, well rinsed and roughly chopped (optional)
1/2 tsp (kosher) salt, to taste, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of saffron threads (optional)
 
Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over low-medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and zucchini and continue to sauté for about 5-7 minutes.
2. Place your bouillon cube into a medium sized bowl. Boil 6 cups of water and pour over the bouillon cube. Stir well to dissolve. Alternatively you can use 6 cups of vegetable broth.
3. Add bouillon mixture (or broth), tomatoes, red quinoa, black beans, spices, and seasonings. Bring to a boil and then simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Add the roughly chopped spinach, stir well, and cover. Simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes. The longer you cook it the more the flavours will develop. Taste test and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with nuts of choice if preferred.

________

Chocolate Banana Protein Mini Muffins
3 very ripe bananas, smushed up
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or applesauce)
1/2 cup  chocolate protein powder
1 3/4 cup flour (I use almond flour to make it gluten free)
3 tbsp coco powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup choc almond milk (or skim)

mix wet, then dry in a mix master. pour in the mini muffin tins that you spray well with local nonstick spray.
bake 395 for 13-15 minutes.   I take these to events sometimes as a healthier treat than cake or cookies that I know I can eat, with a walnut or pecan on top to look "fancy"

______________

Bacon Topped Turkey Meatloafs with BBQ sauce
¾ cup grated zucchini, all moisture squeezed dry with paper towel


2 tbsp onion, minced
2 tbsp diced red pepper


½ cup bread crumbs or oats


¼ cup BBQ sauce


1 large egg
1 tsp smoked paprika


1 tsp salt


1.3 lb ground turkey


6 slices center cut bacon (cut in half)



Pre heat oven to 350, spray muffin pan
Mix zucchini, onion, red pepper, breadcrumbs, bbq sauce, egg, paprika, and salt. Add the turkey and combine until mixed through



Divide the mixture into 12 muffin tins. Place 1/2 slice of center cut bacon on top then add a touch of BBQ sauce on top. 



Bake for roughly 25 minutes 
1 regular sized muffin:
101 calories
2 g fat
9 g carbs
11 protein
4 sugar

(NOTE - I modified this from a recipe I found somewhere here a while ago. I make these in mini muffin tins (just cook a bit less)

I sub this with oats since I don't eat bread. I use a sugar free BBQ sauce)

Good luck! ~mtrai
 

easier said than done.... lol but yes i'm trying

bring notepaper for for your class!!! and take all the notes you can!
i've been reading over all the notes i took and all the info sheets they give you religiously these last few days

thanks guys...i have lots of different protein powders and cups etc...i started collecting last summer lol
my magic bullet is my favorite by far for making shakes

i'm doing last minute things around the house now, tidying, extra laundry, cleaning and purging of stuff....mostly packed the suitcase for hubby and I next week....
really feel like i'm having a mourning session of things and things i know i'll totally be doing afterwards but just dumb stuff like...my last 4 days of my elliptical (i love my elliptical time first thing in the morning), last baths, last chance to go swimming (at the hotel before surgery lol), last movie at the theatre....had to make sure we seen The Hobbit lol, just...ya...dumb stuff lol