New to this board

I just thought I would post a little welcome over here.  I guess I never realized there was this seperate section for California too!

I had surgery on 10.11.10 (8 days ago now).  I had it by Dr. Chin in Concord.  I am on Stage II (full liquids) and am getting pretty darn bored!  I got some cream of potato today,  but even that once you strain it was not all that exciting.  I go next Monday the 25th for my 2 week check up and find out when I can introduce puree. I love soups so once I can make some other kinds of soup and puree it I think I will be feeling better about things.

I just finally today was able to drink a whole protein shake - throughout the entire day. 3 and 4 oz here and there. I just feel so stuffed and full if I drink more than that.  At "meals" I have about 2oz of yogurt or 1/3-1/2 cup of soup.  My calories have been around 200-250 with about 30g of protein - I am really working to get that number up each day {which it has}. I thought maybe I should go update the tracker with tonights stuff and I am actually better today. 390 cal and 39.5g of protein.

What did you do to get all your protein and water in early on?  I don't drink coffee so the protein recipes that have coffee in it does not work for me.  I have been drinking Pure Protein vanilla, chocolate & cookies and cream, and also the Premier Chocolate from Costco.  I also have some of the Special K protein water mixes - 5g - mixed into 16 oz. of water.  It was pretty sweet though so it took two days to drink it.  I really just prefer to drink water, but hate sipping it - so that has been a big adjustment!

Well I hope to get to know you guys better.  And would love any tips you have to share with me!

Take a couple of sips of water every 15 minutes. That's about 2 oz. Stopping and starting around meals by 30 minutes, should allow you to get in the 64 oz.  The Pure Protein shakes are good, but the volume or that of the Special K may be too much at this stage.  Since you're on soft foods, why not add some unflavored whey isolate protein to SF pudding??  That's an easy one for most post ops. 2-3 oz of soft food with 25g or so protein. Much better than 11 oz drink for 35, and it won't take hours to do.  When given the ok, try the PURE PROTEIN bars, they're pretty good.  Bars are $1.39 every day at Fresy & Easy stores, and are $1 each on unadvertised specials at Ralphs. Normal price at Ralphs supermarket is $1.79.  Sometimes you can find the bars on Ebay. I found some today for around $1.18.  When I get low, I check out the local Ralphs market on Wed. to see if they're on for a buck that week. Good luck on your journey. DAVE

That would be great to get 25g in with one serving of pudding or yogurt.

It has been on my list to go to GNC. Each time I think ok I am going to go I think but what in the world am I going to get!  So I will get the unflavored whey isolate protein and mix with pudding or yogurt.  I did get a couple protein bars for when the time comes.  Thanks so much for the feedback! 

I need to make a list most places I go, or I also don't remember. I thought it was just my issue.  It may take a couple of tries to find an unflavored whey isolate protein, as most have some flavor.  If you can't find any, PM me and I'll tell you more about the one I found. It's noted on my profile page. My fellow support group members really like it. No flavor to it, but it may change the color of darker soft foods, or make them slightly creamier. But it mixes easily.  If you can get some samples to try, that might be a better idea than buying the large economy jug of protien--one you may end up giving away because you don't like the flavor.  3T of the protein powder I use is 27g protein.  SF pudding does off you a pretty wide selection of flavors too, but this powder would mix with any soft food. DAVE

Krisi........

You sound like you are doing good, so maybe you should not stress over and just relax. It took me almost 4 weeks to get all my protien in. It was hard, and I found I stessed over it alot, and when I just relaxed, I done much better. But that is just me.

Everyone doc has there very own way of doing things. So if you have question, he would be the best one to ask. They also change over time, so some that had your same doctor may have been told something different that what he is asking you  to do.

Best of luck and Congrats on a great start.

Luana

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I was up to 40.2 grams today and got in 5/6 of my 8oz of water - plus 8oz of protein drink.

I NEVER had a problem getting 100oz of water before the surgery. It is the sipping consantly that kills me... I forget for a little bit!

Good morning Krisi and welcome to the Cali board!  Sounds like you are doing really well. 

I too go to the John Muir Support group, albeit I missed in Oct due to our Nor Cal Loser's Apple Hill trip which was the same day.  Speaking of NorCal Loser's we welcome you to our luncheons.  See my post a little further down the forum.  It will be Nov. 13th at Coco's in Concord at noon.  Lot's of wonderful friends who offer support and great friendship.  We even do a clothing exchange, so come prepared to shop... free!

Welcome again.
Barb

Thank you so much. The October meeting was the first one I was at. I am not sure if I will be able to be at the November meeting as I am thinking of doing the Craft Fair in Antioch sharing Shelf Reliance and Thive Foods (they have emergency preparedness stuff, shelving for food storage and food storage).  I became a consultant in September - just before I got my surgery date. But the food is still fabulous and most is WLS friendly so once I can "eat" again I will get to enjoy it again!  If I decide not to do that I will probably at least be at the Support Group.

Are the Loser Lunches always in Concord? And are they the same week each month?

Welcome to the Cali Board Krisi. You have found a wonderful group of people. Sounds like you are right on track. It just takes time to get everything going. I would tell you to be careful of the sugar content and sugar alcohol content in what you are eating.

The best way to get to know everyone is to just join in on all of the post. Feel free to post anytime you want. We look forward to getting to know you too!

I do realize I need to watch it closely.  The Light n' Fit is probably at the top of my limit, but at 2 oz and I mix in a little protein powder (maybe only 2-3g worth of it) and I like it {not much I like right now} I think {hope} that will be ok for now.  I don't like cream of wheat, rice, grits, malt-o-meal!