Coming out of "lurking".

Hi, My name is Mary Anne, I've been lurking for a few months. But now I'm closer to having a date. I'm going with Dr. Bell, and his group out of New Haven, anyone else in here that had him? I should have surgery within the next three weeks, maybe four. I have a few questions. I hear about chicken broth,, are you talking about the "Chicken broth in the can called "College Chicken Broth???? And if that is the one,, are you able to warm it up,, I can't see sipping that stuff cold. My next question is the vitamins,, I've heard the Flintstones chewable vitamins are ok,, now is that with or with out the iron ? I'm pretty much set with the protein. I've plenty on hand of the different types that I like and have been drinking for the past two months. I'm also getting ready to order the ones that have 42 grams, and they come in little vials. I've also got about 10 big bottles of 100% grape juice, cranberry juice and even a couple bottles of 100% prune juice. Any information on the do' and don't's would be greatly appreciated. I've been learning a lot here,, and taking notes on the different problems that people have,, eventhough it's great knowing these things,, I also know that everything doesn't apply to everyone,, and if some thing seems serious then you should call the doctor. Well anything you can tell me would be great. Mary Anne

Hi Mary, It sounds like you have been doing your home work. BUT has anyone told you that your taste might change after surgery? What I loved before surgery as far as the protein, I couldn't even put in my mouth after surgery. So I wasted alot of money there. Also on the 100% juice, check the sugar content. If you are lap-band its won't matter but if you are having gastric-by-pass, you need to watch your sugar content. You should talk to a nutritionist to help you with that. There should be one available through the doctors office. Good Luck! Sarah

Sounds like you're on top of your game, Mary Anne. Check with your surgeon on anything you ingest, they all differ somewhat on their approaches. You should be able to warm up the chicken broth. Let us know when your date is set! M.

Welcome out of lurking! I used the chicken and beef broth that came in a little jar that I scooped out and added some boiling water to to disolve it - you have to refrigerate it after opening - I like the taste of them the best - but there is nothing like home made - if you can, make a pot roast with tons of water and just freeze the juice in small containers that you can defrost and heat up after surgery - you'll like that broth much better I bet! You doctors office can advise you about the vitamins - I would think the one with iron is better - I actually got centrum chewable vitamins at Costco. Watch out for drinking too much juice - regardless of your surgery type - you don't want to ingest too much sugar - plus if your rny it might make you dump! Crystal lite is a good choice if you get sick of drinking water - my fav is the rasberry flavored one...... Congratulations! Tammy

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'm going with the RNY. Don't think the lap band would work for me. As for the juice, I put about one once of the juice in a full glass of water,, just for the taste. I have quite a few boxes of the crystal light, my favorite has always been the lemonade and the tea. But I'm planning to get the mango,, and use it with the protein powder. Thanks again. Mary Anne

Greetings Lurker, Good luck with your upcoming surgery. Dr. Bell is a FANTASTIC surgeon, you've made a great choice. I can't say enough good things about him. He's very patient and has a great bedside manner. Do make your follow up appointments for the morning though..... Since he's a chatty, not rush the patient kind of surgeon, he tends to run late in the afternoon : ) Don't go crazy on the protein. Dr. Bell will only want you getting like 55-60 grams or so per day after surgery for optimum weight loss. I wouldn't bother with the 42 gram protein supplements without discussing it with Dr. Bell first. After surgery you will be on Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast for your protein. Personally, I liked the Carnation better. All the Ensure went in the trash. The previous poster is right, don't go crazy buying stuff that you may not like at all after surgery. You'd be surprised how different some things taste to you afterwards. I am curious what all the juice is for??? Lots of calories and sugar there.... you may not be able to stomach that. Any chewable vitamin is okay. Flinstones, GNC, etc. I use GNC Solotron chewables still because there's no added calcium carbonate which I can't have since I have a history of kidney stones. bariatriceating.com sells a great liquid calcium citrate that I substitute for the tums. You can have any kind of broth or strained clear soup (heated, of course). If you haven't been to the group session yet, you will get a list of everything you can have and instructions on that day. That will also be the day you can pick/schedule your surgery date. Oh, you get to pick your surgeon that day too. I chose Dr. Bell because I just immediately liked him and felt comfortable with him. He's not hard to look at either ha ha!! I didn't bring a whole lot to the hospital with me. Just a robe, chapstick and my hair and face products. You do get to shower the day after surgery. I put a chair in the shower and had hubby help me. Felt great!! Anyway, good luck to you. Relax, you are in great hands!! ~Sue 263/150 5'6" Lap RNY/Dr Bell 7/25/05

Hi, I'm really new here - I just got "banded" this past friday. Everyone has been giving you good advice, but there's one point Sue made that I have to REALLY stress. Bring your favorite chapstick to the hospital with you. It will be your best friend - my mouth became so dry. One more thing: take the pain medication - do not try to be strong. The more comfortable you are, the more you can get up and walk around which is really good for you. Good Luck, Suz