Some preop questions

How do you combat the weakness feeling. I mean right now if I don't have a decent breakfast or lunch, by dinner I am almost passing out on the floor. Part of the reason I want this done is because I am starting to get diabetic signs. Biggest thing is I feel weak. How do you not get weak only having 2-3 teaspoons at a time? Also I've heard that protein drinks seem to be the way to go. What are some good ones available. I stopped at the GNC store to start checking these out but all I saw was a wall full of different products. I know sugar free is the way to be but how much dumping does the protein drinks cause since there is sugar? Thanks

Leslea, They have you eating as if you have had the surgery already? When is your surgery? I am not there yet, surgery set for 12/8. Can you drink a lot of water? That might help combat the hunger and weakness. Keep your chin up and keep looking towards the weight loss! Andrea

Hello...I am also pre-op, my date is Dec.16th with Dr.Maher in Iowa City..By the way thanks for answering some of my questions on my post a couple days back!! Anyways, My surgeons office will be making me drink protien drinks after the surgery.....They reccomend, actually they make me, buy and drink Boost Breeze....They even gave me coupons...you can find it at HyVee or Walmart....they are like 5 bucks for a four pack....But they go a long way since you will only be drinking an ounce or two at a time. They are probably a lot cheaper than what GNC has to offer. At the hopital they give it to you, then they are having me buy the stuff for the first week at home. I hear that you are week at first...but what you are eating(drinking actually) is all protein, so that helps....I am too on the verge of being diabetic....have had many high blood sugars, and had gestational diabetes....but with this surgery and the weight loss, those signs should dissapear....Lets hope they do for the both of us!!! Good Luck and Take Care..... Jesi

Hi Leslea! I have never felt weak and attribute that to paying close attention to my protein intake. About 2 weeks out I started using Amplify protein powder from GNC. For each scoop it has only 6 gr carbs, 2 gr sugar and 20 gr protein. I was scared about using any product that was not totally sugar-free but the guideline my surgeon gave me was if the product has no more than 13-14 gr carbs and the sugar content is less than that(like 6 gr) then it is ok to eat. I am religious about following that! You will note that there are very few yogurts that fall in that category except Blue Bunny low-fat. Here is my protein drink formula I have used daily for the past 2 months: 12 oz skim milk, 2 scoops Amplify vanilla-flavored protein powder, 2 scoops dry instant milk, 1 banana. Mix in a blender and divide drink into thirds, staggering your intake throughout the day. This allows your body to absorb the maximum amount since your body will absorb no more than 20 grams at a time. I add the banana for flavor and a potassium boost. (I know someone who depleted her potassium levels and she has been VERY sick for a long time requiring periodic IV therapy!) Total amount of protein in the whole drink is 58 grams which is only 2 grams below the minimum you should consume in a day! This mix has never upset my stomach, is pleasant to drink, dissolves easily in any liquid, and since our grocery bill has been cut almost in half by me not eating so much, the $34 a month I spend on the powder is very economical! You can vary the fruits you use and\or add other flavorings. Using a banana, some pineapple and coconut extract you have an acceptable substitute for a pina colada!

Michelle, I have been reading some of the posts on OSSG-recipes etc.. that the protein should not be mixed up and used over the day, it seems that protein loses it potency, so they recommend mixing up just what you can drink at a time. Also I saw a recipe for using sugar free tang and the vanilla amplify to make an orange smoothie, or how about flat SF root beer and the vanilla amplify for a rootbeer float.

Thanks for the recipe's. I've started a notebook to keep all papers in with recipe's, questions, paperwork for tests etc. Great to hear from you again. I like this site sooo much better than the WLS one. All it has been about lately is the death rate from the surgery and how crazy we are to want to do this to ourselves. Need positive energy for going into the surgery. I think I am going to go crazy by the time January gets here. Not even sure if I will get my surgery then. I have been approved but have to wait for pulmonologist and that's not til Dec. Oh well good things come to those who wait RIGHT!