I have a surgery date! Need advice!

I have my surgery date! In two weeks I will be on the losing side! I am so excited. I love to read everyone messages. You can't believe how helpful it is. It is so weird how close you feel toward people you have never even met. It is kind of like kindred spirits. Anyway, I need help with the protein shakes. Is there anywhere I can get a variety of flavors, etc. in small amounts? I enjoy chocolate.... I would appreciate any suggestions! THANKS! I accidently posted this on the main site first, thought I was on our site. I will get the hang of this! K.D.

Congrats on your date Know what you are saying, we do kind of develop a sister/brotherhood here don't we? Can't help you on the shakes as our surgeon doesn't really believe in them. He feels we get enough protein through our food. You can keep track of your calorie, protein, carb intakes at fitday.com It's free to register. Good luck & keep posting. Carolyn

Hi K.D.! Congratulation on getting your surgery date!! You can purchase sample packets from: bariatriceating.com vitalady.com and I am sure several others. You will need to keep in mind that your tastes will drastically change (probably) post-op; so, even if you find one that you like now, I would not buy the larger container of it until later when you have tried another sample to see if you still like it. Sherry Open RNY 02/04/04 (Proximal-75 cm) 294.5/153.5/150 -141# P.S. I would suggest the whey proteins over the soy...they are better absorbed by us.

Hello congrats on your date that is awsome keep us posted I dont do shakes I just get protien by food my Dr didnt believe in them good luck to you.take care Laurie

K.D. First of all congratulations on getting your date!!! If you have any GNC stores near you, they carry several good tasting brands of protein powder. They will give you samples to try. Also Ironhouse gyms will do the same. Best of luck, hope everything goes smoothly for you!!!!! See you on the losing side!!!!! DeeAnn R.

By far, the best protein shake I have found is UNJURY. It can be purchased online at unjury.com and comes in chocolate, vanilla and unflavored. You can purchase single packet samples to try. I asked my dietician to check it out and she approved of it. It mixes up better than any of the others I've tried. Also, if you don't want the consistency of the shake, check out Prostat64. It can likely be purchased in the hospital pharmacy. You can mix it with ho****er and make "tea". I had the worst time finding a protein supplement that I could tolerate - I have a very finicky pouch when it comes to things that have a very thick consistency like most of the protein shakes. The chocolate Unjury was a life saver.

I've been ordering ProStat 64 from www.cwimedical.com and I think it's a great product. Are you still using it? If so, how long do to plan on continuing?

I'm no longer using the ProStat. I use either the Unjury powder or the premixed Isopure (more like kool-aid and great over ice in the summer). I plan on continuing the protein indefinitely because I feel like it gives me an extra boost that I don't get from my food. I've decreased the amount of protein supplement that I take, though, since I'm able to eat a little more than I could initially. I currently take 40g of protein in addition to my food. Molly 306/177/135

A cheaper alternative to protein shakes is Carnation Instant Breakfast No Sugar added. The powder packages when made with 8oz milk have 14g protein, and when you add 1/3 C dry milk to this you get 22g protein in one 8oz serving. They come in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry and are very tolerable. Plus, you are only out about 4 bucks for 8-12 servings, in comparison to at least 20 dollars for a container of protein shake mix that you may not even like! The ready to drink ones come in chocolate, have 15g protein and are great for when you are on the go or just don't want to fuss with mixing. You can also make double milk by adding 1/3 C dry milk to 8oz milk...this still gives you 16g-18g protein, and if it is super cold does not taste bad at all. Dry milk added to a packet of cream of wheat with 1/2 C real milk will give you 12g protein. You may also want to know that cottage cheese has 13 g protein in just 1/2 cup, and if blended is very easy on the new pouch, as long as you are not lactose intolerant(some people find to their demise that they are after the surgery!) Liquid eggs (egg beaters) have 7g protein in 1/4 cup! Nuke 1/4 C with 2T milk....these are the *******so, lo-carb, no sugar added yogurt is good, also mix this with powdered milk and you get right at 20 g protein for 1 container yogurt, and yogurt is considered a full liquid (as long as you get the kind without added fruit pieces!)...good for when you are past the clear liquid stage. You can add 2/3 C powdered milk to 6oz chicken boullion and have like a cream of chicken soup...this ends up being about 16g if I remember correctly. Also remember for your first few weeks, keeping hydrated is EXTREMELY important, and you should get S/F popsicles...eat 1 every waking hour...1 is = to 1 oz liquid. Also, try to drink at least 6oz water for every waking hour as well. try S/F jello water, or propel water if plain water does not appeal to you. I also HIGHLY reccommend www Bariatricadvantage.com go there and click CONTACT US request samples in a letter format, tell them your surgeons name, and they will send you a package of several things...calcium chewable CITRATE...which, BTW, you cannot buy ANYWHERE else chocolate, mint, and cinnamon THESE ARE AWESOME!, chewable multivitamins, berry flavored B12, anti nausea suckers...they sent me a ton of things! I now order the calcium and B12. Congrats on getting a date! you will not regret it! Hope this isn't all too confusing ...email me if you have any questions about anything I may have not made clear! Tracie