Hi Illinois folks.

Hi I am Dave.

I live in Sycamore.

I had an open RY on 12/10/08.

I am about 2 weeks post op.

Hi Dave, I'm Monica and I live in North Aurora.  I had my Lap RNY on March 24th and I liked it so much I did it again on April 9th, Open the second time around.  actually I had complications and they had to open me up to fix them.  It was rough going for a long time, but I am doing great now!!
How are things going for you?  Getting all your liquids in?  Tell us more about you.  This is a wonderful board full of great people.  Be sure to join us in the daily roll call too!!

Well, a little more about me......

I just turned 39 Dec. 15th.

I am a single divorced guy. My son (14) lives with me. I also have 2 daughters (11 & 13) who live with their mom way up in northern Michigan almost in Canada.

I am a retired garbageman. I took pension after I got hurt on the job about 5 years ago.

So now I am working as a school bus driver and going to school out here at NIU. I have a degree in nursing, but I am now working towards a teaching certificate. I really don't like nursing. I am too much of a germ-a-phobe.

Anyway, it is easy to gain a ton of weight if you go from lifting 18-20 tons of garbage a day to sitting on your but on a bus or in a classroom all day.

The day of surgery I weighed in at 485lbs.

I am tall (6'5") so I have been told that I don't look that big.

My goal is to lose about 200lbs.

I would like to get to around 275-300lbs. 


I am doing pretty good so far after the surgery. I am worried that I am not getting enough protein. I am trying, but I get full from the shakes and can't get anymore then about 1/2 of a cup down a day.

I also get so full that I can't eat anything else.

I don't throw up, but i get really uncomfortable.

Thats about everything.

Wow...I didn't even look to see what anyone else commented....shame on me, huh?  I noticed that you said that you got full on the protein shakes and immediately shot to reply.  I HATE those protein shakes.  I dealt with them pretty well the 2 weeks before surgery and maybe for a week or so after...but it got to the point that I just couldn't swallow them anymore.  So much for lying to everyone that they were pretty good....they weren't!!  It is very difficult to get your protein in immediately after surgery.   You do, however, need to try and get in as much as possible.  I found that they had high protein water drinks (something like Crystal Lite, but I think it was Special K...or something like that).  I, unfortunately did not get mine in.  After I was allowed to go to solid foods, I started leaning or eating eggs and cheese and Kashi has a few protein bars under 5grams of sugar that are pretty good.  Keep up your efforts....you will learn as you go...good or bad....just keep on trying and listen to your surgeon!!

Barb

I'm also divorced and remarried now.  I have 2 boys from my previous marriage, Jacob is 12 and Tyler is 14 and I have a 10 1/2 yr old stepson, they all live with us.
I, too, couldn't get all my protien in at first, as long as you're getting some in, you'll be okay.  As soon as I could do "real" foods, I tried to get as much protien I could from that.  I have found that I really do like the protien powder from Meijer...both the chocolate and vanilla aren't bad.  It's cheap cuz it's the store brand and it's good.  I still drink a shake now and then when I can tell that my protein is low.
You will do great!!!
I am going to school to be a medical assistant right now, but want to work my way up to nursing.  It's something I have always wanted to do since I was a little girl.  It's never too late right?

Welcome Dave!
I had lapband done March 2007. I still have days when I do not get in enough protein. I try to keep a log so I do come close to the the recommended amount. I think logging has been a great help for me.
Since I have been a weigh****chers member for so long its kinda a habit for me I just put everything down and instead of worrying about points I do protein grams.

OK a little about me, I have been married for 31 yrs, hubby is a long haul truck driver. I have 3 grown kids and 3 beautiful grand kids.
I too am a school bus drive, you being  a germ-a-phob and being around kids, wow! We see it all from the daily runny noses to the one who can not make it to school before loosing breakfast right at the door!  LOL 
 
I live about 20 miles west of Peoria in a real small town so I do know all the parents of the kids I take to school from ages 3 to 18.

I just wanted to welcome you to the best forum on OH! I have gotten so much support here, so will you. Someone will always come up with an answer to your questions.  We are here also to offer you prayers when needed in your daily woes!

Join the daily roll call and keep us posted on how you are doing!

Karen

Hi Dave. Welcome to the IL support board.

Things will get better as time goes by. I wasn't able to get in all my protein needs in the beginning. You get so full from eating every 2 hours, getting your water in, vitamins, pain meds, etc..

You will be tired for some time. That's part of the healing process.

We have a great supportive group of people here. Feel free to ask questions. We've all been through it.

And, yes post on the daily roll call where we share our lives with each other.

Welcome aboard.

Lucy

Hello Dave

I'm from Oswego.  My daughter was part of a youth symphony orchestra in high school which took me to NIU every Wednesday.  So I know your area a little.  

Good luck on your journey.  Post at roll calls so we can get to know you better.

Welcome to the IL forum!

I'm a bandster who had surgery just over a year ago. I've had my moments, but basically it's been a good journey. There is lots of support here!

We have a support group in Rockford at the College of Medicine which is open to all surgeries. We aren't connected to a particular surgeon or hospital. We have many different docs. Our next meeting is Feb 16th due to the third Monday in Jan being a federal holiday. You are welcome to join us.

Connie 

Hi Dave and welcome to the best group, you will find everyone here is the best,
My name is Janet and I am 14 months post op and have lost 185 lbs and only have about 15 more to lose and I will be happy, I am have a TT Jan, 9 and looking forward to it ,
I am married have 3 children and 8 grands. and two Min Pins that are my babies now,
Don't worry too much about getting all your protein in at first I don't think any of us got it all in the first few weeks,
I am one of the one that Love my protein I drink two a day still in my coffee with hot coco and it is so good, I do add a little Carmel SF syrup to it and it is the best.
Keep us posted on how thing are good , we are all here to help each other,
Good luck,