I never did any good with...

I never did any good with protein drinks. Most people's tastes change after the surgery so even if you can stand one now, you might not be able to stomach it after the surgery. I will let everyone know that you will be building up to your protein intake, no one can get it all in at first. A good thing to remember is that 1/2 cup of cottage cheese has 14 grams of protein in it and it is easy to eat. Not everyone can stomach it. I will be trial and error, but you won't really know until after your surgery. get several samples but don't think you can decide for sure until after surgery. Don't feel that you are failing if you do not get it in at first. Just like a baby, your tummy has to learn all over again and it will get up to what you need. Also every person is different so don't go by what anyone else says, you know your body, and will learn your new pouch. It won't happen in one day and it does not have to. Just a note on my own situation. I had my Lower body lift on 9/28/05 and they took out all three of my drains today. WOOHOO. Always love to lose the drains. I am swollen but cannot believe that there is a belly button in the middle of my stomach just like a normal person, my doctor said he guessed I was going to have it pierced, I said you bet, but not today (he just took out the stitches!!) I hope you all have a blessed dayand since I will be home for a while, I will try to get on here and keep up with you all. 2 years out, -165 pounds and full of stitches! Couldn't be happier or healthier! Brenda

I have to laugh when you talk about your belly button! After 3 surgeries (the original rny, then they had to re-open and re-stitch due to an infectin, then a hernia repair), my belly button has all but disappeared. The PA said the plastic surgeon would fashion a new one when I eventually get my TT!! I hope so because right now I look like an alien!!!