SORRY

Sorry- but now that I have approval, the nerves are coming, which means ALOT more questions for you guys, the experts!!!! My doctor has not said anything about a sleep test, liquid diet before, or vitamins.... What kind of protein do you get??? (ecspicially the first 2 weeks after) Also, when you say that you dont drink anything 1 hour before and one hour after, does that include sips of water during, I guess it is just habit now.. Thanks, Im sure there are more questions to come

Billie, Lots of physicians vary -- I wasnt required to have a sleep test, I guess it depends on whether or not you have Sleep apnea and if it was a determinant for approval -- Most physicians do require a liquid diet before, but I have heard of some that dont..... vitamins... I didnt start taking mine until after I came home.... Protein drinks -- Some people really like ISOPURE -- I dont really like it but it has a whopping amount of protein --- and the only flavor I really like is Alpine Punch -- As far as other protein drinks, I REALLY like the LOW-CARB SLIM Fast which is much different from REGULAR SlimFast and since I live in a rural area is difficult to find -- but there is CREAMY VANILLA and MILK CHOCOLATE -- It packs 2 g of sugar, 190 calories and 20 gms of protein and the CHOCOLATE IS GREAT !!! As far as drinking -- I have to have some SIPS after a bite or a couple of bites, but as far as drinking water before you eat, my nutritionist recommends nothing 30 mins before or after.... I am 5 weeks post op today and feeling better NOW than I have ever in my entire life... good luck and if you have any questions feel free to email me at [email protected] Stephanie

Thank you for responding, I appreciate it!!!! Where do you get the protein drinks?

Ask away, baby!! If we don't know the answer we will guide you to someone who does!!! Congratulations on your life changing approval. Dr. Jones is a GREAT surgeon, but I don't think he "requires" his patients to get in lots of protein. I don't know what he requires pre-op. I was on a liquid diet for 3 weeks beforehand (I had my surgery done by Dr. Louis Martin in New Orleans even though I live in Ruston), but I know that Dr. Merriman does not require ANY pre-op preparation!! Each doctor has his or her own protocol, and the important thing is for you to follow YOUR doctors advice!!! I personally like a protein mix by American Sports Nutrition that I buy from a guy on E-Bay. I've tried SEVERAL different brands, and ASN is my favorite!! Drinking with your meals is a habit, but one that CAN and MUST be broken. I heard just last night at a support group meeting that the patients who are MOST successful long-term do NOT even take sips of water during their meals. Keep in touch. We are behind you all the way!! Hugs, Pam

Pam by the way, i live in Quitman. Where do you go for you meetings at? I would love to attend even though i haven't had my surgery yet. THanks Zadie

Every Doctor has his own protocol, it is important that you follow YOUR doctors advice. Testing varies from one doctor to the next, but most do some testing. As far as protein, do not buy alot of any one type, as your taste buds will change after surgery, and you will find that one you like now, you won't like than. I would suggest getting a sample pack from www.bariatriceating.com. There are alot of them on the site and you can get one that has variety of brands/flavors. Or you can just order samples of different ones that look interesting. On the drinking.. I do drink sips, but just a sip of water with my meal. My doc said it was ok, but yours may not agree with it. I do not drink anything for 30 min after tho. Good luck to you on your journey! Cindee

If you have an approval you probably won't have to have a sleep study done. They usually do that to help you get approval. I like Unjury it to me is by far the best tasting protein out there you can get it at www.unjury.com. They have sample packs you can try. I mixe mine with Fat free milk. They also have an unflavored one that is good mixed in anything, jello, pudding broth, I like to mix mine with crystal light. Tina

Hey Billie, Nerves are so normal, don't let them get you down. I have had friends that have used Dr. Jones and I don't remember if they had a preop diet or not. I used Dr. Merriman and he did not require one. I think his post op diet is much stricter than Dr. Jones, just from what my friends could eat and what I could eat. T I started my protein two weeks out along with the vitamins. I was on clear liquids for the first two weeks. Tina, mentioned the Unjury protein. I have tried it and I do really like it. I have had both chocolate and vanilla. The strawberry sorbet is gross to me. You can buy the Unjury at the Diabetes and Bariatric Center on Olive Street, right across from Schumpert. Schumpert offers a support group meeting on the third Thursday of every month. Wish I had gotten on earlier in the week and I would have told you about it. Dr. Jones was there last night. Hugs, Jodi