Hey all

well I'm out three weeks tomorrow. Very sluggish. Went to see the nutritionist and the exercise person today at Hammon's Heart Institute. overdid it a little practicing new exercises. SIGH Nutritionist wants me to add a protein shake and two meals. plus another 30 ounes of water. I laughed at her. Okay. sure. And while I'm at it, how about I barf a gold nugget. I can get in about 40 oz of water, two protein shakes (46 grams) and usually one pureed meal or soft like a tablespoon or two of cottage cheese. I'm doing my best. I really am, but I can't seem to stomach the pureed foods. I did make myself eat some mashed potatoes from KFC today and it was really good. I'm moving to sort of in between pureed and soft to see what I can stomach. I don't get nauseated. Just don't have an appetite for anything. I've lost 30 lbs since the week before surgery and 17 in the three weeks before. Not bad. I'm one of the semi-lightweights so I don't mind that i haven't lost more. I'm starting to tell it in some of my clothes already. Glad I have every size imaginable. I won't have to buy too much. Tracey Bateman

Tracey It is so good to hear from you. It sounds like over all you are doing a really great job. Keep up the good work it sounds like your on the right track. When you do your protein shakes what do you use?? I bought several sample packs of the unjury and there was no way in this world that it was going to do down and stay down. I tried 2 packs 1 in my crystal light drink & 1 in my sugarfree jello. I think it is the smell more then anything that makes me I told DH that I am sticking with the Atkins Shakes if I have to. I at least know I can keep them down. Plus I spruce them up. lol Congrads on the loss. God Bless Melissa

Hi Tracey. I have the same problem with having no appetite but I know I have to eat so I do try to eat 3-4 times a day, also the weight comes off a little faster if you eat 3-6 small meals a day. As far as the protien goes try mixing your powder in milk it gives you an extra 8 grams of protien for 8 ounces of milk, 2 shakes a day = 16 extra grams of protien without adding anything extra to drink. The water is a little harder to get in. Being a newbie your pouch can only handle so much just keep trying and it will get easier. Keep up the great work you are doing really well. Wayne

Tracey Baby - I hear you on the puree....I cannot think of eating anythring that doesn't look like it's natural state - cannot choke down puree anything! No appetite. Water, supplements, protein shakes - they all SMELL like whey and it makes me yucky. Do what you can - I went to the BJC St Louis support meeting last night and everyone said the puree stage is the toughest. They also said I can go to soft foods next week - that'll help some. I have unjury-which smells. I have profect - which is ok but smells and I have amplify from gnc -which also smells. I don't think there is any way of getting away from that wheat smell.... Eat what you can, drink when you can.....you are my flagship!

Tracey, I know you are at a really hard stage right now. Think of it as Weight Loss Surgery Boot Camp and soon you're going to be the Captain of your own healthy because you did what you're supposed to do during this time. It is important to get in as much protein as possible to promote and enhance the healing from your surgery plus for long-term pouch health. Drink, drink and stay hydrated and be sure to take your vitamins. You know the saying "This too shall pass".....it will and you'll be on to lesser (you and your weight) and looser things (you in your clothes!). Hang in there, Captain Tracey! Cathy ObesityHelp Support Group Leader