A Few Questions

 Hi!  I'm gradually making my way toward surgery.  I just had my EKG done this morning and meet with the Medical Director next month.  I was wondering:

1) are Pre-Op Patients welcome at the Post-Op Support Groups at CMC?

2) are there any great books that you would recommend reading.  (I've heard of the Emotional First Aid book, but was looking for your experience).

3) what kind are your favorite protein shakes?

4) do you find that you are saving money buy not buying as much food or do you still spend the same due to supplements and shakes?

Thanks and make it a great day!

- Deb.

Hi Debbie.

I'm in the OTC program at CMC too and I'm almost 3 weeks post-op.  

1)  I'm pretty sure that the post-op groups are only for post-op patients.  I've heard the meetings are crowded and recently they just divided them into less than one year post-op and over one-year post-op.  I'm going tomorrow night so I'll ask.  Have you been to the pre-op group?

2)  I really like the Emotional First-Aid Kit and I keep it with me all the time.  I haven't read any other books.  I use friends and the RNY message board as my other resources.

3)  I don't love protein shakes at all but I have the best luck, taste wise, with Syntrax Nectars...they're more juice like.  The sweet chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors I can only tolerate once in a while.  I also have unflavored so that I can mix it with sf juice or Crystal Light.  Nashua Nutrition has the individual packets of the Nectar flavors and I highly recommend trying those before buying a tub (the size of Rhode Island).

4)  In my very short post-op experience I've saved a lot of money....especially since I'm not eating out.  I'm also finding the protein shakes and supplements are expensive but they're going to last a while.  I would love to hear from folks that have been at this a while about that though.

Keep me posted on your progress and let me know if you have any other questions.   

Debbie,
I am in the O T C program and I am three months out from Gastric Bypass.

I went to the pre op support groups and haven't attended the post op.

I read the Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummys by Brian Davidson and Before and After by Susan Maria Leach. Both had information that is helpful.

I am using the Body Fortress protien powder and have only found the vanilla to be okay... I expect to continue with them so I would also love to hear what others are good.

food does tend to last longer because I don't eat it all in one meal anymore...plus I don't go out to eat much anymore either.

Good Luck!
Jo

Hi again Debbie.  I stand corrected.....pre-ops are welcome at the post-op group.  I attended last night and it was really helpful.

Kathi

Thank you all so very much! I really appreciate your input.