7 days out - Lap RNY

I'm 7 days out and I feel good. I've gotten stronger every day. I am excited to get my staples and drain pulled tommorrow at my first followup. I havn't had a single pouch problem. I've been doing 64 oz of water each day. I've also had 2 shakes each day consisting of 1 cup chocolate Hood Carb Countdown mixed with a packet of no sugar added CIB and 1 scoop of GNC %100 whey protein (chocolate-caramel flavor). I shake it up and chill it for 2-3 hours (gives time for air bubbles to dissapate) and I get a thick, good tasting shake that I really enjoy. I usually have some tomato soup made w/2% milk too. I made my own high protein pudding by using a box of sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, 2% milk, and 3 scoops of unflavored protein powder (although I'll try 4 scoops next time). I've been doing a Flintstone w/calcium and a sublingal 500 mcg B-12 each morning and a Flinstone w/iron at night. I'm walking with much less pain than pre-op. I had been having severe lower back spasms which I thought were 100% weight related....guess what?...maybe they weren't. I couldn't have lost enough to make that big of a difference yet. The real difference? I have been forced to sleeping only upon my back since surgery. Wow. I have been experiencing the head hunger that is spoke of out here on the messageboard...nasty stuff, it will be nice when that passes. The other weird thing I've expereinced is that pre-op I was always hot. Now I get cold. I've been turning down the a/c and using an extra blanket at night. That's about it for now. I'll check in later,

You sound like you are on the right track there Joe. Congrats on the surgery. I know what you mean about being cold. I was wearing sweats and had my electric blanket on. I think it is a stress relief on your body once you have the surgery and you know that things are going to only get better for you. That might be why you feel so much better. Take Care and Good Luck on your journey..... Hugs Julie 290/222/135

Wow your doing wonderful. You gave me some good hints as well. I am getting surgery Oct 3 - Trying to get any info I can. Take Care Barb

Good Morning Joe, Sounds like you are doing GREAT! Keep up the good work. I had my surgery on April 26, 2005 and I still stay cold. Sort of weird HUH. Keep that good positive attitude, and welcome to the loosing side of life. Each day you will be stronger, and healthier. Hugs, Lisa

Congrats and sounds like you are doing super!!! Isn't it great? I think the hot and cold thing is the most interesting and one of the nicest things about this surgery. I have definitely had this happen to me and I think it is wonderful!!! Keep up the good work and enjoy!!! Chris

Joe, You are doing awesome. I completely understand what you are saying. I am 2 weeks out and every day seems to get better. The head hunger has been bad but not like I thought it would be. My biggest thing is when I am board I think I need to have something in my mouth. I am now getting my 64oz of water and between 60 and 75 grams of protein a day. It is really hard for me to get the protein in but I am managing. I get to start regular foods tomorrow.........well almost regular foods. I get to start adding a new food every day I should say. I will start out with tuna fish, then shrimp, and chicken. And after I see how those work I will start adding others. The cold thing is terrible. I find when I am cold I usually have over done it during the day and just need a nap then I am fine. Oh I also wanted to let you know that when you go to your first apt and get weighed you will be amazed. My first weigh in was -23lbs and I weighed my self this morning and I am down another 19lbs. I wish you luck on your weight loss journey. My prayers are with you. Rocquetta

Went to the first followup today and was -13 lbs since surgery on the 8-29, 8 days ago. I'm down 30 since my pre-op physical on 8-12.

I hate to be be a party pooper but I remember at a support meeting being told that you need to drink your shakes within 30 mins or the protein breaks down to much and it's really no good to our systems. It would be just like drinking water but with calories. That's why you can't mix up a whole days worth in the morning. Maybe I'm wrong or maybe it's just with certain brands, but I remember haveing a very long talk about that subject. OH and don't try to make HOT protein shakes. It doesn't work out either. Like I said maybe I'm wrong. Your doing GREAT!!!!!!!!!! Robin W

I hadn't heard about the 30 minute rule for protein shakes. I wouldn't have any problem modifying my behavior to drink them immediately. For now I'll change my routine based upon your advice while I continue to research this. I wonder though, what about those premixed protein drinks?

You are doing great Joe. Everyone has different views on protien. Some think you can only digest 30 grams at a time but my dietician says thats not true. I had the premixed drinks from Susan Marias site and liked them very much. I never added anything to them and they were so easy. 35 grams and I had one every morning and one everyday around 4. I get the rest from food. Now after 14 months I use the profect because its so easy. But if I was just starting I would still use the premade shakes. I only liked strawberry and choc. Good luck and keep asking questions,this site was my life saver. Cindy