Why they require their supplements and meal replacements!

Ok, I've had an incredible day today. I've been to my dietician/nutritionist evaluation and my exercise physiology/PT evaluation and counseling. Wow! Lots of info to add to my official weight loss notebook. I'd like to start by answering MichelleK's question about why Dr. Nelson and Dr. Keith require their supplements and meal replacements for a time post - op. I got the answer today during my nutritionist appt. The protein shakes are NOT sufficient as meal replacements post-op while you're in the liquid stages. You must have meal replacements, as well. Protein drinks have only protein and maybe 4 other vitamins or nutrients in them. Meal replacements have at least 30 other nutrients and vitamins along with the protein. That's the BIG difference. I'd also like to point out that the protein that OWLO carries comes in much larger containers and many more servings than what you are seeing on the Unjury website. The Unjury has only 17 servings in a 12 ounce container. Most protein shakes at OWLO come in 2 - 5 lb. containers with many more servings. The meal replacements carried by OWLO that I know of are New Direction brand. There are substantial differences in these meal replacements as compared to just protein drinks. Actually they have 3 brands of meal replacements, but I can't remember them all just now. Also, I've not found Chike, Matrix 5.0, or Nectar at any cheaper price than they have at OWLO for the same number of servings. I'm so glad there are such good WLS programs in Oklahoma. It makes me very proud. I am so pleased with everyone I've met at OWLO, and I've heard nothing but praises from the other WLS programs in our state. Are we blessed, or what? I've read about many on the other boards going out of the country for surgery. I know that many of them have great success, but I can't imagine. I'm thankful to have a surgeon nearby to take my calls. I'm thankful to have a nutritionist to help me when I have questions and a physical therapist ready to help. I guess I just need security and help nearby .... and my pals here! Since I'm OWLO's first VSG, they don't really have a specific VSG support group yet. I can attend the others, but until they get a VSG support group going, they'd like me to visit other programs support groups for now. They said they're finding one for me, but I think I'm just going to go visiting on my own. : ) So, with Crickett's help, I'll probably be traveling to some WeightWise support groups post op. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of you! : ) I might visit other groups, too. So, keep an eye out for me!

Shelly: That was great information on the meal replacements.   You are MOST welcome to attend any of the WeightWise support groups!  We actually combine our VSG and RNY groups right now since they are utilizing (basically) the same nutritional and goal setting ideas as the RNY.  We have a huge group of VSG patients that you will be able to share information with.  A number of them come here regularly as well. If there is anything you need, please be sure to ask!  We'll be happy to help!!   R

Thanks so much, Ruth!!! I'm looking forward to attending!  They have RNY and LapBand groups with OWLO, but I'd be the lone VSGer. They're great groups, but I'd like to meet and talk with other VSGers, too. I'm sure in time there will be more VSGers down here before too long, but I like to get to know everyone and make more friends! : )

The New Directions Stuff are awesome-but I like stuff like that.  I really do like the New D stuff, I keep it around in several flavors and often have the pudding for breakfast.  Last night i took the cream of chicken soup flavor and mixed it with my cucumber soup-suddenly, viola, my cucumber soup was full of protein!!!!!!

I like the nutritional breakdown of the new directions and it is one of the easier ones to mix.

I haven't tried my New Directions samples yet .... I have 4 of them. Thanks for the great idea! I have lots of samples (ND and others) to work through before surgery. It's a good thing they aren't fattening!!! ; )