Hi Ellen - I also am allergic to soy protein.  You may find that after about a year, you may be able to tolerate the whey (which doesn't do you much good right now).  I actually use it and like it now, but I had a lot of trouble with it right after surgery.  Have you tried greek yogurt?   It is very thick and has so much more protein in it (like 20 grams as opposed to the 6-8 of regular yogurt).  Many grocery stores carry it under the brand names Fage or Oikos.  Trader Joe's has their own brand, which is actually cheaper and higher in protein than either of the previously mentioned ones.  Good luck to you.  Sounds as though you're doing well so far!

Linda

I need a new pic on here time to get rid of the fat picture, anyone know how?

My dietician does not recommend Flintstone chewables, but she does recommend Bariatric Advantage or Centrum chewables or liquid multivitamins. 

I ordered the Bariatric Advantage chewable multivitamins and calcium citrate prior to my surgery and started on them once I got home from the hospital.  I also took the former Citracal Chewy Bites (which have since been replaced by the Bariatric Advantage Chewy Bites) until my boxes were used up.  Here is the link to the Bariatric Advantage website:
http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog

At about 3 or 4 months post-op, I started using the swallowable store brand of the Centrum Silver multivitamins and the Vitamin Shoppe brand of the calcium citrate. 

Hello Linda!

My name is Vicki.  I had lap Duodenal Switch with Dr. Clifford Deveney at OHSU on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, the first day of a heat wave.  I stayed in the hospital 5 nites due to potassium issues and high output in the JP drain that the doctors wanted to monitor before I could be released.  The JP drain was removed by Vicki, the in-patient bariatric NP, the day I was released so I didn't have to go home with the pesky thing still hanging around. 

I was on clear liquids from my dinner meal the day of my surgery to the same meal the next day.  I started the full liquids at my first meal on my second post-op day until I left the hospital on my fifth post-op day.  Once I got home, I started soft foods until Dr. D cleared me to eat solids on my 26th post-op day.  I eat just like any non-WLSer, altho I cannot tolerate toasted/nontoasted breads, buns, or some simple carbs.  I have experienced problems with sugar alcohols, so I avoid them whenever possible.  I can still eat solid chocolates without any problems, altho I eat them sparingly.  I do drink an occasional glass of wine.

I joined an athletic club in January of this year.  I go 5 days a week and take exercise classes 4-5 days a week.  I space the same exercise class at least 2 days apart to allow my body to recover.  I take Group Active and Group Power classes, as well as doing circuit training on my own and working out on stationary bikes, stationary recumbent bikes, and sometimes the rowing machines.  Plus, I either work out on the dreadmill (treadmill) or go mall-walking during inclement weather.  So far, I have mall-walked at Mall 205, Lloyd Center, Van Mall, and Clackamas Town Center.  I have walked in Washington Square in the past and still have a shirt from those days.  On better days, I go power-walking in my neighborhood for at least 30 minutes and have walked as far as the reservoirs at Mt. Tabor in SE Portland.  I hope to start riding a bike this summer. 

I lost 18# prior to my surgery, 103# since my surgery, and have another 52# to "normal" BMI.  I don't feel like I have had surgery at all!

Hi Linda.

I'm thinking about coming down for the next meeting.  I usually come through Springfield.  Could you give me some general directions to the Market of Choice?  Thanks much.

Julie