Feeling Isolated
Hi everyone. This is my first time on this site and I'm looking for support/friends. I'm going to be 49 on Labor Day, my surgery date is 10/29 with Dr. Harrington. I just ended an 11 year relationship this summer, sold a house, moved to an apartment in a different city where I don't know anyone and am suffering from empty nest as my youngest daughter just left to live at school in Boston year round. I guess I'm asking for what's available for support groups, and this is my attempt to reach out, make friends, get more information before surgery, specifically, what do I eat immediately post surgery. Or should I say what should I have prepared. I live alone and need to be as prepared as possible in advance. What kind of protein drink is good and inexpensive? What else will I need to have immediately postop when I can't drive or get around. Your help would really be appreciated. I work from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m and basically am trying to rebuild my life and social network. I have lots of free time and don't want to fill it with overeating and worry. Help!
Hi Jackie,
I'm fairly new to this site too but I want to welcome you! I've been going through a rough time lately, myself. I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling.
The only advise I can give you about food is what I'm doing right now. I'm practicing my eating techniques...sounds crazy, huh? I've switched dinner plates to appetizer plates, I'm experimenting with high protein and fiber food and seeing what I can/cannot tolerate and I'm chewing the crap out of everything that I put in my mouth! They say that your food should be close to liquid form by the time you're ready to swallow it (post-op). Sounds like a lot of chewing to me! I'm even practicing sipping instead of gulping my fluids. As far as protein shakes go, I think they're all about the same except the flavors. I can't do the vanilla or fruit flavored ones but the chocolate and mocha are wonderful!
I still struggle with over eating though. I do find that the more I isolate and spend time alone, the worse I feel and the more I eat. I feel awful that you're feeling isolated. Hang in there. This forum is full of wonderful supportive people and you'd be surprised at how much they can help you. Have you tried the support group at Roger Williams? Another great group is Over eaters Anonymous ( O/A ). I don't know of any meetings in your area but I do know that it's a great way to get yourself surrounded by people who care!
Good luck Jackie
Megan B
I too live alone, and am 15 days post op, you will be surprised how quickly you will be able to drive. I have tried all types of protein drinks, and like Carnation Instant Breakfast best. I am choking 
some Isopure Protein drink from GNC, 40 grams of protein in 20 oz drink. GNC lets you bring back open product if you don't like it. So back to what I had on hand before chewable vitamins, SF jello, cottage cheese, flavored waters. I am not sure but I have heard that Dr. Roye is stricker than Dr. Pohl and has you go longer on shakes.
You drive as soon as you are off pain medication, I have not had any pain medication since 3rd day post op, but I have no stamina so driving is no problem but I use a motorized cart in the grocery store. It sure helps.
Pat
some Isopure Protein drink from GNC, 40 grams of protein in 20 oz drink. GNC lets you bring back open product if you don't like it. So back to what I had on hand before chewable vitamins, SF jello, cottage cheese, flavored waters. I am not sure but I have heard that Dr. Roye is stricker than Dr. Pohl and has you go longer on shakes.
You drive as soon as you are off pain medication, I have not had any pain medication since 3rd day post op, but I have no stamina so driving is no problem but I use a motorized cart in the grocery store. It sure helps.
Pat 
Hi Jackie!
PHEW! 
No wonder you are feeling isolated and overwhelmed! SO many major life changes in such a short period of time! Good for you for pushing forward and creating a new life for yourself. You picked a good place to reach out to, the folks here are wonderfully supportive of each other, and are a wealth of information.
There is a site called vitalady.com that you can order samples from. They have so many different protein drinks to choose from, and flavors galore! I am 5 weeks postop, and I am still finding the ones that I like. I am finding that the watery consistency of the nectar products has made getting them in much easier. Thick shakes have been difficult for me.
As far as what you should have ready for yourself: protein drinks, bottled water ( I find it easier to drink than the tap), and when you are at least a week out, your surgeon may let you have yougart and or cottage cheese. Check with your surgeon's office now, and find out what you can and can not have.
Every third Thursday of the month, there is a support meeting the meets at Roger William's Hospital (Kay Auditorium) @ 6:00. You'd probably be able to get 2 meetings in before you have your surgery. The people who are there are both pre and postop. So you will be in good company.
Keep hanging in there, and plugged in here, you're sure to make some good friends and plenty of support.
Kriss 
No wonder you are feeling isolated and overwhelmed! SO many major life changes in such a short period of time! Good for you for pushing forward and creating a new life for yourself. You picked a good place to reach out to, the folks here are wonderfully supportive of each other, and are a wealth of information.
There is a site called vitalady.com that you can order samples from. They have so many different protein drinks to choose from, and flavors galore! I am 5 weeks postop, and I am still finding the ones that I like. I am finding that the watery consistency of the nectar products has made getting them in much easier. Thick shakes have been difficult for me.
As far as what you should have ready for yourself: protein drinks, bottled water ( I find it easier to drink than the tap), and when you are at least a week out, your surgeon may let you have yougart and or cottage cheese. Check with your surgeon's office now, and find out what you can and can not have.
Every third Thursday of the month, there is a support meeting the meets at Roger William's Hospital (Kay Auditorium) @ 6:00. You'd probably be able to get 2 meetings in before you have your surgery. The people who are there are both pre and postop. So you will be in good company.
Keep hanging in there, and plugged in here, you're sure to make some good friends and plenty of support.
Kriss 
Hi Jackie, and welcome to the RI group.
I can see that you're overwhelmed right now, but don't stress too much about the surgery and all the little details. I too had Dr. Harrington, and I found their preparation to be excellent. You will have a meeting with the nutritionist and many other hospital staff pre-operatively. They will give you more info than you thought you needed, both verbally and in printed form. I can't think of anything that was NOT covered in that meeting. But if you have questions, they are more than willing to help answer them there too.
You will then have a Transitional meeting with the nutritionist a few weeks after surgery to help you move onto solid foods.
Then of course, there are the monthly meetings at Gerry House at RIH.
All that is not to say that you can't count on your online support groups for immediate questions too. This site is excellent, as is the Yahoo group for GBS patients. Sometimes we cannot wait for a meeting to get some help, so ask away!
Jackie,
Are you a dental patient of my sister-in-law, Michele Caouette? She recently had a patient named Jacqueline Hebert who either has had, or was looking into, gastric bypass, and thought that maybe we knew each other. If I have the wrong person, I apologize, but it seems like such a coincidence!
I am a patient of Dr. Harrington, scheduled for RNY on 11/29. If you have any questions about the process or just need someone to communicate with, you can e-mail me at [email protected] I'll be happy to help in any way possible.
Jackie
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