Hello VGSers,
I was sleeved on 9/9/10. I really don't want to go into where, the surgeon or stuff right now. I would just like to know if any of you have dealt with my problems, and if so, how did you get through it.
I am having some problem with getting enough fluids (averaging about 36 to 48 oz per day). 
I started with water, broth, sf jello and apple juice, and added grape juice for some variety. I dilute the juice-3 parts juice & 1 par****er. I stocked up on crystal light before surgery, and have drank them in the past. Now they have a terrible chemical taste that is bitter and very unpleasant.

I am not getting hardly any protein. I have tried a number of powders, but each has caused me to have to fight to not throw up so I have only had sips. I broke down today and had 8 oz of plan chocolate milk just for some energy and had a very hard time with that. I don't know if it is the milk or the chocolate flavor (it reminded me of the protein powders, but the non-chocolate protein was worse). I have been a life-long chocoholic, so this is really unexpected. I also had some one bring me some chocolate puddings, but they got regular instead of SF. I have eaten 4 over the last 4 daysjust for energy and to try to get some protein, they are not as bad, but still taste different. (I have a ride to go to the store and get some SF tomorrow along with some other things). Every thing is super sweet and has a horrible aftertaste. I have been researching for other protein drinks that sound like I could drink them and am lost. There is a hot chocolate I saw mentioned that I am going to order, and I am considering a liquid protein that I could just drink like a shot and follow with some apple juice to try to wash out the taste.

I have been mixing with a spoon, but read using a blender makes a big difference. I had someone get me one today and will try that tomorrow to see if it makes a difference. I am also going to try mixing protein powders with other liquids such as apple juice or orange juice with some of the fruit flavored or unflavored ones I have.

I also have had 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup the last few days, and that goes down ok, but still hard to get in much. Also, the store was out of low-fat so this is regular. (I'll get some low fat tomorrow while I am out).

I am concerned about the amount of carbs, but right now I am just trying to find a way to get in the flluids and some protein. I have been mostly very tired, with some periods of feeling more normal. I understand that taste buds can change after surgery and that this will pass, but I really was not expecting such an extreem change.

Did anyone else have such a drastic change in their taste buds, and how long did that last?
Any suggestions for liquid protein shots (must be a small amount so I can just shoot it down; I am swallowing well and not really having any problems with it going through ok, just trying not to throw up (I don't want to damage my stomach plus it is so unpleasant).
Do you think it is ok to keep drinking the juices for a while longer even though they are so high in carbs? My sugrery weigh was 222 and I am now 205.

Thanks for any suggestions.

kt

I'm new to the form....but, I think that this is a great ideal

KA

Wow! Congratulations 17 lbs in 9 days. Get your protein in! Very important. The protein helps to curve the hunger. I've been using Pure Protein shakes; it has 35 grams 2 carbs in a 12 oz can. Works wonderfully and taste pretty good. Drink it chilled though. Let me know how you're coming along and best of luck to you in your weight loss!

Thank you All!!! for your wonderful feedback and post's..I am getting mine done in 3 days...Sept 20th I go in....I am actually excited! I was teetering on the fence again when I went for my Endoscopy yesterday, the nurse's Husband had it done and all positive things she told me, helped me sway back....I'm ready.....

Hi, I am 51 and had a VBG 10 years ago on October 10, 2000 with Dr. Rupp.  I wanted a Rou-nY but I suffer from chronic diarrhea so he decided a VBG would be better for me.  I somehow wish I would have done the other anyway but I did well with what I did.  I weighed 392 lbs. when I started and when I was done I weighed 225 lbs.  I regained 75 lbs. because of all of the arthritis I have.  I have alot of it and much of it is severe.  So, I have alot of pain and can no longer exercise and believe me when I say exercise was a great part of my weight loss.  I exercised an hour a day 5 days a week.  I can't do anything now because a great deal of my severe arthritis is in my spine.  I at least have maintained my weight over the past several months.  To be very honest I can't really eat alot anyway.  I can't eat any pasta, no meat except chicken, no bread unless it is toasted hard, no rice, no lettuce, no vegetables and not much fruit.  There are other things I don't like so I don't get much nutrition now since my husband left me after 19 years of marriage and I'm now on food stamps so I don't have much money for food.  It's a mess.  But you can lose alot of weight with the VBG as long as you restrict your food intake and exercise, exercise, exercise!!!!  Good Luck.  If you have any questions e-mail me at [email protected].  My name is Linda Huffman Kennedy and I'll help in any way I can.