Hello from Birmingham!

Hello! This is my first post, even thought I have been all over the forum reading. I figured I might as well start in my own backyard.

My surgery date is Friday, Nov 6 and I am having an RNY. I am excited, yet nervous, yet overwhelmed, and then excited again.. I am on a Lo Carb, High Protein pre-surgery diet which I am grateful for, yet I am not quite sure that I am doing everything right. Especially portion wise. I have been drinking my protein shake samples to get use to them and drinking my water. I Just want to make sure that I have all the things I need to have on hand, and I have been researching, and reading. So much info, so little money. *sigh*

What are some of the things you all had on hand once you returned from surgery? Do you have a protein powder/drink preference? Soups? Popsicles? I know I need my multi-vitamin, iron, & calcium.

I look forward to sharing and learning with you. Thanks for any input!

Let me be one of the first to welcome you to the Alabama OH Board!

A little background--I had R-N-Y on 4/28/2009.  I have lost a total of 132 pounds since then.  Congratulations on starting your new Journey toward health and fitness.

Now you will most likely get a lot of replies from folks that know a lot more than me--I am a newbie and we have folks on this forum that are many years out from surgery.  I will try to give you a few answers--but be sure to pay more attention to the long-timers than me..

My preference on Protein powder is Matrix Chocolate, and vanilla.  They have tons of flavors.  I get it on-line from Baratric Advantage.  They also sell Nectar protein powder that I buy and the Caribbean Cooler is my favorite.  (That's right--it taste a lot like a virgin Pina Coloda.)

For quick on the go I buy a pre-canned Protein Shake called Extreme.  I get this on-line from Bariatric Choice.

Note:  At St. Vincent's Hospital (East) in Birmingham they sell all these items in their Apocrypha.
Note 2  I also buy Calcium and Multi-vitamin supplement from Baratric advantage.
Note 3 One drawback is it is sort of expensive.  And there are many choices.  That's why it will be good for you to get input from a lot of people.  Since I had my surgery at St. Vincent--I naturally bought my product there because it was convenient--and I got used to it.
Note 4 Listen to you Dr and NUT!

After surgery I was on a liquid diet for two weeks and then moved to soft foods.  My surgeon does not go thru the puree phase.

I liked cottage cheese--sometimes mixed with SF Jello, SF Popsicles, Clear chicken broth and later Creme of chicken soup etc.  The hospital and your surgeon should give you pretty detailed instructions on diet.

Also you will need to get in as much water as possible.  64 oz a day recommend.  I couldn't do that the first few days but I kept after it til I could.  Sip-Sip-Sip.

It is natural to be nervous then excited.  It is a life changing process you are about to embark upon--and has been a very positive one for me.  If you like check out my blog--there is a link in my signature.

Also, if I can be of help contact me thru OH here.

Have a blessed day

Volfan

Hey there and welcome to the Bama Board!!!!  One thing I used was my chap stick LOL.  My mouth got dry.  Also, I had protein powder to make shakes when I got home.  Popsicles, jello, and any other soft things you enjoy.  I liked yogart too.  I am thrilled for you and I know you will do well.  Just remember to sip on tha****er and walk after your surgery.  Please keep in touch and let us hear from you. 

Deshanna welcome to the boards... you have a wonderful doctor, I have never meet him, but he was in surgery with Dr Pennington when he did mine.... if you have not been to a support meeting yet, go... Sue and the gang are a great group of people... tell them all I said hi... miss them terribly.... will be saying a little prayer for you surgery day..... looking forward to hearing how things went...

as for protein drink, I do drink the Body fortress from walmart, its not real expensive and taste ok... I brought a shaker for mine it makes it less frothy... and easier to get down after surgery..

Welcome aboard!  Yes, Gary is right!  Listen to your doctor and NUT.  Every doctor's practice has different eating schedules and requirements--for instance, my doctor recommends no protein shakes at all!  I too get my vitamins from Bariatric Advantage (multi and iron) and I use Citrical for calcium.  Early on I had eggs, tuna and refried beans on hand, also cottage cheese and yogurt.  The first few days egg drop soup from my favorite Chinese place was very comforting. 

I too am new, surgery on May 1st.  Actually today is my 6 month anniversary!!!  I've lost 110 lbs and have never looked back!  You are in the right place, everything you need to know is here!

Kim

Thank you all for the warm welcome and advice!
Today I went shopping for some of the things that I will need after surgery. I realized that it is sooo important to read the labels! The sodium content on some of these items are OUT OF THIS WORLD!  Its a bit expensive as well, but I am looking at it as an investiment on a better quality of living. Plus, since  I won't be able to eat like I use too, I will be actually coming out cheaper.

I noticed that some of you lost quite a bit within a short period of time...how was the adjustment for you?

I decided that I am going to shop thrift stores and possibly freecycle while I lose the weight beause it will be expensive trying to keep up with the weightloss and new clothes.  At the same time, I'm excited about that too. I look forward to shoping in the misses department. Don't get me wrong...I have never been ashamed to shop in the women's department or ashamed of wearing plus sizes. But you have to admit, unless you catch a good sale or a clearence, smaller sizes are cheaper.

Its a beautiful, brisk sunday and I started the day off with a wonderful church service. I hope your Sunday has been going well. Please feel free to add me as a friend. Take care!

Hi, there! I just wanted to say welcome you and tell you that you've chosen a great surgeon... but then again, I am a bit partial! lol

My favorite protein right now is the Max. I like the chocolate with a banana blended in and the vanilla made with a splash of o.j.