Pre-op, Protein, Preparations - what the fugg should I be doing?
I need help - everything from what to pack for the hospital, what to wear (last time I had surgery, it was 1 day for a bood reduction and I walked in w/ PJs and rolled right back out - no worrying about changing for bed!), etc...
I haven't had my pre-op, so a lot of food I don't know about. I'm picky as hell, but NUT said she could work around that- I'll just be even more bored w/food choices. That was a main point early on, but surgeon said even w/ my pickiness, if that was my big concern, I'd have 0 to worry about.
Protein - all I know is NUT said I must have Unjury. Said I can add to CL lemonade, Hawaiaan Punch Light, etc. I've heard & read that the unflavored is still nasty and smells to high heaven. I can't have anything thick - I can't swallow it and my gag reflex is jacked up. I don't drink anything thick like milkshakes, etc - can't even eat yogurt. Now slushies or ice based than can melt is good. My friend suggested a smoothie that's ice and juice based made w/ strawberries & pineapple or OJ. NUT said would be a bit before I can do that one. I don't think I'd like the vanilla, chocolate (allergic - yet I sit here eating Oreos - and starting to itch and feel bad - it's the last I can tolerate and will be my last 4ever can only eat 4 of the 6 pack anyway), strawberry stuff. So suggestions on this and if I should buy packets and what kinds???
Any advice would be appreciated - or @ least pointing me in the right direction.
I haven't had my pre-op, so a lot of food I don't know about. I'm picky as hell, but NUT said she could work around that- I'll just be even more bored w/food choices. That was a main point early on, but surgeon said even w/ my pickiness, if that was my big concern, I'd have 0 to worry about.
Protein - all I know is NUT said I must have Unjury. Said I can add to CL lemonade, Hawaiaan Punch Light, etc. I've heard & read that the unflavored is still nasty and smells to high heaven. I can't have anything thick - I can't swallow it and my gag reflex is jacked up. I don't drink anything thick like milkshakes, etc - can't even eat yogurt. Now slushies or ice based than can melt is good. My friend suggested a smoothie that's ice and juice based made w/ strawberries & pineapple or OJ. NUT said would be a bit before I can do that one. I don't think I'd like the vanilla, chocolate (allergic - yet I sit here eating Oreos - and starting to itch and feel bad - it's the last I can tolerate and will be my last 4ever can only eat 4 of the 6 pack anyway), strawberry stuff. So suggestions on this and if I should buy packets and what kinds???
Any advice would be appreciated - or @ least pointing me in the right direction.
Unjury is 'medical grade' but other complete proteins are just as good nutritionally. Pre op I had two shakes daily for an extra 50g of protein. Check out the flavoring 'recipes' out there but don't make too much of it. Treat it like medicine and just get it down because you need to have it.
You'll eventually find what you enjoy, but it may take awhile. Just deal with it for your own good. Don't stock up on anything until you find what you really like. Also, post op your taste may change.
For the hospital pack light. Non skid slippers, lip balm, mp3 player, nightgown, robe/ house coat, underwear, strapless bra if you want one under the hospital gown before the iv is removed, silk cap for the hair overnight, magazines/ books, toiletries, cell phone. I used everything I brought except the slippers (hospital provided slipper socks) and had everything I needed. Where something loose like yoga pants/ sweats to and from the hospital.
You'll eventually find what you enjoy, but it may take awhile. Just deal with it for your own good. Don't stock up on anything until you find what you really like. Also, post op your taste may change.
For the hospital pack light. Non skid slippers, lip balm, mp3 player, nightgown, robe/ house coat, underwear, strapless bra if you want one under the hospital gown before the iv is removed, silk cap for the hair overnight, magazines/ books, toiletries, cell phone. I used everything I brought except the slippers (hospital provided slipper socks) and had everything I needed. Where something loose like yoga pants/ sweats to and from the hospital.
MSW Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: Eat sensibly & enjoy moderation
Links: Are you a compulsive eater? for help OA meets on-line Keep Coming Back, One Day At a Time Overeaters Anonymous
L
V'N MY RNY. WORKING FOR ME BECAUSE I WORK FOR IT.
O Kay,
Pre-op I wouldn't worry about what you're going to like or dislike because post-op there is a pretty good chance that your taste buds will change. What you like now may just make you sick at the thought of it post-op. Post-op I actually crave healthier foods, just looking at food soaked in gravies and such will turn my stomach.
As for protein Unjury claims to be "the" protein supplement for bariatric patients. I purchased a box of samplers of the vanilla chocolate and chicken soup and I liked them all. My only problem with them is that they are a lil pricey and the containers are not as big as the protein canisters you get from the vitamin shoppe or wherever. During your clear liquid stage the chicken soup would probably be the best.
Next protein tastes no they are not the best tasting beverages ever but you get used to it and if you check out egg faces blog you will find a plethora of delicious protein recipes. Pre-op I was told by my surgeons office not to determine what proteins I like and dislike because like I mentioned earlier your tastes will probably change.
You mentioned not liking thick shakes; I used and still do, Nectar protein mixes they come in a lot of fruity flavors like roadside lemon aide and twisted cherry and apple ecstasy and so on. My advice when mixing them is to blend some ice then make the shake and pour it over. You might not want to put it in a blender or a bullet because it has a tendency to froth up.
ETA: yes lip balm, lip balm, lip balm and not that gloss you regularly use. You will not believe how dry your lips will be and licking them won't help because your mouth will feel like a desert.
Good luck
Pre-op I wouldn't worry about what you're going to like or dislike because post-op there is a pretty good chance that your taste buds will change. What you like now may just make you sick at the thought of it post-op. Post-op I actually crave healthier foods, just looking at food soaked in gravies and such will turn my stomach.
As for protein Unjury claims to be "the" protein supplement for bariatric patients. I purchased a box of samplers of the vanilla chocolate and chicken soup and I liked them all. My only problem with them is that they are a lil pricey and the containers are not as big as the protein canisters you get from the vitamin shoppe or wherever. During your clear liquid stage the chicken soup would probably be the best.
Next protein tastes no they are not the best tasting beverages ever but you get used to it and if you check out egg faces blog you will find a plethora of delicious protein recipes. Pre-op I was told by my surgeons office not to determine what proteins I like and dislike because like I mentioned earlier your tastes will probably change.
You mentioned not liking thick shakes; I used and still do, Nectar protein mixes they come in a lot of fruity flavors like roadside lemon aide and twisted cherry and apple ecstasy and so on. My advice when mixing them is to blend some ice then make the shake and pour it over. You might not want to put it in a blender or a bullet because it has a tendency to froth up.
ETA: yes lip balm, lip balm, lip balm and not that gloss you regularly use. You will not believe how dry your lips will be and licking them won't help because your mouth will feel like a desert.
Good luck
HMPH you would swear this chick here didn't have an angel lol...
Well as far as protein tell Rachel to suck it...I use the whey protein from Wal-mart as you and I discussed maybe she said unjury because it is unflavored but go to the health food store and shop around as long as the nutirents are similar the brand is a personal choice.
Initially you're eating/drinking so little and I didn't have an appetite that even the stuff I liked as a pre-op I couldn't tolerate very much of.. With all the brands out here you'll find something that you can tolerate and be fine!
ETA-I didn't use ANYTHING in the hospital that I brought laptop, magaines, or music. I slept and when I was conscious I walked...oh and talked to friends/family so make sure you bring your charger. I wore sweats and a loose Tshirt and flip flops on my feet.
Well as far as protein tell Rachel to suck it...I use the whey protein from Wal-mart as you and I discussed maybe she said unjury because it is unflavored but go to the health food store and shop around as long as the nutirents are similar the brand is a personal choice.
Initially you're eating/drinking so little and I didn't have an appetite that even the stuff I liked as a pre-op I couldn't tolerate very much of.. With all the brands out here you'll find something that you can tolerate and be fine!
ETA-I didn't use ANYTHING in the hospital that I brought laptop, magaines, or music. I slept and when I was conscious I walked...oh and talked to friends/family so make sure you bring your charger. I wore sweats and a loose Tshirt and flip flops on my feet.
OK..........I'm pretty fresh out of the hospital from my RNY 3 weeks ago. In reading your post and list of "picky" what I don't like............you might struggle! My advice is to "man-up" because participation in this process demands you getting that protein down. I had no problems pre-op with the protein, or the first week after. but since then my taste have changed and it's mind of matter getting it down...but I do, because I have to. I started with Unjury also, but am finding it a little pricey and the Walmart brand is about half the price with the same identical nutrituinal value needed. You just have to try and try until you find what works for you. get your mind ready to make some adjustments to what you HAVE to ingest, because you have to get it in......one way or the other or face the consequences.
Best wishes!
J
Best wishes!
J