question pre op

hi all.. i'm really confused about this protein thing. i'm really not sure what to have in the house. i would really like to get some shakes in, but i'm not sure what to get. we went and looked at them over the weekend and i have no idea what an acceptable amount of fat grams and sugar grams are. as much as i like my nutritionist...and i really do...she isn't really helping in that regard. she mentioned atkins..i said great, but i think they have something like 12 grams of fat is that ok? she thinks that was too high...i couldn't get a number out of her...like something between 1 and 12??...aaahhhhhhh. she told me to get designer whey. i plan on it, but what do you mix it with? a friend of mine who is on atkins uses it all the time, but she says it's gross unless you mix it with something. also, my head is really in a spin about all of this...does anyone know of a list of things that i should have in the house before i get home from the hospital on wednesday? what vitamins you have had luck with, what protein supplement, food stuffs....etc. any help that you can give would be greatly appreciated. 5 more days to go until my new life begins....whew..very heady. thanks again everyone suzanne

Suzanne: I would not invest in a lot of protein drinks before surgery. Your tastes could change radically - mine did. Your surgeons should have a protocol for you to follow. If not, I will locate my paperwork & can help you. I found that SF Carnation Instant Breakfast was good for the first few days. A lot of people like Designer Whey, so that's good - I didn't use it, so I can comment. I like the AdvantEdge "Coffee House" drinks, or the AcheivOne coffee-based protein drinks, but I am almost 18 months post-op. A lot of surgeons don't allow caffeine early post-op. If you're on a liquid diet post-op, things like Crystal Lite, Jell-O, SF popsicles, broth - that kind of thing - are good to have. I get my vitamins at Sam's Club - Maker's Mark brand. I take 4 multivitamins, 4 pre-natal vitamins, 4 biotin capsules, a sublingual B12 (I get this at GNC) and 4 calcium (citrate - not carbonate) tablets every single day. You're in Denville, which is local to me (I live in Long Valley & work in Morris Plains). I'd be happy to stop by or meet you to talk if you'd like. P~ "Life is too short to wear sensible shoes!" "WWCHD?"

Hey Suzanne -- first of all, relax. Here are some tips and tricks. First of all, proten drinks will be important in the beginning, but there are so many types in so many flavors. You can check out GNC or the Vitamin Shop -- try for at least 20 grams of protein per serving - and under 3 grams of sugar. I suggest going on to either of the following websites: BariatricEating.com or VitaLady.com. Both offer the opportunity to order samples for a modest amount so you don't sink a large amount of money into a protein powder you hate. I particularly like the Nectar brand for powder protein, and the AchievOne drinks for handy ready to serve - grab on the go drinks -- both of these are available on BariatricEating. As for having at home - have a supply of sugar free jello, sugar free ice pops, soups (I lived on lentil soup for two weeks), cottage cheese, and low fat (like Dannon Light n Fit) yogurt. As for multi-vitamins, you will need chewables to start - Flintstones will be okay for the first few months, but then I would suggest you change to something else after to help avoid hair loss. I took Flintstones for the first four months, then switched to Vista Vitamins (specially for bariatric patients). You'll need calcium citrate and B-12 (sublingually) also. Good luck - if you need anything, drop me a line. Also, find yourself a good post op support meeting -- it is invaluable. I run one that meets the first Friday of each month (April's meeting is on the 14th though) at Community Medical Center, Aud A at 7pm in Toms River, NJ - don't know if that is doable for you or not. Hugs, Nannette

Suzanne, Everything Pam and Nanette mentioned is absolutely true.. I use the french vanilla Designer Whey. I like it because I can doctor it up anyway I want.. I always mix with milk never water.... Right after surgery .. carnation nsa and yogurt were what I lived on. then I started with some eggbeaters and then tuna.. still do the yogurt and the tuna. The vitamins are very important.. can't advise though as haven't found one I really like. Sugar Free Ice Pops are a must and still love them... never really did much soup but broth would be good.. warm in my pouch never felt very good till recently... Seems like Pam and I are both local to you.. If you want to talk contact me.. I am just down 46. Donna