Proti-15 Help - RUSH!

I have my pre-op testing and class tomorrow so while out in Nassau I am going to swing by Dr. Garber's office to buy some post-op foods/drinks. Those who use the Proti-15 and/or Proti-Max Soups, Shakes, and drinks: Which do you reccommend I buy tomorrow?? HELP! Sorry this is last minute. Thanks! -Karen Pre-Op RNY Surgery date 9/12 !

what is proti 15 and why would you need to buy that pre op???? Stacy

Hi Karen, I am also a patient of Dr. Garber's. He is awesome and so is the staff!!! As for Proti shakes, make sure you don't have them until after surgery. They have a lot of protein that you will need after surgery. I like the hot chocolate and cappachino. I am a month post-op and I have these 2 flavors for breakfast. The fruit shakes are okay. i am not a fan of sweet drinks and they are sweet, but bearable. I HATE HATE HATE the chicken noodle soup. to me, it tastes aweful, but I hear a lot of people like it. The oatmeal is really good too, but very filling. I was not able to eat a whole bowl and still only eat about a quarter, but it is very good if you add a packet of Splenda. Good luck on the 12th!!! email me if you need to!!! Erika H.

Hi Erika, Thanks! I actually went to Dr. Garber's office yesterday and bought the "post-Op package" whi*****ludes a Hot chocolate type, a soup type (UGH!! I took the chicken noodle!) , a box of the oatmeal type (I took the original flavor), a cold drink type (I took grape) and a shake mix (I took vanilla). The 5 boxes were a starter deal - $55.00. What I mean by "pre-op" is that I wanted to BUY them Pre-op...NOT eat them Pre-op. Sorry for the confusion! Erika...I am SO nervous! Yesterday I had the pre-op class with Anna and BOY OH BOY.... I was a wreck! The PIK/IV, the catheter....eeeeeep! All I expected was one drain; we'll go home with 2 they said. But...in the end I know it will be worth it. Can I email you directly with more questions? Thanks for the advice! -Karen

Hi Karen, I didnt know surgeon offices sell things. The only tube you most likely will come home w/is the JP tube. There is also a small chance of leaving w/a G tube depending if your remnant stomach becomes distended or not. GOOD LUCK and I wish you nothing but the best.

Hi Tavia, I hope you are feeling well We leave with 2 tubes in the stomach. They showed us at the class given at Mercy Hospital by Dr. Garber's staff. I even went so far as to question it. Not only did she confirm it was 2 drains....but she had samples of them there!! One had a plastic balloon-type thing on the end. The other was just a white rubber hose-like thing with no balloon (gee...my terminology is lacking!) The 2 tubes vs. one didn't upset me as much as the catheter did; that totally freaked me out. I have never had a catheter before but have heard horror stories about them. Thanks! -Karen

By the way.... Does Anyone know if the Proti-15 can be bought online? Does Dr. Garber sell it via the web? Any other sites? I live way out east in Suffolk County so down the road it would be nice to be able to get it delivered. Thanks again! -Karen

Hi Karen, I told you the chicken soup would be !!!! When I went to Anna's class, I got so faint from the drain that I left the room and passed out in the bathroom!!! However, being one month out I can hopefully help you feel better. - the drains and catheter are put in when you are out in surgery so you don't feel any of that. The catheter comes out the second day in. They take it out so fast that you don't know what hits you!!! - You will get 2 drains. The one on the left side comes out with a snip of the stitch. They will do that a week later in the office. Granted it will drain a lot but it comes out with a snip. -The drain on the right is connected to that little bag thing. That one also comes out VERY quick. Donna took mine out. She is an angel. It is a weird feeling - like a ribbed feeling coming out of you. It hurt for literally 2 minutes and then I never felt pain their again. I am one month out and down 30 lbs. I can tell you that all the pain in the first week is definitely worth it. Just keep in touch with Dr. Garber if you think something isn't quite right. You can email me anytime - [email protected]. I would love to chat!!! Talk to you soon and cheers to you, Erika