New to site...going in on June 23rd

Hi everybody,      I'm new to the site and am looking for all sorts of advice for after surgery (gastric by-pass) I would like to know how I might feel on the third and fourth days.   My bedroom is on the third floor...should I be able to manage the stairs?  What protein types worked for you when you first got out of the hospital?I love yogurt and would like to mix it with all of the protein drinks.   Does that sound reasonable?I know it has to be sugar free.  Are their other good options besides Carnation Instant Breakfast?  Something that doesn't have to be mixed with lots of vitamins?  I'm sure I will think of a few more questions before next Monday.  Thanks for your help.  Mikelanne

Hi and welcome to the OFF board, where there are lots of supportive and kind folks! You asked some good questions. . .   As to how you might feel, you did not specify as to whether you are having your procedure done laproscopic or open.  Lap is less invasive, though still surgery and everyone is different.  I, myself, overdid things by day 4 and had a minor setback, simply because I felt so great and overdid.  Having had other types of abdominal surgery in my lifetime, the first couple of weeks can be rough and doing stairs is usually something not to be over done, so I'd say once you're down them, try not to have to go up them until it's bedtime, at least the first week to 10 days, but, always ask your surgeon's advice as to what to do. The protein question, well there too, different doctors put people on their regiment, so follow what your surgeon and, if you are working with a nutritionist, what they tell you to do.  There are many forms of protein, the powdered Any Whey that is not flavored can be added to most anything to increase your intake of protein.  There are liquid supplements, like Profect, which while they don't take great, 3 gulps and you got 25 grams of protein, I think they even have one now that has more protein in it.  Not sure if you will be on clear liquids the first week, so I'd say the yogurt is something you might have to wait on. Good luck and I'll be looking forward to learning how your surgery goes. Best wishes, Laureen

Mikelanne, I had laparascopic lap band so I don't know about RNY but just wanted to say good luck with your surgery next week. Can't wait until you join us on the losers bench. Bev

Welcome to OFF! I'm 12 days out from my laparoscopic RNY and I feel very good.  No pain from incisions and I only feel pretty tired when I exert myself.  In fact, I have my first follow-up visit with the surgeon this afternoon so I'm pretty excited about that.  I hope to get some food given back to me.  Her guideline was liquid the first 2 weeks after surgery.  I'd been staying with clear protein and protein shakes until last night.  Last night I had some creamed mushroom soup diluted with a touch of beef broth.  I only got 3 bites in but it tasted great. You must follow the guidelines given by your surgeon because they really know what they did and what works best from their experience. Good luck, Kathi

Mikelanne, welcome to OFF!  Wishing you well with your surgery and wls journey!   How you feel would depend on whether you have open or lap surgery.  Mine was lap, the first few days, while in the hospital, I felt a bit tired and weak, but once I was discharged, it was another story.  I attended a baseball game less than a week post-op, had no trouble climbing 14 stairs to my bedroom, and really other than a little twinge now and then, felt good.   There are much better options than Carnation Instant Breakfast for protein, Unjury is a good one you can find online.  My choice is ready to drink Eas AdvantEDGE.  I find them at WalMart or one of our local grocery stores sells them.  I did order them online, but the price went sky high.   I'm sure others will be able to recommend several more protein powders/drinks. Debbie

Hello Mikelanne and WELCOME to OFF!!! This is the place to be. Great people, great advice and great friends!  I had a little problem after surgery because my bowel was nicked. They had to repair that before they could go on. I was pretty sick for about three days then I bounced back quickly. I have been on the move ever since!! As for protein.....I was advised by my surgeon to drink High Protein Boost for two weeks before surgery. I was then on Glucose Control Boost for four weeks after. I really liked the Boost products. The Chocolate flavors were my favorite.You can freeze them and eat them like ice cream when you get tired of drinking them. I have also used the Slim Fast Glucose Control since surgery. That is good too. Good luck and congrats on your upcoming surgery. Hugs, connie d

Welcome Mikelanne, As the others have already said, each surgeon and dietician seems to have different guidelines. Can you call them and ask? Something to keep in mind is that your taste preferance may be dramatically changed after surgery. So, don't haul in a HUGE supply of anything. It might not taste so good after the 23rd. Best wishes  Annette

Welcome to the OFF board. How I felt  a few days after surgery was quite different than most. I lost a lot of blood and I got very low on sodium very quickly. So for me it was 2 weeks before I could even sit to the computer. I couldn't have done the stairs for love nor money. But, I have very bad knees and a bad back. I have since had a total knee replacement on one knee and synvisc in the other. I didn't have much pain at all from the surgery itself. I did sleep in a recliner for a few days.  I can only tolerate "isopure". I like the powdered form and peach mango and chocolate are my favorite flavores. I add more ****o pd and use milk to mix the chocloate and it is very good. I could not tolerate the taste of yogurt in any protein drink. I do make  my own double milk yogurt and then strain it like they do  greek yogurt. It gives me 15 gms protein in 1/2 cup yogurt and is much milder than the boughten yogurt.  There are lots of bariatric protein drinks on the market. Most have 24-25 gms protein to a scoop. I get mine from a local sports nutrition store. They cater to the athletic type, body builders and bariatric patients. I pay about $35.00 for a 40 day supply.  Good luck with your surgery, Diana

Thanks to everyone who sent such good advice.   My medical team is terrific, but they are a little stuck on Carnation Instant Breakfast, so it is nice to hear about other products.  I think they suggest this because it is easy to find and not expensive.   They just want me to drink something with high protein.  I look forward to having my surgery so I can be part of the "after" group.  Mikelanne