Pre-Op Day 7 (Warning: long!)

It really shouldn't matter what protein you use, it's more important of getting in enough protein (whichever way you get it in).

Quick question is your surgeon requiring you purchase the BA from his office?  I see that happen way too often and they are essentially getting a kick back on what they sell which is IMO unethical.

I won't say go against your surgeon on this, although IMO you have to do what works for you and if you either 1) don't get in protein because you can't stand the taste or 2) drink what is palatable to you then you have to make a choice on what works for YOU.

Good luck with your upcoming surgery!

Yes, I bought the powder from his office.  However, I compared the price I'd pay buying from him with several other places, and his price was actually cheaper.

I don't think the surgeon selling products is necessarily unethical, unless he doesn't allow you to use the same thing from someplace else if it's cheaper.  I have been to doctors who are "selling" something in their offices, but in those cases, they tried to cram the product down my throat as THE ANSWER to whatever problem I was having, as opposed to trying testing or less costly options for treatment first.  In my surgeon's case, I firmly believe he thinks this particular protein powder is superior and the best thing for his patients, and I definitely don't think it's just a money-making gimmick for him (although I'm sure he does make some kind of profit off of it.)  Maybe I'm naive, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I ask him to let me switch to something else.

If he WON'T let me switch, I'll probably go the rebel route and switch on my own, without telling him.  I've got to get something down, and something is obviously better than nothing.

Beth

I feel for you. I don't have to do anything prior to surgery- such as pre-op diet. I am very thankful.

I'm on day 3 of pre-op diet and understand what you're saying.  My plan calls for shakes like Adkins or EAS before each meal, oatmeal for breakfast, broth or cream soup for lunch & supper.  I can have yogurt or fruit 3 times a day and a high protein shake in the evening. And of course...LOTS OF WATER!  

I'm not exactly hungry, I just keeping thinking - is this all there is???
It doesn't matter how many times I look at the list, there are no cheeseburgers listed!

You know what?  My list doesn't include cheeseburgers, either!!!  Go figure! 

Gosh, oatmeal and soup sounds really good to me right now.  Fruit, too. 

As for "is this all there is", from reading this board for months, it sounds like there IS life after WLS, and that at some point down the road, we'll be able to add some of those goodies back into our diet, only very occasionally and in much smaller quantities.  Hopefully, by then, we will have learned to change the way we look at and feel about food, and that occasional cheeseburger won't become daily cheeseburgers!

Good luck during pre-op, surgery, and after!  It's nice to compare notes with other pre-ops who're also almost there.

Beth

Not trying to be a smarta** but .....how is your doc going to know if you do the Bariatric Advantage or the Jay Robb?  If you just CAN'T do the Bariatric Advantage, I'd go with the Jay Robb.  I understand the point of the preop diet, and the importance of compliance with your doc's program, but there's no point making yourself miserable, and/or sick from not getting enough nourishment just to drink a specific protein brand.  If they are comparable from a nutrition standpoint, I don't see why it would make any difference to go with the brand you CAN tolerate.

Just my opinion.....

You're right; he wouldn't know.  And believe me, I've thought about doing just that.  BUT. . . I'm putting my faith in the fact that he's the bariatric surgery specialist, and that maybe he knows more than I do about what condition the body should be in prior to surgery, in order to do it safely, successfully, and without complications.  

After reading 100's of posts on this board for the last several months, I've formed some opinions about bariatric surgeons, and they ain't all equal!  Personally, I want one who's totally focused on my health and welfare more than his bottom line.  I want one who has a lot of experience, has a good reputation, and who's interested in more than just the technical aspects of surgery.

I've come to the conclusion that I really lucked out when I found my surgeon, Dr. Lloyd Stegemann.  He's been extremely professional in every encounter I've had with him, he's very approachable, he listens to me, and he has responded quickly and without fail when I've e-mailed him with questions and concerns.  He attends as many of our monthly support groups as he can, and is very willing to address any problems people are having post-op.  He is deeply involved in not just bariatric surgery, but with the disease of obesity, has been a committee member on ASMBS, is a founder of the Texas chapter, and serves on several Obesity Action Coalition committees.  In my mind, all those facts add up to having an excellent surgeon who will do his best for me, as long as I do MY best for me!

This is why I will try to follow his directions, if I possibly can.  If I can't, I can't.  If I don't, I'm willing to accept responsibility for my actions.  (Not being a smartass here, either! )

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

Beth 

Sounds like you've found an excellent surgeon, which is so very important.  Hopefully he will have some suggestions to make the protein shakes more palatable.

This preop period will be over before you know it.  Best wishes to you on your WLS journey.  I can tell you'll be successful - you've done your research and are willing to make the sacrifices necesary and that's more than half the battle. 

I get shakes and calorie free liquids only. Mean doctor. Lol but Inresllymlike trader Joe shakes and gnc go lean shakes. If you buy the gnc and don't like them you can return them. Good luck

Beth, I'm also in South Texas...well, southeast Texas!!  My doc in Houston also requires the BA protein and I'm not very fond of it either.  I made it initially with the 2scoops and 8oz of milk with some sugar free Torani Caramel syrup and some sweet in low.  It was SO thick I couldn't suck it up the straw!!  I think I would've had to eat it with a spoon.  It doesn't taste very well but I think it's more the thickness that gets me.  I just started using 1scoop...I know it's less protein but OMG it's so much better.  I'm allowed to mix in things like fruit, flavored extracts, sf syrups, cocoa powder, cinnamon and a sweetener like sweet in low or splenda or whatever.  If you would like a sample of some of the stuff I've been doing, friend me and I may can help you.  We'll get through this!!!