Surgery scheduled for May 6th. Should I be ordering/buying anything now??
My nutrition class is April 28th. I like to be organized. Should I be pre-ordering protein shakes/samples, or wait until my nutrition class? I work FT, have a family, house and have lots to do to prepare. I've read about using special shot glasses or mini utensils etc. What do you all recommend?
Thanks so much!!
Renee
HW: 345. CW 272
Skip the tiny utensils. They're useless and you are a full-sized adult ;) I'd recommend getting some sample sizes of different flavors/brands of protein powders, but do NOT buy huge tubs until a while post op. Tastes change, as do tolerances (I became lactose intolerant post op and wasted over $100 in protein powders). Just make sure that you have a good heating pad for gas pains (skip the GasX - again useless as the gas is not in the intestines), and a few good books to keep you company those first several days.
I did make sure that I had several flavors of sugar-free jello on hand for the first few days post op when hydration is the number one rule.
Don't over think it. Just plan to take things slowly. Best of luck! We'll be warming you up a seat on the Losers' Bench!
VSG 7/1/13 with Dr. Jack Rutledge 28 y/o female - 5'10" - HW: 298 - GW: 174 - SW: 290 (-8) - M1: 262 (-28) - M2: 247 (-15) - M3: 235 (-12) - M4: 228 (-7 ~First Stall: almost 2 wks~) - M5: 218 (-10) - M6: 209 (-9) - M7: 199 (-10) Onederland on 1/31 - M8: 196 (-3) 100 lb total loss on 2/2 - M9: 192.6 (-3.4) - M10: 188.6 (-4) - M11: 182 (-6.6) - M12: 175.6 (-6.4) - M13: 173.8 (-1.8) CW (7/8/15): 167 - GOAL reached in 1 Year and 25 Days! - TOTAL WL - 131 lbs
I bought a number of samples of protein drinks, figuring I'd try them after surgery (since tastes change) and then pick one I liked, and buy more. It turned out, my tummy wouldn't tolerate sweet drinks, so I only used a couple samples, and then switched to chicken broth with unflavored protein powder, which was my staple for months.
So, I'd suggest:
- Get samples of protein drinks for trying after surgery.
- I used unflavored protein powder a lot, but you may like the sweet drinks, and not need the unflavored.
- Have some good quality chicken broth on hand. Sometimes the warm liquids sit better in the tummy at first.
- Buy a few boxes of sugar-free jello, (clear liquid phase) and sugar-free, fat free puddings (full liquids).
- buy a few cans of low fat "cream of" veggie soups for full liquid phase.
- Have plain no-fat greek yogurt on hand. - This was a staple for me early on.
- I weighed all my food, so I used a kitchen scale daily... still do!
I think that was all I needed for the first few weeks. by then you'll be ready to food shop again.
Good luck,
Carol
Surgery May 1, 2013. Starting Weight 385, Surgery Weight 333, Current Weight 160. At GOAL!
Weight loss Pre-op 1-20 2-17 3-15 Post-op 1-20 2-18 3-15 4-14 5-16 6-11 7-12 8-8
9-11 10-7 11-7 12-7 13-8 14-6 15-3 16-7 17-3 18-3
Caol's post covers a lot.
I've bought samples of various protein powders to try after surgery, and I'm stocking up on chicken broth. While I want to try the protein drinks now, I've heard too often that tastes change after surgery. I do need to get some unflavored protein powder.
I've got my food scale and measuring spoons/cups. Will probably order some mini muffin and mini loaf pans so I can make small egg-bites and meatloaves, etc. - lots of recipes from Eggface's site. I want to be able to freeze small portions so I don't waste a lot of food. Also need to get a shaker for my drinks.
When I get my SS check this month I've got to get my vitamins for post-op.
Like you, I want to be prepared. Thanks for posting - it has reminded me of the few things I still need to get.
Items I use the most...small 2 -4oz containers because it is hard to eat two OZ of soup out of a regular size bowl. Now I use them at work for cottage cheese and yogurt. A twin size electric blanket. I have it on right now! I ordered this on line a couple of days after I got home. When I sit down to read or watch tv I am freezing. It's from the weight loss...I also needed it at night when I came home. I slept on the couch propped up on pillows to minimize heart burn and support my stomach. Good luck!
Thanks everyone. A few of you mentioned "overthinking" it. That's my middle name!! That's how I talked myself out of it the first time. I need to be prepared without freaking myself out.
My family is so excited. I think they were really disappointed when I backed out before. I just have to get through the next two weeks without backing out.
I feel like this is it though.
Thanks again.
Renee
HW: 345. CW 272