Can I Hang Out Here?

Welcome to the LW board.  The people on here are very supportive and helpful.
Keep us posted with your progress.
Linda

Welcome aboard Lee!  Im Cindy, also a pre-op.  My surgery is schedule for March 2.  My BMI was also 42 when I started out my journey.    Cindy

Welcome Lee! 
My program also boo-hoo's the use of protein shakes and supplements other then vitamins so I am supposed to eat my protein and drink milk fortified with powdered milk.
Good luck with your journey.

WELCOME!!!!   Don't be surprised if some of us try to convert you over to drinking your protein daily...LOL!

Hello everyone! I have been trying to find a forum were I fit in as well. Even when I go to my doctor office support up, I am still one of the so called LIGHTWEIGHTS and the issues I have dont seem to be as important as the ones that the preops or newbies have or the heavyweights.! They seem so go well goshh...your slow losin? your hair is falling out? well your already under 200 so whatcha complainin about. Thats the typical feeling I get when I try to fit in anywhere else. I still am having issues like anyone else and would really really appreciate any positive advice or support! Thanks!!

WELCOME to the World of LW's.   We all understand what your going through!!!!  When I go to my Surgeons office for my checkup, I keep to myself so no one asks me how much I've lost because I've been put down to many times.  Even saying that I have lost 93 lbs. isn't impressive when others have a couple hundred to lose.

You might want to start a new post and introduce yourself.   I almost missed your post because I don't always reread a post after I have posted.

Lee and Cindy - welcome to the LW board - we really don't care what your starting BMI is here - we support  and welcome everyone - no bashing or judging here!

Two new Cindy's and Me!  Hey, that sounds like a movie.  :)

Thanks again to each of you for the warm welcome.  It feels like I've found a place to hang out and get to know all of you.

Roz, I had to laugh at your comment about adding protein shakes as I follow the Menus thread.  I bet you'll have me drinking some protein shakes.  Right now I like the Muscle Milk Light that I get ast Costco.

Muscle Milk is a start...LOL!!!    I'm surprised at some Surgeons who don't want their patients to drink any kind of Protein drink.  Before i started drinking my Protein totals, I felt like I was on WW counting everything I put in my mouth.  I don't want to live like that anymore!!!
It would make me really happy if you posted on the M & M thread....

Hi Roz,

Kaiser Richmond just started doing the VSG in November.  What I find so interesting is that they have the LapBand, RNY and VSG all on the same diet.  Pre-op is a 1200 calorie a day diet.  There's no liquid diet as some surgeons require.

Post-op is:
Stage 1 - Clear Liquids starting on the day of surgery for 2-3 days.  20-30 oz per day
Stage 2 - Full Liquids - up to 1/2 cup 3x per day. Fluid up to 64 oz a day - end about 2 weeks after surgery
Stage 3 - Pureed Foods - start about 2 weeks after surgery - end about 4-5 weeks after surgery
Goal - up to 1/2 cup 3x a day - fluid 64 oz per day
Stage 4 - Soft foods - end about 12 weeks after surgery.  Protein first 1/4 cup-1/3 up then add 1 fruit or vegie, then add 1 starch serving
Stage 5 (last stage)  - Modified Regular Diet - same portion sizes as stage 4  - 1/3 cup protein 3x a day - regular consistency foods. 

I'm thinking that I'll probably have protein shakes as part of my daily fluid intake.  I'm starting to order samples and read everyone's reviews of the various protein shakes.  I'm also researching vitamins.

I think the support here on OH is outstanding!