Question:
I have a date set and could use all the advice I can get

   — shan49721 (posted on November 5, 2009)

November 5, 2009
Either use this website or buy a journal. I took before pictures and pasted it into my journal and took my own measurements. This helped keep me motivated while I was struggling right after surgery. Also, found that buying the grape Isopure and adding a bit of the Gatorade G2 (only 25 calories) helped me get it down. Enjoy and goodluck.
   — LittleBlackDress

November 5, 2009
Get a subscription to Obesity Help Magazine or WLS Lifestyles Magazine. Find and join a weight loss surgery support group NOW. You'll get a lot of information, answers to your questions, and support and encouragement from others who have already gone through what you are about to. One good book I know of is "Reach for the Stars - A Guided Journal for Your Weight Loss Surgery". It takes you all the way from prior to your surgery, through the various stages after surgery. ObesityHelp.com is a wonderful resource. Look around on the site, I think you'll be surprised at all of the support and information you can get. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. You have my best wishes as you begin your exciting journey toward good health. God Bless.
   — KimM

November 6, 2009
Another great book to get is "Before and After" by Susan Maria Leach. She has a website and resources for bariatric patients. She actually commissions bariatric products designed to meet your protein needs while tasting REALLY good. Before I had surgery, I purchased her "sample" protein package, which included samples of about 15 or 20 different kinds of protein powders, 4 liquid (or RTD - ready to drink) protein shakes, her book, a shaker bottle, and a BElieve bracelet (like the Livestrong bracelets). That was a little pricey (something like $59.00 - and with tax and shipping I think it came to $72)...but it was worth it to me to have the samples of protein powders (which you can get in Whole Foods-type stores, but they cost $3-4 per package) and her book and the shaker bottle. She also sells Inspire protein powders - my absolute favorite of all time is the Peanut Butter Cookie powder - and bottled drinks as well as about a zillion sugar-free DaVinci syrups to flavor those vanilla shakes with. Go to BariatricEating.com and check things out. I agree with the other posters, to see if there are support groups in your area. Go to them BEFORE surgery... you'll get LOTS of informtion there.
   — Erica Alikchihoo