Question:
Can you buy the protein shakes at a local grocery store like Kroger's or Randall's?

I was just wondering what is the best diet for the first couple of days. They say clear liquids, what kind of liquid and how much. Also where is a good store to get supplement vitamins> Surgery date is Tuesday March 27. Pray for me ! ! !    — JakeshiaL (posted on March 23, 2007)

March 22, 2007
I've found that Walmart carries a protein shake that's not too expensive and tastes really good. I believe it's EAS (comes in French Vanilla, Strawberry, Milk Chocolate) and it's with the vitamins near the pharmacy. I've only tried the chocolate, but I really like it! Check it out. As for your surgery concerns, I believe we all worry before undergoing a procedure like this. I had open RNY in July '06. I've been thrilled with my results...and my energy level is totally awesome!!! You have such an exciting life ahead of you! Just wait until you find out that food isn't all we've always thought it was. It's so cool to wake up and know that our day WILL NOT be centered around food. Don't let your mind fool you. Right now you're probably thinking that you'll never be able to eat your favorite foods again. Guess what - you will be able to try most everything...then you'll be able to decide what you can (and can't) tolerate. The best part is that most of the things I loved before DO NOT even entice me at all anymore. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
   — tonidaniels913

March 23, 2007
These are things I purchased to get me through the first week: Chicken and Beef Broth Celestial Seasonings tea -- it decaf and sugar free Sugar free jello and popsicles Water Crystal Light (its really not bad at all -- Peach, Pink Lemonade and Lemonade) Centrum Chewable Multivitamin The below items I purchased at the Vitamin Shoppe: Isopure Zero Carb Protein Drinks (don't purchase the orange it is NASTY) Calcium Citrate w/Vitamin D (It must be Citrate -- I'm switching to the liquid --tired of chewing these big ole wafers). If you are taking any iron supplements -- wait at least 2 hours to take the calcium because otherwise they cancel each other out Protein Shakes -- our clinic recommend the Slim Fast "LOW CARB (its in a blue can) Protein drink --can't hardly find it though so I go to the Vitamin Shoppe. The Vitamin Shoppe carries two that I like Lean Body (Chocolate and Vanilla) and one labled Worldwide RTD -- tried the Strawberry Cream -- I like that one too. The Lean Body protein shake is 17 ounces so you could really use that for 2 meals and it has 40 grams of protein -- which is more than half the protein you will be building to. But you want start protein drinks until the 2nd week. The first week is all about not being dehydrated. You'll be fine -- you'll come through like a champ -- I'm excited for you. I was so excited to be having my surgery my partner got tired of me talking about it.
   — the7thdean

March 23, 2007
Jakeshia... you should have all of this information from the surgeon's office and the visits with your dieticians. It is going to be invaluable, so get them out so that you can refer back to them all of the time. The first couple of days, you won't be able to drink more than a couple of swallows at a time. The popcicle thing is good. I loved them, they took some time to eat and felt like you were actually eating something of substance. Depending upon your surgeon, you will be on soft foods or full liquids and then the protein shakes can come in handy. The EAS shakes are the ones that I still use 6 mos out. I add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to give it an extra boost and then add ice. But you won't be able to take that much in for a while. Good luck and refer to your preop material so that you can follow YOUR surgeon's guidelines and wishes for your post op period.
   — Kari_K

March 23, 2007
Hi Jakeshia, Patricia P here again. When I had surgery they just asked us to use a chewable, and I used flinstones I think. You are only using chewables for about 6 weeks or so, and they disolve well and benefit you. The protein and clear liquids are another story. Please don't buy a ton of anything. What tastes good to you now can taste like junk when you have surgery. Buy a few, but you will just have to wing it some after surgery. Just so you know, I took your request seriously, I did pray for you this morning. I hope that you find God as the solid rock of your life, and Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. God's Word, The Bible, is the greatest love letter ever written, and it was written, Jackshia for you. I hope you take the time to read it and search for God with all your heart. The Bible says that if you search for Him with all your heart, that you will find Him. I pray that this would be your desire. Take care, and best to you. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P