Question:
Help... I don't know where to start...

I am having RNY suergery in 9 weeks and I feel so overwhelmed and I don't know where or what to start buying.Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks!!    — MARIA P. (posted on October 4, 2009)

October 4, 2009
Congratulations on making the first step! It is a long, but very rewarding road if you follow the rules. I would recommend checking sale ads between now and then and stocking up on the boost/slim fast or any other non perishable protein drink you choose, because they can get pretty expensive. Also, my best friend has been my food processor! It really comes in handy with pureeing protein, veggies, fruit and just about anything else you put in! Good Luck with everything and if you need someone to talk to or any support feel free to contact me! :)
   — jdambs24

October 4, 2009
Go to www.BariatricEating.com. They have a sample pack that you can buy. It's a little pricey, but jam-packed with delicious samples of protein drinks and a ball-shaker, and the book "Before and After" by Susan Maria Leach. If you order it on a Monday, you'll have it by the next Monday. I loved reading her book - over half of it is recipes that you can cook for your family and yourself after you've begun to heal, but the first part of the book is part pre and post-op journal, and there is a whole section of question and answer pages (she collaborated with WLS surgeons from all over the country to get the answers she provides you with). There were very few things in the shipment that I didn't like, and I learned that many of the things could be purchased locally at either GNC or Vitamin Shoppe. I had the following on hand when I got home... IsoPure 20 oz bottles of ready-to-drink protein (it's like adult koolaid in several flavors - my favorite was grape frost), New Whey fruit flavored "bullets" that I would add to large cups of Celestial Seasonings fruit zinger teas (both of these products have over 40 grams of protein and are low in calories and have zero carbs). I also liked Syntrax Nectar protein powders - I got Fuzzy Navel (for the clear liquid phase) and Chocolate Truffle for later on. I like these better than things like the Atkins shakes or Special K protein shakes or stuff like that because you really want something that's low in calories, low-to-no-fat and carbs, and HIGH in protein.... like over 20 grams. You should also check with your surgeon. Most surgeons have a notebook (and pre-op classes) that tell you what you need to have on hand to prepare for surgery and what you'll need for when you get home. My notebook even has a grocery list that includes bandages and dressings for the incision care, and a week by week "diet" page telling you what to eat/drink, and how much, and when. It also has a question and answer section, an emergency contact section, and articles about WLS and how successful patients have managed their relationship with food and exercise. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed.... you'll do just fine. If you have any questions or just need to talk, please email me here on OH.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

October 5, 2009
Talk to your surgeon's nutritionist. They can give the best advice to help you.I did & found everything I needed from drugstore.com. I too am waiting for my date. Good luck
   — SPIRIT2002

October 5, 2009
Your best bet is talk to your nutritionist. You will start on your protein shakes about 2 weeks prior to your surgery, so in the mean time start testing different pureed foods. This will help out a lot so that when it comes time to eat you'll already know what it looks and tastes like. I personally could not handle the look or thought of pureed meats and ended up putting protein powder in everything I ate.
   — C. Barnes