Question:
Pre-op vs. post-op tates. Should I get samples of sources of protein?

My surgery is 9 days away (OMG). I am trying to organize what I will need at home post-op. From what I have read and understand, it seems like I cant really predict what I will be able to handle both taste-wise and tolerance wise when it comes to protein..i.e. shakes, powders, bars, etc. Should I go out and buy samples of everything and then try them post operatively to see what I can handle the best? It seems like what I like today may not be at all what I can handle post-op. I feel unorganized about this and will be staying in a hotel for 4 or 5 days when I get out of the hospital. I want to be prepared but I dont know what to have on hand for the first 2 weeks or so after surgery.    — Julie D. (posted on April 2, 2002)

April 2, 2002
We sampled protein samples before surgery and I will say you should definitly know what your post-op diet plan will be.. My husband and I sampled all kinds of protein bars and then we found out that we were only allowed 9oz of food a day (3 meals at 3 ozs with NO SNACKS to teach us healthy eating patterns) and we needed to have 3 oz of MEAT 3 of veggies or fruits and 3 of starch like potatoes.. So NO ROOM in there for bars!!! We have experimented with protien drinks.. they can get spendy. I would just wait until after surgery and see what your dr. recommends.. our doesn't want us drinking protein drinks at all! GOOD LUCK>> HOPE EVERYTHING GOES GREAT FOR YOU!!!
   — Allie A.

April 2, 2002
Go to the website www.vitalady.com. They have several different brands and flavors to choose from and you can buy sample packets of each to try first for $1.99 each. I liked the Sci-Whey Protein the best and then Optimum Protein. When you order samples, it only takes a couple of days to receive them, so you could order enough to take some with you.
   — DJeffrey

April 2, 2002
Julie, I was like you, (but no hotel) I wanted to have everything at home I needed after the surgery. But to my surprise my taste buds were gone and nothing tasted or sounded good. I tried to eat what I could but had a really hard time with the taste. I use to love "eggs" now even the thought of one makes me sick to my stomach. I drank CIB no sugar added mixed with skim milk. It felt really good on my stomach and didn't bother me. I'm sure you are going to have someone with you after surgery. Send them to the store to get what you think you can handle. But make sure you get plenty of water, and more water and more water!!!! Good luck! my prayers are with you :-)
   — Tammy D.

April 3, 2002
Hi, I am 6 months out today. My surgeons office gave me a shopping list for the first 2 weeks, things to buy and have ready. Believe me I bought all this stuff and some of it still sets in my cabinets because I wasn't thinking in post op mode, I was thinking in preop. In other words, I bought alot to make sure I had it on hand, and I still after six months have some of it here. A litte post op goes a long way!!!!!! If you need to know what all to buy, ask your surgeon. Bariatric Treatment Centers gave me a shopping list for the first couple of weeks maybe your surgeon can do the same!!!!! Or if you want email me and I will let you know. Good luck with your surgery. -79lbs and counting. BTC In Columbus Ohio, Dr. Christopher Kacsmarski, October 4, 2001.
   — TONYA B.