Question:
I have 2 Questions. 1) I would like to hear form post-ops that have had the

the Sarpala-wood micropouch. I am pretty sure this is the surgery I have decided to have. I have been reseaching different wls for sometime. I would like to hear about post-op results and side effects that others have experienced. My 2) question is can you use supplements Like high protien ensure it has 12gm. of protien and 19gms of sugar. I am not sure if the sugar content would be to high. I would like to stock up on the things I will need before my surgery so that I don't have to worry about it later.    — Toni R (posted on July 9, 2003)

July 9, 2003
In response to question number two, I would not purchase the "high protein" Ensure. No decent protein shake has more sugar grams than protein grams, and nineteen sugar grams could be high enough for some folks to "dump" on (especially in a liquid, and especially as fresh post-ops). You should look for a protein drink that gives you close to 30 grams per serving, if possible -- that's the most you can absorb from one serving. As a fresh post-op, it may not be possible to get that much in through one drink, but that's the goal. I recommend that you try different protein powders, in single-serving sample sizes, to figure out what protein drinks you can tolerate, as there are a lot of nasty-tasting ones out there. I think "Whole Foods" (formerly Fresh Fields) sells some individual samples, and you can get them online from places like vitalady.com and wlssuccess.com. Bear in mind that something you like as a pre-op may not appeal to you as a post-op, as some people's tastes change (mine didn't, but many people say theirs did). Once you've found a good one, you may be able to find the full-size tub at GNC or again, online. Just be aware that stuff the grocery store sells -- like Ensure, Boost, Carnation Instant Breakfast, and even Atkins (though it's better than the others) are not particularly remarkable protein sources, and some are just loaded with sugar. Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

July 9, 2003
Good luck with your surgery! Hopefully your nutritionist/dietician will tell you to have a drink with more protein in it. GNC or any health store will have several selections of HIGH protien drinks. You want to go for low sugar, high protien. Ask your surgeon/dietician/nutritionist which ones they recommend. Designer Whey is the one I used and it has 50 grams of protien per serving (dry form - you must mix it w/milk). They make the drinks in the already mixed form in a can, but it is only at 20-30 grams of protien per serving. I know you will do great, but believe me you need your protien and the last person that posted is right on it when she says the kind you find at the grocery store/wallmart aren't the way to go. It may be cheaper and more convenient to get them there, but its not worth the lack of protien. Again, best of luck to you and your life changing surgery!
   — Mary H.

July 9, 2003
Hi, Yesterday someone asked about the SW Micropouch and everyone who responded said they had no problems. Have you looked in the archives? I did not have that surgery. I will pipe in on #2 - Ensures sugar AND carbs are too way too high. Slimfast is bad too. I understand they are coming out with a high protien version. Slimfast was recently blasted in the news because it has the same amount of calories and sugar as a small bag of MM's. My Doctor has us stay away from Boost, Slimfast and Ensure due to the high calorie, sugar and carb contents. Vitalady has an excellent protein drink chart on her website. http://www.vitalady.com
   — M B.

July 9, 2003
I guess my sureon does things differently. During the clear liquid phase I am to have 3 oz of juice/broth 3 meals a day and a 8 oz can of Boost Breeze 3 times a day. As well as getting in my 64oz of water. Boost Breeze is different than the regular Boost, this one is made as a clear liquid.
   — AmyLynn B.

July 9, 2003
I had the micro pouch 23 months ago. I have lost 140lbs, and am wearing a size 9. Dr. Wood did my tummy tuck in Jan. The are just great. I can eat normal portions now. I have not experienced any acid reflux, which I had constantly before my surgery. My cholestorl has come down from 300 to 128, blood pressure down from 185/86, to 116/73. No more diabetes either! And it won't stretch! It is great. I do not buy their vitimins. I use GNC Whey Protein. And I buy the same vitamins they sell, for less, @ vitimin World. They recommend chelated vitamins and they do not recommend Boost, or Slim Fast etc........ to much sugar and carbs!! Stay away from it! Good luck...... [email protected]
   — Phiddy B.

July 9, 2003
I had the procedure 1/31/03. I was told not to have anything that contained over 3 g of sugar at a time. I do not eat sugar or products with sugar in. I am too afraid of dumping. I use SimpleWhey protein drink. It is not bad tasting. To date I have lost 88 pounds. I started at 372. I have no problems now with anything I eat unless I consume too many carbs in a day. I do not eat pasta, rice, or bread. I will eat a potato about once a week, just to satisfy the craving. The only side effects I had were shortly post op. I had a terrible amount of gas that would not releive for 3 1/2 weeks. I would be fine in the morning. Within a half hour after eating the first time the gas would start. It increased as the day went on until I finally gave up and went to bed. I also had a slight stricture. This was dialated at 3 weeks post op. Shortly after the procedure the gas also left me. I have had no problems since. I sometimes wonder if I eat too much because I read what others eat and how full they get. I feel sometimes I eat more and the pouch is suppose to be much smaller. I talked with my doc and he said the amount I am eating is fine. Sorry this is so long. Hope it helps. Linda
   — Linda B.