Surgery to be scheduled for Jan/Feb 2015

[JackieK]

Hello my name is Jackie. I have been working through the prep for WLS. I'm within the 5lbs of my required 10lbs loss before being able to have surgery. I have scheduled my appointment to meet the surgeon (Dr. Ikramuddin) on Jan 6th and then I guess we will narrow in a surgery date. I'm struggling with loosing the last few pounds and do not like the protein shakes and have skipped drinking them and only eat the 1 meal a day - I have noticed that I'm not loosing when I do this. I would love recommendations on decent tasting protein drinks. Right now the only one I have found that is OK is the slimfast high protein carmel latte. Also would love to know how long to expect to recover after surgery and being able to return to work. I'm a cube rat who sits at a desk 9+ hours a day.

I'm a 49yo single mom of 3 adult children (DS1-21yo; DS2- 19yo; DD - 18yo) who was heavy pretty much since elementary school. I've been on nearly every diet every and have lost 100lbs 3x in my life. 1st time was in high school, 2nd time was in my mid 20s and then the last time was in my late 30s/early 40. My challenge has been keeping the weight off. The last time I lost the 100lbs I fell off the rails when I got divorced (10 years ago) and gained back the weight plus as I worked through being a single parent and financial difficulties. Its cheap to eat crap .

Now I'm working on myself and finding that at 49 weight doesn't come off easily and I honestly dislike exercise. My heaviest has been 318 and I am currently 266. I've been eating high protein and low carbs, but recently slipped back to eating carbs. I was diagnosed in April of being diabetic but luckily I'm able to keep off meds (for now and hopefully forever). And thus the desire to have the surgery.

Looking for support and help as I walk through this journey.

[paradoxcowgirl]

Your yoyo relationship with weight sounds so much like mine! At my heaviest adult weight I was 305, lowest 125. My weight on the day of my procedure was 236. That was 7 weeks and 2 days ago. I'm down 31#.

I like genepro unflavored protein powder 30g protein per tablespoon, you can use it in food, hot and cold drinks. I make my own drink flavors with torani sugar free syrups and skim milk. For convenience I also like the premade "oh yeah" shakes 32g protein per 14oz bottle.

I did not have to do a pre-op diet, but post op, the weight comes off when you get in the required protein and fluids.

[Prophecy86]

BiPro protein powder is really good as well.

[RehabNurse]

I can relate to the yo-yo diet phenomenon. My highest adult weight was 225 pounds and the lowest was 116 pounds.

My most recent major weight loss was in 2013: I started that year at 180 and got down to 128 through calorie-counting and exercise. 16 months later I had gotten up to 225 pounds by falling off the wagon, endulging, and stuffing my negative emotions down my throat.

Anyhow, good luck to you. The journey toward a healthier outlook toward food will be a lifelong struggle that must keep us on our toes at all times.

[powelllanier]

Hi Jackie!

I found the vanilla Pure Protein powder from WalMart to be pretty tasty. I mixed frozen fruit, fresh fruit, even drained canned fruit (in juice or light syrup) with the powder, almond milk, and ice.

Wishing you great success,
Michelle

[ksw]

I like the premier protein shakes. They have good flavor. You can find them at Wal-mart and Costco.

[Anniesleeve]

I am six weeks out from surgery and have lost 30 lbs. I am drinking the Premiere Protein ...but really getting sick of them. I recommend Genepro powder added to something you like...soup? You could also do the liquid yogurt (siggies) and add fruit and protein powder.

[JackieK]

Thank you everyone for your responses. For those who have had surgery - how long did you take off from work? Curious what to expect to take off so I can schedule my work appropriately.

[RehabNurse]

Thank you everyone for your responses. For those who have had surgery - how long did you take off from work? Curious what to expect to take off so I can schedule my work appropriately.

I took two weeks off...I felt fine enough to return to work after one week off, but felt like using up my accrued PTO time. I was off my pain meds by the fourth postoperative day.

You can probably get away with taking one week off unless you have a strenuous job that requires lots of physical exertion.