I went 'grocery shopping/questions

More questions as the clock winds down to T time.  I went to Trader Joes today to look for recommended soups and sugar free items.  Just wondering if I got the right soups to use after I'm off the clear liquid phase.  I bought TJ's Organic Cream of Tomato, Organic Cream of chicken, Organic Cream of Tomato w/garlic and Organic Chicken broth (this one for clear liquid phase). My Lodi support group recommended these soups which are sold in boxes, like SILK or soy milk...just measure out what you need for each serving. I was concerned for 1 thing protein in these soups is at max 5g..but then I remembered that my doc said for the first 2 weeks she wasn't concerned so much about protein, as my body has enough fat storage to pull from..she wanted time for my pouch to heal...to be sure I got my liquid intake back up to 30oz a day by the end of the first 2 weeks.  Did anyone use these particular soups from Trader Joes?

I also found my sf jello and pudding and finally found sf popsickles (at Food Max).  And of course, I also bought Dannon Lit & Fit yogurt for phase 2; been using that stuff like it is ice cream! LOL Can you suggest anything else I should have on hand..or will this suffice for the modified liquid phase?  I bought sf flavored water, lemon and fruit punch (both with no actual fruit juice included!) for phase 1.
All suggestions and opinions welcomed!
Nancy aka Sunray

HiNancy
I didn't use those TJ soups but I think they would be fine....most grocery stores sell SF popsicles - I still love those things for sure....just don't buy to much because your tastes with change for SURE....I for one bought to much before surgery and ended up throwing alot of stuff away...I did A LOT of protein shakes early out (and still do just becuse I like them) I used Unjury protein  powder and also Nectar by Syntrax.  Just be sure to do alot of sipping of water after surgery but don't go over board on the fruit juices.  I liked the crystal lite packets and also still use those.  And I also use a ton of Lipton Decaf instant ice tea....

Best of luck to you as you get ready to start your new life.

I lived on a lot of chicken broth I know that...and Jean is right your tastes will change a lot and frequently. So do not buy a whole lot....my surgeon was the same way about the protien thing in the first couple of weeks....said I had enough reserve to be okay....so it sounds like you are off to a good start Nancy....the countdown is here!!!! YAY you soon to be LOSER!!!

Hey, Sunray.

I third the "don't buy too much of anything rule". I have a coworker here that wants to buy out the local health food store before her surgery on the 31st. NOOOO, I say. Buy JUST enough to get you to the end of maybe 2 weeks (I was driving day 7) and you can re-stock yourself. The trip around the grocery 1.5 weeks post op is also great exersize. :)

I dumped on the flavor of the SF pudding. DD ended up eating it.

Anything at TJs is good and I like the box/store in fridge idea. I opened soups and put 4 portions in seperate baggies and froze them to use as needed. The box is a better idea and not so much work. I am happy your nut is not as big on pushing the protein shakes right out of the box. drinking savory a lot may restore your taste better than me poisoning my taste buds with artificially sweetened shakes, like I did. blech. It is all better now, but I NEVER thought I would taste "normally" again.

Nancy

Going shopping was a great idea. The only thing is that my surgeon said to soups that are tomato based because of the acid or spicey soups. This will be harsh on your new pouch. Just giving you a heads up. Also check the sugar in the yogurt. Most of those yogurts have over 5 grams in them. Other than that, I'm so excited tomorrow is your big day! I've gotta spot right next to me on the loser's bench. Wishing you an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery.

Hugs
~ Marcy ~

thank you all for responding ^_^   I feel a little more confident that what I have will work. On the note, however, Marcy, I think you're right about the tomato soup..the acid issue...and I kinda sorta remember the nut saying something about that. I'l check before I leave the hospital on Tuesday; I knew there was a reason I saved the receipt LOL    Jeni, you must have been riding on my shoulder while I was shopping....my husband is the kind  to think 'if 1 is good, 10 is better'  LOL  I only bought 1 box of  each; if he had his way, I would have bought 2-3 of each.  I told him I only needed enough for 2 weeks; after that I would decide what I liked or not liked and go from there to replenish.  Even then I still had to remind him that I was only allowed 1/4 cup each serving!  That the 4 boxes I bought would probably go bad before I could finish them ;-P  thanks again for all your help!
Nancy aka Sunray
we DO cus we CAN

Hi Nancy,

Sounds like you did great with your shopping.  One of the things they suggested on the cream soups to up protein was to put 2 tbs of powdered milk in it and that will boost the protein a little.  I had no problems with skim milk (thank goodness) and anything else for that matter except the mint chocolate sf pudding.  Choc and choc/vanilla swirl are fine but the mint just didn't taste good.  I have had no changes in my likes or dislikes so far.

I am really excited for you and can't wait to get Lon's call tomorrow!

Hugs,
Barb