3 weeks post op

Hey everybody, I haven't posted in awhile. I just want to thank everybody for all of their support. I am still an emotional roller coaster but am getting better. I regret my decision some days when I see others being "normal" while I'm not. But I hear it gets better once you get to a normal diet and stuff. Anybody know how to get the steri strip goo off. I have tried soap and water and rubbing alcohol, any ideas?  I have had a few bumps at the beginning of my journey so far including. Severe dehydration which required an iv drip. 1 episode of "dumping" no vomiting or diarreah just Severe nausea and sweats. caused by 2 oz of Wendy's chili. An ulcer probably from not eating enough. Some nausea issues but no vomiting. I have been severely weak off and on too. I am trying to eat more protein to get rid of this. I was wondering if anybody has any idea as to how to judge buying clothes. I am not sure to buy too tight or a little tight or pants I can't button? So suggestions on that would help? Also if anyone has any suggestions on the protein powder flavors that would help. Any other advice is also welcome. Have a great 4th !         LIZ

Liz, as far as the medical issues you really need to talk to your doctor's office. As far as the steri strip issue I would also ask the doctor's office because that is really close to the incision site and I would not want to suggest something that would case any irritaion to it.  The clothing issue - well I bought a lot of my early pants and tops from resale shops. I first went to a regular clothing store and tried on various sizes and found out what fit then went to the resale shop and bought what I could find. Even with me being 4 yrs out I only recently bought brand new jeans for the first time. You cannot beat the prices (3-5 dollars) for jeans at some resale shops. Especially the charity ones. As far as judging sizes. The clothing industry has revamped the sizes and now what is a 10 used to be a 14 and so on. This is a marketing ploy to get the people especially women who buy the most clothing to feel good about themselves and buy more. It really tics me off when I think of it. Protein powder flavors are really individual. I like Met-RX, EAS Myoplex Lite and EAS ready made protein shakes. Other people love Unjury, I was not crazy about it. The same goes for Adkins ready made. I am not fond of most protein bars either. I think they have too many calories in them. I would rather eat meat or chicken.  Christine

Hi I,m 6 weeks Post op and am having a good deal of trouble with the protein issue. I am a super fussy eater and have a tremendous jag reflex.  I have tried a few different protein powders and have not found one I can tolorate to take except 1 or 2 x a week. In order to do that I have to just slug it down. In reading some of the posts I hear refrences to the gastric bible(?), did I miss something somewhere in my journey to surgery?  It took weeks for the steri strip goo to finally wash away. Any help or tips will be appreciated. I go back to work in 2 weeks and need the energy and the correct eating options.