POST-OP QUESTIONS!???

HEY everybody my date is getting nearer and i am getting more and more excited!! however i have a few questions for the Canadian board specifically...here goes... 1.Where did you guys buy a really great scale to measure progress? 2.What kind of protein shakes should i stock up on and where should i buy them? 3. What kind of low carb stuff do you guys use religiously (it seems like there are waaaay more american products than canadian available!!)? thanks again everybody!!!!!

I have a bathroom scale but I rarely even step on it, I don't trust it...instead, I make an appointment with my PCP at the same time every month and weigh myself there, that way I know it's consistent, and I'm not stepping on the scale everyday driving myself batty over every little fluctuation. It's also good for me to see my PCP on a regular basis, to keep her updated on my progress and address any concerns I have. I weigh myself once a month and I just live with the number till the next weigh next month....it's more exciting and satisfying to step on the scale and see 15 pounds lost than do weigh in everyday for a half a pound here and there. Don't buy any protein powders till after surgery because your taste will change so much. But a couple of sample packages in the US to use while you're there, when you get back to Ottawa go to Popeyes ( they will let you sample the products) and pick one you're sure you'll like. If you feel the need to buy a big ass tub of something, buy unflavoured protein, and add what you like to it ( extracts, fruit, cocoa, etc). Make sure you buy Whey Isolate...not a whey blend, we absorb the isolate better. I don't use any low carb products at all, they're very hard to find here. I just eat less carbs, and when I do eat them I make good choices, like wholewheat/multigrain/brown rice pasta, brown rice, wholewheat or multigrain breads ( although I rarely eat bread at all, it's one of those things I just don't tolerate well). I also find that starchy veggies like potatoes, corn and carrots cure my carb cravings and I don't feel so guilty about eating them because they are 100% natural, not processed in any way. I watch my carb intake but I don't count it.....when I want something I eat it, I just eat less and make the best choice I can. The one thing I have been looking for is a good low-carb BBQ sauce, that's my newest mission being that it's BBQ season again. Cheers Jen

Hey Jen, I was looking at The Sugarfree Shoppe's website and they have a few low carb bbq sauces (0-2 g carbs per serving). You can order online and they will ship their products out. I went into the store late last year and found them to be really nice. They are a bit on the pricey side, but unfortunately, it always seems to be that way when it comes to stuff that is better for us. Here is the link: http://thesugarfreeshoppe.ca/cgi-bin/online/storepro.php Hope you find something you like. Heather 377.5/254/150

Hi Alanna! I get weighed in once a week at my TOPS chapter and we have a doctors scale (on my way there in a couple of hours, lol). The one scale I have seen that a couple people have is the Weigh****cher digital scale and I believe you can get in Wal-Mart. I wouldn't stock up on protein powder, as your tastes may change. I have also found that I have become lactose intolerant, but mildly now. I need to get myself a Whey protein isolate so that I can get more protein in. I do get it in with my food, but no where near enough everyday. As for low carb, I don't really watch them. Before my surgery, I switched to brown bread and pasta and I totally prefer it over white processed stuff. Good luck, your day will be here before you know it. Heather 377.5/254/150

A good scale will stop making you crazy every time you hop on it! I highly suggest a scale made by Tanita. I found that out when I went to Weigh****chers online once and they were all raving about the Tanita scales. I bought one (a more expensive model than I should have - I bought the body fat one which I really don't put much faith into) at Canadian Tire and I have to say that it was a great investment. It is always dead on with my doctor's scale, dr. Pop's scale and (when I was a member) my TOPS scale. I like the consistency. It never wavers more than half a pound when I get on it multiple times. Definitely don't go crazy beforehand with the protein powders. Don't even drink them much before surgery because I tell you that once you start having them A LOT, you'll get sick of them before too long. Find samples if you can so that after surgery you can try different onces and see if you like them. I found samples at Walmart of the Whey Gourmet, and then Shoppers had some in a can that I bought separately to taste too. That's the best advice I could give you. Dawn 288/148/140 http://home.cogeco.ca/~diminishingdawn

Hi Alanna, I do have a digital scale and it drives me crazy! I can gain or lose a lb in 30 seconds! So I have a basic scale and it seems to at least give me the same reading! I also get a different reading on scales at the fitness club (theirs has the best reading!) So I would go along with the other posts and use one as a guideline. I try to keep track on the same scale. It really does get addicting and frustrating, so many people have tossed theirs! As for protein shakes. GNC health store has a great variety and if you pay the $10 membership, you'll save a bundle. I like the chocolate ISO XP with 45g of protein per scoop. I mix it in my bullet with skim milk every morning (like a coffee fix). $35 for the container. If you go into the store they will make you a sample. I know they sell some brands cheaper, but some also have more scoops you will need to make the serving. Carbs, well I agree with Jen on this one. Make healthier choice carbs and even some you can cut right out. I don't eat pasta, rice or breads yet, and because of fruit, potatoes and a few crackers, I don't have many carb cravings. The odd time I'll buy those Crispie minis and have a couple just to curb the craving. They are a small bag and by the time my husband and 2 kids share them with me, its impossible to eat too many! Take care, Shelley

I bough my digital scale from Canadian Tire......... it's bang on with my doctors scale. It was funny just before surgery when I was at my m om's I got on her regular scale and it said I was 10 lbs lighter....... although I liked that I knew I wasn't, I had to break news to mom that she was 10 lbs heavier. For her birthday I bought her a digital scale from Canadian Tire. We went together, I got on 5 regular scales and all of them gave me different readings. I got on the digitial scale. I think it was around $60 and it was right and has been ever since. Protein shakes, I found Pure Pro from Shoppers good especially if its cold. They have a new flavour out now strawberry and tastes just like a milkshake, 35 g per can. I agree with everyone else don't buy big things of protein powder, tastes vary after surgery. Ask for samples and try it that way firts. I too got French Vanilla Whey Powder from Walmart. its ok, I perfer the pre mix Pure Pro however a tad expensive. Our walmart sells them for a little less. I don't eat a lot of carbs. I eat whole wheat/grain crackers with salmon and tuna more than I do bread. I did have dark pumpernickel one week for a change and I would have one piece with light cream cheese for a treat. Best wishes on your new journey Janet 265/212/140

HI Alanna... I bought my scale through Dr Dent's office... it register's your BMI and i think calculates bod fat and water.. It was $140 but it is great. I weigh myself everyday and the scales is very accurate. You can just walk in there and get one. I'm sure you can find a cheaper one but I just bought it, figuring if the weight management clinic is seling it, it must be good.

First of all, good luck with your surgery!!! I got my talking digital scale at www.canadianweigh.com. They have several types. I purchased the talking one that goes up to 440 lbs. and my friend who told me about them has the same one that goes up to 550 lbs. I find it to be pretty accurate. I get my protein from Unjury. They have chocolate, vanilla, unflavoured and chicken broth. I can't stand the chicken one and I'm not big on vanilla. The chocolate tastes and smells like Nestle Quik and I love it. The unflavoured is great for when I make a mango smoothie or such. They ship to Canada, are really friendly folks and very helpful. As for low carb stuff, the only thing I get low-carb from time to time is low carb pita wraps. They are with the regular pita wraps at pretty much any grocery store. Take care!!!

Mallory - when you get your Unjury ... how much is hte shipping cost? And do you end up paying duty? Lots of folks talk about Unjury - am thinking of trying it. I myself have started using Profect liquid 2.9oz 'shot' with 25 gms protein. I like the taste, & convenience is wonderful. I agree with everyone else tho - tastes change radically after surgery, so have some before hand to get used to making them / drinking them ... but don't spend oodles of $$ on big tubs yet. Another consideration --- get protein powders that mix well in water without clumping (gives you more choices, rather than having to always use milk) -- "low-carb" foods are always a $$ grabbing venture As a long-time diabetic, i always found that the best thing to do is 'go natural", read labels, and try to limit processed foods. An exception -- i always drank diet pop, and would get sugar-free ygohurt & sugar-free jello. -- read labels read labels read labels!! They are your best guide. Good luck on the journey ttfn, ElizH