Looking for ideas

Hi Theresa, You and I share a doctor--and I am 5 weeks out from surgery as of today.  You will get a lot of information at your preop visit 2 weeks prior to surgery as well, so don't fear--the NP's at Dr. Bautista's office are great about answering questions.   One thing that I have found is that EVERY doctor is different--where some may have you on all liquids right after surgery, others do not.  For the most part you will be on liquids for the first 2 weeks with a few exceptions.  They advance your diet pretty slowly with this practice--but trust me--you won't really feel up to much at first anyway.   Another thing to watch out for is lactose intolerance.  Even if you do not have problems now, there is a good chance that you will after the surgery (I did).  You may want to try Carnation Instant Breakfast and Boost Glucose Control.  They are 2 of the options that they give you, and what they will serve you in the hospital.   My cousin in Ohio had the surgery in December and she sent me some other things from "Smart Forme".  I am only able to find them on the internet--but their fruit drinks mixed with water are WONDERFUL!!  I do not taste the protein at all, where most other supplements are not tolerable for me at all.  She also gave me some Chicken Broth and a few other things that have 15 grams of protein per serving.  You are more than welcome to them, If you want to meet up sometime, or give me your address to mail them I would be more than happy to hand them over.   Let me know if there is anything that I can help you with, and best of luck to you! Becky

Yay!!  I am so glad to meet someone who had Dr Bautista do their surgery.  He said Tuesday that in 2 - 3 days, I should be getting the letter about that 3 hr class, my pre-op appointment and my surgery date.  So, now I am like stalking the mail box!  LOL!!  Now that I know it is so close, I am starting to just freak about every little thing!  But I am hoping that is normal.  I will definitely go get some Carnation Instant Breakfasts and those Boost Glucose Controls, play around with the flavors and see what I like.   And thank you so much for what you are offering.  It is very generous and thoughtful of you.  I can definitely give you my address if you want.  I can email it to you on here.  It is so great to have someone be so friendly!  I honestly love this site!  I may come to you with more questions or concerns about Dr B, lol.  Thanks again so much for your message and the thoughfulness!  *Theresa*

Theresa, Always my pleasure, and glad I can help.  I have nothing but good to say about Dr. B and the practice.  My experience has been wonderful!!  You can send me your address by PM if you want and I will get these out to you ASAP.  I was just telling a friend that I should start getting kick backs from the Smart Forme company for all of the recommendations that I have put out there for them.  But, I am NOT holding my breath.   Also, like I said, if you need anything else, just let me know.  Have a good one!! Becky

oh...just remembered... when you get the carnation instant breakfast, get the No Sugar Added...they are in a blue box on the cereal aisle.  You may want to go to Ukrop's to get them since most of the other stores around here only carry the chocolate ones and Ukrop's has the variety pack.  :) Becky

I have info for you regarding the puree phase.  A standard-sized ice cube tray holds 1 tbsp of food...a good thing to know when you start stepping up your food intake.  Even though I'm on solid foods & have been for awhile, I find it's a good idea to keep purees on hand just in case, like if you get sick or for whatever reason you have to revert back.  I'm a lapbander so my needs are different from yours, but we all go through the puree stage. I can tell you are so excited & I'm so happy for you.  Almost like prepping to bring a baby home, huh? LOL!!!

Thanks so much the info.  Maybe I should buy some ice cube trays and just use them to eat from, lol.  You're right, I am excited but nervous and frightened as well.  Thanks so much for the well wishes!  It means alot to have all this support!  I so appreciate it. Hugs,  Theresa

You're very welcome, Theresa.  I'm happy to help!