An Update

I read a comment recently that so many people "disappear" from the boards after surgery so I thought I'd take a couple minutes to provide a personal update. 

My surgery with Dr. Marchesini was 3 1/2 weeks ago and so far the recovery has been very uneventful.  He is a wonderful man and highly skilled surgeon unlike any I have ever met--and I know quite a few personally and professionally!  Traveling to another country for the first time was challenging but very much worth it to have Dr. M. as my surgeon. I highly, highly recommend him without hesitation!!

My biggest challenges have been the expected ones--getting in enough protein and tolerating the massive amount of vitamins.  I'm working on those issues trying to figure the best way to manage them.  Every day gets better.  I'm doing well with my fluids.  I found out really quickly how much I can tolerate at one time in my stomach and don't push my limits.  I don't want to jinx anything but I have had no vomit ting. Yea!

I'm still looking for a protein drink I love.  Nothing I'm wild about yet (any suggestions?)  Have been trying lots of samples--and found a few I can't stand.  I'm still trying to learn the different types and how they affect my tummy--one gave me major gas and I'm not sure why.  I'm used to drinking tasty milk-based protein shakes pre-DS but I'm not going there these days.  I have lost over 27% of my excess weight--not too bad for a "light-weight" three week out.

Will probably go back to work a few hours a day later next week to test my stamina.  Though I'd really love to stay off, I feel guilty since I feel so good--except for occasional fatigue. I have found adjusting to the demands of this reconfigured body (fluids, protein, vits) to be a full-time job and am a little concerned how work will impact this. 

I still do not want to discuss my WLS with the masses and, though they know I had "abdominal surgery," they don't know the nature of the surgery.  I work in a very competitive, demanding, ever-changing environment.  Some day I may decide to talk about it but for now it is still very personal and I will keep it that way.  I'm hoping the physical changes I experience will give me the edge I've been missing.

Many thanks to the vets who continue to share their expertise!  Without your input and support this journey would be much more challenging.

Lisa

Way to go Lisa, thankfully your recovery is uneventful...mine too! Keep up the good work and tell only those you wish or that have a need to know. Good luck....hope to see you around

Lisa,
You might want to try these

I have found them to settle well.

Ready to drink for on the go is Protein Blitz, love the Orange Mango, Grape is not bad. I NEVER drink anything Fruit Punch, so I can't vouch for that one.
http://www.proteinblitz.com/ 

You can find them at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe, possibly other vit shops too.

Then I like IDS as well Vanilla/Cinnamon
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/ids/multi.html

Their banana is not bad either.

I google it when I need and find the best price and order it there.

I used to like Zerobcarb Blueraspberry...from GNC or Vitamin Shoppe
http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2612797&CAWEL AID=293851880

Grape is okay as well... but I got tired of  them after a bit.

HTH some. It is hard as everyone has dif tastes etc.

I'm glad things are going well for you!

I can't do the milky shakes either.  The ones I like best are the Syntrax Nectars.  They mix really well (no clumps) in plain water.  I like the crystal sky, twisted cherry (tastes like red jello), and fuzzy navel.  The lemonade sounds good, but is gross!

My fav is anything chocolate. REcently got a new 2# huge container from VL of Champion Nutrition chocolate. I really, really like this stuff, i mix with soy milk. YMMV. I also have some cinabon flavor, but have been tired of that since that was all i was drinking. Now just drinking chocolate for a bit.

I havent found a drink I like ether. I need to do some looking.
I'm glad your doing so well and you sould great. I was like really nothing big with my recovory, although I have lost it a few times.. lol
Good luck going back to work, I went back after 2 wks out, I wanted to move on. You'll find that you enjoy being back to your "normal" life..

Lisa,

Glad to hear it's going well!
I went back to my desk job part time 8 days post op... it did help me feel like I got back to normal faster. I had no physical complications though.

Keep healing!

Lisa

Glad you are doing so well, Lisa!   You sound like the DS poster child.  Don't forget that you only need to have 30 grams of protein by 30 days, 60 by 60 days, etc., so don't make it any harder than it needs to be.
There are quite a few newbie post-ops on the boards that just had their surgeries a week to two weeks ago.  I bet you can give them lots of encouragement that even in a couple of weeks time, they're going to be doing better.

I'm glad to hear you're doing so well!!

As for protein shakes - you mentioned that you liked the milky ones pre-op.  Have you tried lactose-free milk?  I mix mine with it (I use Champion Chocolate) everyday, and have no problems at all.  However, I can't tolerate regular milk at all - horrible, horrible gas issues.  I'd give it a try, maybe just try drinking a little of the lactose-free milk alone at first to see how you can tolerate it.  To me, it tastes a little sweeter than regular milk, but that's the only difference.  Good luck!

Hey you! I'm so happy to see you on here! And....27% or your excess weight at three weeks out? Can you hear me cheering for you? That is amazing. I can't even remember the last time I lost 10 pounds. I am so thrilled for you!

Take care of you. sending all sorts of cyber hugs your way!