Hi Susan,
I had VBG in 1999. My experience is identical to yours. But, I am scheduled for lap band surgery on Oct. 18th. Dr. Michael Peters of Christiana Care thinks this will help me, along with the education & learning pre-requisite, as well as the support available. When I had the VBG, this was not available or required. I now feel like I have the tools & the power to be healthy & successful.

Christiana Care has an awesome program. Let me know if you need more info. I feel your pain. 

Hello VGSers,
I was sleeved on 9/9/10. I really don't want to go into where, the surgeon or stuff right now. I would just like to know if any of you have dealt with my problems, and if so, how did you get through it.
I am having some problem with getting enough fluids (averaging about 36 to 48 oz per day). 
I started with water, broth, sf jello and apple juice, and added grape juice for some variety. I dilute the juice-3 parts juice & 1 par****er. I stocked up on crystal light before surgery, and have drank them in the past. Now they have a terrible chemical taste that is bitter and very unpleasant.

I am not getting hardly any protein. I have tried a number of powders, but each has caused me to have to fight to not throw up so I have only had sips. I broke down today and had 8 oz of plan chocolate milk just for some energy and had a very hard time with that. I don't know if it is the milk or the chocolate flavor (it reminded me of the protein powders, but the non-chocolate protein was worse). I have been a life-long chocoholic, so this is really unexpected. I also had some one bring me some chocolate puddings, but they got regular instead of SF. I have eaten 4 over the last 4 daysjust for energy and to try to get some protein, they are not as bad, but still taste different. (I have a ride to go to the store and get some SF tomorrow along with some other things). Every thing is super sweet and has a horrible aftertaste. I have been researching for other protein drinks that sound like I could drink them and am lost. There is a hot chocolate I saw mentioned that I am going to order, and I am considering a liquid protein that I could just drink like a shot and follow with some apple juice to try to wash out the taste.

I have been mixing with a spoon, but read using a blender makes a big difference. I had someone get me one today and will try that tomorrow to see if it makes a difference. I am also going to try mixing protein powders with other liquids such as apple juice or orange juice with some of the fruit flavored or unflavored ones I have.

I also have had 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup the last few days, and that goes down ok, but still hard to get in much. Also, the store was out of low-fat so this is regular. (I'll get some low fat tomorrow while I am out).

I am concerned about the amount of carbs, but right now I am just trying to find a way to get in the flluids and some protein. I have been mostly very tired, with some periods of feeling more normal. I understand that taste buds can change after surgery and that this will pass, but I really was not expecting such an extreem change.

Did anyone else have such a drastic change in their taste buds, and how long did that last?
Any suggestions for liquid protein shots (must be a small amount so I can just shoot it down; I am swallowing well and not really having any problems with it going through ok, just trying not to throw up (I don't want to damage my stomach plus it is so unpleasant).
Do you think it is ok to keep drinking the juices for a while longer even though they are so high in carbs? My sugrery weigh was 222 and I am now 205.

Thanks for any suggestions.

kt

I'm new to the form....but, I think that this is a great ideal

KA

Wow! Congratulations 17 lbs in 9 days. Get your protein in! Very important. The protein helps to curve the hunger. I've been using Pure Protein shakes; it has 35 grams 2 carbs in a 12 oz can. Works wonderfully and taste pretty good. Drink it chilled though. Let me know how you're coming along and best of luck to you in your weight loss!

Thank you All!!! for your wonderful feedback and post's..I am getting mine done in 3 days...Sept 20th I go in....I am actually excited! I was teetering on the fence again when I went for my Endoscopy yesterday, the nurse's Husband had it done and all positive things she told me, helped me sway back....I'm ready.....