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[BrooklynPeeWee]

  Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site and found it from searching on Google, then found the podcast, and now this forum!  I'm busy working my way through all of the shows, reading books, measuring my food, and trying to get ready for my RnY in June!. My last bodily invasion will be this coming Thursday for an Endoscopy & Colonoscopy (might as well get it done too!). I'm here to learn, support, and encourage where I can and hope to make friends.  I hope to have a pic taken of me soon so I can add it to my profile. Anyway, hello from Brooklyn NY!

[baka]

Welcome aboard!

Use the time between now and your surgery wisely to get ready for your re-birth.

It really does help jump start everything and ensures you get maximum results during the honeymoon period!

Start educating your body on the freaky life it will have post-op.

Dump caffeine
Dump Soda
Drink at least 64oz of h20 daily
Start walking daily
Start to journal your food/nutrition intake at myplate/sparkpeople etc
Put your fork down between bites
Take 30-45 minutes to eat your food
No consuming fluids with your meals
Stick to the 30/30 rule

Stuff I Bought & Used:
Protein RTD's
Cooking timer for drinking
Snow Cone maker with SF syrups
Big comfy pillows
Blender
Kids spoons, forks, plates, etc
SF popsicles
SF Jello
Low sodium v8
Low sodium broth
Magic Bullet Blender
SF Hot Chocolate
Breath Strips to combat Dragon Breath (Ketosis)

I used a digital cooking timer and my watch to remind me to drink every 15, 10 or 5 minutes for my first eight weeks and it worked like a charm.

Hospital Stuff:
Lip balm
Handy-wipes
Dressing Gown (Pretty drafty where the sun don't shine in those gowns while walking the halls)
Slippers
Tooth Brush etc......

I was in such a haze from the meds that I never actually got to read any of the mags/books I took along.

Hold off buying a bunch of protein powders as your taste buds will change post-op and something that tastes great now will most likely taste like crap post-op. Just get a bunch of samples then decide post-op.

The biggest battle most freshly pouched freaks have is proper hydration - If I drink out of a bottle I don't take in as much liquid per day vs. when I use a 16oz glass.

Remember:
Take your before pictures
Take your measurements

Get ready for the roller coaster ride of a lifetime!

Ian

[saucywench]

howdy and welcome! I bought WLS for dummies and found it to be really helpful. Stay in touch
-Mel

[chellewins]

Hey Ian,

You used a few abbreviations in your post and I am not sure what they mean. What is the 30/30 rule, and Protien RTD's?

I will use your advice too. Thanks for posting it!

Michelle

[BrooklynPeeWee]

howdy and welcome! I bought WLS for dummies and found it to be really helpful. Stay in touch
-Mel

Thank you, Mel!  I'll check Amazon right now. Alright, I've dl'ed it onto my Kindle. I'll start reading it on the train tomorrow. I also don't understand the 30/30 rule and "protein RTDs".      Ian?

~ Tre

[Dr_Adventure]

Greetings - also remember that each person is different - for me my tastes have not changed at all - but I don't crave food now - I relate to food differently - thinking of food as medicine has been helpful, and recently reinforced in China.  Hydration is key - figure out how you take liquids - for me herbal tea (especially celestial seasons zingers - and a little sweetener really help me - it is good hot and cold and I can sip on it all day.

[lesliethequeen]

Hello, Brooklyn! That's from California, by the way. Glad to have you aboard the best support site ever!

RTD = Ready to Drink. These are protein supplements that you will have as snacks or meal replacements after surgery to make sure you are getting the required protein and fluids. RTDs are easy to grab on the go. I have had a heck of a time finding one I like and remember your tastes will change after surgery. Things you like now will taste nasty after and things you will never eat now will taste fine - or ever great after. I don't get it myself...Some people continue them always, others have them when they are new freaks and taper off later. Your doctor will help you with that.

And the 30/30 rule is not drinking with your meals - wait 30 minutes after you drink to eat and then wait another 30 minutes after you eat to have something to drink. Your little stomach has to hold onto as much nutrient as possible and drinking while eating just washes the food right out of the stomach. It's the hardest thing I deal with 6 months out. Doctors vary on the time, so follow your doctor's advice.

And remember, we are here to give you our experience, but please know that every person's journey is different. We all seem to have different reactions to food, vitamins, air temperature. You will be even more unique than you are now!

Welcome - ask anything - search the forum, someone has probably had your concern or problem. Watch the videos - they are so informative and so funny. Lots of info there.

Take care - good luck and keep coming back -
Leslie

[baka]

howdy and welcome! I bought WLS for dummies and found it to be really helpful. Stay in touch
-Mel

Thank you, Mel!  I'll check Amazon right now. Alright, I've dl'ed it onto my Kindle. I'll start reading it on the train tomorrow. I also don't understand the 30/30 rule and "protein RTDs".      Ian?

~ Tre

The 30/30, 30/60, 0/30, 0/60 or 60/60 rule refers to not drinking 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal. Some plans vary the timing they tell their baby freaks.

With me I stick to the 30/30 rule unless it's a heavy protein which can sit like a rock in the pouch then I wait 60+ minutes to drink after a meal.

RTD's are Ready To Drink

Some people use Isopure RTD's - They are an acquired taste......

Isopure Rtd Zero Carb Alpine Punch

Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  20.00 FL. OZ.
Servings Per Container   12 (pack)
     
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 160
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 40g

Cost about $4 per bottle
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=NP-1149

I personally love:

Protein Blitz Grape

Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  20.00 FL. OZ.
Servings Per Container   12
     
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 120
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 30g

Cost about $2.50 per bottle
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=D9-1002

As fluids and protein are a real challenge for a baby freak I like to recommend Protein shots as they pack a huge amount of protein in to less than 4oz of fluid

Here's some I like:

Dymatize Elite Liquid Protein available in Tropical Splash flavor

Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  4.33 FL. OZ. (128 ML)
Servings Per Container   6
     
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 218
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 55g

Price is not too bad at $3 each

Tropical Splash:
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=D4-1046&sourceType=cs&source=FG&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engines-_-googleproduct-_-Dymatize%20Elite%20Liquid%20Protein%20Tropical%20Splash%2055G%20-%206%20Bottles%20-%20Protein%20Drinks-_-D4-1046&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=D4-1046


Inner Armour - Nitro-Peak 50X Liquid Protein Shot 4 Oz - Fruit Punch


Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  4.00 FL. OZ. (128 ML)
Servings Per Container   12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 230
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 0g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 50g

Price is not too bad at $2.33 each:
http://www.nutritionexpress.com/inner+armour+nitro-peak+50x+liquid+protein+shot+4+oz+fruit+punch+12+pack.aspx

Ian

[auntb]

hey glad you found your way here.

[David Schronce]

Welcome Brooklyn!!  As one of the resident foodies here, I welcome you to scroll on down to the 'Food and Stuff" forum where we share our favorite "pouch and waistline friendly" recipes.  Now would be a great time to start learning how to prepare the kinds of food you'll want to eat for the rest of your life.

[Indykitty]

Welcome and congrats on your upcoming surgery! 

[Army Wife]

Welcome!  You have found a great group of people.

[ttowe]

Welcome to BTV!!!

Toni

[shepkatt]

Welcome Welcome Welcome!

RTDs = my lifesaver..  I know me.. and I will take the lazyest path if left to my own devices.  Even though there are a lot of yummy protein powders out there... I will not consistently make them up.. But I WILL pop the top of a Ready To Drink and slurp that down..

Know your weaknessess folks.. then figure out a way to still make it all happen!

[BrooklynPeeWee]

Wow! Thanks everyone for such a warm welcome!  So nice to meet you all. Well ... guess I'll be in excellent freak company!  I'm so excited!

[chellewins]

Thanks Ian for the awesome advice and photos.

Hey Brooklyn, we are having surgery around the same time... lets keep in touch! I know we are doing some of the same stuff already pre-op (watching shows, positing on forums, etc.) Feel free to email!

Michelle from Colorado
mphilbrook@msn.com

[BrooklynPeeWee]

Very cool!  Thank you. I will email you, too! I've been bled, examine, cardio'ed, endo'ed, hinie-o'ed, for the last time. Now I have to get my blood checked and keep up my support groups.

ttyl,
Tre