Life as a VSG Preop

Since late fall, 2009, at the time I decided to go forward with the VSG, I've tried a few different products that I hope to still use after surgery.  I've read time and time again that tastes and preferences change after surgery so I'm not planning to "stock up" on all that much...but, at least trying these items have helped in my preop lifestyle.  I also plan to use several of these for my 2-week preop diet (more about that it a later post).  Here are a few of the things I've tried and/or things I've incorporated into my preop lifestyle and my reviews...

Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder:  Chocolate Truffle & Cappuccino 

Rating:  A

This stuff is good.  Well, at least these two flavors.  There are a few other flavors like I like as well but these two would be my favorites.  I am very particular in how I prepare them though.  I always start with 1 cup of milk (I use 2% Real Goodness Lactose Free OR Almond Milk)...to that I'd add one or more of the following: to the chocolate....1 packet NesCafe instant coffee, a few ice cubes, Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup, sugar free caramel flavoring, 1 teaspoon of all natural peanut butter, 1/2 a banana, 3-4 frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup frozen raspberries, 1 packet splenda ~ to the cappuccino...1 packet NesCafe instant coffee, a few ice cubes, Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup, 1 teaspoon cocoa, 1 packet splenda.  Sometimes, if I wanted to mix it up a bit, I'd use 1/2 scoop of each powder!  Yum! The tubs are 2lbs each and sell for anywhere between $24-$40.  I almost always order my Syntrax Nectar from Nashua Nutrition - they are quick, reasonably priced and you can usually find a coupon code online!

Premier Protein Read-to-Drink (RTD) Protein Shakes

Rating:  B

I never imagined I'd be able to tolerate an RTD shake.  But, when I read review after review about how people loved these shakes from Costco, I figured I'd better give them a try.  The nearest Costco is a good hour+ from us.  So, Santa and I loaded ourselves into the sleigh and headed out.  Of course, you need to be a member of Costco SO we had to purchase a membership first.  After that, I purchased a case (18 drinks) of chocolate Premier Protein RTD shakes for around $32.  My first experience with them wasn't so hot.  There is a drink "opening" for lack of a better term covered with foil.  There is no straw to punch through this foil as it was designed for you to remove the foil and drink from the opening.  So, deciding that I'd enjoy my shake on the way to work...I went to open it in my vehicle.  Yeah, mistake #1.  Darn thing splashed all over me.  Regardless, they're not that bad.  My Syntrax drinks are much more tasty but I liked the idea of the convenience of these things.  And, for an RTD, they're not horrible.  I have yet to try the vanilla but hope to in the near future.  I also hear that they can be "doctored up" as well....haven't tried this though!

Isopure Zero Carb RTD Beverages

Rating: C-

I had really high hopes for these drinks!  I purchased the variety pack (shown above x 2 - 12 drinks per pack) through GNC for around $47.  The drinks are huge at 20 fl oz and pack a whopping 40g of protein per bottle!  I found that they are best when you drink them VERY cold - some people even drink them over ice...I never did but I'm not sure it would change my issues with them.  Out of all the flavors, I liked the Blue Raspberry and Grape the most.  What I hated about them...the protein within the beverages tends to coagulate after so long....so, I found myself having to constantly mix them up.  What's worse...they tend to leave the metallic feeling in your mouth along with some sort of nasty film inside your mouth and on your tongue.  Enough of a film that you can (TMI) scrape it off with your teeth.  Yes, I found it to be that bad.  All that being said, the amount of protein is really incredible and I plan to have a few around for post op...just in case.  And, who knows, maybe my tastes will change enough that they metal taste and film won't bother me as much.

ProteinBlitz Drinks

Rating: A

Love these things...SO far.  I first ordered these a couple of weeks ago from GNC. At $37 for 12 bottles, the price is about average for a RTD protein drink.  My hopes for them weren't so high as I hadn't had much luck with the other clear protein drinks (Isopure).  I was pleasantly surprised after my first sip!  Thus far, I've only tried the Punch flavor but I hear the others are just as good.  Back to that first sip....it was sweet.  Almost like an extra sweet Gatorade.  But, it was GOOD!  And, the best part about it...no metallic taste to me nor any weird kind of film left in my mouth!  Like the Isopure, the bottles are big at 20 fl oz!  But, these are much better, IMHO.  The best thing about them??  GNC is currently offering Buy One Get One Half Off ($36.99 for the first) and $4.99 flat rate shipping for all RTDs! So, that's about $2.50/bottle plus tax if applicable.  You can find the deal here: GNC Protein Blitz.  Update:  Just ordered my OrangeMango and Grape via the Vitamin Shoppe as their deal was the better of the two.  A case at the VS is on sale for $28.99 - I ordered 2 cases and got 20% off and $4.99 shipping....in addition to 6% cash back at Ebates!

Various Protein Samples

Rating: A+
Another reason why I love Nashua Nutrition is because you can order TONS of protein powder samples from them for only $1.95 each....that's not bad!  There are so many options to try from all different brands!  While it can be a bit pricey, it's sometimes easier to do this than get stuck with an entire 2lb tub of something you hate!  Love their samples and don't even mind the price!  I fully intend to order more just prior to surgery.



Vitamins & such...

Note: I am not a doctor, a nurse or a medical professional of any sort.  The vitamins/minerals that I take are at the advice of my bariatric team after several tests which determined that I am deficient in several areas. As with anything, check with your program/surgeon/doctor/nurse prior to taking any vitamins/minerals/supplements.  Here are my reviews on the things I take...

Target Up & Up Childrens Chewable Multi Vitamins

Rating: A

One of the first things my nutritionist and program director had me do was to find a multivitamin.  They suggested Flintstone children's chewables.  Being someone who is very price conscious (aka cheap!), I checked them out while at Target one night...as it turned out, they were exactly the same as the Target brand chewable...so, that's what I purchased.  They're not bad at all and come in fun zoo shapes!  Now, one may say that Flintstones and/or a generic is not sufficient for those of us undergoing bariatric surgery and will, instead, suggest an adult Centrum and/or a different bariatric vitamin.  That said, I would tell each person to compare your vitamins...if you have any questions at all...do your research!  I certainly have and have found that these do (for me) what I need them to do.  I'm certain my program director, surgeon, MD, bariatric nurse & nutritionist wouldn't have started me on them if they thought they were inferior.  Anyway, I love them - the red is my favorite!  I will say I tried other multivitamins and wasn't so fond of them.  I love Puritan's Pride as they often have Buy 1 Get 2 deals...sadly, their children's chewable multis are horrid!  I suffered through 3 bottles.

Puritan's Pride Sublingual B-12 500mcg

Rating: A
I take B-12 because I was found to be deficient in B12.  Prior to take 500mcg per day, I had to go for injections.  My levels seem to be stabilized now although who knows what will happen after surgery...I may need a bit of an adjustment to the amount I'm taking.  Anyway, these are good...very small and only take a minute or so to dissolve under the tongue.  Check out Puritan's Pride for other items as well!

Bariatric Advantage Strawberry Flavored Chewable Iron-18mg

Rating: B+
Again, my labs showed that I needed to take an iron supplement and these were suggested by my bariatric team.  They're good...the only reason I rated them a B+ instead of an A is because I find them to be quite hard.  I purchase them right from Bariatric Advantage and have always received great service!


VitaFusion Vitamin D3 Gummy Vitamins

Rating: A+

Like the rest of the world, I am Vitamin D deficient as well!  These were also suggested by my bariatric team after my labs were reviewed.  I love, love these Gummy Ds!  Fruity, gummy, perfect!  Beware though...if you have a gummy addiction, these could be dangerous!  I usually order mine through drugstore.com or Amazon.



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That's about it for now!  Oh, another thing...while I didn't link to drugstore.com above, I use them for several different things.  They, along with several online stores I shop at, are listed on Ebates.  If you're not familiar with Ebates, check it out!  What it boils down to...you earn cash back on your online purchases.  That's it!  And, remember, when you're as frugal (aka cheap!) as I am, every little bit I can save helps! 

Have a product that you think I may enjoy??  Please, let me know! And, if you try any of the items I have, I would love to hear your reviews as well!  :)