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Hi Shawna, Are you pre or post op? This is only from my experience and information from my dietitian. Protein shakes, bars, bariatic store processed food supplements are for first stages when you can't eat enough food to hit your protein goal. My dietitian does not want patients dependent on protein shakes, bars or bariatric store products long term. Once you can hit your protein goal with real food there is no need for shakes etc... My hunger is not satisfied with protein shakes or add water meals. they are slider foods. They easily break down and slide through your new stomach. Real whole food keeps my hunger under control. All of us are busy. Some of us use a day off work to meal prep. Below is a link to the low to no cook thread for meal ideas.

I second this. I used to buy into the organic, grass fed, all natural, no antibiotic stuff all the time. I came to realize that no matter what you do, you will slip up somewhere. GMOs are in EVERYTHING nowadays. Even organic stuff. So it's best to just eat healthy and not worry about finding the most "pure" ingredients. As far as the OPs original concern, I noticed that too. I can only speak from experience since I'm still on the liquid pre-op diet, that I had to experiment with a ton of different things before I found what worked for me. Currently, I drink Glucerna hunger smart. It keeps me satiated for several hours and sometimes I forget to even eat. Plus, its the most palatable of the protein drinks I've tried so far. It's always a good idea to make stuff from scratch because you know what goes in it and can avoid the extra sugars and fats. But in a pinch, protein drinks and other protein sources are helpful. But I wouldn't rely to heavily on it. Good luck 👍

Honest advise? Similar situations for me, making excuses to avoid being around friends, families and others due to my excessive weight. At first, I also felt "guilty" until I learned the excuses I made to friends and family were simply lies. The reality was the guilty feelings I was experiencing where more related to what I call the "self-preservation mode to avoid embarrassment and shame". Why did I feel embarrassment and shammed, I can probably write half a book just on that topic alone. There is a good write up in Psychology Today that discusses the similarity between feelings of Guilt, Embarrassment and Shame, I would say it's recommended reading for those who are morbid obese. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pathways-experience/201709/embarrassment-guilt-and-shame Battling excessive weight goes far beyond "eating less and excising more", there are many Psychological related factors that MUST be addressed or your chances of successfully loosing weight and keeping it off will be reduced substantially. The lies, specifically to yourself have to stop. Perhaps if you told your friend the REAL reason why you did not want to participate they would be more understanding to your weight situation? And if they are not, I would say perhaps it time to surround yourself with new friends. When you say "I feel like no one can relate", I find that hard to believe, this forum is FULL of people who can probably relate to your situation in one form or another. You have already taken the first step by posting your message, never be afraid of asking for help, within this format or professionally.

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hmmm....I wonder if there are sugars or something in there? Simple carbs make you hungrier faster.

My surgery was robotically assisted. I was thrilled when I found out - more “arms” able to work, better visibility by the doctor, and let’s face it, human arms are pretty dang fallible. Everything went great - no complications. The first week post-op was rough, but that’s just because it’s major surgery.

I get it, I really do. The shame and humiliation of being morbidly obese can be so hard, and such a barrier to overcome. I have very few people that I had very honest conversations about my weight with - my cousin, my partner, and a few very close friends. It was hard. But, once I could be honest about it with them, I was able to go on walks and just say “okay, I’m sorry, I need a break”. Before I would have avoided going so that I wouldn’t have to face saying that and being the stereotype of a fat person holding everyone back. The perception that I was holding them back was my own. Once I voiced it, they were able to correct me, to tell me that they would much rather spend the time with me than zoom at a faster pace. But that conversation was TOUGH for me to bring up. It took some major work to get to the point that I could. Please don’t be ashamed of yourself. You are worthy of respect and kindness, especially from yourself. I know it’s easier said than done. ❤️

So at my highest weight I was 509. I had become a complete recluse at that point. Other than going to my job I always had an excuse to not go to any of my families gatherings, my kids school stuff, anything. I understand your hesitation especially in social situations where everyone is looking their best. Personally going out into these situations was like shining a spotlight on everything I didn't like about myself, and so I avoided it all. Post surgery I still find myself thinking like that sometimes. It's a struggle, to balance those negative voices in your head. I can tell you I regret everything I missed out on. At the same time, it probably wouldn't have been good on my mental health to try and muscle through it all. It's a journey for a reason, only you can decide what your ready for. What I learned about the process is that my true friends were patient and were happy to wait for me to be ready to take the next steps.

was wondering about aftertaste. haven't found any replacements for sugar i can stand due to weird aftertastes.

I've tried the monk fruit granulated powder. I can't say it's my favorite, to me it does have an aftertaste, but it's tolerable. FYI, the agave sweetners are still high in fructose and carbs.