MINI-Me

Definitely mix it with foods. I added mine to yogurt*, oatmeal, SF Cocoa, applesauce, etc. Be careful with temperatures though ... Protein doesn't do well when it's too hot. I warmed up my Water, mixed it cocoa and Protein Powder and then microwaved for a few more seconds to get it a little warmer. Otherwise, you will get nasty globs of protein that you don't even want to try to drink. YUCK!!!!! *If you can get hold of Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt it already has about 12 g of protein in it with only 4g carb. I added 1/2 scoop of unflavored protein powder & it was GREAT!

I am hoping for some really good ones from those more "experienced" ... Though it sounds like Tiff is going to have a lot of fun with her cocktails.

Now I am really laughing ... Maybe you should change your tagline to: If you don't want the truth, don't ask me. If you want something sugarcoated, go have a Wine Margarita!

Love your honesty Tiff!

Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sleevesearch, I think I love you!

I sent the article to our local news carriers. Hopefully, they will bring attention to this horrible case of prejudice. I also see that some "bigger" time media has wind of this: Today.msnbc Washington post You can see other articles with Bingor Google using "marie claire obesity" Bing Search Ugh ... my blood is boiling, but starting to come down a bit now that I know it's more than "just us" raging against this.

ok ... I read more (still not finished) and couldn't help myself. I sent the article, a link to this forum, and a similiar one on ObesityHelp.com to 2 of our local news stations. If the national news isn't carrying it, maybe we can get the word out to local news stations & get the news going. It is not OK to bash ANY minority group like this.

WOW! I am still going through the article ... but right now the only polite thing I can say is WOW! I agree - more than the author should be held accountable for this - there had to be an editor and publisher in the process. WOW! Other minorities would have this woman's job on a plate & a huge lawsuit against that publishing company. Does anyone know if CNN or NBC have news of this yet? Could be interesting...

For me, that was the trickiest part. I am definitely a mindless eater at night - when watching tv or on the computer. I had to plan Snacks in the evening so that I can still have something to eat, but include it in my good food choices. To get the most restriction, you need to be eating Protein first. Carbs seem to slide down (that's why they are called "sliders") and not fill you up as much. But, who always wants a turkey roll or Jerky at night? So, when I decide to have popcorn, chips, or some other type of snack, I measure it out, put it in a nice bowl and don't go back for seconds. You would be amazed at how long I can make a 100 calorie bag of popcorn last in the evening!

My husband definitely doesn't have a weight problem, but we recently got some labs back. He has high triglycerides and his good to bad ratio was very concerning. For the first time in his life, he is watching his calorie intake along with fat, etc. He had me make up a meal plan for him so that he can get things under control. I made him a list of options for breakfast, snacks, and lunch so that he can mix and match to his tastes and preferences for the day. One of the items on his list is a smoothie with frozen fruit, yogurt, and protein powder. I have been making these for the past few weeks in the blender and boy! what a mess. I saw that Kohls had the Magic Bullet for $49.99. Using coupon "SAVING30" I was able to get it for $34.99 + tax. It arrived last night & we made our first smoothies today. WOW! That little thing is great!!!!! Today is the last day for the sale, but you might want to jump on it if you are considering buying. (There is free shipping if you purchase $75+ which I can easily do from Kohls.) Kohl's Magic Bullet Just put the coupon code in when you check out. We should start putting some of our favorite Magic Bullet recipes on the Recipe Forum. Sounds like quite a few of us have them. Happy Bulleting All!

I just looked back at my stats. At 2-3 months out, I was eating between 600-800 calories a day, keeping carbs around 50g, and Protein 60-75g. I didn't track/worry about fat. Month 5, I upped calories to around 900 a day & same for carbs/protein. Month 6+, I have been trying to stay around 1200 calories, under 100g carb, and 60 or more grams of protein a day. I used to keep track of my food on www.myfitnesspal.com. However, they did not have an app for my Blackberry (they say it is coming) so I purchased a handheld model that fits in my purse from eBay (CalorieSmart CS-100S). I enter each item I put in my mouth to keep me accountable. To be honest, I don't do it as much on the weekends, but I have a fairly good sense of what I eat & when I have had enough for the day. I think this latest tool will be very helpful on maintenance so I can see what I am eating & how to modify if I find weight creeping back in. Here's the rundown of my weight loss: Month 1 - 18 Month 2 - 11 Month 3 - 10 Month 4 - 8.6 Month 5 - 7 Month 6 - 5 Month 7 - 4 Month 8 - 2.8 Month 9 - 4.4 Month 10 - in progress! = Total Lost 70.8 Hope that helps.

Today is officially 9 months. Cannot believe it's been that long. In some ways it still feels like yesterday and in others ways an etermity. A HUGE THANKS to all of you for your continued support, well wishes, advice, and just being here when I need to vent or have a concern. I really thought I would wean off the forums after a while, but it seems like home here. Guess I will stay a little longer. You guys are awesome. This is an amazing journey, isn't it?

I think the secret is following your surgeon's plan. And, if you find it's not working, have an honest discussion with him or her - Are you really following the plan? If so & it's not working, are there other options? Also - some people have "only" lost 25 pounds because they have less to lose. I see numbers like 50 pounds in 3 months & felt like a failure ... but I had 70 to lose. So, naturally it was going to take me longer than someone with a higher BMI. I think we also need to remember that this is not a diet - this is a journey to new health. Most of us had failed dieting attempts before with yo-yo weight loss and gain. We've put our bodies through the ringer. Some people's bodies take longer to adjust, health, and deal with the new eating. You will be successful if you follow the plan and do what you are supposed to do. Also - we are really good at giving advice and helping with meal strategies. We are here to support one another. Not sure from your post if you are scheduled for surgery or still in the investigational phase. Either way, best of luck. Let us know more about you.

I read this board every waking hour ... Seriously, that first week is THE WORST! The first month or so is hard & you will probably experience every emotion known to humankind. But, you will make it through and you will be so glad you pushed through this & succeeded at losing weight and keeping it off for the first time in your life. You are going to look great and be HEALTHY!

My advice? Read what Tiff said above. Read it again. Read it again. Read it again. Read it again until YOU believe it!!!!!!!!!!!

And those "things" are so much more fun as you approach goal and feel better about your body!

I did outpatient and looking back, I wouldn't do it any other way. I hate hospital stays - never seem to get enough rest with all the noise and nurses coming in all night to check the monitors. Is there anyway that someone could take the kids for a night or two?

Cannot believe I missed this post. Hopefully the worst of the post-op pain is over and you are well on your way to recovery. Welcome to our newest "LOSER" !!!!

I've had LOTS of people say the same thing to me. I am trying not to take it personally. And, I really don't think people mean to be such a pain. I think they are just so used to seeing us one way, they have a hard time imagining us another way. I forget who wrote it, but I saw a post a while ago about someone who was excited to see friends who knew nothing about her surgery and had not seen her in a long time. People told her that she looked great, but no one commented on her weightloss. She got down for a bit, but then realized that they just saw HER, not fat or thin. They loved her for who she was, not what size she was. Made me kinda smile to hear that. As for this particular person, I bet they still have issues seeing themselves as thin. I know I still do a double take when I look in the mirror. Maybe he's insecure about his size and subconsciously thinks you are doing better than him. Of course, that's just a guess - who knows what really goes through other people's heads??? Just be happy in the fact that you have dropped so much in such a little time. Focus on the new healthy you (and take an extra minute or two checking yourself out in the mirror!)

Incredible results. You look great. Congratulations!

I am sorry - is there anyone else in the area you can work with? Someone willing to fight for you?

I went to support groups once a month for the first 6 months. I found them helpful in regards to staying on track and voicing any concerns/questions I had about "what is normal". Plus, our leader always brought samples of food that were WLS friendly. Never sold the products, just offered suggestions for people having a hard time finding Protein shakes they liked or "convenience" foods. I do understand the concern about obessessing ... But, I use this board for that! LOL

Do you have any conditions that would make the LapBand and/or Bypass not optimal? Such as needing to be able to take NASID (spelling???) I would talk to the office again. Have they had any luck getting the sleeve approved? I know that a few people on here have won appeals based on their medical conditions and the letters written by their doctors. Hopefully, they will chime in. In the meantime, do a search on appeals & see if you can find any leads. Best of luck!

Love it!!!! However, even with my sleeve, I think I would have touched, smelled, put down, walked away, come back, touched, smelled ... and then finally given in & had a little taste. Good for you!