NiseeG

Take them back anyway. The manager at the store I go to knows me by sight and let me return something I didn't have a receipt for. Who knows? They may offer you store credit, but you're already planning to buy more.

So glad to hear you're feeling better. Make sure to get the bottled Isopure. I know what you mean about the bullets! I was the same way with the protein powders after my surgery. I used the powders before surgery, but couldn't get them passed my nose after. Yeech! I still supplement with Protein drinks daily (I'll be a year out next month - YAY!). I've used Pure Protein cans (available @ Vitamin Shoppe) or the GNC brand, Total Lean, once I passed the clear liquid stage. Not as much protein (35 & 25 grams), but they're cheaper than the Isopure. Keep up the good work.

Oops! Guess I should have said this earlier - yes, they are clear lliquids! And after tasting thse "shots", they might actually taste good!

Try the Isopure Protein drinks. They're not the best tasting but they were the only protein I could tolerate after surgery. A 20 oz bottle has 40 grams of protein and they count toward your 64 oz of fluids. So 2 bottles a day nets you 80 gms protein & 40 oz Fluid. Vitamin Shoppe carries them. Best wishes for a quick recovery.

My surgeon requires a minimum of 6 weeks (preferably 8) off if your job requires physical labor. That's pretty much a general rule of thumb for any major surgery. I have a desk job, so was able to return to work after 2 1/2 weeks, even though the doctor recommends 4 weeks. It would have been sooner, but my surgery was 2 weeks before Memorial Day and I had already scheduled vacation for an extended holiday weekend!

I find the general tone of this thread to be very disturbing. Here's a woman who has successfully maintained a 75 lb. excess weight loss for three years, eats whatever she wants, says she's happy, and the majority of the opinions expressed are rather negative and judgemental. A lot of posters have concluded that she "settled," became complacent, is unhappy, and is "rationalizing." I see nothing in the OP to suggest this and, to answer the question "am I being ridiculous?," I'd have to say YES. Without knowing more about this person, I would guess she was simply sharing her success with you. I have no idea why this upset you so much. As some have said, everyone has a different goal when they decide to have VSG, just as they have different reasons for choosing WLS, and that goal isn't always an arbitrary number on a scale. I have lost 80 lbs. since my surgery in May, 105 from my highest weight 2 years ago. I'm 12 lbs from my surgeon's goal weight, which is 40 lbs HIGHER than my "ideal" weight. If I never lost another ounce, I would be thrilled with the success I've achieved, even though I'd still be considered "obese" based on my current BMI of 30.1! (down from a high of 46.7) I'm healthier than I've been in years and that was MY goal. My surgeon tells people I'm her "poster child" for WLS success. I would be devastated if I shared my success with someone only to have that person turn around and post something this negative on a public forum.

There are benefits to nicotine - it enhances cognitive function (memory, attention) and may play a role in preventing Alzheimer's & Parkinson's disease. The anti-tobacco/nicotine crowd has done a good job demonizing not just smoke, but all tobacco/nicotine usage, and smokers, in their demented Quest to create the perfect, tobacco-free society. I do know that if the government had permitted truthful information about smokefree alternatives 20 years ago, I might not have needed WLS to lose all the weight I gained following every unsuccessful quit attempt. As it stands, the government still prohibits the dissemination of truthful information on smokeless alternatives by manufacturer's, but it can't silence the voices of private individuals who have discovered the truth. Best of luck to you.

Ecigs are up to 99% safer than cigarettes. The Consumer Advocates for Smokefree Alternatives Association (casaa.org), a non-profit organization, has numerous studies posted on their website. Also, you can't believe everything you read (How many times have we all heard this?). The vapor has been tested and no dangerous materials were detected. Compare this to the tens of thousands of toxins found in cigarettes. For anyone interested in learning more about ecigs, check out the CASAA website and e-cigarette forum.com. Not all ecigs are created equal and it may take some time to find the right equipment. I was spending over $300.00/month on cigarettes before discovering ecigs almost 2 years ago. I now spend an average of $75.00/month on ecig supplies. I've experienced the same health improvements as someone who quit smoking even though I still get nicotine with the ecig. It's not nicotine that causes health issues, it's the SMOKE. Oops! Just noticed my typos!

I was given the green light to take my meds, including Celebrex (NSAID class) & Allegra, the day I was discharged. I was totally surprised. Dr. said I only had to crush them if I had trouble swallowing, but I had no trouble at all. I stayed off the Celebrex for about a month (my choice), until my arthritic hips started screaming for mercy.

By doctor, do you mean your surgeon or PCP? Did the doc say why he/wants these tests? Most doctors don't order tests for no reason. I do understand your frustration, but you have a surgery date and it will be here before you know it. Keep you eye on the prize!

I can beat that! Your post triggered an "aha" moment so I went and pulled out a coat I haven't worn in at least 20 years. A beautiful royal blue wool. It fit (a little tight across the butt, though). Put my hand in the pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. It was a receipt from Lane Bryant dated 12/20/1987! That was right before I joined Weight Watchers for the first time. It's a little out of style but I DON'T CARE. IT FITS!

Isopure was the only protein I could tolerate right after surgery. Two bottles a day for the 2 weeks post-op liquid phase. After about 3 weeks I could drink Pure Protein.

VG is vegetable glycerin. PG is propylene glycol, an ingredient approved by the FDA for use in many kinds of products (food, cosmetics, skin care). It's the component that makes the vapor (not smoke). It can cause dry mouth, which can be alleviated by increasing your Water intake. I've been using my e-cig for close to 2 years, have no desire to smoke, and have experienced many of the same health benefits as someone who quit smoking altogether. My surgeon will not operate on anyone who smokes but was perfectly fine the e-cig. Remember, nicotine, absent the smoke, is no more dangerous than caffeine. E-cigs are a great alternative to cigarettes.