DLCoggin

Second that!! Very good advice!!

Taste is very subjective but the best two that I have found are Myoplex and Pure Protein. Taste of Myoplex is slightly better, protein content is slightly higher at 49g, but they are 300 calories per can. Pure Protein is almost as good, has 35g of protein, and only has 160 calories. So Pure Protein gets the nod from me! I also highly recommend the Pure Protein bars - especially the Chocolate Deluxe. 200 calories each and 20g of protein. Very good!

When I had my surgery, everyone from the doctors to every nurse stressed the importance of letting them know if you're in pain. Research has shown that people in pain heal slower and pain can cause unnecessary complications. Call your doctor. Success does not have to be synonomous with suffering. Before you know it any thoughts of regret about having the surgery will melt away right along with the pounds. You're gonna love the new you!!

Lowfat yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese (I love BabyBells and string cheese), eggs (or egg substitutes), soft fish, tofu, soft cooked Beans, lentils, peas, well cooked potatoes, no sugar added pudding. Have a great trip!!

You're in the best place you could possibly be!! Good luck and congratulations!!

Every time I think how scared I was I have to laugh. You'll be amazed at how fast the time flies and all how the things in your imagination never happened. The journey is nothing short of astounding and you're gonna love the new you!

GREAT things to come!!

Focus all of your energy on following the protocol, weigh yourself no more than once a week (less often if you can stand it), and let the weight take care of itself. It's all about lifestyle changes and that's what this plan focuses your attention on. Sometimes you'll lose quickly. Sometimes more slowly. And sometimes not at all. It's all part of the process and practically everyone experiences all of them. Absolutely celebrate every pound you lose (you're doing GREAT) but also celebrate every DAY you follow the protocol - that spells long term success and lifestyle changes. Staying active is critically important in terms of speeding up your weight loss (and countless other benefits). Walk at least four times a week (more if possible). Outdoors or on a treadmill, your body doesn't know the difference. You're gonna love the new you!!

I recently tried Blue Diamond Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk for the first time. The first taste I had I was thinking BIG mistake. I was almost ready to pour it down the drain and then I wondered what it would taste like if I added some Splenda to it. The difference was like day and night. Really, really delicious. It's thick, creamy and almost as rich as a milkshake. 50% more calcium than milk, 40 cals for an 8 oz serving, but unfortunately quite low in protein - 1 g per serving. So now my plan is to get some unflavored protein powder and mix it with the almond milk. I'll let you know when I've had a chance to test it but I suspect it will be quite good. You might want to give it a try. Keep in mind too that you can mix unflavored (or flavored for that matter) protein powder with just about anything that you like to drink. I like Pure Protein powder and shakes but as you know, there are tons of options out there. Good luck and let us know how you're progressing!!

Did your surgeon's office confirm that they have submitted the paperwork to your insurance company? If so, I think there's a good chance that you could be approved in time to have the July 9th surgery. Even if they have to delay the surgery a little, there's a good chance that it won't be too long. It's nerve wracking but sounds like it will have a happy ending. You're gonna love the new you!!

Congratulations and don't it feel good! LOL!

I think that if I were in this situation I would do my best to make it clear to my friend that I understand and respect her opinion and her reaction is quite common. When all is said and done, your difference of opinion isn't important - a lifelong friendship is. So as they say, "agree to disagree" and move on. You have tons of support from other friends and family and although your best friend's reaction is disappointing, a little patience and understanding on both sides should ensure the friendship will continue for many years to come!

Definitely call your doctor. The bleeding may be just from the surgery but your doctor is the one to make that determination. My surgeon told me to notify her immediately of red or black stool.

Just emailed meoops!

AnnMarie, I tried to post the list (which is an Excel file) on the forum but forum rules don't allow that type of file. However, thanks to the graphics genius of Vamp, she was able to post images of the file on the forum under my thread titled "Protein, Protein, Protein". You won't be able to add your own favorites to the list but you can see it. The only way I'm aware of to allow you to add to the list is if I email you the file.

You're welcome!!

Losingit has a great idea - see your nutritionist if you're getting discouraged. "Slumps", "stalls", "plateaus" - all part of the process and they will pass. Just keep following the protocol and let the weight take care of itself. Whenever I run into a bump in the road, I commit to staying away from the scales for at least two weeks. The results usually put a smile on my face. I firmly believe that weighing too often can sabotage your commitment. Stay focused, stay active and stay committed - you'll be in "onederland" before you know it!!

Just emailed!

Just emailed!

Good day fellow (and former) So. Californians! dsoprano - Deciding on a surgical solution for obesity is an intensely personal decision. I would not recommend that you (or anyone) go forward until you are confident that it is the right decision for you. In my case, an important part of the decision process was a considerable amount of research. There is a tremendous amount of information out there but it's important to find the most reliable and respected sources possible. I'm sure a lot of folks will have some great recommendations for you. Here are some of mine: http://www.hsph.harv...vention-source/ (Harvard School of Public Health) http://www.webmd.com/ http://asmbs.org/ (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) http://iom.edu/Repor...Prevention.aspx (Institute of Medicine of the National Academies) http://www.wlslifestyles.com/ (This is a digital magazine with an ENORMOUS amount of information on weight loss surgery. Cost is $19.95 for a one year subscription and imho that's a real bargain.) Do the research. Ask questions. "Talk" to people here on the forum. There are lots of really great folks here and most of us are more than happy to share our experience and answer any questions we can. Have a great day!!

Really, really normal! I'm 34 weeks out - burping usually follows eating too fast. Gas follows me whereever I go! LOL

I'm thinking "Fluffy"! LOL

Also could be a shortage of potassium. I still get occasional cramps in my feet. Hurts like a son of a gun! I'm sure the doctor can give you some suggestions for relieving the hand cramps.

So sorry to hear that Julia. Sending you tons of white light for a speedy recovery!!

Welcome, welcome AnnMarie! You're definitely in the right place. Lots and lots of great folks here!!