rsr53

Bypass surgery saved my life 10 yrs ago. I had had severe GERD and gallbladder problems. My hiatal hernia was the size of the surgeon's fist. It was also repaired, and my gallbladder was removed. I might add that 3 mos prior to surgery I was rushed to another hosp due to severe anemia; the hemoglobin was down to 4.8--normal is around 12 to 15. I lost 85 pounds, kept it off for about 3 yrs, and then it started creeping back on me. My comorbid symptoms also returned with high blood pressure, as did nutritional deficiencies in Iron, Calcium, VitD, and Vit B12. I also failed to mention that I have hypertension for which I am allergic to all blood pressure drugs. So WLS is my only intervention for health. In 2007 I saw my surgeon who did an EGD to find my bypass had stretched 80%. That explained the 50+ pound weight regained for which I cannot lose without revision surgery--my date for surgery is May 31st, I am all ready!! Just doing preop diet now. What I want to say is that each person's circumstance is different. Yes, there is research out there touting bypasses but as I see it, bypass is not as 'popular' as it was when I had mine in 2001--there was no choices for surgery back then. In fact, laproscopic surgery was just coming out in practice back then, as was the lapband and gastric banding options. The surgeon I had at that time was not skilled in these newer procedures--because of my other needs at surgery mine was an open operation. You have to realize these studies are on different populations, with unique variables associated with the tests and observations. Don't let research intimidate your desires/need for WLS. Hope this will encourage your journey--if you don't have GERD then you won't postop--your dr's competence will guide the progress and possible adjustments to your treatment and care postoperatively. Ok so after reading that 5 year study where it stated that some people who had severe reflux and had to be revised to bypass...what??? Ok so my question is done anyone here have severe reflux? Did u always suffer from it before surgery? Reason I'm asking is because I don't have any problems with reflux(pre-op still) and I don't want any. I don't want to be on medication for life or worse have to have bypass in the end. Something none of us wanted in the first place. I do realize we are put on ppi's after surgery for a few months but crap, this news is slightly depressing

Go to GNC, get some Vit E cream for your incisions. That will help healing and should prevent itching. As for weakness, consult your dr to see if some iron supplements are in order for awhile. After all, you had major surgery, your body was traumatized by that, so it seems that you may be needing some more nutritional support. Check with your doctor first, tho. Good luck!! Glad you had your surgery.

Thanks for the info. I have it saved on my PC.

I love both!! I just made sf jello and stirred the nonfat cottage cheese into it--tastes great. I have used yogurt plain for sour cream bases, like topping baked potatoes, in Mexican dishes and salads, also as the milk part of a serving of granola or cereal. The taste grows on you--did not know if I would like it with some foods, but after trying them I find I really do like to eat it as part of a meal. The nonsugar fruit jams are great mixers for the plain yogurt.

Cmdr: You will do fine!! I started my PreOP diet and did the labs and xray yesterday. I am already admitted to the hospital but have to complete the 14 day diet and basically ready for surgery--if you have excellence in your doctor and staff there is no need for worry. Mine will be revision surgery--bypass to sleeve. It is going to take awhile in the hospital and recovery time in hospital and at home, but I am a tough egg, too. I do heal easily, too. I would think it hard for you to switch roles from doctor to patient--step back and focus on improving your health and longevity with this surgical procedure. May 31st is my day for surgery; I am ready, have excellent surgeon and his staff, and the hospital is very nice and close to my house!! Could not ask for anything better than that!!! Good luck to you, and please keep us posted on your progress.

I am glad you had your surgery!! It is good the experience was not bad. I hope you are feeling better each day. I am getting sleeved here in Phoenix on May 31st. Just started PreOp diet and got admitted to the hospital on fast track yesterday, too. Cannot wait to get it done! On to recovery and life!! Take care, and wishing the best with your journey.

Sounds like my day yesterday! I am already to go to the hospital once I complete my preop diet in 14 days--surgery will be May 31st. My stuff was good thus far. Had the labs done yesterday and my chest xray. I don't expect any problems with surgery--I am a pretty tough bird. Good luck with your surgery!

That is wonderful, Sassy!! Now your life is about to change forever--for the best in health, and happiness. I hope you get your surgery scheduled very soon now. Just started my preop stuff yesterday. My surgery is May 31st. Take care!

You could use blender to puree fresh veggies that are steamed. Babyfood that is Junior is also good. I like the suggestions given here, and will give those a try after I am out of surgery. My surgery is May 31.

Christie, I live in No. Phoenix and highly recommend AZ Weightloss Solutions at Desert Ridge. Dr. Steven C. Simon is my surgeon. He is wonderful!!! Smart and very good with assessing your needs in surgery and weightloss regimen. Please give him a call--they got mine OKd under Medicaid and my surgery is on May 31st. Please don't throw in the towel on this! If you would like, I can email you their number for setting up a free consult with Dr. Simon. It is 480-419-2280, fax no is 480-419-2290. I believe you would be very impressed with Dr. Simon and his care. They are topknotch folk, and so nice!! I had issues initially with the clinic at St. Luke Hosp-Tempe (Awful treatment) and called my ins to find Dr. Simon--sooo glad I did!!! Thank you for the affirmation ladies - I emailed my surgeons office for a refund yesterday - hopefully I wont have any problems with a refund or their being willing to transfer all my medical papers over to another office. I'm in the Phoenix area so I know there are many experienced surgeons out here and I should be able to find one I will be in good hands. = ) Many thank yous

Get another dr to do your surgery. You cannot possibly be successful if the doctor is flakey. It sounds like the surgeon doesn't know his stuff--you must be comfortable with his bedside manner--seems to be missing. Try to go to Mexico if no surgeon is near you. Don't give up!! Keep after them until you get your VSG. Unfortunately I didn't know much about the sleeve when I started my journey to get weight loss surgery back in September. Thankful for the six months diet and exercise from Cigna - after more research I decieded I didn't want to walk, I wanted to RUN from the lap band. I had my gall bladder removed from my surgeon last week at his center and I was listening to a woman who was on the phone while waiting for her mother to be released from surgery talking about all the complications she was having after having the lap band in and how sad it was. I felt completely affirmed that I was doing the right thing and proud of myself for fighting for the sleeve. So anyways I'm one of the first they will be doing for the sleeve - and I was scheduled for the 13th. Been doing fabulous on my pre-op diet - down 14 pounds in a week....and they call me yesterday and say they have to change my date (they've already changed it once, just by a few days) to out another week. A week which I couldn't take off work so I don't know when or if it's going to happen now I happened to stop by the office for my post op gall bladder and the surgeon was such high pressure and mean that I just want to get my money back and cancel. I usually deal with the other surgeon but this one would be the "co-surgeon" on my surgery. Basically he told me it was the 20th or nothing and we should just cancel. They have two other sleeves scheduled and a specialist flying in to assist which was supposed to be "his tickets are purchased" for my date on the 13th. They tell me different reasons that don't really add up as to why they changed my date even though I told them I have my time off scheduled, my husband's time off, family coming to help me, etc....this really puts me in a bind. So I'm getting ready to leave, and in tears (I already have very bad, emotional day at work) and the surgeon wants to meet with me. He and his nurse meet me in an office and he starts asking me why I didn't want the lap band (which is what they primarily do) I explained after my research and the amount of complications from the lap band without sufficient weight loss I really felt the sleeve was for me. I said I'm only doing this once and I hear so many horror stories about people miserable with the lap band, they have it taken out and they get the sleeve. He tells me I need to understand that I could die if I get the sleeve and that's why severe the surgery is and tries to push the lap band on me - that he's done so many and they are experts on the band and he even put on in his own mother, and I should trust them, blah blah blah. Thank God for the nurse who did keep saying that "She's been saying she wants the Sleeve for a long time now - that's what she wants...." He kinda hemmed and hawed, but basically the nurse was saying she would see what she could do and the surgeon just left me with a bad taste. I'm really thinking about getting my money back on Monday. I've already paid all my out of pocket costs. Basically this would be in the of my journey - because I don't think I'm going to have my insurance much longer and I can't afford to start all over again. What would you do?

Good luck, Vicki! My vote is yours--hoping you win! I am a finalist in this surgery give away and desperately want to win. Please vote for me @ www.drdkim.net/contest and vote for Vicki L. This will change my life. WLS is excluded from our insurance by my husband's employer. Thank you for taking a minute to vote. Vicki Luna Dallas, TX

I would like to put my KUDOS out to this clinic. They have been in No. Phoenix about 2 years or so. My doctor is Dr. Steven Simon, who is the guru of bariatric intervention--great, supportive, educates about options, works viciously to get insurance approval for treatment, and just a fantastic surgeon. I have not yet had my surgery, but have started Preop preparations with diet and have completed my hosp preop tests and xrays. My date is May 31st. Everything has happened very smoothly all around once ins approval was given. Staff at the hospital today was excellent!! I am confident my hospitalization and surgery will go very well. I would not check others in our area out before consulting Dr. Simon!! Source: Arizona Weightloss Solutions

Glad you got through your surgery. Continued wishes for success! I have my sleeve date May 31. Anxious, and looking forward to it!! My doctor said I have to walk alot, too. I have to stay 3 nights in the hosp because my surgery is revision surgery that will take a bit longer to recover. Gotta love the pain meds!! Take good care! Hey folks. I'm sleeved and trying to rest and walk. DR said the surgery went perfect the gas pain? Holy crap! Yeah it is brutal. But I keep walking. They have been great about pain meds and the gas x strips are helping some. So glad I have them! We good night all. Godspeed

Wonderful! It is an exciting time! I started my preop diet today and surgery is May 31st. I hope you get your date very soon now that you were approved. Finally after a year I found out just now that I have been approved! I'm so ecstatic!!!! just had to get it out there!

You will be better off without him. Sounds like he has serious issues anyway. Do your program and prep for surgery--it is YOUR time now. Take care! Im sooooo upset right now. I told my boyfriend how I signed up for this website and he saw I added a picture to it and he thinks that I'm using this website to look for guys. Are you kidding me??? It's the dumbest thing I've ever heard!!!!!! I have no intentions on that! I have one and one intention only to be on these forums and it's because I have all these questions and all of you have great answers! He says "Why cant you be like a normal person and just search it on google?" He doesn't understand that stuff found on google is just general information and the people on here can answer so many things that google cant!!! Most of you have experienced VSG and that's who I need answers from, not some stupid search engine.. Sorry...I'm just so upset about this...just ranting!!

Hi, Bill! I am getting sleeved May 31st. Started Preop Diet this afternoon. Hoping you are doing well with your sleeve, too. Take Care! That is so cool! I'm an only child so I can only imagine the bond you have...it's great that you're sharing this experience! GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

Hugs to you and your sister, Lady Velvet! Wishing you both the very best in your hospitalization and surgeries. Incidently, mine is scheduled for May 31st. I know both of you will do just fine, and the feeling of great health and stamina is something of a jewel. I am so looking forward to my time at the hospital for this reason. Started the preop diet this afternoon and will continue as my doctor directs up to the surgery time. Please keep us posted on your progress. I love this website to network and connect when I cannot be out to a support meeting. RSR53 Prayers are lifted up for both of you!!! Well...it's here! I will have my surgery tomorrow morning and my sister (2sweet) will have her's right after mine. As I type this it is really hitting home. We are going to be new healthy people starting tomorrow morning....WOW !! Me and my sis have done so many things together in our lifetime. We have started businesses - been through weddings, divorce, births and deaths. We have each other's back - all the time - if one gets cut we both bleed. If one gets hit by a car...roll her over cause the other one is underneath. If one wins the Lottery....well she better give me some money or I will stalk her for life! Our relationship with food has been almost identical as well and so was our problem with weight. By far out of all the things that we have done together...all the projects that we have started and completed together.....this is by far the best and the most important project we will ever do together. We take care of so many people in our lives but this time we are taking care of ourselves. And Ladies and Gents - this is only the beginning. I can't say that I am scared or nervous exactly.....maybe a little but I am so stoked...so excited....so happy......so high (not on drugs) that I could spit glitter and balloons! Pray for us as we have truly been praying for everyone here and thanks so much for all the good stuff that is coming out of this forum. See ya on the Slim Side!!!!!!!

I thought I would share this with those of you that need protein drinks and different options :crying: I had this emailed to me a long time ago, and while cleaning out my inbox of the 2000 emails I stumbled across it again. I do not know the original author/creator/inventor or I would give proper credit. PUMPKIN PROTEIN SHAKE This is a wonderfully decadent way to get in your protein! Spicy, creamy and icy-thick.�milkshakes never had it so good! 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 cup skim milk or soymilk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (such as Matrix Simply Vanilla) 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 t. cinnamon, 1/8 t. cloves, 1/8 t. ginger) 2 tablespoons Splenda Granular 1/4 cup Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla yogurt 1 cup ice cubes Place pumpkin, milk, protein powder, spices, Splenda, cool whip or yogurt, and ice cubes in blender container; process until slushy. Makes one meal replacement serving. Per Serving: 230 Cal; 28 g Protein; 5 g Tot Fat; 13 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 2 g Sugar; 115 mg Sodium BANANA PROTEIN NOG 1 scoop Matrix Simply Vanilla protein powder 1 cup skim milk A one inch chunk of banana 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Banana/Peanut Butter Shake (12 grams protein) 8 ounces fat-free milk 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter 1/4 - 1/2 banana Blend until smooth in blender. Orange Dreamsicle (28 grams protein) 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein) 1 scoop (individual serving) sugar-free Sunrise Orange Crystal Lightâ powder 8 ounces skim milk Alternatives: substitute 4 ounces orange juice for 4 ounces milk; substitute 4 ounces yogurt for 4 ounces milk; add 1/2 tsp. orange zest to shake. Sunrise Smoothy 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup orange juice (or orange tang) � banana (peeled) 1 carton Low Carb Vanilla Yogurt 1 tablespoon Splenda 4-5 frozen strawberries Mix in blender until smooth Cherry Vanilla 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 4-5 maraschino cherries 2 scoops low carb vanilla ice cream 1 cup cherry sugar free kool-aid Mix in blender until smooth Peach 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup Crystal Lite peach tea 4-6 frozen peach slices 4 ice cubes Mix in blender until smooth Strawberry-Lemonade 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup sugar free lemonade kool-aid 4-5 frozen strawberries 4-5 ice cubes Mix in blender until smooth Cherry Vanilla Coke Float 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 2 scoops low carb SF ice cream 1 cup diet coke 4-5 cherries Mix in blender until smooth Apple Pie Frosty 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder 1 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced (or 1/2 C no-sugar-added applesauce) 2 packets Splenda 1/2 t cinnamon 1/4 t nutmeg 3/4 C water 8-10 ice cubes Blend thoroughly and drink up Butterscotch Pecan Liquid Pie 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 8 oz cold water 2 T sugar free butterscotch pudding mix 4-5 ice cubes 1/4 C pecans Blend protein powder, water and pudding mix. (The pudding mix thickens the liquid considerably). Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers. Add pecans and blend again for a few seconds. Pour into nice huge parfait glass and enjoy. (about 300 calories). Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake 1 scoop vanilla powder 1/2 cup SF cherry yogurt 4 ice cubes splash water vanilla extract (to taste) cherry extract (to taste) Put all of it in a blender and hit liquify! Enjoy Choco Mint Shake 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder 1 packet sugar free hot chocolate mix 1 teaspoon mint flavoring 1/2 cup of soy milk 1/2 cup of water 6 large ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender And mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Chocolate Almond Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 1 cup of soy milk 2 T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup 1 t almond flavoring 1/4 cup of almonds 6-8 ice cubes Blend all ingredients, Except almonds and ice cubes, Then add nuts and cubes and blend again Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter De-Lite 3/4 c. cold water 1/4 c. Toasted Marshmallow s/f syrup 2 scoops PS IOO Chocolate Protein Powder 4 packets. equal 1/2 small banana 1T. low sugar Peanut Butter 1T. s/f White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix Put everything in blender And whirl till smooth. Scrape down sides if necessary And whirl some more. Chocolate Banana Smoothie 1/2 cup banana Fat-Free NutraSweet Sweetened Yogurt 1/2 cup Non-fat Milk 1/2 cup ripe banana peeled and sliced Dash of Vanilla 1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder of Choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender, Blend until smooth. Add ice and blend To give it a frozen smoothie consistency. Chocolate Coconut Shake 2 oz Coconut Milk 6 oz Cold Water 2 scoops Chocolate protein powder 1 tsp Chocolate or Banana Sugar-Free pudding Hand Shake well. Chocolate Covered Banana 1 scoop Chocolate Isopure 1/2 c 1% milk splash of sugar-free chocolate syrup 1/2 banana 4 maraschino cherries 2 handfuls ice Blend Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder 1 cup soy milk 2T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup 10-12 cherries - (no pits please) 8-10 ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender And mix to desired consistency Chocolate Frosty Shake 1 rounded scoop Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Chocolate Protein Powder 1 rounded tsp. fat free sugar free French Vanilla International Coffee 1 rounded tsp. fat free Creamora (non-dairy coffee creamer powder) 10 ice cubes Use a blender to get a shake-like consistency Chocolate Fudge Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 2 T chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix 8 oz water 5 large ice cubes, tiny silver spoon (optional) Blend ProScore, pudding and water, add ice cubes, Blend till crushed with ice slivers still un-melted, Pour into insulated cup (makes about 16 oz) And eat it with a tiny silver spoon. Chocolate OrangeSicle 1 1/2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 1/2 Scoop OrangeSicle protein powder 8 oz water Shake very well Chocolate Peanut Butter Death 2 scoops PS100 Chocolate Protein Powder 8 oz Cold Water 2 tsp Chocolate SF Pudding Mix 1 packets Splenda 1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Peanut Butter Syrup 1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Cookie Dough Syrup 1 Heaping Tablespoon (Daloop) of Fat Free Cool Whip Light 1 Heaping Teaspoon of Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter approx. 6 oz of crushed ice Mix until entirely smooth - pour - sit back and enjoy pure indulgence Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 tbs. peanut butter 1 cup skim milk 2 handfuls ice Blend thoroughly Chocolate Raspberry Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 8 oz water (or skim, lactaid or soy milk) sugar free raspberry syrup Blend and enjoy Chocolate Vanilla Swirl 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder splash Vitamite splash water ice Blend thoroughly Chocolate-Banana Shake 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1/2 banana 1 cup skim milk 2 handfuls ice Blend thoroughly. Hint: if you can't use a banana, Try banana extract...tastes good! Coco Loco 1 1/2 scoops 100%Whey Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz Vitamite 6 packets Splenda splash Luzianne Peach Mango Ice Tea flavoring 2 drops Coconut extract 2 drops Pineapple extract 1 drop Rum extract (optional) 5 ice cubes Blend and chop ice thoroughly Cookies & Cream Splash of Cookies & Cream coffee Splash of Vitamite Splash of water 1 tsp. Sugar Free DaVinci Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Syrup (optional) 1/3 scoop ProBlend 55 Mocha/cappuccino 1/3 scoop Pro V60 Chocolate Thunder 1/3 scoop Pro V60 Vanilla Cr�me ice Blend Creamy Peach Melba 6-8 frozen peach slices 4-6 oz water 1 tbsp peach mango Luzianne Tea Flavor 1 tsp DaVinci Raspberry flavor 2 packets splenda 1 tbsp heavy cream 2 scoops Keto Peaches & Cream Protein Powder Blend peaches, Water, flavorings, & splenda until liquid. Add protein powder. Drizzle in cream last. Blend well. Donna's Delicious Protein Smoothie 6 to 8 oz sunrise orange crystal light (premade) 3 ice cubes 3 frozen raspberries 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder Optional: tablespoon of light cool whip Mix crystal light with the ice cubes and frozen raspberries, Add the scoop of vanilla protein powder And mix only for a few seconds (mixing the protein too much causes it to foam) Double Chocolate Fudge � cup skim milk 1 packet, no sugar added hot cocoa mix 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 4 ice cubes (or � - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender. Egg Nog 1 scoop of Vanilla HDT 5+1 vanilla 1 cup of soy milk 1 teaspoon of rum extract 1/2 teaspoon of all spice 4-6 large ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Elvis IS IN MY KITCHEN RIGHT NOW making a PB & J Milkshake 2 scoops ProScore Vanilla Protein Powder 1 Tbsp. vanilla sugar-free instant pudding 8 oz cold water 1 Tbsp or to taste berry, raspberry or peach (or other) sugar-free syrup 3-5 ice cubes 1 Tbsp. crunchy peanut butter Combine the protein powder, Pudding, and sugar-free syrup into blender And blend for 30 seconds. Add 3-5 ice cubes, blend until ice slivers, Add crunchy peanut butter, Blend for a few seconds. Pour into 16 oz glass. Eat with a small silver spoon, savoring each spoonful. Extra spicy ProScore Mocha Chai 2 oz of any strong (i.e. Starbucks) left-over cold coffee with half & half piece of fresh ginger 4-5 cloves few peppercorns 1 oz cold strong unsweetened Chai tea 4-5 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore 100 Chocolate Protein Powder pinch nutmeg splash vanilla extract in a COLD blender, add cold coffee, ginger, cloves, peppercorns, cold Chai tea. Blend, adding 4-5 ice cubes one at a time until ice cubes are broken up. Add 2 scoops protein powder while blender is moving. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Frappachino 1 tbs. instant coffee or a splash of cold coffee 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder 2 handfuls ice 1/2 cup skim milk blend thoroughly. Frappucchino On-the-Go 1/2 can Blue Luna light _mocha (or Starbuck's light Frappachino brand) 1 scoop chocolate protein powder Shake in Blue Luna can and pour over ice. Fruit Freeze � cup skim milk (substitute water if you don't do milk) 1 scoop unflavored protein powder 5 strawberries, frozen, no added sugar 2 peaches, frozen, no added sugar � cup pineapple, canned, packed in juice (or Lite syrup) 4 ice cubes (or � - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender. Fruit Smoothie 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 4 fresh strawberries frozen and sliced 1/2 fresh banana frozen and sliced 1 scoop Vanilla or Strawberry protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender And blend until smooth. Add ice and blend until frozen smoothie consistency. Fudgesicle 1 1/2 scoops chocolate protein powder 12 oz cold water 10 packets splenda 1 sugar free fudgesicle 1/2 oz DaVinci sugar free vanilla syrup 6 ice cubes put all ingredients except protein into blender- blend on high until no more pings from ice on blades- turn down blender until top of mixture is moving but not splashing-add protein-replace cover and whirl- but not too high or it will puff up to about 40 oz! Good Morning Smoothie 1 small banana 3/4 cup skim milk 1/2 cup non-fat sugar free strawberry yogurt 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender and blend until smooth. Add ice and blend until frozen fruit smoothie consistency. Iced Mocha Latte 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate, leftover cold coffee (decaf Hazelnut) 1 T fat free sugar free vanilla pudding mix a splash of sugar free hazelnut coffee syrup and a few ice cubes Blend Light and Dark Symphony 1 scoop ProBlend 55 _Mocha Cappuccino splash coffee splash water ice Blend thoroughly for light symphony; for dark symphony add 1 tbs. white chocolate SF syrup and blend Luscious Pina Colada 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 2 T vanilla sugar free pudding mix dash of coconut flavoring dash of pineapple flavoring ice Blend and enjoy Mango Morning Smoothie Juice of 1/2 of a fresh lime 2oz cold water meat of 1 mango small piece fresh ginger 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract) 7-8 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore Vanilla Blend lime juice, cold water, meat of mango, ginger and vanilla extract until smooth. When blended, add 7-8 ice cubes, one at a time until blended. Add ProScore Vanilla protein powder one scoop at a time while blender is still moving. You can substitute soy milk instead of water and soy ice cubes instead of plain ice, but you will need to watch calories with those substitutions. Mocha, Ginger & Cinnamon 2 scoops ProScore 100 Chocolate 4 oz left-over coffee with half & half a few good sprinkles of cinnamon small piece FRESH ginger 6-8 ice cubes Blend on low, then on high. Add about 6-8 ice cubes, one at a time � chuck each one HARD into the blender while blending. Blend until creamy. Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Shake 1 1/2 scoop GNC 100% Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 4-5 packets of Splenda 1 capful DaVinci's Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup 5 oz Vitamite lots of ice cubes Blend syrup, Splenda, and Vitamite together. Add protein powder; blend until mixed. Add Ice and blend until chopped well. Orange & Cream Shake 8 ounces (or less if you wish) Stewart's Diet Orange & Cream Soda splash Vitamite 1 scoop ProV60 Vanilla Cream protein ice blend extra thoroughly to get rid of all of the carbonation Orange Banana Smoothie 1/2 cup cold water 1/2 cup pulp free OJ 1/2 banana sliced 1 rounded scoop Keto Shake Orange Cr�me protein powder 1 rounded scoop Keto Shake Banana Cr�me protein powder 1 cup ice Blend all ingredients except ice until smooth. Add ice, blend until smoothie consistency. Orange Julius 8 oz non-fat plain yogurt 1 can (6 oz) Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate 2 1/2 cup skim milk 1 Tsp vanilla extract 2 scoops Protein Powder of your choice Put ingredients in blender, blend until smooth, fruit smoothie consistency. Orange Julius Ain�t Got Nothing On Us Smoothie 2 Scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 6 oz water 1 T sugar free vanilla pudding mix 1/4 c real orange juice (preferably hand squeezed with pulp, or from store with pulp) 1 t good vanilla flavoring 3-4 ice cubes Blend all ingredients except ice cubes. Cold water will cause pudding mix to thicken. Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers. Pour into tall glass and use straw to sip, dainty, a little at a time, really taste it. Don't guzzle (grin) Peach Creamsicle 6 oz Crystal Lite Peach Tea 2 tablespoon SF Instant Vanilla Pudding 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder 6 packets Splenda ice cubes Blend thoroughly Peach and Strawberry Yummy 3 slices frozen peaches (or 1/2 frozen banana) 3 good sized frozen strawberries 1/4 - 1/2 cup water 1 packets Splenda 1 rounded Vanilla protein powder Blend Pina Colada Smoothie 8oz can refrigerated crushed pineapple in natural unsweetened juices 1 Tsp coconut flavoring 1/2 cup crushed ice 1 packet artificial sweetener 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Combine in blender and blend for 2 minutes on high Pineapple Vanilla Ginger Shake Meat from 1/2 SMALL COLD pineapple enough cold water to blend small piece of fresh ginger 5-6 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore 100 Vanilla Protein Powder cinnamon and fresh mint In a blender put meat from pineapple, enough COLD water to blend, and ginger. Blend until smooth. Add 5-6 ice cubes, 1 piece at a time and blend until creamy. Add 2 scoops of ProScore 100 Vanilla while blender is in motion (OK to substitute different brand). Pour into a brandy glass, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top and add a piece of fresh mint. Real Root Beer float 1.5 scoops of diet, sugar-free vanilla ice cream 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 3/4 can diet root beer Stir thoroughly Root Beer Float 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 can diet root beer Mix thoroughly and pour over ice Enen Better Root beer Float 2 scoops Vanilla Carb Solutions Protein Powder 1 12 ounce can Diet Root Beer (A&W is best) open and let soda go flat 4 or 5 ice cubes 2 envelopes Splenda Throw it all in a blender and enjoy! S'Mores splash coffee (optional, but really does taste better!) splash Vitamite splash water DaVinci Sugar-free Toasted Marshmallow syrup (to taste) Chocolate protein powder (something milk-chocolaty seems to taste best , like ProV60 Chocolate Thunder) Sans Sucre Cinnamon Sugar (to taste) ice blend thoroughly Snicker splash Snicker doodle coffee splash Vitamite splash water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder ice Blend thoroughly. Don't have Snicker doodle coffee? Substitute regular coffee, SF hazelnut syrup and the SF cinnamon sugar. This one is excellent!!!! Snickers Candy Bar splash chocolate caramel coffee splash Vitamite splash water 1 tsp peanut butter or SF peanut butter syrup chocolate protein powder ice Blend thoroughly. Don't have chocolate caramel coffee? You can substitute it with regular coffee, SF caramel syrup, SF chocolate syrup (optional) if you want even more of a chocolaty taste. Strawberry Berry Berry 1 scoop of Strawberry Pro Blend 55 4 strawberries (frozen or fresh) 1/4 cup of blueberries 1 cup of cranberry juice 1 cup ice or crushed ice Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Strawberry Chocolate Milk 2 Scoops Strawberry Carb Solutions 1 Scoop (use the Carb Solutions scoop) Carnation Fat Free Hot Cocoa 14 ounces water Mix in blender with ice for a "shake" or shake inshaker for a more milky consistency Strawberry for Protein Dummies 10 frozen strawberrys 1/2 small banana 1 scoop (23g) Biochem's Ultimate LO Carb Whey (Natural Flavor) 8 oz Water 1/3 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk Splenda to taste *Note: I found the protein by going to a local health food store and asking for a whey protein with the LEAST taste and that mixed easily into water* Tropical Breakfast Smoothie 1 cup fresh cut-up strawberries 8 oz pineapple chunks in natural juice 1 fresh banana sliced 1/2 cup cholesterol free egg product 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender, blend until smooth, add ice and blend to frozen smoothie consistency. This recipe yields more than one serving Two Berry Delight 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries 1/2 cup raspberries 1/2 cup water 1 cup ice 1 packet of sweetener 1/2 cup milk 1 cup orange juice vitamins or protein powder Put all ingredients except ice in blender and blend until smooth. Add ice and blend to give it a frozen smoothie consistency Vanilla Butterscotch 8 oz cold water 2 scoops vanilla ProScore 1T butterscotch sugar-free pudding 4 ice cubes 1 T vanilla sugar free pudding 4-5 ice cubes blend it all, and let it set up a little, and it tastes all custardy. Vanilla Chai Vanilla protein powder 8 oz iced Chai tea (made from tea bag and refrigerated) dash of cinnamon little Splenda splash of soy milk Blend and enjoy Vanilla Frosty 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder 1/2 to 1 container Dannon Fit and Light yogurt (any flavor) 3/4 c water or soy milk 10-12 ice cubes Blend in blender until the consistency of a Wendy's frosty Vanilla PB Fruity 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 1 T sugar free vanilla pudding mix 8 oz water, 1T or to taste berry or raspberry or peach or other sugar-free syrup (0 calories) 3-5 ice cubes 2 t peanut butter-crunchy kind Blend before adding peanut butter, add peanut butter and blend again till ice slivers. Note: (if you put in too many ice cubes, it will dilute the peanutty taste)... Vanilla Spice Freeze 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 2 T vanilla Sugar Free pudding mix pinch of cinnamon pinch of cloves Blend, store in freezer until it gets thick. Yummmmm Vanilla vanilla citrus 2 oz of refrigerated water 1/4 lime, (including rind) cut up in about 4-6 pieces Piece of fresh ginger to taste About 1/2 t. vanilla Blend. 45 Chuck in about 6 cubes, one at a time, till dissolved, add 2 scoops of ProScore 100 Vanilla, swirl in a little cinnamon, while still blending. Add all except ice, ProScore and cinnamon. Blend. Add remaining ingredients and blend again. White Chocolate Mouse Mocha Frappachino splash Vitamite splash water 1 scoop PB55 Mocha Frappachino 1/2 tsp. SF Jell-O White Chocolate Mouse Pudding handful of ice Blend thoroughly, sweeten to taste (Optional) Peanut Brittle Protein Shake 2 scoops vanilla protein powder 2 tbsp sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix (dry) 1 tbsp natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 8 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 3-6 ice cubes Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve. I like to use chunky peanut peanut butter and add it last so that it it stays chunky (like peanut brittle) but it tastes just as good with a smoother consistency. Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake 2 scoops vanilla protein powder 1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp imitation vanilla (or 1/4 tsp extract) 1 packet artificial sweetener a few dashes butter flavor sprinkles or butter-flavor extract 8 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 3 ice cubes Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve. The Hulk Protein Shake 2 scoops vanilla protein 1 � tbsp sugar-free pistachio pudding mix 1 mint leaf or a few drops peppermint extract (optional) a few drops green food coloring (optional) 8 oz. cold water (or low-fat milk) 3-5 ice cubes Add all ingredients to blender, blend, and pour into cup. This tastes great without the mint so don't worry if you don't have it around. Instant Breakfast 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 cup milk skim 1 package of carnation instant breakfast 1 scoop of protein 4 ice cubes Blend Strawberry Instant Breakfast 1cup skim milk 1 packet of instant breakfast 1 scoop protein 1/2 cup frozen strawberries blend 45 seconds Mocha Instant Breakfast SF Carnation Instant Breakfast 2c. NF low carb milk 1 tsp decaf coffee 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1/2 scoop protein powder Mix until smooth This gives you 38g of protein! Chocolate Fudge Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 2 T chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix 8 oz water 5 large ice cubes, tiny silver spoon (optional) Blend ProScore, pudding and water, add ice cubes, Blend till crushed with ice slivers still un-melted, Pour into insulated cup (makes about 16 oz) And eat it with a tiny silver spoon. Berry Berry Smoothy 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1-2 scoops low carb ice cream 1 cup skim milk (or 1% milk) � cup frozen fruit medley Mix in blender until smooth Banana Mocca 8 oz milk (carb countdown, 2%, or whatever you use) 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 banana 1 tbsp. instant coffee Ice Blend Chocolate-Banana-Coffee Shake 1/2 tsp coffee (I dont like coffee) 1 small scoop low carb ice cream 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup water 1 scoop chocolate protein 1/2 banana then I hit blend... Lemon Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt 1 scoop unflavored protein powder 1/2 cup lite orange juice 1 & 1/2 cup strawberries 1/2 cup crushed ice 1 T. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. lemon zest Combine all in blender until smooth. Colossal Cranberry Smoothie Serves: 2 1 1/2 cups lite Cran-Raspberry Juice 2 cups frozen mixed berries 1 1/2 cups nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt 2 scoops unflavored protein powder Put all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie 8 oz skim milk 1/3 small banana 1 tbsp natural peanut butter 2 packets of splenda 5 ice cubes 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (Could use chocolate if you wanted a choco banana PB smoothie) In blender combine milk, banana, peanut butter and sweet n' low. Add ice cubes and pulse. Double Berry Smoothie 1/4 cup orange juice 1 cup vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt 1 ripe banana, peeled and broken into pieces 1/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen 1/4 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder Chocolate Peanut Butter Supreme: (Lean Mass Gain) � 12 oz. water � 4 ice cubes � 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream � 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter � 2 scoops chocolate protein powder Mocha Shake: (Lean Mass Gain) � 6 oz. water � 4 ice cubes � 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream � 6 oz.. coffee* � 2 scoops chocolate protein powder � *You may use 12 oz. coffee and no water for an extra pre-workout or morning kick! Frozen Chocolate Banana (Lean Mass Gain) � 12 oz. Water � 4 to 5 ice cubes � 1 banana � 1 tablespoon heavy cream � 2 scoops chocolate protein powder German Chocolate Cake: (Lean Mass Gain) � 12 oz. water � 4 ice cubes � 1 tablespoon heavy cream � 1 tablespoon cream of coconut � 2 scoops chocolate protein powder Tangerine Cream: (Maximum Fat Loss or Lean Mass Gain) � 12 oz. Tangerine Diet Rite � 4 Ice Cubes � 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream � 1 to 3 scoops vanilla protein powder Root Beer Float: (Maximum Fat Loss or Lean Mass Gain) � 1 can Diet A&W Root Beer � 1 to 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream � 4 ice cubes � 1 to 3 scoops vanilla protein powder Pineapple Blast: (Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and off Season) � 4 ice cubes � 12 oz. water � 2 scoops vanilla protein powder � 1/2 cup pineapple chunks Pina Colada Passion (Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and Off Season) � 12 oz. water � 4 ice cubes � 3 scoops vanilla protein powder � 1/3 cup Pineapple chunks � 2 tsp. Coconut extract Ultra Oatmeal: (mix ingredients after cooking) (Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and Off Season) � 1 serving cooked plain oatmeal (1/2 cup precooked) � 1 to 1� scoops vanilla protein powder Power Fudge: Vanilla or Chocolate (Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning) � 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder � 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream � *mix together in a bowl until ingredients reach consistency of cake icing. May be refrigerated or frozen. Peanut Butter Muscle Balls: (Lean Mass Gain Off Season) � Follow directions for power fudge. Form peanut butter into small balls slightly larger than a marble. Coat with Power Fudge by rolling together to create a chocolate covered peanut butter ball. Refrigerate for 2 hours. May be frozen to speed up process. Chocolate Banana Shake � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 8 strawberries � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Chocolate Banana Shake � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 1 banana � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Chocolate Strawberry Blast � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 8 strawberries � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Vanilla Banana Creamy � 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water or whole (or 2%) milk � 6 ice cubes � 1 banana � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Rasberry Chocolate Thick � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of whole (or 2%) milk � 6 ice cubes � 8 rasberries � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Drink or eat with a spoon! Banana Cheerio Quickfast � Great for a super fast morning meal � 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 1 banana � 3/4 cup cup or original cheerios � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Orange Creamsicle � 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 1 to 2 peeled oranges � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Blueberry Blaster � 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder � 6 to 8 ounces of water � 4 to 6 ice cubes � 20-30 blueberries � Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy! Mocha Surprise � Save some leftover coffee and add about 1/2 cup to your next chocolate shake. Adds 0 calories but lots of taste. Orange Tangy � Add a dash of sugar free Tang to a vanilla protein shake. Adds less than 10 calories and brings back childhood memories of enjoying the real thing. Grasshopper � A few drops of mint extract will turn your chocolate shake into a chocolate mint treat. Eggnog � Add a dash of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg and a sprinkle of butter buds to a vanilla shake to create a yummy eggnog flavor. Protein & Oatmeal Pancakes Ingredients � 1/3 cup oatmeal � 2 or 3 egg whites scrambled (or 1/2 cupe eggbeaters) � 1 scoop vanilla protein � 1/2 tsp baking soda � dash of pumpkin pie spice � 1/8 tsp sweet-n-low brown Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and allow mixture to thicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour onto preheated frying pan or griddle. Cook over medium heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Gamish with fresh strawberries or sugar free syrup. Makes 1 serving. Variation- Add 1/2 pack sugar free apple cider mix. Lots of flavor and only 8 more calories. Peanut Butter Balls Ingredients � 1/2 cup all natural creamy peanut butter � 1/4 cup honey � 1 1/2 scoop vanilla protein Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Roll by hand into 1" balls and chill until firm (about an hour). They make great high protein snacks and are an excellent source of healthy fats. Makes 4 servings. Protein Pudding Shots � Try mixing your scoop of protein with 2 tbs fat free, sugar free pudding mix and 1 oz ice water. Allow mixture to thicken and eat it with a spoon. Adds 50 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates. Chocolate Monkey 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein 1/2 a banana Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Banana Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/2 banana 3 whole frozen strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Split 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 banana 1/4 cup chopped pineapple 2 frozen strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Blueberry Bonanza Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Covered Cherry 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein 10-12 frozen or fresh cherries optional: 1 tsp. of SF Cherry Torani Syrup or a drop of cherry extract Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Silky Latte 4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Silky Mocha 4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie 4 oz. Vitasoy Peppermint Chocolate soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (chilled) Dash of pumpkin pie spice Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Berry Berry Good Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen or fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mochachinno 8 oz. cold coffee 1 scoop chocolate protein 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Egg Nog Protein Shake 4 oz. Silk Nog soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein Dash of nutmeg Place liquid in the blender first, then powder. Blend on low then high till well blended. Dash of nutmeg on top. Pina Colada 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup pineapple 1 Tbs. SF Coconut Torani Syrup (I've also used 2 T. of unsweetened coconut from the health food store or Baker's catalog) Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Peanut Butter Cup 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbs. peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 2-3 ice cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Cherry Vanilla Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 5-6 maraschino cherries 1 Tbs. SF French Vanilla Torani Syrup Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Caramel Protein Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbs. SF Caramel Torani Syrup 3 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 banana Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 3-4 Frozen Whole Strawberries Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Lemon Meringue Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Lemon Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Green Giant 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Pistachio Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Butterscotch Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Butterscotch Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Cheesecake Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Cheesecake Pudding Powder 3-4 Frozen or Fresh Strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Vanilla Spice Protein Shake 4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 T. Almond Butter 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mango Madness Protein Smoothie 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 banana 1/2 shot of espresso or 1/4 cup fresh coffee or 1 tsp instant coffee 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Carrot Cake Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk (if you use Vanilla or Plain Milk add more cinnamon and nutmeg) 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen sliced carrots 1 Tablespoon Cream Cheese Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg Place liquids in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mango Banana Protein Lassi 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 4 oz. water 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 1 Tbs. SF Vanilla Torani Syrup 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Protein Smoothie 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen) Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg 2-3 Ice Cubes 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mocha Banana Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1/2 banana 1 tsp 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mocha Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1 tsp instant espresso powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Peach Cobbler Protein Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup frozen sliced peaches dash cinnamon dash nutmeg 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended Mango Banana Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks 1/2 a banana 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Gingersnap Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2-3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1 Tablespoon Starbuck's SF Cinnamon Dolce Syrup dash of cinnamon 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Basic Instructions: 1 scoop of protein powder, 4-6 ounces of water, natural low sugar juice or skim milk. These drinks are excellent by themselves or when blended at low speed for 1 to 3 minutes with 4-8 ice cubes or the equivalent amount of crushed ice. Vanilla Blush 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1/2 TBL Carob Powder Pinch Ground Cinnamon 4 - 8 ice cubes Iced Expresso 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 1/2 TBL instant Expresso Coffee 4 - 8 ice cubes Apple Pie 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Apple Juice & 4 oz. water 1 graham cracker (4 sm squares) 4 - 8 ice cubes Double Apple 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Apple Juice & 4 oz. water 1/2 Apple, chopped or sliced 4 - 8 ice cubes Orange Creamsicle 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Orange Juice 4 - 8 ice cubes Orange Monkey 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Orange Juice 1/2 banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Lemon Squeeze 4 scoops Vanilla Protein powder 3 oz. Lemon Juice & 5 oz. water 1 TBL Honey 4 - 8 ice cubes Pink Possibility 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Pink Grapefruit Juice 4 - 8 ice cubes Tangy Tangerine 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 1/2 cup Tangerine Non-Fat Yogurt Fresh or canned Tangerines 4 - 8 ice cubes Strawberry Supreme 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 cup frozen Strawberries 4 - 8 ice cubes Rapsi Rumble 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Orange/Pineapple Juice 4 oz. water 1/4 cup frozen Raspberries 1/2 Kiwi 4 - 8 ice cubes Creamy Cranberry 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Cranberry Juice 1/2 cup Vanilla Non-Fat Yogurt 4 - 8 ice cubes Cran-Strawberry 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Cranberry Juice 4 oz. water 1/4 cup frozen Raspberries 1/4 cup frozen Strawberries 4 - 8 ice cubes Berry-Berry 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 cup fresh or frozen Mixed Berries 4 - 8 ice cubes Peach Paradise 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 Peach, chopped or sliced 1/2 Banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Hawaiian Holiday 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Pineapple Juice 4 or 5 frozen Strawberries 1/2 Banana 4 drops Coconut Extract 4 - 8 ice cubes Papaya Pizzazz 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 oz. Papaya Juice 1/2 Peach, chopped or sliced 1/2 Banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Mango Mambo 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz. Pineapple Juice 4 oz. water 1/2 cup Passionfruit Mango 1/2 Peach, chopped or sliced 4 - 8 ice cubes Coke-Float 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 - 12 oz. Diet Coke 1/4 cup Non-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream 4 - 8 ice cubes Black Cow 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 - 12 oz. Diet Root Beer 1/4 cup Non-Fat Van Ice Cream 4 - 8 ice cubes The Un-Cola 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 - 12 oz. Diet Sprite or 7-Up 1/4 cup Non-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream 4 - 8 ice cubes Orange Delight 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8 - 12 oz. Diet Orange Slice or Orange Crush 1/2 Banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Chocolate Banana 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 4 - 8 oz. Skim Milk 1/2 Banana 4 - 8 ice cubes Chocolate Truffle 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. Cranberry Juice 4 - 8 ice cubes Chocolate Almond Oasis 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. water 1/2 Banana 4 drops Almond Extract 4 - 8 ice cubes Ice Blended Mocha 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. water 1 1/2 TBL instant Coffee 4 - 8 ice cubes Blended Mint Mocha 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. water 3 drops Mint Extract 1 1/2 TBL instant Coffee 4 - 8 ice cubes Black Forest 1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder 8 oz. water 5 - 10 frozen Strawberries 4 - 8 ice cubes Protein Balls Recipe The pb and oatmeal balls are VERY easy. (Great Recipe *****) 1 cup Peanut Butter (I use no-sugar-added Peter Pan) 1 cup rolled oatmeal -- not the instant stuff 1 cup protein powder (I use Matrix Chocolate, but you can use other flavors) 5 packets Splenda Warm the peanut butter in microwave about 30-40 seconds -- it melts it and makes mixing in the other ingredients much easier. Add the oatmeal, protein powder, and Splenda and mix well. (If needed, you can add a little bit of water to make it easier to mix) Roll into walnut sized balls, refrigerate. Store in fridge in zip-lock baggies. This recipe makes 20-24 balls. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids) 12 ounces of water 12 ice cubes 1 scoop of chocolate coconut protein delite and 1 teaspoon of peanutbutter JIF Blended well in blender. ~~~~ BANANA NOG (All stages except clear liquids) 1 scoop vanilla protien powder 1 cup skim milk A one inch chunk of banana 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp vanilla Whiz up in a blender until smooth. ~~~~ NECTAR PROTEIN COCKTAIL (All stages) Makes 64 ounces of drink mix Serving Size 12 ounces, calories 120, protein 18g, carbs 0, fat 0 1 tub Crystal Light 4 scoops Nectar, fruit juice flavored whey isolate Prepare the Crystal Light in a plastic pitcher using 64 ounces of water, or to your taste. Using a silicon whisk or large spoon, blend in 3-4 scoops of Nectar. Keep chilled and consume within 24 hours of preparation to ensure freshness. Stir before pouring as some settling occurs. Great flavor combinations include: Crystal Light Fruit Punch and Nectar Twisted Cherry Crystal Light Sunrise Orange and Nectar Fuzzy Navel Crystal Light Pineapple Orange and Nectar Fuzzy Navel or Caribbean Cooler Crystal Light Peach Tea and Nectar Lemon Tea Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade and Nectar Roadside Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi or Twisted Cherry Crystal Light Pineapple Orange and IsoFruit Delite Pineapple Lipton SF Green Tea Honey Lemon and IsoFruit Delite Apple Pumpkin Protein Shake (All stages except clear liquids) 1/4 c. pumpkin puree, unsweetened 2 T. Splenda Granular pinch of salt 1/8 t. cinnamon 1/8 t. ginger scant 1/8 t. cloves OR 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice instead of other seperate spices 1 cup milk or soymilk 1 scoop Matrix Vanilla pro powder 1/4 cup frozen Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla Ice Cream 1 - 1 1/2 cups ice Throw all ingredients into blender and whiz up. Pour into a tall glass and drizzle with Caramel Sauce, if desired. (Cinnamon Bliss is fab!!) HOT COCOA (All stages except clear liquids) 1 tablespoon Splenda 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa 2 tablespoons dried milk powder 8 ounces non-fat milk Dash salt Few drops good quality vanilla Blend Splenda, unsweetened cocoa, dried milk powder and salt in large mug. Blend in milk, stirring until dissolved. Microwave 1 minute on high or until hot. Can also heat in saucepan on stove. (13 grams of protein) BUTTERCREME TOFFEE ICED VANILLA LATTE (All stages except clear liquids) 2-3oz crushed ice 4oz Mice Milk Vanilla - 9g 2-3oz water 1/2 packet Big Train Vanilla Latte mix - 1g 1/2 scoop Elite Buttercreme Toffee flavor- 11g Dump it all in a Magic Bullet or blender and blend away! Add a blob of SF Cool Whip or RediWhip if desired. This is really good! It's sweet, but not super-sweet PINA COLADA SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) 1 container FAGE 2% yogurt 8 oz skim milk (could be done with water, I suppose) 1 scoop Isofruit Pineapple 1 oz s/f Coconut syrup 6 ice cubes Process in blender or bullet. Makes a 16 oz shake with 46g of protein CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) Frozen Vanilla Yogurt Scoop of Chocolate Coconut Protein Powder 1" brownie (BE Low Carb Brownies, i freeze in 1" squares) Put in Blender with just enough vanilla soymilk to blend. CARAMEL HAZELNUT SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops vanilla Zero-Carb Isopure 1 c. ff Lactaid Milk 3 T. Coffee Mate sf Hazelnut non-dairy creamer 1 oz. sf Torani Caramel syrup Ice (I use an entire tray) Add everything in blender but ice and blend together to combine. Add ice cubes one by one to create consistency you desire. Calories: 335 Protein: 59 Carbs: 16 Fat: 3 Notes: I like using the sugar-free and fat-free Coffee Mate creamers, but I often have a problem in which the amount needed to solicit the flavor I want is too rich for my tummy. CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BROWNIE SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops PD Alpine Chocolate 1 cup ff Lactaid milk 1 shot Torani sf caramel syrup 4 Joseph's sf brownie bites Ice cubes Blend liquid ingredients until smooth, add brownies with ice cubes and pulse until same thickness as a Dairy Queen Blizzard (I use an entire tray of ice cubes). It's important to note that this is not a low-calorie meal. This was yummy, but I would not add the brownie bites in the future -- they add 100 calories and 14g of carbs, which isn't worth it for the minimal flavor boost. Also, I typically use ff Lactaid milk, but dh brought home reduced fat and I didn't realize it. So, the reduced fat milk has 130 calories per cup, versus only 80 for the ff version. The caramel syrup has no nutritional value for a 1-oz. serving. So, here's the stats for what I actually drank this morning, though you could easily cut 150 calories by making the substitutions mentioned above: WHATEVER-FLAVOR-YOU-WANT LATTE (All stages except clear liquids) 1 1/2 scoops Matrix Vanilla 16 oz cold brewed coffee (I like Starbucks Sumatra blend) 4 oz milk (I've added a little half-n-half to make it creamier) skim or 1% are best your favorite SF syrup..chocolate, caramel, vanilla.. the possibilities are endless! lots of ice PROTEIN CHAI TEA (All stages except clear liquids) Mixed 1 scoop Elite Vanilla 1 dash cinnamon 2 teaspoons Chai tea mix 8oz water. mix well and heat in micro till steaming. Yummy PEACHY FUZZY NAVEL (All stages except clear liquids) One scoop Nectar fuzzy navel Made 2 quarts of SF peach (crystal lite knockoff from wally world) Used only 8 or 9 oz in the fuzzy navel added 3 slices of SF peaches which are the carb smart friendly kind... add ice Place in blender or bullet and process till smooth VANILLA STEAMER (All stages except clear liquids) 8oz Mice Milk warmed in Microwave about 1-2min-not too warm. 1-2 shots of Davinci SF Vanilla Syrup A squirt of Reddi Whip A Sprinkle of Nutmeg or Cinnamon or both Warm the MM in the microwave 1-2 minutes. Pour into Blender. Add Vanilla syrup to taste. Blend on Mix-but take caution to vent it as the heat could cause the lid to explode. Mix 1-2 minutes until frothy. Pour into large mug. Top w/ Reddi whip and sprinkle w/ nutmeg or Cinnamon or both STRAWBERRY VANILLA SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids) 1 scoop Elite vanilla powder 1 cup low-carb milk 1 cup ice 3 strawberries Whiz in blender or bullet. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BANANA (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops Whey Gourmet Choc peanut butter powder 1 cup water 4-6 ice cubes 1/2 banana Process in blender until thick and smooth. ROOT BEER FLOAT (All stages except clear liquids) 1 scoop Whey Gourmet Vanilla Ice Cream pro powder 1 - 1 1/2 cups water 2 tablespoons DaVinci sf root beer syrup Shake until well blended. GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE (All stages except clear liquids) Chocolate Mice Milk DaVinci German Chocolate Cake Syrup. Poured over ice. GINGERBREAD (All stages except clear liquids) Vanilla Mice Milk DaVinci Gingerbread syrup Nutmeg Poured over ice. RASPBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids) 5 oz mice milk 8 oz cold water 1/2 small banana 1 1/2 scoop Whey Gourmet Raspberry Equal or splenda to taste 4 or 5 ice cubes Mix this all up. If you can stand to wait, then put it in the freezer for a bit and let it get even colder and slushier BANANA CREAM PIE (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops Isopure Zero Carb powder 1 tbs Banana syrup - Divinci 1 tbs Coconut - Divinci CARAMEL PEANUT BUTTER (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops vanilia powder 1 tbs Peanut Butter syrup - Divinci 1 tbs Carmel syrup - Divinci. PEACH MELBA SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids) 1 scoop Raspberry Whey Gourmet Protein Powder 6 ounces Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt 4-5 slices frozen, unsweetened peaches water and ice Blend all ingredients until thick and creamy. Stats: Calories 243, Protein 36grams, Fat 5grams, Carbs 16grams AMARETTO (All stages except clear liquids) 2 scoops Vanilla Royale Protein Powder 8 ounces water 1 shot Davinci SF Amaretto Coffee to taste Mix two scoops of protein with 8 ounces of water. Add SF syrup Add coffee to taste Stats: Calories 230, Protein 46grams, Fat 6grams, Carbs 6grams SNICKERS PROTEIN DRINK 1/2 carton Vanilla Micellar Milk* 1 tablespoons sf chocolate sauce 1 tablespoons sf caramel sauce 2 pumps sf hazelnut syrup 1-3 shots (3-4 ounces) espresso or very strong coffee Heat Micellar Milk until very hot, but not boiling. Add flavorings to taste (my measurements are just a guideline and I always add the espresso shots. You may not need as much flavoring if not using coffee Cinnamon Protein Shake 2 scoops whey gourmet Vanilla protein powder 1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp imitation vanilla (or 1/4 tsp extract) 1 packet artificial sweetener a few dashes butter-flavor extract 8 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 3 ice cubes Whiz up in a blender until thick. Source: A HUGE LIST of Protein drink recipes

Thank you, Valentina!! I am gonna give this one a try, too!! Only I am gonna use my Almond Breeze or Soymilk. So glad you are getting better with your Protein intake. Keep up the great work! I am thrilled... my nutritionist gave me some recipes for ways to choke down the Protein shake, and the first one I tried is MONEY. OMG, it's so good... so I thought I'd share... 2 Tbsp creamy Peanut Butter 1/4 c. powdered milk/powdered soy protein 1 packet sugar substitute 2 ice cubes 1/2 soft banana (I used a whole small frozen banana) 1/2 c. Water Blend until smooth. YUM YUM YUM.

Wonderful! I am going to start my PreOP tomorrow after seeing my dr and nutritionist. My date is either May 27 or 31. Probably will know for sure tomorrow.

Thank you! This is revision surgery. I had bypass done in 2001, but about 5 yrs ago started weight regain and a host of other symptoms with my blood pressure, heart, and bone loss. I also suffer lowback pain that has also aggravated my life. I am sure my doctor wants optimum results from me due to the bypass revision, so I started a little plan of my own but will definitely follow his and the dietician's instructions for preop eating/drinking tomorrow. My target date is either May 27 or May 31. Sooo excited to get this part done and recovery in full gear!! ] Good luck with your diet. I know the liver can be a tricky little booger when it wants to. I found out the hard way when I took the hcg drops. My doctor had a fit and then showed me the results of my liver lab. Thank the Lord it did not do permanent damage. Doesn't it feel good to know we have this great opportunity before us? By the way I am not a guy, I have to change my little head guy. Mac

I am soo excited!!! The diet is to shrink my liver. It is phenomenal that I reach this milestone. Have been trying to get the revision done for the past 4 years. Always it has been insurance issues holding me back. Now this is the beginning of a new life, new opportunities, and finally optimum health to seek after work that will sustain me. Awesome! I think surgery is probably May 27th or May 31st. Should know more Thursday. Stay tuned!

My dr wants to shrink my liver with this preop diet. I see him and the nutritionist in the morning. Incidently, mine is revision surgery from bypass to sleeve, which will be particularly delicate. I am planning that my recovery might take a little longer because of the revision. I have been on a lowcarb/high Protein regimen on my own for about a week and a half now, 6 pounds lost, but the dr does not really want to look for weightloss during preop phase. I think they want me to build my immune system up, start the dietary supplementation, and get the habit of drinking liquids and weining from all carbonated drink and waters. This took a good effort on my part because I loved the Diet Cokes!! However, now that I am totally off the sodas, the liquids taste better and I am drinking more Water that tastes so much better. This is a time of detoxification. My surgeon asked me very specifically not to change my eating habits at all pre-op -- no dieting, no overeating or bingeing. (Of course I couldn't eat anything after midnight the night before surgery.) There are also very few post-op restrictions, and liquids only for three-four days post-op. The rules post-op mostly are don't eat sugar or drink alcohol at first, wait till four weeks post-op to eat raw fruit/veg, and eat 'circle-wise' -- one bite protein, one bite veg, one bite carb (preferably not white carbs), repeat -- and drink 1.5-2 litres of water per day. There is quite in-depth training and examples given about how to eat post-op, it's just full foods right from the start, with no liquid or mushy phase per se, though they advise a lot of joghurt and quark and very well-cooked veg during the first couple post-op weeks. This is all from a very experienced and academically respected hospital and bariatric team, who've led a number of studies and are well-published. I'm not saying that their rules (or perhaps relative lack thereof) are any better than all the liquids pre- and post-op -- I am just saying that, knowing what they know and how much experience they have (particularly with VSG), there is clearly huge variability in what is actually okay, or safe, pre- and post-op, from a quantifiable, replicable, medical/scientific evidence perspective. And all that is prelude to the following: I believe that, without seeing the evidence or knowing the medical rationale firsthand (e.g., actual fatty liver is certainly not present in every heavy person and can be determined through a simple blood test), I personally would have had a hell of a time staying on any extensive liquid or other severe diets. I need a very good reason to feel that shitty for two weeks lol. And now THAT being said, one very good reason many of you mention, is that your surgeon requires it for you to get the surgery -- that would be quite motivating I'm sure. Anyhow, best of luck to all of you in getting through the challenging times!!