Valentina

I play around with different extracts: vanilla, almond, raspberry, rootbeer, orange, strawberry, banana, etc.. I add a bit of extract of the day to my vanilla Protein shake along with one Equal, three ice cubes and blend. They are really good!! Also there is a chocolate fudge and Peanut Butter flavored Protein Shake sold on Bariatric Eating. The shake is smaller when made, but it delicious and quenches my craving for sweets. My shakes have to be soy free, so maybe it's the soy in the shakes that you have tried that are not to your liking--just a thought.:cheer2: Keep looking. You'll find one. Keep us posted!

I found the same drink in Walmart. Walmart's own brand: Cherry Limeade. You are right. It is wonderful--and different. It's in with the Crystal lite boxes.

It sounds like you are have a win/win experience. I pray my road will be as smooth. I have decided to have the sleeve. Now my surgeon just has to talk the insurance company into it. He says with my medical history, I should not worry. He is sure that my June 6th date will hold. It's strange that my insurance company already approved the bypass which is much more invasive. Anyway, I was told to start my pre-op diet 15 days before. I have already lost 36# since starting on this path, but as we both know it is not the first 36# that I have lost (and regained!!). I am sooo looking forward to "joing the ranks". Thank you ever so much for the sage words. :gossip: --on the right road at last!:car:

One of my favorite quotes: "If you can't improve upon the silence, don't". With that I bit thee a fond fairwell!...:rapture:

"TO THY OWN SELF BE TRUE" :amen:

You really do have a complete lack of understanding what "pet peeves" are. Now the Empress is so hurt that she deleted her posts. Is that what we are all about here? I hope not. She needed to vent about a pet peeve and "we" didn't allow her the courtesy to do so. I am sorry, Empress. I understand. I wish the others did. I sure someday they will... You can ALWAYS pm me. I will listen.

Just remember when our boat begins to sink from the overload of poor speakers and writers---BAIL, SISTER, BAIL!!!!

Is it easier to *yawn* than to speak (write) correctly?? I don't exactly understand what you are trying to say.

I guess that means that the two of us are in the same pet peeve boat! I HATE the overuse of the word "that". For example: "that ball" instead of "the ball". I don't know why, but incorrect speech drives me bananas!!!

Welcome!!! I hope that you will find, as I have, that there is more support and caring here than anywhere I could find! We (I selfishly added myself) really do care and am always willing to listen. Any concerns, fears, great or sad news, we want to hear it all. Together, we can get through!! Once again, Welcome. Valentina

Did loosing all of your weight "weird out" your tattoos? I know that sounds like a really strange question, but I've seen what age can do to the appearance of a tattoo, so I was wondering if great weight loss does the same. Is that too personal? If so , excuse me. By the way-----congrats!!!!:wink_smile: Valentina name='So Cal Kurt' timestamp='1304814462' post='147426'] I was sleeved on June 9, 2010, my total weight loss to date is 108 lbs. Looking in the mirror, day after day, it is hard to see a difference. Seeing side by side photos is another story.

:shades_smile: That is the one sunburn that you will never forget! Every time you remember it you will smile--inside and out!!! You look " Maavalous"!!!! :Banane20:

What were the magic words you used to get approved? I am soooo happy for you.

How about after? Is it good for you or not??

Hi! Valentina here. I have a SEVERE allergy to SOY!!! I go into anaphalaxis whenever I consume the least bit. I have been hospitalized several times because of it. I break out is whelts if it contacts me. I need some comments to send to my insurance company as to why getting sleeved is medically indicated over gastric bypass. Please, check the labels on your Protein drinks, Snacks, Desserts, etc before answering. I thank you all in advance. I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!! Valentina PS: Please keep in mind that "whey" is soy based if not note otherwise...

Thank you. I will check it out. With a surgery date of June 6th, I want to be well prepared.

what are your thoughts about egg drop soup?? :hungry:

Here it is: 3:45ish. I'm having a wee bit of a chat with God right now. You are welcome and included. Thoughts are with you. I'll be following on June 6th...

Just remember: To Thy Own Self Be True" and you can't go astray. I will mention you when I have my chit chat with God tonight. Be well.

I think you would be better off trying to find a different way to get your protein in. Have you tried Greek yogurt? Now, don't give me that face!!! Put a capfull of vanilla extract, one Equal package and a few fresh blueberries (mashed if you must), stir it up and give it a try. 18g of protein!!!! Let me know if you like it.

I haven't tried the cauliflower pizza YET, but I do use cauliflower instead of potatoes for mashed "potatoes". I just steam the cauliflower then mash it exactly like I would potatoes. It is a surprisingly good substitute for "mashies". Don't forget to add some garlic and chives!!!

I have a surgery date of June 6th. I am doing OK with one shake for breakfast and one for lunch and a light protein packed dinner. I have lost 35# pre-op, BUT you can bet your Granny's undies that I WILL make one last pilgrimage to The Keyport Fishery before the middle of May!!!!! --Then it's on to my new life...

Absolutely NO excuses make what happened to you acceptable!!! Make your surgeon accountable for HIS O.R. and HIS staff. Not just for you but for the patients that follow. You deserve answers TODAY--NOT tomorrow.

"TO THY OWN SELF BE TRUE" Only then can you find inner contentment and peace. You know what to do. You just haven't asked yourself the really hard questions yet--nor have you given yourself "permission" to answer those questions. You'll get there. You'll know what's right for you and when it will be right to proceed. Have faith in yourself. Valentina

I'm not a therapist, but I think that he's gone way beyond "subconscious". What the h*ll does he think he is doing???? Maybe it's time for some direct and honest questions and ANSWERS. My SO is clinically depressed, but even so that does not give him the right to be sooo unfeeling and unsupportive to the point of being cruel. We had a "lively" Q & A last night. That is the reason I didn't get back to you last night. The "air" is much clearer around here this morning I live way up here in upstate NY, but for whatever it's worth--you have MY support. Please, keep in touch. I care. Valentina ....