BeagleLover

I am in Maryland (Pasadena/Ft. Meade)! I have had a horrible time finding any good local support groups but I am almost 8 months post and doing good with here and the FB group!!! [see post below]

Don't buy it at all, you are NOT "depriving" them. They will learn more about nutrition by eating healthy foods and be better set for a long healthy life. As a parent, that's you end goal, isn't it?

I also have been depressed most of my life. I agree that sometimes, it is self-hate turned inward, but not always. I am depressed a lot due to physical and emotional abuse when I was young. It does change you and is difficult to turn around. You *learn* to feel that you are insignificant, and what you think and feel doesn't matter, so what is really important can be bottled up. My therapist said that, to get to the root cause, you have to say what is on your mind instead of keeping it in.

@@michelleandcolten, I don't know if this is possible near you, but sometimes major hospitals have a special group of doctors that work on difficult cases. Each participant is a different specialty and has input. I know Johns Hopkins in Baltimore had one in the past. I'm hoping you find one closer to where you live.

Yaaaaay!

Congratulations for taking this step to be healthy!

I agree-- you look so much healthier and happier!

Many samples are available from Nashua Nutrition: http://www.nashuanutrition.com

Dr. Brebbia will be my surgeon too. How did it go? How are you doing?

Welcome! I'm sorry to hear about your friend with stomach cancer. My Mom was diagnosed at stage 4 also. The cancer would have happened sleeve or no sleeve. Again, my condolences. As far as the Protein powders go, I've read that a lot of people like Syntrax nectar flavors and unjury chicken Soup and chocolate Splendor. Look at the ingredients list for 100% protein isolate; that is the type of protein most easily absorbed by the body. You'll see other things like protein concentrate, casein, or a combination. Protein isolate is the best. Also, people's tastes change after the sleeve, many preferring not such a sweet taste as they enjoyed pre-sleeve. You will get all the particulars about what your doctor wants you to do diet-wise and when from your nutritionist. Good luck!

Nice guns How did you do it and for how long?

If you get "plain" yogurt, low or no fat, it shouldn't have any sugar in it. Then add stevia or Sweet N' Low to your taste and any fruit and/or flavorings.

I'm sorry to hear of all the problems with your son. There is no worse stress than that! As far as the weight goes, just go to basics... drinking enough Water and taking in enough Protein, 60 - 80 grams. Congratulations for losing SO much weight! Undoubtedly, you have prolonged your health and life for your family.

Congratulations on the great progress you've made! P.S. I suggest you fill out your profile... it'll help other people determine where you are in your journey & help you better.

I did some research on this and found a couple websites: http://www.endobariatric.com/weblog/2014/06/16/sleeve-plication-vs-sleeve-gastrectomy/ http://verticalsleevetalk.com I would vote for the sleeve. Hope this helps.

Holy moly!!! You're going to be much healthier for much longer! You DO look fabulous!

I would try an old-fashioned water bottle. Fill it 2/3rds full and press to let out the air before putting the cap on. That way it will mold around you neck when you're laying down on it. The heat helps a lot! Good luck!

Lucky you! Best wishes!

Both should be higher... around 64oz water and 60-80 grams of protein. Women should be near the 60 gram mark; men - 80.

Welcome! One good place for recipes is the blog, "The World According to Egg Face." On this site, you'll find a lot of information on Protein shakes as well as recipes for the shakes and healthy food. You will get diet requirements for pre-op and post-op from your nutritional meetings. Best of luck!

In my travels I've seen Protein powder in a cake flavor. You could mix it with yogurt and freeze them into ice pops.

If anyone is interested, you can get it online: HTTPS://ESTORE.CYTOSPORT.COM/PRODUCT/MUSCLE-MILK-R-LIGHT-READY-TO-DRINK

I didn't realize there were protein shots...gotta look for these..certain brands? Thx for this tid bit!Don't forget to check what kind of protein it is--- 100% protein isolate is best. Some types aren't absorbable.

@@iammomof3, I'm pre-op and everyone's different, so I can't tell if 3 weeks is too soon or not. Disney has wheelchairs and scooters to rent if it gets to be too much.

Don't forget the ringy dingy bell!