CanyonBaby

@@LisaLouBop I, too, love those yummies! I know it sounds like a big NoNo, but it's not, really; I take a can of butter Beans and add either browned ham bits - or bacon that's been crisped up, add a little sautéed onion, mix all that together, then add a wee bit of butter (not margarine - you want the real good flavor- add a little maple syrup (just for flavor, not to sweeten it up too much), and then the good part! Add cinnamon, a tad of cloves, nutmeg, and ginger (to your preference), a little salt and black pepper. Mix all together and bake at 325 for about a half of an hour, or longer, if needed. I use it for breakfast on a cold winter day (just before I go out to plow!), or have with another Protein for dinner. Since I eat so little of it (it is a rather dense meal), I don't feel bad eating it. The protein in it is great, and 1 can of beans lasts a very long time (my husband doesn't care for beans, so it's all mine!). Enjoy!

Nestea has some really good tea/fruit flavor combos, as well. I am starting to try mixing flavors to get interesting combinations. So glad they came up with this idea! And my personal favorite (I used to be a big orange soda fan) is the Orange Crush drops - all the same flavor sans the carbonation!

Lookin' good!

I guess it would depend on your definition of "stall"; mine is that there is a break, a pause in the action. Or could be a place for farm animals in which to reside! Either way, it could be very unpleasant!

Did you have hernia repair, as well? If so, it could be that. Your abdominal muscles that were cut during your surgery could be the culprit, but if you have ANY ANY ANY questions that it could be your heart, CALL YOUR DR. ASAP! It can't hurt to ask, and then you are reassured. Best to you!

I am in love with the Water Enhancer drops, which you add to cold water (I also add unflavored Protein powder to it), you add as much as you like, but generally don't need but a few drops, depending on your taste. Most are very low (if any at all) calorie, and they come in a lot of flavors. Have fun with it and mix them up!

My pleasure?!

Dance! I live in Washington state where we get a lot of rain, so it's not easy to get out to exercise, and I live in a very rural area so I don't go to town to go to a gym. So I invested in a couple of hand-weights, and I put on my favorite dance music and just bee-bop around the house (MUCH to my critter's dismay!) - look out! After several songs I am exhausted and feel energized! And I'm in a better mood for it, as well! You can fit it in anytime, and it doesn't take a lot of room to do it in. You can vary the music if you get bored, too. Have fun!

Sounds like you are on track! Just a suggestion...read the posts on this site, we've been there, and the posts can really prepare you for what lies ahead!

I was told no pills for 8 weeks after the surgery. None. So I used liquid and chewables (chew them REALLY well!). There are also dissovables, and if you can't find them locally, go online - amazon.com carries a lot. Your surgical team can tell you which ones you will need, and remember, this is a lifelong relationship with your vitamins!

I had hernia surgery along with the sleeve. As a result, I was told t lift anything heavier than a jug of milk for a year. A YEAR! Please Please Please be careful!

Are you doing the surgery with insurance or are you doing self-pay (answer not required)? If the other person is doing self-pay and you are doing insurance, more than likely the self-pay person will be put on the schedule before you as there are no hoops for them to jump through. They won't have to go through the insurance's requirements; for example the 6 month diet period, or having to lose so many pounds... This might be your answer.

If you don't mind a long-distance (I'm in Washington state) buddy, feel free to write! Good luck with your journey!

You could have a dairy intolerance, you may wish to talk with your dietician about it for suggestions. There are other types of Protein out there, I know of pea protein, but am not familiar with the others. I've heard the pea protein tastes exactly like what it is, and for me, that would be intolerable! I hope you feel better. Please let us know what you find out, I'm sure there are others that face what you do, and it would help them, as well. Have a good evening!

A lot of us have written about this on this post: New Idea For Protein, and it Tastes Good! I love the stuff!

FAITH. Have it. Take some time and read posts that relate to your concerns. There are thousands of us (THOUSANDS) who have thought what you do, been through what you are going through. Read the posts! And the best to you!

If you've haven't been reading the posts of late (or forever, for that matter), start now! There is so much to offer you on your journey. As for a little sunshine in a depressing state, sounds like it's time for a "spring-ahead"! What I mean is, it's time to start focusing on the future. This time of year can be so depressing, especially as summer seems so far away. So check your body measurements, and check them periodically. This should perk up your outlook, because the measurements will change even if the scale doesn't. Then start planning for good things, like what clothing styles you like (you could start adding pieces to your wardrobe that can carry you through several sizes - stretchy slacks, flowy tops...), or, if you're not ready to spend yet, go and try on things (and don't forget to try styles you never dared to before - you might be REALLY surprised!!!). Take a day to splurge on happy feelings - you don't have to spend money to do it! If you have a general idea of styles you want to focus on, but don't want to spend on sizes you'll soon "shrink" out of, then maybe get a cute pair of shoes (my true passion in life - no kidding!!!) to gear your future purchases around. Most importantly, HAVE FUN with all this, it IS a great thing you have done!

You can always write to me, if you'd like a long-distance buddy, as I'm in Washington state. Best to you!

And who knew we would have such joys with just a little WLS?! I'm thinking of writing down these little rewards, so when I have downer-days, they (as all of you do) will lift me back up! Awesome!

Oh, we are going to have some VERY happy, tiny tummies! You know, I NEVER used to look forward to summer before, always too hot for me, and especially not looking forward to always having to cover up my not-so-great looking legs/arms, but now after WLS, the weight loss, having yummy but portion-controlled treats, and great support from BP, summer looks better than ever! Bring it on!

I am allowed one caffeinated beverage a day, but I usually don't have but maybe 2 or so a week. And then it is usually iced tea. I have found that since my carb intake is so low (carbs always make me SOOOO sleepy), I don't need the caffeine like I used to. Are you getting in enough protein? I start the day, even before I let the pups out, by doing some good stretches, gets the blood going (but not to vigorously!!) so I don't injure myself by moving too fast too soon (I have arthritis issues, and serious back issues, as well). By the time I'm done (about 5-10 minutes), I'm ready to start the day.

@ For more ideas, go to my post on New Ideas for Protein, And it Tastes Good! Lots of great ideas from good folks who have been in your shoes...Good luck to you!

@@BLERDgirl You can't beat the unflavored powders, that's for sure! I'm so glad that is an option, because I'm sure I wouldn't get in nearly the Protein I should without it. For my evening "dose" of protein, I mix it with "flavor of the moment" drops, my Benefiber, and powdered Calcium citrate...what a cocktail, huh?! I can adjust the sweetness by the number of drops I use, somedays are "sweeter" than others!

I just received a frozen popsicle maker, so I am about to embark on a popsicle adventure! Summer will, no doubt, present it's fair share of challenges in the food department, so I though if people would submit ideas for chilled/frozen/cool food recipes, that would help us all stay on the right track! I am going to try and come up with a frozen Gazpacho popsicle...now doesn't that sound awesome? I am so tired of the same old - same old, and this is my first summer after WLS, so I want to see what people can come up with that will 1. Keep us fed! 2. Keep us from getting bored! 3. Keep us on track! So please, if you have ideas/recipes, please share!!! Thanks to all who participate, this should be fun!

@@LSF Don't laugh, but I am a specialist! NO SAUCE AT ALL! However, I like to rub different spice combinations over the whole thing, and don't forget to add a cup or two of liquid (water, broth, Soup....), I tend to lean towards typical poultry spices (thyme, marjoram, sage...), but there are some great rub-blends out on the market that are awesome, as well. Have you seen the grilling rubs? I've tried those, and some give an interesting smoky flavor. costco has some Chicago Steak seasoning (who says it has to be only for steak?!), and lemon pepper seasoning (my husbands fav). Let us know what you come up with! I like to play around with different combos. To the adventuresome!