Cassie111

I thank you so much for the reply, and I will take your advice on both the coconut and argon oil. You have done an amazing job in a really short time. Congrats and forge ahead!!

Thanks so much for the info and I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. Remember it's not a sprint, it's a marathon!

I am hoping you are able to help me with a problem I am having choosing a protein shake. I am 13 months post op and you would think I would have that down to a science by now. But I am trying to look for something new to get in all my required protein since I'm not doing it through food. The shake I have been using for the last year (Slim Fast), while great tasting, is higher in calories and other things that I think are too high. I started using Whey Protein Isolate but then found out it is derived from milk and I am lactose intolerant. I investigated soy protein which can cause constipation (which I frequently have trouble with anyway) Can you suggest something high in protein but not geared to building muscle mass? So many of those are outrageous in calories and carbs. Really need help with this, so all information would be greatly appreciated. I must get in more protein, ASAP!!

I used to use Premier and they were fine, but I just preferred the taste of the Slim Fast caramel latte better. I only noticed just today that my Slim Fast ones contain milk. I don't eat enough food to get the proper amount of protein, so shakes and bars etc. are a must. Thank you for your input. It's appreciated.

I've been eating Protein Bars since the beginning. But there is always something (at least for me) that is not right with them. Usually too high in calories or sugar alcohols, which my particular doctor and nutrishinist say to TRY to avoid in great amounts due to gastric distress issues. Again, this may just pertain to me, but I was also told from the beginning that my "fat from calories" number shouldn't be higher than 35. Now THAT is hard to find. There are so many things I have to look for that maybe others don't. I probably obsess ove calorie count too much, but there's always that fear of "too much". And the FEAR of backsliding is never far from thought. Maybe I'm one of a kind. Thanks for the input.

@@vagriffin i wasn't ready for wrinkles either but they were ready for me!!! i'm still cute as a button!!!! kathy Wish I could have your attitude. @@vagriffin 53 years old and I'm not ready for wrinkles yet i wasn't ready for wrinkles either but they were ready for me!!! i'm still cute as a button!!!! kathy

I hear you!!!!!

Hi everyone, new to the group! I have lost 120 lbs. in 13 months and of course, that makes me happy. But I must say, what is left behind from that weight loss is very depressing. I'm 56 and did NOT expect to look 25 again, I'm not that naive. But, if anyone saw me naked except my husband (don't even like the dr. seeing me), I would die from embarrassment. The flab and wrinkles on my upper arms is the worst part. VERY, what they call, "crepey" wrinkles underneath where all the extra skin is. I live in south Florida, and there is NO way I would wear a sleeveless top. My thighs and stomach are also bad, but easier to hide. I wanted to look into the mirror after losing all this weight and really smile. I don't. I wouldn't trade the weight loss for no wrinkles, but that doesn't help my self esteem much. Cosmetic surgery is out of the question, but I'm curious if anyone out there has had any non invasive things like "cool sculpting" etc. And the money I have spent on firming and tightening creams could solve the national debt!! Slightly kidding. I'm sorry for writing so much, but I wanted to put this out there and see if anyone could respond to anything I've said. Input much appreciated. Thanks, Cassie

Hi everyone, I have 2 questions I'm hoping to find answers for. 1) Do I need to worry about sucralose being in my protein shake? I have read in a couple of places that you should find one that has none of that in it. 2) PLEASE suggest flavored waters that I can drink. I am 13 months post op and have lost 120 lbs., but I never get enough water because I HATE drinking plain water. It would be great to find a flavored one that also has protein. Any and all suggestions greatly needed!! Thanks much, Cassie

Hello everyone! I am 13 months post op and am buying numerous products online for my "diet". Some of my usual sites are vitacost, DietDirect, Netrition, MyBariatricPal, and MyBariatricPantry. I'm curious if anyone out there has other sites they buy things from . I am spending a small fortune ordering from these places, as the things I get can't be found locally. All the things in stores like GNC etc., are mostly for Vitamins and things for athletes and body builders. Great for Protein, but terrible in other categories. If you have any suggestions you could pass along, I would be grateful (so would my bank account!) Thanks, Cassie

Hi, I am 13 months post op and I started to get "head hunger" about 8 months post op. Was so depressed that this was happening so soon. I expected it after a year at least! This may sound a little different, but doctor told me one of the best things to munch on was watermelon. I have my trouble in the evening during TV time, and if I am still hungry after my last snack, I just sit there with a bowl of watermelon and it tells my brain that I'm eating! I am blessed to have not gained any weight from this mental stuff, and I'm down 120.5 in the 13 months. Can't complain about that! I have another 10 lbs. or so to go, and I know it will take awhile, and though that at one time that thought drove me nuts, I don't let it worry me anymore. It beats going up! Take care and good luck!

Hi everyone, I'm hoping I can get some recommendations for Protein bars. I have 2 that I have consistently eaten in the year since my surgery, but they are not really what I'm looking for. I think they are too high in fat and carbs. I have read so many labels that my eyes get blurry! I have plenty of drinks where I can get my protein from, so that is not my #1 factor in the search. It's just when I want a treat, I really love my bars. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Cassie

Thank you friends for the ideas. I do love Quest bars, but I think 170 calories (60 coming from fat, which I'm not supposed to go over 35). Carbs are a bit high too. One I have been eating the whole year are Pure Protein, and someone mentioned strawberry.....I wish I could find those, for something different from chocolate.Where so you find them?

Hi, my name is Cassie and June 8th will be my one year anniversary of my gastric sleeve. I have lost 113 lbs. which is great. I was amazed by my success and how well I felt during the first 9 months. Weight just flew off and getting thyroid meds, I had no real problems. In the last 2 months, things have drastically changed. It took me 9 months to lose 100 lbs. but 2 months to lose only 13 more. I know there are "stalls" to deal with, but this has gone on for many weeks. The worst part, maybe because I'm not pleased with my slow loss, I have begun snacking and feeling VERY hungry. Haven't done anything to gain weight, but I fear that may not be far away. I desperately need to start taking something to curb my appetite, and fast! I am begging my fellow bariatric patients to let me know of things they have tried, and what has worked and what hasn't. All the input I get will be a really big help, and so appreciated. I didn't expect to go through this and it's very scary. Sincerely and with thanks, Cassie111

Hi everyone, it's been not quite a month since my post at the top of this page. I saw my surgeon yesterday, 2 days after my 1 year anniversary. He was so pleased with my 118 pound weight loss and says he sees few patients who lost that much weight in the first year. I'm in the 80 to 85th percentile. Of course, that pleased me no end. Since approx. the end of January, the 30th to be exact. due to MANY emotional issues going on with me right now (nothing surgery related) I mentally hit the same wall that a weight loss stall hits. I quit exercising, except 2 days a week (down from 5) didn't really care about my Protein or Fluid intake and pretty much just sat around. I was, and still am in a sort of dark place that I'm trying with all my might to climb out of. But my history has always dictated that eating soothes the pain, which I of course know it doesn't but that thought doesn't help at 10:00 at night when I HAVE to snack. Never have yet gone to a drive thru, very little starch, hell, not even a slice of pizza which is "legal". But "noshing" on tons of "legal" crackers or chips at night I know is not a good sign. I have never been able to make my head rule my heart and if these rough issues in my life don't let up soon, I am scared of my prognosis. I have not gained one pound. God must be taking care of that. I've NEVER been the type to focus on the good instead of the bad. Just a "glass is half empty" personality, all my life and I'm 56 years old. I guess this is more of a venting post than anything else, just always hoping someone will say something back that clicks, especially if they are or have been in my shoes. Why do I let the pressures and deeply affecting problems in my life always win out? This MUST NOT happen this time. Shopping for new clothes has become entertainment but has just added another burden by really damaging the finances. My family and therapist do all they can and have been wonderful. Yet on it goes. I thank anyone who has taken the time to read this and maybe even give it some consideration. I will strive to keep moving forward by going to group and trying to just work things out. God bless all of you....the very successful ones and ones who may be struggling. Cassie

Hello! I recently spent quite a bit on money of a really big bag of whey Protein Isolate. I have only been able to get down one shake. Could anyone out there supply me with ideas I could use to make it more palatable? What types of things can I add? I don't want it to go to waste. Would love lots of ideas. Thanks so much, Cassie

Hi there, the Dr. didn't saw water but the instructions do. Yes, I am post. It will be a year on June 8th.I have never gotten my proper amount since the whole thing started, so I thought I would give myself a kick and try the whey Protein Isolate. And it is Isopure. But it doesn't have egg albumin which I'm told it should have. Would appreciate any help you can pass along.

Hi Fab! I don't want to seem stupid, but I'm new to this site and I have no idea what pb2 is. Can you help? Thanks, Cassie What's a mugcake ? @@Stevehud I'm sorry I'm so new , I appreciate your help and time. I'm struggling with the shakes too.. My Nut says I can only have it mixed ONLY with Water ... I'm dying .. Help !! I bought Isopure zero carb in the Cookies and Cream flavor.I also don't know what "mugcake" means. Thanks for helping us newbies!