SherryW

Hello folks, Can you please tell me what you've had to do to get your powdered proteins to dissolve? I can't stand the lumps now and I'm not banded....getting banded and having lumps YUCK won't work for me. I need an easy solution that I can use at work for my breakfast and lunches without making a mess. Has anyone used that mixer thing called a bullet? The fork method doesn't work for me lol

I bought the chocolate protein powder and I've mixed it with just about a teaspoon of peanut butter and it takes the aftertaste away. I've also mixed it with FF/SF instant banana pudding and that was really great. I made them both with skim milk and two icecubes. Next I'm going to try it with coconut extract.

Hey everyone..I'm here and not here lol. My hubby is sick so been taking care of him. Just did boring stuff today...drive, work, drive, home, cook, check email now time for bed. UGH. Hopefully I'll be able to connect again this weekend. I'll leave you with this thought though heh heh...... Was thinking this morning (get the fire extinquisher heh heh) that WHEN I get smaller.....How do you by underwear? I mean....I haven't been a number size underwear in a long time. Like....is it my shoe size like people say? I hardly think I'll ever be a size 8 in panties when I'm used to buying, hippy, extra hippy and Jagunda Holey Mamma break out the fitted sheet size and call em Gramma undies. Hhaaaaaaa cracking myself up. Not sure where I'll even begin....ohhhhh I look forward to that day!!!! (hope I made you smile) Sherry

Hi Sherri, I haven't been banded yet. My banding date is 2/13/06 and I'm having it done at Beth Israel Deconess Medical Center in Boston with Dr. Jones. I started the process December 4th and I'm already set to go. You can check out their website at http://bidmc.harvard.edu/display.asp?leaf_id=12530 I have nothing but good things to say about the Bariatric team and how I've been treated. They just opened a Bariatric Wing as well which is really cool. Write me if you'd like more info. Sherry

Hey AAAmom welcome to the thread. I thought it was weird when I got on here that there were no threads from Massachusetts. Thinking to myself...what the heck....there are huge Bariatric Centers all around Boston and no one here. Well Now I'm glad I started a new thread. WELCOME everyone and I'm glad you're here! Good luck to all not banded and getting ready for it. Congrats to all that are banded and those with a date to be banded Hugs

1/3 start date 1/10 0 lost 1/17 -1 NSV - I said no to the oreos this week!

Rut Ro it was me that mentioned string cheese but, EWWWW don't think I'd like caraway seeds in it lol. I buy the Sargento Light string cheese...it's good and I actually make a project out of eating it. I know weird but it works for me and slows me down lol. I take about 1/5th of a piece then pull that in half and eat it. I've been practicing my slower eating this way. Then I feel the string on my tongue before I take a bite then chew. Weird to some but it's slowing me down lol I'm getting more protein and calcium in and it keeps me from getting hungry

Hey all, I got up bright and early and went out for breakfast with DH. It was nice and quiet I guess most people didn't have the day off or they stayed home because it's just too DANG cold. My car didn't like starting this morning lol. After breakfast we went to Walmart to try to find me one of those personal type blenders but, no luck. Oster has one that is a regular blender and it has cups that you can put on the blender with travel covers but none on the shelves of course. UGH. Fortunately we were there early enough that there was actually food on the shelves to buy lol. I swear sometimes I go in there and I end up with 1/2 the groceries I need because so many people shop there around here. I was able to get my waters, light stringcheese and lowfat cottage cheese. All of which helps keep me out of trouble Got home, put that all away, cleaned my kitchen and FINALLY took the ornaments off the tree. DH has to take the tree down and get it in the attic than I'll have my kitchen dining room back Betty - You're very welcome and I truly do believe good luck is coming your way. I just feel the karma and I can't explain why. Cindy - I'm with you...being at work makes making the right choices much easier. Although there is always junk available I just keep myself busy and take whats in my lunch bag to eat when I'm hungry. I find packing some lite string cheese, individual lowfat cottage cheese or sf jello helps. The protein keeps me fuller faster so I tend to eat that as an afternoon 3pmish snack so I'm not starving when I come home and make dinner. Eileen - I never heard of butternut squash soup but that sounds sooo good. What brand is it? What are the nutrional values? You have me curious now. You know what......this is one gal that hates shopping. Yeap, I'd rather shop on line than go to the mall. I find them soooo hot and crowded here. Usually if I go I go into a specific store and get out. I don't mind our family's traditional day after Thanksgiving shopping at the outlets because we're in and out of stores and they are all in the open air..no inside halls. So if I get too hot I just pop out of the store. Oh ....can you tell I HATE winter jackets too hahaha. Can't stand the BULK of em. Since most of the time I'm going from the car into work or the house or right into the store I don't wear one. People are always giving me heck but you know (knock on wood) I rarely catch a cold. Pat - Can you say DUH SHERRY hahahaha Man, did I really lose the punch line on the "drawers" thing. I seriously thought it was something new to do when lining them hahaha. I've only seen the vinyl time liner on rolls thats what I use. But, heck if someone had a new idea I'd love to learn lol. You're home is beautiful!!!! My DH would love the doc for sure. He loves to fish. Anwyn - Sorry to hear about your plateau. Man they are terrible and I know I'm going to run into that as well. Keep up what you're doing and it's sure to break! I hear Green Tea helps too. Have you tried it? Hugs Sherry

Hi Dana, I didn't have to have an EGD as part of my pre-auth work. If you have frequent heartburn it might be why they are checking it. I'm not a doctor so I'm not sure what would make it so you wouldn't pass it other than if you did have an ulcerated esphogus they would probably want to heal that first prior to banding. They may even be checking to make sure the valve that is between your stomach and esphogus closes properly...again I think if someone has frequent heartburn is when they check this. Is there a nurse or doc in the house that can help?

Hi Dana, I can understand TOTALLY what you're going through. I've been fighting my weight all my life. There was only one time I was able to take off quite a bit and keep it off for at least 6-8 months then I got pregnant. Well it all came back and then some. It's been almost 16 years now and it's finally dawned on me I really need to do something about this. I'm 41 years old and my heals hurt and sometimes my lower back. I know it's because of the weight. Friends of mine did have RNY and were successful but, I also know of one that had soooo much trouble right from the start. I don't judge anyone that choices RNY as we all have to make the right decision for ourselves. Here is how I came to my decision.... First thought.....my healthy organs didn't do this to me...I did it. It wasn't my stomach or intestines...it was my hand into my mouth because my mind decided I wanted it. That's right....not my stomach deciding it's all in my head. Still fight that sometimes....they say here it's mind hunger not stomach hunger and they are right. 2nd thought....I researched it all from start to finish on this site and on obesityhelp and every where else I could get info. I asked questions from my Bariatric team, my PCP, my friends who had surgery and at my surgeons informational meeting. I listened to others questions and their answers...and....most of all my heart. 3rd thought....my son. If something were to happen to me...would I want him to live without me for something I elected to do? That's the question that really hit me. Because truthfully Dana I'm not afraid to die, do I want to heck no...but I am afraid to leave my son without his mom. Lap-band is just far less intrusive, I'm not ruining or changing organs from what they are suppose to do, I've been able to lose weight in the past so I know I can do it I just need some help. The Lap-band will do that for me. I know and I"m prepared to work it. I know it's going to be a battle sometimes...sure...what in life worth having isn't? Do I think there will be days that I'll fail. Sure I do..I know there will be. But, I also know that my band will tell me...you know what Sherry....things are tight down here...knock it off lol. I have to control what I take in and always have to remember for me....One is too many and 12 isn't enough. Meaning...if I eat one chip then I'll be eating the whole bag so don't eat the one! I know the surgery will be much easier on my body than RNY as well. I think for me...I want to know that I WORKED this...I did this not my rerouted organs malnutrioning my body to do this. I have to know that I was part of this work to get my weight down. Again...before anyone gets mad because of things I"ve said....I don't judge people on what kind of WLS they choose. It's whats best for them and it's totally their decision. I have friends who've had it and they look great and feel great and I think that's great. But for me....Lap-Band is the right choice. Good luck with your decision Dana. Welcome to LBT Oh I'm not banded yet...my surgey is set for 2/13/2006

Hey everyone....it's 6:16pm and BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR it's freezin here. The wind chill made it 3 below and boy is the wind terrible! Eileen/NJ - I didn't do my bike yesterday bad bad, but I did walk alot today and lots of stairs to the point where my heals and lower back are aching. Yet another reason why this chick can't wait to be banded and lose weight. I'm tired of the aches and pains and being only 41 UGH. We had gone to the Boat Show in Providence, RI today. We already own a 18.5 foot Trophy but, sometimes you can get great deals on fishing gear. Lord knows! I'm going to be eating a lot more fish this summer heh heh. 8 years with a company is tough to put past you. I'm sure something will come your way Pat/Nana - I've never heard of using cloth to line drawers with. That must really be alot of work. Do you have to sew the cloth? Do you sew? Betty/harley - Congrats on the work. My DH is a computer tech and has his own business fixing computers, setting up networks etc. I know how tough it can get when you're not working. He has great weeks then other weeks when no one breaks their computer so no money is coming in...not easy. You have alot of experience under your belt though so something permanent should come around for you soon :confused: One door never closes without another opening! I was laid off from my job of 16 years and 3 months later found a similar job making more money. I guess I needed that push out the door to get me looking Patty/Dutch - Sorry to hear it's cold there but have you checked out the weather in New England. YIKES we're freezin here. Congratulations on your new job and Good luck with the kiddies :success1: Keri/Banded - Sweets are definately a struggle. Why can't veggies taste like chocolate cake? Have you tried to make home made brownies and substituting the sugar with splenda and the oil with applesauce? I've done that before. They are a bit spongier but definately help with the chocolate cravings. Hmmmm wonder if we could add some scoops of protein powder to make some of the guilt go away and add more nutrition to it? hmmm that's a thought! Dianne/Sunsett - My DH loves football so I've been sitting and watching some of it. I'm learning but, not completely understanding the game yet. I hear there is a Football College out there women can attend I wish it were around here :waytogo: Would love to yell out what kind of call it was before my DH did to surprise him lol. Well that's it for now folks! Hope everyone is having a great day...evening Hugs Sherry

Ohhh these recipes sound good. Certainly sounds like the peanutbutter and the sf/ff pudding mixes will help take the edge off some of the odd tastes of the protein drinks. Definately need to try these. Thanks folks! I truly appreciate your help.

I have one of those stick blender things..ummm somewhere heh heh. I moved last march and still haven't unpack everything. Thanks all for the advice. Surgery is 2/13 so I'm trying protein shakes now. Any brands in particular that don't have an aftertaste that people like? I have one by Protidiet thats a liquid concentrate so no mixing problems there but, I need something with substance to hit. These are like drinking water. Thanks very much for everyones input :rofl: Now if you can lead me in the direction of flavorful ones I'll be in great shape with this. Hugs to all

Hey Cathy, Sorry to hear it's been slow but, from what we've been told being banded is going to be slow. Think about how well you've actually done though :rofl: Pretty hard to do without the band as we all know. But you've kept it off as well That's a great thing! One way to get to onederland is exercising a bit more, getting all your water and protein in and getting enough rest. Good luck and welcome ! I'm from Taunton....about 40 min east of Worcester

I'm in the chat room if anyone is up to chatting. Just figured I'd give it a shot hahaha

Hello Everyone.... Glad to hear you're doing better NJ....I'm going to jump on your bandwagon and use my mom's treadmill today and I'll try to get my Water in as well. SOUNDS like a "day" Challenge doesn't it? COME ON FOLKS LETS DO IT!!!! Post again later and let us know how you're doing. We'll all work it together! Just pumped myself up hahaha

Hey juju Sounds like we'll be in the hospital around the same time. I'm told Pre-op will be around 4-5 hours I should be out of surgery before you're even finished since I'm going in at 7:30. If nothing happens and Dr. Jones has to do a different surgery first that is. So far I really like Slim Fast's Low Carb Diet drink. That has 20 grams of Protein, only 1g sugar, 2g carb and 180 cals for 11 oz. I love the Creamy chocolate and vanilla Cream. The strawberry is really good too if you can find it. For a clear liquid Protein Drink I really like ProtiDiet Liquid Concentrate. Yesss liquid so no lumps it has 1 g sugar, 2 carbs, 15 g of protein and 70 cals. It says to mix in with 5 oz cold Water but, I put mine in a regular water bottle sometimes up to 24 oz and it's a great flavor and strength. Gets me to drink my water plus gives me some protein. I bought the fruit punch, orange and grape. So far I've only had the fruit punch though and I love it. It tastes like a not so sweet Hawaiin Punch. Another thing I bought recently is the Lipton sugar free individual packets of green tea mix. One is lemon the other mandarine mango YUM. That's another thing I mix with more water than called for. Its just enough to make me want to drink the water and there is no after taste because it's made with Splenda. BIDMC gave me a nice package when I met with Dr. Jones to get my surgery date. It has a bunch of samples in it so I'll be trying some of those this weekend. Ohhh if you want the Protidiet go to www.i-shophere.biz Your first order if over $20 has free shipping PLUS you're allowed to pick three samples to try. When I got my box they gave me my 3 samples PLUS an addition 3 samples of their choice. Great way to try the products without having to buy and waste it. I'm getting ready to place another order so I know I'll have it for after surgery. They ship really fast too! What do you do at BI? Which surgeon did you go with? Man it's such a big campus there hahaha. One way to get your exercise just trudging to all the offices for appointments hahaha Sherry

Welcome Medic and Tess glad to have ya. Congrats on the banding Medic. I have 30 days and 13 hours to go before I get mine hahaha. Looking forward to that day and that week off. I do medical billing for a living and I work in Dedham. What's everyone else do? Have you tried some Protein liquids yet? What are you favorites?

:angel: :whoo: WAHOOOO I did it! One day without chocolate! Not one little kiss! Whew. Rene my surgery date is 2/13/05...that is 30 days and 13 hours away. Umm not that I'm counting heh heh. Man, I just can't reply to everyone because when I click reply to post POOF it's all gone lol. Oh well I love ya all and definately read it all. Glad you're feeling a bit better NJ. It's definately tough when bosses don't appreciate the work you do. That's why I make it a point to let my staff know I'd be nothing without them and their hard work. Just yesterday I told them I'm the luckiest supervisor in the company...my staff has no problems, they all get along and they all work hard without me having to say a word. They are AWESOME! Any big plans for the weekend peeps? Nothing here...hopign to tackle a closet or two. Hugs Sherry

Welcome JuJu...I'm being banded on 2/13 at Beth Israel as well. It's normal to be nervous and if you weren't at least a touch nervous I'd say something was wrong! I got my date last week and I swear I've been eating more since UGH. I was doing so well too because we're told to lose 10 pounds before surgery. I lost 5 so far....staying the same but, I gotta lose 5 more. I'm having the surgery with Dr. Jones. Who did you go with? As far as people telling you you're crazy for doing it...1st It's no way near as drastic of a surgery as gastric bypass, its totally reversable if something should not agree and 3rd...IT'S YOUR LIFE. YOU know what you need and don't need so let them say what they want and don't take it to heart. I didn't tell many because I knew they would say something. I know how hard I've struggled to lose weight...I know how unsuccessful I am at it and keeping it off....I know I'm making the right decision. Although, there are days you do doubt yourself only because of the failed attempts at dieting in the past. Welcome to LBT Mass..I'm glad you're here If your preop is 2/13 maybe you can come visit me I'm the first one in the operating room that day :confused: Sherry

Hello All, I didn't see a Health thread or anything close so I hope I'm posting this to the right one. I have a question regarding Iron supplements. When I had my first fasting bloodwork with the bariatric center it came back with a few things funky so they sent it to my PCP. My PCP hauled me in and told me my iron was low and she wanted me to take an iron supplement. A slow release one such as SlowFe. So here is my question.....I wasn't taking vitamins when my bloodwork was done and I've taken them since. The vitamins (Flintstones chewables) has 15mg of iron...well...do I still take the supplement? If I remember right...my PCP said the iron levels have a wide range from 20-150? Mine was at 25 whatever that was. I thought I understood it better when I was there. Anyway...anyone else experience this and what are you doing to help your iron levels?

Hey Patty....my surgery is set for 2/13 so it would be great if all of us were at the same time Thanks for the tip on the Hershey's kisses. I've actually tried the different sugar free chocolates when I was doing Atkins at one point and thought they were good. I'm actually trying to wean off of that stuff and stick to healthy stuff. I'm almost there...tomorrow NO chocolate kisses for me When I want something chocolate I'll drink a protein type hotchocolate or choc protein shake. See how long I can make this last :confused: Post again tomorrow folks. HUGSSS

I'm from Taunton...it's about 40 min South of Boston and 30 min East of Providence RI. Yea I noticed no one was in the Massachusetts forums. Would be nice to know where everyone had their surgeries. It's part of why it takes a while for folks to find a surgeon they love. I thought maybe by starting this thread again someone from MA could get info or help they were looking for. Maybe we can help them

Aww Eileen I'm sorry your day wasn't a good one. I've been there...and I know what you mean about being soft hearted. Just remember it's not you that's wrong for being that way. Some people just don't get it. What is it that you do for work? Rene...sounds like things are going fantastic. That would be so cool if we had the surgery on the same day. Thank you for the pep talk too. Just another busy day at work but, I made better choices today Still had a Hershey's kiss but only one today and made myself SAVIOR it. Soon they will be completely gone with my staff eating them as well and NO MORE. Those were a gift so I had to choice but to leave them out there for peeps to eat. Hope everyone else had a good day and you're having a good night now. Hugs to you all

:clap2: :dance: Yay Rene! Congratulations on your good news! Good luck with the surgeon :Banane34: Hmm as for me I have been fighting the guys on my shoulder...you know the :decision: devil & Angel. Beat myself up, then tell myself I'm getting banded for a reason. See a chocolate eat say I'm not gonna do it then the EVIL one comes out (go ahead you won't be able to after......one won't hurt) Go away go away lol. I know for me "one is too many and 12 isn't enough" so don't do it. Well I ended up eating two until I could get that red man off my shoulder. Gosh I can't wait to get the band! I hope everyone else is doing better than I am right now. No clue what it is....although kinda have a hint all at the same time. I'm tired from working too much soooo my will power is NOT the same. Ohhh the shame of it all :think. Well tomorrow is another day to start anew :hungry: better choices and move my butt :rose: Hugs folks ...sweet dreams to you all.