Malaika

Lisa - You might find it helpful to check out the thread that OregonDaisy started quite a while back entitled Rate your liquids ... it's got a lot of good information on different Protein drinks/shakes. The link is: http://verticalsleevetalk.com/protein-drinks-powders/347-rate-your-liquids.html

AWESOME Mac ... what happens when the XS becomes to big?

Thanks for that -- I always thought that Atkins wasn't healthy for any length of time. I prefer sals with a bit of chicken and cheese on them over eggs, red meat, etc. I also love whole grain bread - I can't even tell you the last time I bought white bread. So it's nice to read you take on moderation of all food groups is the best path ... once I am off these damn liquids/mushies and can eat "real" food, I intend to go back to eating the veggies, fish, chicken, fruits and some whole grain foods as I did before ... I'll just leave out the pastries, ice cream, cookies -- basically white refined sugar. I think I will do well with that concept ... and lots of exercising -- I guess only time will tell.

OMG Mac that is wonderful -- I think I weighed that in 1st grade! :001_tongue:

Great ideas - thanks. I'll look for some when I'm out next.

I can't post any after photos yet - however, my before is posted (yucky). I can, however, tell you to look at my photo album entitled surgery (or something like that) and look at the picture of the painting I have posted there. It is Jesus with one hand on the surgeon's shoulder and one hand on the one holding the scapel. To me, that says it all. Place your life in God's hands and ask him to guide your surgeon on the day of your surgery. Let go and let God ... your babies will be okay and will benefit in the long run.

Now greek yogurt I have seen ... does it have a good flavor or does it need something added to it?

Me too - just enough to get the taste out of my mouth.

Welcome to VST and congrats on your decision to be sleeved!

Oh heck no - I'm so far from 20's I don't even want to think about it ... heck, my youngest son is 26 ... awwwww ... but the memories ...:001_tt2:

Okay -- it was probably the one right next to the one we were in the first night -- I'll check it out if it's available.

HA!!! You're too funny WASa:lol0:

Makes perfect sense - I was curious - it's not a big deal and I'll proofread better in the future.

Is there a certain time period in which one can edit their own posts? I noticed this morning I had a typo and was going to edit it; however, the edit option was not there and is was my own post. Not that it matters, just an occupational hazard -- drives me crazy when I happen across a post of mine and it has a typo. Just curious. Thanks

The Atkins Protein Shakes are very good and so are the bars ... they are low in carbs and high in protein. Rosebud told me she uses her's in her coffee too - I tried it and it wasn't bad... unfortunately (or fortunately?) coffee just doesn't taste the same to me since my surgery and so I don't drink it anymore - at least not right now. Although DF did get a SF/FF/Carb free frozen type coffee drink at Starbucks today so may be trying that out. I would send you my leftover Atkins; however they've been refrigerated and I don't know if that would make a difference for them to be room temp again or not. Anyone know?

It does go down pretty easy -- I pureed cottage cheese today and it went down easy too.

If not, you'll just have to bring some with you when you come to Las Vegas -- special delivery you know? :001_tongue:

Bob's surgery is actually going to be the 11th, but we'll be there on the 10th for pre-testing so will come and see you and see how your sis is doing ... I'll be glad to be on the "other side" this time... glad you'll be there too ... I was thinking I might get bored with too much time on my hands.

HA - funny you should say that -- that is JUST what I finished telling Bob -- that I think the "stuck" feeling is my "full feeling." Tonight I had the pain in the shoulderblade feeling and felt like I was going to burp it all up. Good to know and glad I figured it out.

Earplugs perhaps? Tell him if he keeps complaining, you're just going to shave it all off until it quits falling out...tell him "thanks for the support honey" .... sorry - feeling a bit sarcastic ATM.

WOW - I don't know that there is anything wrong with you. My mom, who used to be very heavy, always said that you remain heavy in your mind than in your body -- perhaps you're just seeing the "fat" you instead of the new improved you -- maybe trying on a pair of size 20 jeans and seeing how HUGE they are on you might help you see the new thin you again? Just a thought ... and congratulations on going from a size 20 to a 4 ... amazing!

Me too ... and yes, there are always package deals; however sometimes it's less expensive to book airfare and hotel separately. Right now the hotels are hurting for business, so they've lowered their rates quite a bit.

Nope - no suture removal following Dr. Aceves' surgery. He recommends a upper GI and blood work at 3 months.

My post-op diet was high protein, low carbs (less than 30 g day) ... I ate lots of eggs, cheese and fish and some veggies. Steered clear of most fruits and only ate SF popsicles, Jello or pudding.

I think you are right -- I don't eat fried chicken anymore but I do remember how good my mom's was -- and she had to make enough for 9 people, so trust me there was LOTS of chicken. I had 4 brothers with hollow legs! MMM mmm good- fried chicken and mashed potatoes.