Behemoth845

Hey everyone, this is NOT the same old "what Protein do you like" thread. I wanted to pick everyone's brain, run a few thoughts past everyone and get YOUR thoughts. For those of you who don't know me I was Sleeved 1/13/2010, just a few days ago. One thing I've learned through this process is people have no idea what kind of protein they should be drinking, where they can get it, etc etc. I've talked to a lot of people in person who told me they were a bit intimidated going to GNC or Vitamin Shoppe because of all the tons of different Proteins with different ingredients, as well as sales people who really could care less about them and their goals of a healthier life. Heck, I had people tell me they were intimidated by the protein aisle at Wal Mart now, because of all the different stuff they sell in the way of Protein powder. I have been doing some serious thinking about this idea.....I have the means, capitol, and the wherewithall to start my own protein company. Let's just say I'm well educated on protein powder and what I was thinking was start a company with Bariatric patients in mind, a group which I am now a part of. Come up with the perfect protein powder, one that I myself, who is the pickiest bastard alive, would use, and in turn I would offer it to the general public. I would make one simple, optimum blend, and offer it in different flavors. I would make it easy to find and easy to order with no pressure or guesswork or b.s. You come to my website, I have quality protein, you pick the flavor/s you like best and order. As simple as that. On my website I would have some nice protein info explaining exactly why my protein is great for you, why I use it and why you should too; as well as some motivational stuff to help us all on our journey. Now I understand everyone has different tastes, so myself and three other people might LOVE my vanilla powder, but others may not like it, your'e always gonna have that. But generally I think I can offer a really great powder, at a really good price and make it taste pretty damn good. I'd like to hear some opinions from everyone. IF there was a good blend that you liked would you stick with it? Would you try different flavors? Would you order online?? Would you rather experiment and try different brands all the time? If I used Nutrasweet as a sweetener would you have a problem with that? Besides Vanilla and chocolate what other flavors do you like or would you like to see? I AM a bariatric patient myself and I WILL absolutely be using my powder, does that matter to you; meaning would you feel more inclined to buy my powder knowing I was using it; as opposed to some corporate CEO just looking for your money? These are just some of my questions to you. I want to add, and I mean this in all sincerity, I am truly driven to do this. Going through this process I've seen SO MANY people at my surgeon's office that have no idea about protein powder, that there are MANY different types of protein, I really just want to help people get what they need and deserve. One woman told me she went to GNC and was scared to death. Think about it, here's a woman, late 50-ish, just beginning her journey, she goes into GNC and there are about 12 different BRANDS of protein and about 40 different mixes by the various brands. How the heck is she supposed to make an informed decision, get good protein that meets her needs, and NOT get ripped off? Do you think the 23 year old bodybuilder behind the counter really cares about what's best for her? I think you see where I'm going with this. This has become important to me, I like helping people and I want to help people that have had or or going to have weight loss surgery. This is a lifelong journey and I'm starting to understand that without help and support from each other it's a daunting task to stay on the righteous path. So with that, if you look at my first paragraph again I'd LOVE to hear some opinions on the questions I asked as well as any feedback you may have for me. THANKS EVERYONE!!!

Thanks OD, I will check that thread when I get a chance tomorrow. I appreciate your feedback and this is why I'm asking. I hear you on the Nutrasweet, once again, why I ask. I have other options available, such as all natural flavoring using Stevia, but the all natural flavoring limits me to some flavors which I personally would like to carry. That's not to say I wouldn't carry both, with it clearly stated Natural Vs. Otherwise/Aspartame/Splenda/etc. Actually it's safe to say I will probably stay away from Splenda/Sucrolose. Thank you too MB20. I hear ya. Going through all this myself I really understand the frustration people feel trying to set themselves up with what they need. I think I could help people. I agree on the samples. VERY important to me. And ladies FYI I need to get some sleep but you may get a PM from me tomorrow and I'd like to actually send you a couple samples of a couple things I'm working on.

THANK YOU TIFF! That is exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for.

I started a thread over on the food & Nutrition forum under Protein Drinks/Supplements. I woudl love it of you guys who don't normally go ove there would give me your input. I know that was teh place to put it but there just isn't as much traffic over there. Thanks everyone! http://verticalsleevetalk.com/protein-drinks-powders/3181-protein-powder-survey-please-read.html

Hey everyone! Had my surgery Wednsesday morning at 11:30 and as of right now I fee great!! After surgery I felt terrible for a while and ended up getting a shot of morphine which knocked me out for about 4 hours. I woke up like a new man. I think the problems arose from a combo of pain/gas/not tolerating anesthesia that well. So I felt real crappy for a while, then passed out until about 9PM and felt SOOOO much better when I woke up. Came home late Thursday morning, slept great last night and my only issues now, which really aren't issues, are a little bit of gas still and the minor pain from my incisions. Going back to the Doctor on Monday to have my incisions taken care of. I'll keep you all updated on what's going on as I go and I just want to thank all of you who offered me your support to help me get through my pre surgery jitters etc, etc. Thank you all!!!

I think you should send me some photos of them and I'll help you keep track of them as you progress through your transformation. :drool:

My surgery is scheduled for this coming Wednesday the 13th. I am freaking out and scared to death right now. I of course am going to do what I have to do but I'm still having all these doubts and worries about the surgery itself and just getting the sleeve in general. High anxiety right now, high anxiety. Can someone reassure me that I'm doing the right thing here?

Thank you girls. I do fee a bit better. I just need to kjeep telling myself I am doing the best thing for myself. It's the fat little devil sitting on my shoulder casting all the doubt on me. I need to keep flicking him off until after Wednesday. I owe you all somethinbg, since dinner really won't work how bout a back rub?

That pretty much sums it up. Dr's do it because insurance companies PAY for it, and let's face it, they may love mankind, love helping people etc, etc but that's their JOB, to make money. You know what I mean, AND as Od said the fills are always gonna be there, more income coming in on a regular basis. with the Sleeve, after a certain time you may never need your Dr. again.

I'm in the midst of getting ready for surgery. Originally I was planning on doing Lap Band Surgery but recently my surgeon brought up the prospect of VSG, mainly because I am a weightlifter and very active and he thinks it may be a better option for me, THAT, and the fact that my insurance is one of those that pays for VSG in full. So I've been researching VSG which is how I ended up here. I've decided to have WLS because I'm 40 yrs old and I have a 2 year old daughter and a 1 year old son. And I need to lose about 125-150 pounds. I, like a lot of people have tried everything under the sun and lost weight and gained it back again. It's time for something more serious. When I decided on the band I was scared to death of having that band inside of me forever, etc, etc. But I mostly got over that. NOW, as I consider VSG I am SCARED TO DEATH, shitting a brick because it is irreversible and the thought of a big portion of my stomach basically getting thrown in the garbage is REALLY bothering me. I mean what if I need that 10-20 years from now!!?? Maybe I'm just being silly but that is driving me crazy at the moment. After everything I've read/heard about the band it seems as though VSG is better, EXCEPT for that whole "stomach in the trash" thing. Is this something you guys have dealt with, or are you still dealing with? I'm real curious to hear people's thoughts on this. Thanks!!

Thanks thin, I appreciate your input. And you are right. The reason I NEED to do this is for my health but really for my children, who I love more than life itself. My daughter is about to hit 2 and my son is 8 months. So at 40 years old I have EVERYTHING to live for. If I stayed the way I am now and died of a heart attack or cancer before I was 50 that would just be selfish on my part; as crazy as that sounds. I need to be here for them. Oh, FYI, at the moment I am 6-2 366 pounds. I always thought I was 6-3 but when I got measured at my surgeon's office they said 6-2, so I must be shrinking!!!!

I really appreciate your input here Tiff. Besides ALL the reasons I talked about earlier the fear of long term complications is just another thought swirling around my head, and of course all the long term complications in my mind are because my stomach will be 15% of it's original size and have staples in it. Funny how all this stuff regarding VSG has me scared but I seem to not worry about the cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc, etc that being 135 pounds over weight will cause. Probably because at the moment I am 100% healthy. Fat, but healthy. I need to do something before that changes.

THANK YOU!!! I really appreciate everyone's input. This is something I'm going to have to work through. I KNOW I need help, and I KNOW I need WLS in order to live a long and healthy life. Somewhere in the back of my mind there is something telling me "how can you live a long and healthy life without most of your stomach?" I think it's the fat guy in me trying to sabotage what I need to do. Part of my problem is mental. At the moment I am 366lbs, but you would never guess it, I carry it well. I'm a weightlifter and just a big guy all around. I like being big, which is part of my problem. BUT, a lot of that stems from being abused as a kid and now it's my defense mechanism. I've learned this through therapy over the last year, long before I decided to have WLS. When I think about having surgery my fear rises to the top and I end up worried sick. When I first decided to get the Lap Band it was "oh my God, I am going to have this thing inside me forever." and "oh my God, how can I wear a weight lifting belt with that port just underneath my skin.", etc, etc. NOW that I am about 98% commited to VSG it's the same thing, "how can I live the rest of my life with only 15% of my stomach?", and "oh my God, those staples are gonna be in there forever", "what if those staples leak two years from now?", etc, etc. It's just my subconscious defense mechanism rising up to sabotage. The problem is, I realize this and I still let it scare the crap out of me.

CrossFit is amazing and I highly recommend it. One of the best all around training programs you could do. Definitely do it when you can, it will be very hard in the beginning but stick with it and you'll love it.

Great thread! Frank the Tank, This topic is the reason I'm here. I'm a powerlifter who is seriously considering having Band surgery. I'm 6-3 365 at the moment, 40 yrs old. I have an 800 lb squat and 465 lb bench w/ a bad rotator cuff as bests, I know how to move some weight. I've recently thought about getting into bodybuilding and I'm afraid getting the Band may help me lose the fat, but also all my hard earned muscle. It's just a paranoid macho thing I guess, I hate the thought of being "skinny" and "weak". Maybe I'm way off but I'm scared to death of not being able to get enough Protein after the Band to keep and GAIN muscle mass. I want to lower my bodyfat % and lose weight that way, is it possible with the band? Have you had the surgery since your start of this thread? What are you doing now as far as training and how do you feel?