crystalaine

I was driving home the other day and saw a Complete Nutrition store, so I decided to check it out. I told the guy what I was looking for and he led me to some huge containers of Protein powder. I asked if he had any small packets I could buy to try it before I wasted my money on a huge container I wouldn't like. He said that I could try some in store, or he could send me some home to try. I opted for some to take home. He gave me 2 full size scoop samples, put into nice reusable cups with lids. He gave me "Reclaim Smart Smoothie" in chocolate mint and mochachino latte - He said that he prefers to make his the night before and keep them in the fridge. I decided to try that method. I tried the mochachino latte first since I'm not a fan of coffee, I figured I'll save the best for last, lol. I made it that night and tried it the next morning. OMG it was so good! I couldn't believe I found something I liked. It didn't have a strong mocha taste by any means, it was just right. I tried the chocolate mint the next day and it was even better. So good! Niether left any kind of aftertaste at all. It was easy to mix and no clumps. 120 calories per scoop, 4 carbs, 2 fat, 20 grams protein. Now, I know that there are many shakes out there with much more protein, but I just can't stomach those. The smell alone makes me want to vomit. You can open up the container of these and it just smells so good - you can't smell the protein or Vitamins at all! Also, it was kind of expensive. 39.99 for a 1.5 pound container. I bought two and had a coupon (found online) for 10 off of 40. It was 75.55, 23 servings for each container - so for that price it comes out to 1.62 per shake - which I don't think was bad at all. Afterall, it was so good and something I can actually stomach.

I take two 20 mg each omeprazole (generic prilosec), I am not sure what the 24 hr dosage is, I get mine in the pharmacy via prescription, not sure about the over the counter stuff - I had a stricture and stent, both my original surgeon and my "fix it" surgeon gave me these dosages.

I actually take two, one in the morning with breakfast, and the other in the evening with supper, as it says to take with meals.

I do not like the premiere shakes - I have only tried vanilla though, and it took almost 2 hours to drink it. I have had a hard time finding a shake that I like. The other day I was riding around a town a couple towns away and saw a complete nutrition store. I decided to check it out. I told the guy what I was looking for and he led me to some huge Protein powder bottles. I asked if they had any little packets I could buy before I bought this huge thing and didn't like it. He said I could try some in the store, or he could send me home with a couple samples. I opted for the take home samples. He gave me two full size scoop samples to take home, he put them in really nice reusable cups with lids. He also said that he prefers his to be made the night before and kept in the fridge. I went home and gave it a try. Made it the night before. He gave me a sample of "Reclaim Smart Smoothies" one in chocolate mint and the other mocachino (sp?) latte. I'm not a coffee fan so I tried this first. OMG it was so good. No aftertaste at all! Really did taste good with not a strong coffee taste at all. I was thrilled, so tried the chocolate mint the next day. Even better!!! So good! I know there are other Protein drinks out there that have much more protein (this had 20 grams plus the 8 from my milk), but I can't and don't enjoy the other ones. But these are by far the best I have had - they are also expensive, 39.99 for a 1.5 pound container, but they have coupons online for 10 off 40. Next time I go in I'm going to try some non-chocolate ones.

Hi, I'm 7 weeks post-op today too. My doc (not my original surgeon, I've had some complications), said I could start salad this week. Also said I could have some cooked veggies too - not a big salad eater, but so glad I can eat some cooked veggies!

I'm the same way - I'd say it is definitely hormones. I read that estrogen is stored in fat, so when you are losing weight, especially as rapidly as we are - the hormones get released - so yeah... hormones going crazy, lol. Mine are comparable to pregnancy hormones, crying at practically anything... sad, happy, sweet... doesn't matter, lol.

Have you found anything out? Have you been scoped? I had problems with vomiting and nausea - went to the er and they did a cat scan and x-rays, everything seemed fine they said, but I was the first patient they had ever seen with a sleeve - I still couldn't keep anything down and knew something was wrong, so I found a local VSG surgeon (I was sleeved in MX too), who would see me with my complications. He did an endoscopy and I found out I had a stricture (not found on ct-scan, had to be found with the endoscopy). I was in the hospital for 8 days, not fun,but I am so much better. The doctor put a stent in, which was uncomfortable, your stomach's function is to push things through, so it was very awkward and uncomfortable. I tolerated it for 5 days and it was removed. That was a week ago. I feel so much better. I just want you to be aware that there are other problems besides leaks, that require additional testing. If you are still having problems, see someone local.

That must be the Tiki Hut looking place. We had the fish albondigas, minus the albondigas, but omg it was soooooo good. I know what you mean by the displacement burp, has been so helpful while drinking.

Glad you are doing great - I'm the girl you talked to in the lobby you talked with the day you got in, who showed you my incisions, lol. Glad you all did great, and it realy was like a little mini vacation. I thought Tijuana was beautiful, it is such a shame that the drug cartels and crime have given it such a bad reputation. Which one was Casa de Mole? I'm not sure, all I know is that the place across the hotel that looks like a giant tiki hut had the most awesome fish Soup - it was so good, I've been trying to find a recipe that would seem similar, but no luck, lol. Good Luck on your journey.

Yes, you can get individual packs of Protein at GNC. You may have to buy a whole box, but then you will have extras available to keep in your purse, luggage, car, etc.... just in case. Just read on the TSA website that they will allow Water, juice, etc for people with medical conditions or disabilities. It says to not keep them with the rest of your liquids in baggies (shampoo,etc). Keep it seperate so it can be "declared". Get a letter from your surgeon explaining why your need the additional liquid. Or, as it says on their website, you can purchase drinks once you are in the secure boarding area and take those with you. I would think you would also be safe just bringing a water bottle and having that filled once you are past security also.

I would find another doctor. You have done your research and have your mind made up. If he refuses to do the sleeve, ask him why, listen to his reasons, but definitely get another opinion. There have been many people with high BMI's who go on to have great success with just the sleeve. I'm like you... I don't want my intestines cut and re-routed, or any of the dumping or malnutrition. Stand your ground. I'd also encourage my friend to find another surgeon if he keeps pushing her.

June 8th - Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico - can't wait!!!

Just wanted to let you all know that not all UHC plans require you to use a COE - Call member services and see what your specfic plan requirements are. Do not just take your surgeon's word on what your benefits are... make sure you double check them so you are aware of them yourself. Not directing this to just you, but anyone who may read this. Sometimes a drs. office will skip something since another employer's plan does not require it, they assume all plans don't. I have worked in both member and provider services, and I can't even count the # of times that a member calls up and says.... "but my drs office said I didn't need to..." Yet, it is the member who is stuck with the bill. Don't be afraid to call multiple times if you need clarification...that's what they are there for. I work for UHC and MOST (most....) plans will consider surgery for 35+ bmi with comorbidities. That is, most plans that don't have bariatrics as an exclusion.

Lol....what a nice way of putting it, "productive flatulance" I just started pre-op a few days ago - I'm not even doing all liquids - just mushy at this point. Same thing ALMOST happened to me tonight. Sounds gross, but... liquid in, liquid out. Makes sense to me.