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Sounds good, when I saw the title "Jello Shots" I was thinking alcohol!! LOL but yours sound so much better and healthier!!

I am so sorry you're having diarrhea. Have you used artificial sweeteners in the past? If not, you really have to watch out for sorbitol and the sugar alcohols in sugar free products. They will give you both gas and diarrhea. I hope you feel better soon.

Hi; I have not read about this topic on here and so I thought I would share my latest health issue. I found this article on it and thought others might find it interesting because it does happen to WLS patients more then you think! What is reactive hypoglycemia? After bariatric surgery you may experience reactive hypoglycemia: • Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar • Reactive hypoglycemia is having low blood sugar after eating a meal or snack This may happen after eating foods that are high in sugar or simple carbohydrates. It is thought to be related to dumping syndrome. How do I know if I have reactive hypoglycemia? You have reactive hypoglycemia if you have: • any symptoms listed below a few hours after having a meal or snack and • these symptoms go away after eating or drinking What are the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia? You may feel one or more of these: • hungry • sweaty • shaky • anxious • dizzy • weak • sleepy • confused What should I do if I think I have reactive hypoglycemia after having a meal or snack? Having low blood sugar is not good for your overall health and can be life-threatening. • If you think you have reactive hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. • If your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L, you need to treat it to bring your sugar above 4 mmol/LWhat is reactive hypoglycemia? After bariatric surgery you may experience reactive hypoglycemia: • Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar • Reactive hypoglycemia is having low blood sugar after eating a meal or snack This may happen after eating foods that are high in sugar or simple carbohydrates. It is thought to be related to dumping syndrome. How do I know if I have reactive hypoglycemia? You have reactive hypoglycemia if you have: • any symptoms listed below a few hours after having a meal or snack and • these symptoms go away after eating or drinking What are the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia? You may feel one or more of these: • hungry • sweaty • shaky • anxious • dizzy • weak • sleepy • confused What should I do if I think I have reactive hypoglycemia after having a meal or snack? Having low blood sugar is not good for your overall health and can be life-threatening. • If you think you have reactive hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. • If your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L, you need to treat it to bring your sugar above 4 mmol/L. Follow the steps on the next page. If you do not have a meter, talk to your family doctor, health care provider or the diabetes educator in the Bariatric Clinic to get a meter. When your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L: 1. Take 15 grams of a fast acting carbohydrate right away. This will raise your blood sugar quickly. Examples of fast acting carbohydrate include: • Chewing 3 to 4 dextrose or glucose tablets (read the label) or • Drinking ¾ cup (175 ml) of juice 2. Wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again. 3. If your blood sugar is still below 4 mmol/L treat again with one of the fast acting carbohydrates listed above. 4. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is above 4 mmol/L. 5. If your next meal or snack is more than 1 hour away, you need to have a snack that contains carbohydrate and Protein that fits into the stage of diet you are at. Examples of Snacks are listed on the last page. You may feel like eating sweet foods like Cookies, cake and candy. Even though these foods are high in sugar and can raise your blood sugar, your blood sugar will go too high too fast which is not safe. This can then lead to another low blood sugar because too much insulin is released. How can I prevent reactive hypoglycemia? You can help prevent reactive hypoglycemia by following your diet guidelines for bariatric surgery. • eat 3 healthy meals and 2 healthy snacks each day • space meals and snacks 2 to 3 hours apart • eat protein at each meal and snack time • avoid skipping meals andsnacks • avoid or limit alcohol depending on what stage of diet your are at • avoid or limit caffeine depending on what stage of diet your are at • avoid sweets like cookies, cakes, candy, pop, juice and sweet drinks Instead of sugars and simple carbohydrates, eat complex carbohydrates because they release less sugar over a longer period of time. Having a complex carbohydrate with protein will slow this release even more. Try putting any of these together when they fit the stage of bariatric diet you are at: Complex Carbohydrates • whole wheat crackers • whole wheat bread • whole wheat pita • whole grain rice • potatoes • cereal Protein • nuts • cheese • meat • lentils • peanut butter • eggs • yogurt Here are some snack ideas to have after treating a low blood sugar: • crackers and cheese • pita and hummus • nuts and yogurt • melba toast and Peanut Butter

Carlotta, I am with you. i visit family for a week or two several times a year and it always messes me up. I don't get in enough Water or Protein, I drink too much alcohol, and my carbs are too high. In March I only lost 2 lbs because of my week back home. I didn't get in enough exercise, either. We need a good strategy to deal with this.

I had surgery on May 8th, and on June 20th I rode everything at Universal Studios Orlando for my daughter's b-day. I was fine. The biggest challenge was finding stuff to eat. I had a small side of grits and scrambled eggs for Breakfast (a few bites off my hubby's plate), for lunch I had a yogurt, and a Protein shake that I made with a Bariatric Advantage pouch and a carton of skim milk, and half a bottle of Water, then for dinner I had a side order of shrimp from Jimmy Buffets. I ordered a shrimp cocktail and just skipped the sauce, I used a few extra lemons and a dash of hot sauce to give them some flavor. It was hard watching my family eat giant cheese burgers, and fries, but I did it, and was satisfied after the meal. I was comfortable with what I ate, and went home without feeling hungry. I live about 3 hours away from the park in North Florida, so on the drive home I stopped at a gas station and bought some propel to help replenish my electrolytes. Just remember to stay hydrated, avoid the beer gardens at Busch Gardens, as the alcohol will hit you much faster, dehydrate you, and are empty calories. Do your research ahead of time on what they allow you to carry in foodwise, I have a card from my doctor explaining that I eat a limited diet, so they allowed me to bring in my little lunch box sized cooler with my applesauce and yogurt in it. I also had my little carton of skim milk for my Protein Shake. If you are on your regular food stage, then look at menus online to see if they offer anything you are willing/able to eat. Now that I'm further out from surgery I just get a grilled chicken salad or a grilled chicken sandwich with no bread, and I eat the chicken, and I ask for fruit in place of fries, or just order ala carte. I was fine on the rides, it was the other changes that surprised me.

I am 63 years old, been married for almost 40 years with two daughters, 25 and 20 yrs old; luv my two dogs, a chocolate lab and a beagle. I am retired. I enjoy cooking cuisines of other countries, minimizing the fat and carbs. I have a lot of trouble being consistent with aerobic exercise, either because my hip joints hurt when I do it, or I feel depressed and don't feel like doing anything. I have a BMI of 38 and was tired of trying to lose weight, losing a little, and gaining it back. I have diabetes, sleep apnea and non-alcoholic fatty liver. I recently found out that the NAFL is progressive, which will result in another loss of pancreatic islet cells, eventually leading to my needing to use an insulin pump. To reverse the NAFL, I was told I would need to lose ALL the extra weight so my body will next take the fat cells out of the liver so it can work properly again. I went to the surgeon's presentation and was happy to hear that there were less-invasive options for bariatric surgery than gastric bypass and decided to get the gastric sleeve surgery. It sounded like I would be satisfied with less food and not feel hunger. I was pretty excited and thought this was the answer. Today was my first nutrition class. I found out that I would never be able to eat enough to nourish myself completely, and that I would have to sprinkle Protein powder over my food to amp up the protein. I believe I would lose a lot of weight, but am worried that I'd be taking away any "normal" fun I would have tasting food and trying new recipes. I could cook them, but not be able to each very much at all. Sounds like no fun. I have read posts from other people on this board being cold all the time or gaining the weight back, or they need to eat 800 calories to lose weight. I thought, "I need to eat 1000 calories/day to lose weight now, how is that different? I am seriously considering dropping out of the program and not getting the surgery. Maybe I could join a bicycle group that rides frequently. I don't know what to do.

Thanks BigGirlPanties (love the name lol). I'll keep those drinks and food in mind. I too don't drink coffee and was a huge zero coke girl. One question, what do you drink when you go out? Just water? I'm fine with no alcohol but I wondered what I could drink anyway.

I am totally having food funerals... Chinese today, alcohol and sushi tomorrow, and hot wings on Sunday!!! I know I need to get it out of my system !

I love this! I am a recovering alcoholic and this tool has helped me along in my sobriety. The act of making the list makes you realize simple things you didn't even realize you had to be grateful for. It always got me off the pity pot. I never thought of making one after surgery. Awesome tool! I would say today I am grateful for... No more foot pain Feet have gone down in size Being able to be active with my two year old and twelve year old Fitting on Disneyland rides with my kids Overall health Not obsessing about food all the time Saving money because it costs less to eat the way I do I could go on...these are just my surgery related gratitudes also grateful for so much more.

No alcohol and no more diet colas. Cleaning up the act to make the best of this surgery. It works!

I wasn't much of a drinker pre-op, but if I had the desire to drink before I started the pre-op diet, I would have. But I wouldn't drink once I was on the diet. Alcohol has too many worthless carbs.

Did you/ are you planning to drink any alcohol before you start your pre-op diet?

I'm three months out and meat just ain't my thing at present. I can eat shrimp, fish, hummus, and ground meat so I think that's plenty good. I'm keeping balance with veggies, protein shakes, nuts, seeds, yogurt, fruit, water. I've never eaten this healthy in my life!! So little alcohol I could join the convent. Maybe one cup of coffee a day with lots of nondairy creamer...It's crazy! I did have an endoscopy procedure about a month or so ago and that helped greatly. I have trouble with water and exercise which are now my goals. I had my three month check up today with bloodwork so I hope my schedules have been working. We will see in a week with the results. I'm on my fitness pal and have a nice group of people supporting each other that helps! Best to everyone!

No problem with alcohol (no beer) I feel it faster and get way too tipsy too fast if I'm not careful. It's because I can't eat and drink at the same time. I've cut it out to see if I loose more weight without it. I'm sure I will- I lost 1 lb in 2 days. I have low energy too. I drink liquid whey protien from wall mart near the pharmacy. It's like thick grape syrup but it helps. 3.5 oz container 42 G Protein and I drink half at a time. I have been making videos of my journey on utube if you want to watch. kayakerak I think we are doing great. I'm glad I'm not alone. It's VSG WLS

I am so glad you posted this! I was sleeved January 27. I'm down 37.5 lbs since surgery and I can eat whatever I want also just very little. I wish I couldn't eat some foods and sometimes I think I should have has bypass... I've been walking a little but not as much as I would like to. I started taking diet pills for energy because I'm so tired all the time. Did alcohol make u feel sick at all? I haven't touched it because I'm scared to but I really want a drink sometimes

It's been 10 weeks. I'm down 28lbs since surgery and 38 total. I'm loosing slow and steady. Should it be more by now? I can eat almost anything but not a lot. Milk upsets my stomach still and I stay away from sweets. I started exercising 3 weeks ago to kick start my metabolism. I'm looking and feeling better. Yet I feel impatient about my weight loss. Also alcohol is easy to get down so I'm staying away from that too since it's empty calories. What's going on with you?

I didn't drink alcohol till nine months post op (my doc recommended 12 months). I was always a lightweight w/alcohol but it's way worse now. 4 oz of wine gets me pretty tipsy - so much so that I will only drink it at home. I've heard people say that alcohol hits them hard and fast but it wears off quickly. I didn't find that it wore off quickly at all. I can't drink red wine anymore - it gives me severe heartburn. Whites are okay, as are pink wines like zins.

Interesting article. Basically supports what my thinking has been. I just wonder how long does the procedure have to be done before it is no longer referred to being "in it's infancy"? They state numbers referring to patients 6 years out, so, that would appear to me to be out of it's infancy ... But, I reached goal 8 months post and have been maintaining the same weight for over 2 years now. In the article, they state "failure" of a procedure if you have regained 22 pounds or more. That seems like a heavy statement because I have read on here many folks who have regained this and more, but were able to lose it again when they recommitted to comply with the basic guidelines. To me, that is not a procedural failure, but rather an issue with the patient's compliance. As far as why there is weight gain, the article states: There have been so many pissing matches on this forum with regards to the "cheating" question. I'm not going to get into that battle again. Just be ready to accept the consequences. It is difficult for me to support an alcoholic who won't stop drinking ... Bottom line, IMO, is that if I were to gain 30 pounds, it will be due to my "cheating" the sleeve, not the failure of the procedure. I also believe that if I were to return to rigorously following the guidelines, I would drop that 30 pounds. Does this point to a failure of the procedure?

I'm Post Op Gastro and wanted to know who's had alcohol or mixed drinks. If so, what agreed with your tummy and what didn't. Thanks - dz

Hey April Sleevers!! Ish just got real for me! Here's a quick recap of my journey: I'm 31 female from Louisiana. My consultation was on the Jan 27th. I found out I had the h pylori bacteria in February don't rem the date. I started my antibiotics on the 1st day of Lent, because there was no way I couldnt part take in Mardi Gras without alcohol. Anyway, I finished that on the 19th of March and had my scope done on the 21st. Today I went to my pre-op class.. so much info in so little time. Nothing that I haven't heard from people in these forums and just by doing a little research. My surgery is on the 14th so I'm starting my pre-op diet today! Lets get'er done!! I'm super excited and wish everyone the best of luck during their journey! XOXO

Obesity is a selfish disease. A lot of people think that sounds mean and untrue. They think obesity is actually a sign of someone who doesn’t have time to take care of him or herself, because they are so busy taking care of everyone else that they ignore their own needs. In other words, they believe that obese people are actually selfless, not selfish. Let’s say it’s true that some obese people spend a great deal of time “doing” things for other people. Why do obese people do that? Is it because they truly care only for others? Or perhaps they feel “obligated” (lest people think badly of them or less of them)? Maybe they do so much for others for fear they won’t be included by others if they don’t? Maybe they do so much for others because it makes them feel better about themselves? Here’s another question: What, exactly, does that “caring for others” look like? In a lot of “obese homes,” the obese parent(s) feed their children junk food because they don’t want to “deprive them” of “fun foods” that “other kids get to eat…” In other words, they “selflessly” take care of their kids by feeding them junk. How, exactly is poor nutrition caring for a child? Could it be that the obese parent(s) feels guilty about their own, poor eating behaviors? Maybe they don’t want to have to explain why they are “allowed” to eat one way, but the kids are expected to eat another? Could it be that the obese parent(s) really want the junk food at home for themselves and use the kids as an excuse for having it there? “I wouldn’t want them to have to be deprived because I can’t have it.” Makes you think. Doesn’t it? Obese people are definitely going to find ways to take care of (feed) their obesity – with frequent trips to the fast food drive-thru, late night runs to the market to pick up ice cream, or having dinner at the all-you-can-eat buffet (because it’s a “good value” for the money). Obese people create ways to take care of their own “needs” very well. They take great pains to ensure there are always emergency treats squirreled away in the pantry or bottom drawer at the office, just in case. They’ve always got some cookies, chips or candy in the car (so they won’t starve.) Does this make them selfish? Not in and of itself… What makes the behaviors of the obese person selfish are the consequences to other people… Read on. Let’s talk for a minute about the many obese people who have co-morbid diseases including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and diabetes (to name a few). Diabetes and each one of these diseases individually kill people every day. The combination of obesity with any of them (and obese people usually have several co-morbid diseases, especially as they get older), increases the likelihood of a premature death. Ah – but, “I can always take medicine” and “more medicine” and “more medicine” to treat those other diseases. The reality? In effect, many obese people are saying, “I’d rather take more and more and more medications, all of which have side effects, than to change my eating and eliminate the need for the medications. By changing my eating behaviors… I could eliminate the diseases. But I’d rather eat.” Right now, you might be thinking: Obese people like to eat – everyone needs to eat – how is that selfish? Easy: It’s not just about the food. Let’s talk about the effects on others of the above-mentioned behaviors. What happens when an obese person’s health declines to the point that he/she isn’t able to walk easily? Perhaps they eventually need a scooter to get around? And maybe they become couch-bound or bed-bound? The ability of the obese person to get around on their own affects everyone involved in their lives – especially if the non-obese members want to engage in outside family activities. Spouses and kids often forego sporting activities, extra-curricular events, and social gatherings because it creates too many problems for the obese parent, who is unable or unwilling to drive the kids to events, is too embarrassed to attend events, or is unable to get around once they get to an event. Kids and spouses often have to cater to the obese parent at home by fetching them food, books and TV remotes. Family members have to help with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing the obese family member. Many a teenager has dedicated considerable time to care-taking for obese parents and in the process, misses out on an important developmental stage of life. The obese person needs help attending numerous doctors’, wound care and physical therapy appointments. Ultimately, the obese person’s needs dictate what others can and cannot do. That doesn’t sound all that “selfless,” especially when an obese adult, like an adult alcoholic or adult compulsive shopper or adult cigarette smoker has options for seeking treatment and therapy. Yes, there are many contributing factors to obesity, many that a person has no influence over (genetics, diseases). There are even more contributing factors to obesity that one can influence (environment, food choices, exercise). On the contrary, the above examples sound like the actions of a person who is looking out for “number one” – not someone more concerned with the needs of others…which sounds suspiciously like the definition of selfish, don’t you think? Now, don’t get us wrong, being selfish isn’t necessarily a negative thing…there are healthy ways to be selfish, including: Going to the gym regularly to take care of your health, even if it means you’ll miss some television time with the family. Not bringing junk food into the home – even if the kids might like it – because it’s not good for your health, or theirs. Spending money on vitamins and supplements each month, even if it means you’ll have less money for “entertainment” or “dining out.” Basically, healthy selfishness means that you take care of yourself in healthy ways. You take care of yourself AND keep in mind the important people in your life and how your actions will affect their lives as well. It’s important to note that being selfless is not necessarily better than being selfish, because selfless people often ignore their own needs and wants, resulting in their feeling unworthy, unvalued or unimportant. And most of the time, also leads to their feeling resentful (being the “victim” of always doing for others … although it’s really being the victim of their unconscious neediness). That’s not a good thing, either! In other words, both extremes – being selfish and being selfless - are equally unhealthy. Of course, this couldn’t be an article by A Post Op & A Doc without noting that seemingly “selfish” or “selfless” people (whether obese or not) are not “bad,” which the words (selfish especially) connotes. Like anyone whose lives on the continuum of dysfunction (which means all of us), obese people have learned to use food for what is referred to in the world of psychology as “experiential avoidance.” This means food and the obsession on food, weight, scales, recipes, food shows, etc. keeps them from dealing with “unacceptable” thoughts, feelings, memories, and/or physical sensations (such as anxiety, sadness, etc.). Don’t believe us? That’s okay. Getting to that awareness is a process. What’s important is to understand that we are not “dissing” anyone for being “selfish.” Ultimately, it’s important to be grateful for eating and food that was, at one point in time, for most obese people, a way to cope with situations or people that caused emotional distress. The “selfish” or “selfless” behaviors we are talking about are the long-term result of not dealing with life by numbing with food because one didn’t have the skills. In life today, as an adult, you can learn (and, we believe, have the ability to respond = responsibility,) to learn to deal with life stressors in healthy ways … without “using” food or other numbing agents (shopping, alcohol, other drugs, gambling, etc.). Hopefully, you’ll read this as an invitation to dig deep into your issues, learn healthy responses to life, and be a healthy “selfish” or “selfless” person. Ultimately, a healthy, balanced person understands and meets their physical, emotional and spiritual needs while keeping in mind the needs of others. Does this sound like something many obese people practice? We would argue that it doesn’t. Adults who haven’t known how to meet their needs in balanced ways, can now take the opportunity to learn healthy “selfish” and “selfless” ways of behaving. (Note: it usually requires therapy in addition to changing behaviors). Wait… this is getting deep! Why is this article called “Me, My Selfie & I”? In this fast-paced, Facebook world, where everyone has a camera phone, people spend all day connecting with other people through status updates and tweets about what they’re doing, where they’re going, what they’re eating, how they’re dressed, and who they’re dating. And, it often doesn’t seem to matter how mundane it is. Apparently everyone thinks their “friends” need to know, “Hey! I’m at Starbucks, drinking a sugar-filled Frappuccino with whipped cream and criticizing that guy at the next table. And, just to convince you I’m actually there, here’s a picture of ME and my drink (but not the annoying guy at the next table.)” “Hey! Guess where I am now? I’m in the try-on room in the junior department of that cool clothing store and I can’t believe I fit into a size medium. Don’t believe me? Here’s a picture of my butt in some teeny jeans. Don’t think that’s my butt? Here’s a picture of me in front of the mirror, holding my phone towards the mirror so you can see me… with my real butt in my teeny jeans. Whoo-hoo! I rock!” “Now I’m at the gym, sweating a lot. See? Here I am with sweat running down my face. Phew!” “After that workout, I’m hungry, so here I am at the restaurant eating this amazing food. (See the food? See me with the food? Oh, I had to have the person at the next table take my picture so you could see me and the food at the same time.)” “Man, it’s been a long, hard day…so now it’s time for some ‘me time’ at the nail salon. I’m having a pedicure (here’s a picture of my feet – I had them put little diamonds on my big toes. I really love my toes…) Here’s a picture of me wearing new shoes so you can see my painted toenails.” And that was just today. Maybe you think that sounds nasty or sarcastic or absurd, but we ask you: how many of your Facebook friends fit that description? Maybe YOU fit that description…? Okay, it’s true that when people lose a lot of weight, they feel good about themselves and are no longer afraid to have their picture taken. This is a sign of increasing confidence (you say). It’s evidence that the person finally cares about him or herself (you contend). There is nothing wrong with having a lot of pictures of you (you believe) – after all, you spent a lot of years on the other side of the camera. You’re making up for lost time. Well, we won’t argue about someone’s self-confidence, self-worth or belief about their appearance, but will say that, at some point, 4,000 pictures of you on your Facebook wall can give others the impression that you don’t have any friends or family in your life – or, at least none that you care enough about to include in your photos. It can seem pretty selfish…which makes us wonder why they don’t call Selfies, “Selfy-ishes.” Maybe you see yourself in this article. Maybe you don’t. Maybe you can understand how selfish obesity really is…and maybe you recognize that you need to work on achieving a balance of “healthy selfishness” in your own life. Whatever the case, next time you think you need to post a selfie…why not invite someone to join you in the shot? You can still hold the camera, if it makes you feel better. Cari De La Cruz and Connie Stapleton, Ph.D. The Post Op and The Doc info@apostopandadoc.com

Mine made us sign a contract saying we would avoid alcohol for 1 full year.

Alrighty, I have an UPDATE on the situation and I'm happy to report it's a good one! Last Wednesday, I met up with my friend and her super sweet sister at our first bridesmaid dress appointment…well, I hadn't seen her sister in probably 4 years (we are friends on fb though so I'm sure she knows what I've looked like) and IMMEDIATELY, her sister said "Oh my gosh, you look fantastic!" Immediately, my friend said "Yeah, you've been doing so good!" I WAS SHOCKED. SHOCKED. So, we go inside and since her sister is a tiny little thing, we let her do the majority of the trying on for us. Once it got narrowed down to the final 2, my friend kept urging me to try them on… well the biggest size they had in one of them was a 10 and the other was a 12 (shocker. lol) …So, I go in the back with the lady who worked there and my friend and her sister were up front to where they couldn't hear us talking. I casually asked the lady if this style was easy to alter and said I would like to lose some more weight before the wedding. The lady told me they were super easy to alter and asked how much weight I had lost so I told her about 65 or 66 lbs… we were talking quietly and suddenly she said "HOLY SH*T!!!" REALLY LOUD. Ha! I tried the dresses on and the 12 almost fit (couldn't believe it! Such a great feeling!) Before we were leaving, my friend asked the lady when we would need to order them by and the lady (obviously not knowing the situation) said…"Luckily, this brand of dress comes in fast and within a month, plus they do free exchanges so if somebody orders a size and then loses/gains weight and that size doesn't work, they can swap them out free of charge. Just like your amazing friend right here who has lost so much weight! I am just so proud of you and think that's awesome!" Having a complete stranger sing my praises (given this situation) and make it known I had lost a bunch of weight (without saying the number) in front of my friend basically got my point across without me having to say a word! When we went to dinner, her sister asked me what all I was doing to lose weight so I told her no bread, alcohol, carbs for the most part, protein shakes, lean protein (all true!)… and then I just said that I know it's been a struggle for my entire life and I appreciate all the support from friends and family because it really helps keep me motivated and my friend chimed in and said "well, I'm proud of you and keep up the good work!" WHEW! I feel much better about the situation and I was happy with how I looked in the dress! Ha! Sorry for all of the drama this post caused, but I appreciate all of the advice… I used some of it, kept some of it stored in my back pocket for a rainy day and ignored a few. Hahaha. Just wanted to update everybody! Thank you again!!!

How long did anyone wait to have an alcoholic drink? My dr said to drink on special occasions but never now long I should wait.

I buy them too. I get them in a variety pack at Sam's club. I feel uneasy about having 300 calories per bar, so most of the time, I break them in half. I have found another brand that Sam's and Walmart carries that I'm finding myself buying instead of Premier. Pure Protein bars. 20 grams of protein/180 - 200 calories per bar. But they are a smaller bar. What I've discovered is that almost all the Protein Bar brands I've tried are 4 to 4.25 calories per gram, so of course Premier Protein is higher in calories/protein, since it's a bigger bar. The Pure Protein Bars I've eaten were - chocolate Peanut Butter/Chocolate Peanut Caramel/Chocolate Deluxe. They all tasted as good as or better than Premier Protein. I tend to favor the Chocolate Peanut Butter, but I like all 3 flavors. Now they are made with sugar alcohols, so if you can't tolerate them, stick with the Premier Protein - I couldn't find an old wrapper, but I think Premier is made with real sugar. I have to buy the variety pack at Sam's, but Walmart sells the individual flavors in separate 6 pack boxes. They all run me about .95 cents a bar.