I feel like a huge disaster I let down myself and im disgusted.

[Stevie1 0]

Ashley, my husband is a Special Forces Colonel and my son is an Infantryman in the Marine Corps. When I tell you that I have walked down your path a million times I am not exaggerating. You are dealing with so many issues that normal civilian Lap Band patients will never understand. Your weight issues are multi layered as they should be. What self respecting military wife wouldn't have multiple issues LOL! What is important is that you are not the only one going through this right now. My gut (and Lap Band) tell me you over stepped your boundaries and might have stretched it a bit too much. If you have had all those fills and unfills and the doc isn't assisting - shame on him. BUT...your not losing because your eating too much. Go back to the liquid diet you were on when you first had the surgery. I know Protein powders suck but there are a few pre canned ones that are palatable. I used SLIM FAST low carb for a while and it worked great. Get some frozen sugar free pops and use those when you want to eat something. Try this for one week. You will be fine. Take a chewable multi Vitamin as well and try to sip on Water. Go to your Behavioral Health unit and ask to talk to someone. There is NO shame in seeking assistance. Also, how is your FRG and do the leaders know that you have gone through this while your guy is deployed? As military wives - we are the best of the best and deal with things most normal woman could never dream of. Having a hiccup while trying to nurture your young son, help your self, making sure your guy knows your okay while he's away, working, school and so forth is a daunting task but you do it. Don't compare yourself with the girlfriend who left and is now a size 8. Your not her. She PCS'd with her man and your still working through a deployment. Kick yourself in the ass and re group. As military wives we have access to some great support networks that our civilian counterparts do not. If it helps send me a private message not on the thread. I promise you can turn this around!

[BetsyB 9]

Ok i hate the taste of Protein powder it's so gross. But from what i've heard you have to have Protein to burn fat and calories. So anyone know of a brand of Protein Powder that isn't gross or better yet how do i use it to help me!

Most protein powders are repulsive--I agree. They have that sort of spoiled baby-formula smell/taste.

I have been using--and REALLY liking---a product called Inspire from bariatriceating.com. It's reasonably priced, and comes in many flavors. The one I use most is the PURE unflavored protein isolate. I'm on my preop diet, and just had 2 scoops (25 g protein) in a cup and a half of chicken broth I doctored with some Asian seasonings. The protein is undetectable (can be added to many fluids and foods, only requires 4 oz, so you don't have to get tons into your pouch, and it is flavorless---really and truly.)

Their other flavors are great, too. The Peanut Butter cookie is amazing. One scoop, four ounces of water--BAM! Almost 25 grams of protein. I have the PB, the PURE (plain), and am waiting for my pom/raspberry, dutch chocolate, and candy cane flavors to arrive. Sounds like a lot, but ALL of them together cost less than I spent in just a couple of weeks of my daily Starbucks latte that I've given up....

If you're reluctant to spend a lot on Proteins you're not sure you will like, they have a sample pack that includes several flavors.

(No, I have no affiliation with Bariatric Eating---I just think their Proteins rock.)

[mominkansas 2]

Start fun exersise. Run around with your son. Push him on a swing, have races with him.

Don't change your eating just yet. Spend a week writing out everything you put in your mouth. Include the bites of leftover mac and cheese you eat off your son's plate.

You can do it. Don't take giant leaps, take baby steps. They will still get to the finish line.

[lisaluvsgreys 48]

Ok i hate the taste of Protein powder it's so gross. But from what i've heard you have to have Protein to burn fat and calories. So anyone know of a brand of protein powder that isn't gross or better yet how do i use it to help me!

I hear you on the protein drinks! I can take Oh Yeah, Isopure, and Muscle Milk Light. There us some after taste and smell, but not as bad as others! There is also one I drink from a plastic test tube. It is OK too. I buy mine "ready to drink." it is pricier, but I can stomach them. I usually buy in bulk, on sale, or from Cost Co.

[heidsz 0]

Hi Ashley,

I have been where you are so many times. I am prior military and married to the military for the last 16 years. It is a different lifestyle that unless you are in it you have no idea. Hugs to you while your husband is/was gone. I think the military life has helped contribute to my weight gain for sure. Being alone, having children, moving - I mean it is understandable what you are feeling.

I agree with the above poster that there is something about military spouses though that when we are down we need to dig deep and know we can do this. We have to be strong when our husbands are away, keeping the kids in a normal schedule, moving, dealing with not talking to one another for days... I do believe you are strong. You made the decision to get this surgery and that took a strong person to do that. Take baby steps and just regroup. I just wanted to say I understand and wanted to send a "hug" your way.

Heidi

[Stina28 0]

Ok i hate the taste of Protein powder it's so gross. But from what i've heard you have to have Protein to burn fat and calories. So anyone know of a brand of Protein Powder that isn't gross or better yet how do i use it to help me!

Hey Ashley!

I got one for you... whey vanilla powder... 1 scoop, Dole frozen mixed fruit (has peaches, strawberries, mango and pineapple), orange juice and a splash of milk...

Blend all of that in a Magic Bullet.. I hate the taste of the powder and this has worked for me. Good luck to you :rolleyes2:

[Stevie1 0]

Military Wives of the World - UNITE! Yeah - we rock.

[lisaluvsgreys 48]

Military Wives of the World - UNITE! Yeah - we rock.

Semper Fi!

[MtnGirl 0]

:rolleyes2: Semper Paratis

[kafroun 0]

Ashley, don't give up on yourself.

Trace what you are doing, write everything down. Get rid of the bread and white starches.

I had my surgery 4 months ago, have had two fills and now I'm at a point where I am feeling full almost immediately. I lost the first 15lbs easy, now getting one pound off is taking me forever!

Don't give up, call your Dr. and tell him your frustration, request help, go to a seminar or even a weight watcher meeting.

Do what you have to to put yourself back on track. You Deserve it. :rolleyes2:

[mellowyellow 0]

I really do not know what size band I have. This will be a good question to ask when I go get my fill on 1/18.. (smile) WOW!!! You are teachingme stomething. I never heard of this.

I will keep you posted..

[wickedredhead09 0]

I'm not sure if you are still looking for ways to get your Protein... I just started South Beach this week while I was waiting to get a surgery date. There is a great "milkshake" that I just made last night and it was FANTASTIC!!!

1/2 c 1% milk

1/2 c lowfat cottage cheese

1/4 c egg beaters

1-2 tbs Cocoa Powder

1 TBS Splenda

1 Tsp vanilla extract

Throw it all in a blender with about 1/2 cup of ice.

It blends up thick and creamy like a milkshake. I had to play with the amount of splenda in it but OMG YUMMMM. I gave my boyfriend a taste and he was like "OK so where is mine? Can you make me one too??"

Hope it is enjoyable!!!