carolina girl

If you don't care for anything that has that "milkshake" type flavor (your typical chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla stuff all tastes like that) try Nectar protein. My favorite is the Pink Grapefruit, I mix it with pink lemonade sugar free drink mix (i use the great value brand from Wal-Mart) and it's very refreshing. I also use the roadside lemonade, green apple and crystal sky flavors by the same company. I always mix them with some kind of sugar free drink mix to boost the flavor. You can find Nectar online at amazon.com or the vitamin shoppe. If you have a Vitamin Shoppe in your area, they will let you exchange for another flavor if you buy something that you don't like, no questions asked. I have done it several times and they have always been happy to let me exchange. I agree with Lisa, what you like now may not be what you like later. I don't know why, but your tastebuds do change after this surgery. I also cannot stomach isopure A.K.A. "isopuke"! @ Stacy Nicole, congrats on your surgery date! The unflavored protein takes on the flavor of what ever you mix it with, but beware it does change the texture enough that it may not taste anything like what you started out with. It works well as an add in to sugar free pudding and other mushie foods for the mushies phase. That was the only time I really used it though. As far as any of the protein drinks making you feel full- before surgery I wouldn't count on it- after surgery I can only speak for my self- it definately satisfies you. I am one of these people who hasn't felt hunger at all since my surgery and I am seven months out. Best of luck to you all!!!

Pizza is sooo not your friend for many reasons. Just say NO to that devil food!! lol

Check out Buckle for some awesome jeans- love the "Miss Me" jeans on there! I have my little savings tucked away for when I get to goal and maintain it for six months.

Thanks ladies for all your kind words! Everyone on this BB has been so supportive, you are great cheerleaders!!! Congrats to all of you too! So many inspirational stories are shared through this site, I hope we can all give someone the courage to take the next step and reclaim their health and happiness. I thought I was a happy girl before I did this- but now my perspective is so different and I realize how I limited myself from reaching my full potential. I am like a walking billboard for anyone who asks me about my sleeve- I will not hesitate to tell people (who want to know) about how I would do this again a million times. Four of my co-workers and my sister-in-law have all been sleeved, or are in the final steps of being approved for the sleeve. It's amazing to watch the transformation in all of them and all of you.

Just beautiful- love to see such inspirational pictures! You can see the confidence and happiness in your face in your after pictures, Congrats!

Girl you are gorgeous!! I totally understand everything you are feeling. As hard as it may seem to understand, I totally get that you felt a certain comfort with your weight- but we have to learn to be just as comfortable in our new bodies. I don't know how long that will take but I believe you are getting there! You keep visualizing yourself running that race, keep claiming it!Can't wait to hear all about it. Best wishes to you pretty lady!

So, I look at the before and after pics all the time and it's just amazing to see the difference in us all. I guess it's time to share mine, even though I'm not really at goal yet. I would do this again a hundred times! I am so greatfull for my sleeve, and for all of you who shared your stories and motivated me to do this for myself. Thank you!

I ate egg drop soup quite a bit during the mushy stage. It was easy to eat, full of Protein, low in fat , carbs, and calories, and cheap too! I still turn to it as a quick lunch or dinner choice. I also really like the ricotta cheese bake - ricotta cheese, a little marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and either baked for a few minutes or warmed in the microwave. Yummmm! Regular scrambled eggs were the only thing that ever made me sick and I still can't bring myself to try them again. Everyone is different so you just have to experiment until you find what agrees with you. My NUT does not recommend that you consume fruits until the end of your weight loss efforts-strictly Proteins until month 4, then protein first with a non starchy veggie if you still have room. Remember- PROTEIN FIRST always! If you follow that rule you usually don't have room for the stuff you shouldn't be eating. I had a hard time learing to SLOW DOWN, this is really important! And remember to chew, chew, chew.

Had Surgery on July 29, 2011 and so far I have lost 72 pounds! started at a size 18 (which was extremely tight!!) now wearing a size 8 to 6! Best decision I ever made !

Congrats, you look freakin' amazing!! And ...oh, BTW.....Love your blog! Thanks for sharing,it keeps others inspired.

I am in tears right now after reading this post. Mostly tears of joy. This is what it's all about- forgetting what anyone else thinks about how you look on that elliptical, deciding that your sick and tired of being sick and tired, and just doing the damn thing! Thanks so much for sharing your story- and btw you ARE an EXCELLENT story teller !!

This is just incredible!!!! You look simply amazing my dear! Congrats on all you have achieved, you are truly an inspiration!:cheer2::clap2::first:

Now, girlfriend, you are a rock and an inspiration!! Nothing but the best is what I wish for you!

THAT IS AWESOME!!! Congrats on your finish too- that aint no joke!

Last Friday was my two month mark and today I weighed in only to find out that I am now half way to goal!!!!! This is the most incredible tool and I am so very thankful that I have been blessed with it. A year ago I thought I would certainly die from obesity related causes, seriously. Now I feel like that isn't even remotely a possibility.

8 weeks can make soooo much difference! You look great and I'm sure you feel great too. And can you believe how much younger you look?? Congrats!!

Ok, so I just had to share my NSV, 'cause it is funny!!! I was at the gym last week hanging by my arms doing my lower ab work out. I was wearing a pair of work out pants that are obviously getting too big, because just as I was getting ready to tuck my knees up to my chest....my pants started to fall down! My workout buddy quickly saw what was happening and helped me out by pulling them up and tightening up the drawstring!! Thanks workout buddy, you're the best!

What ever your fears are, just let them go and take advantage of this wonderful tool you've been fortunate enough to get. I think we're all scared in the beginning, but most will tell you that this is the best decision we've ever made. Just take one day at a time.

Escape Pod, You were sleeved exactly one month before me and have lost more than 60 lbs!!!- I'm sure you're doing things right! I use soy milk vice skim or almond milk. I prefer the vanilla soy milk - it makes my protein shakes so much more bearable, actually it makes them yummy. It's almost equal to skim milk in calories, carbs and sugars. If I had to give up carbs somewhere, it wouldn't be my soy milk. I have a protein shake every morning that I love- It's 8 ozs. vanilla soy milk, one scoop of nectar protein (either chocolate or vanilla) one scoop of click espresso protein (either vanilla latte or mocha) and lots of crushed ice. It has 260 calories, 15 grams of carbs, and 36.5 grams of protein. I know that seems like a lot of carbs and calories but I swear it is worth it! I have yet to get close to the recommended 800 calories or less than 50 gms of carbs in a day, so it works for me.

sugar free chocolate pudding with an added scoop of nectar sweets triple chocolate protein made with skim milk. It's especially good when warmed slightly in the microwave and topped with lite cool whip!!!!

Glad to help Escape Pod, Guidelines for months 1-5 Calories- 800-1200/day Protein- 70-90/day Carbs- Less than 50 grams/day Fat- about 35 grams/day Hydration- 64 oz/day Pretty much the same as months 6-9, only thing that changes is the carbohydrate content. For months 9 and beyond the guidelines are the same as 6-9. I am almost 8 weeks out and have consistently lost 3 lbs or more per week with no stalls. I do exercise at least 3 days a week, usually 5 days. Walking for 30 to 45 mins 3 to 5 x's a week and lifting weights 3 days a week. Hope this helps. I'm sure once I hit the 4th, 5th&6th months things will slow down more than I want them to!!! But I guess we gotta' be "In it to win it" and just keep charging on!

You don't even look like the same person! The shape and color of your eyes...just beautiful! Ten years younger at least! Congrats