Texasbandit

i am very happy with my band, but it depends on what your goals are and what you are willing to do. If you dont want to work out or eat right or in other words, lifestyle change then I know the band isnt for you. I dont know much about the sleeve. I dieted and worked out all the time before my band so this was just a tool to cut my eating and enforce my already low carb diet. If I fall off the waggon I know I'm not falling far cause I dont eat a lot.

I haven't seen onderland since I was 12!! I dunno how I could even wrap my mind around that. I have 60lbs to go to onderland and I hope I get there one day.

First, congratulations on losing 70lbs. :clap:
You have a right to be hurt. Her response was catty. My read on it is that she has things, perhaps her own weight, that she has issues with. That said, I have learned when it comes to FB and family and friends, it is often best to ignore comments like that. She obviously has no clue how hard it really is to lose the weight, even with the band. My suggestion is, the next time you post a weight loss victory on FB, preface it by including "all this hard work - calorie counting and 6 days a week at the gym are really paying off - I've lost ##lbs!

Well, well, well....I have to reply to this cause oh yeah I'm on of the complainers. I dieted and excersized before the band. I wasnt an emotional eater or overeater. I researched and the positive people on this site and others have tended to sugar coat things about the band cause maybe it worked for them well, but anytime someone tries to offer a different opinion or perspective then the "band is a tool" robots come out here and post and call us whiners
I say tell the truth. the band wont and does not work for everyone. It may or may not speed up your weight loss or help you maintain it. I'm a little over a month and no I didnt expect a miracle or weight loss overnight, but I DO expect the band to do...SOMETHING! If I wanted to eat 700 calories a day and work out 4-5 days a week and not lose a thing then I could have done that without the band. I'm advocating some real talk around hear. Not all the everything is roses. So yea, I'm cranky.
There is serious inconsistancies between surgeons regarding diets and the so called "healing period" which my doctor is telling me is basically BS. It is frustrating. I've lost about 12-15lbs post surgery. Thats not counting the pre-op diet and stuff. Most of the weight you lose in the beginning is Water weight. My dr is low carb, under 1000 cal kinda guy. I've had my first fill. Lost a few pounds then now I've gained. No change in my diet.
I have to carb refeed. Look it up. It's not nice. I did that before I got the band. I didnt want to do it after, but well well well here I am again. Oh yeah i'm mad. 1-2 lbs a week is what i've been told by everyone and now I've been told i'm in starvation mode. Before I asked about this and heard that it didnt exist for band patients. Well, now I dont know what to believe. Force myself to eat more and get PB's and vomit or keep on? So since everyone is tired of some of us whining then help! Answer our questions. If you have the solution then let me know. I've posted many topics and get nada. So if you are not part of the solution then I say you are part of the problem.
I know we have to be patient, but for how long? why is it when I carb refeed I lose weight? How long do I have to do this? How many calories are too low? See what I mean? Why do I go on liquids and lose weight after a fill then back to nothing? We need answers not just criticisims.
And be happy cause I lost weight? yeah I am, but i'm still fat! I got a long way to go. I can be patient, but I need just anything to show this is working. Not stalling for weeks! Not feeling like i'm tired and weak every other day. Not being made to feel like crap by people on here who want to get in a tiff cause of what I'm going thru doesnt fit in their mold of how a bandster should act. We all cant be positive, why should we?

Ok I'm trying to be tactful but yeah I don't need to be told to be thankful I have a job. Yeah without my job I would probably be in hell and homeless. I don't know what I said that could be taken that I wasn't thankful. I didn't realize this was a competition on whose life sucks the most.
The purpose of my thread is to see what was going on and if others were in the same boat. I'm 2 weeks post op and a newbie. So like my fellow newbies we are making our way thru bandster hell. I don't think chastising and belittling someone or flippant remarks is helpful to anyone.
I know you old timers apparently have it all figured out. Well Us newbies do not. Especially when real life constraints get in the way. Within the past month I have been through hell. I don't like to get into my personal life on a message board but jeez when someone assumes I'm just make excuses or just being lazy without asking then that's where I have to speak up.

I like the oatmeal. I'm full all the time and have to force myself to eat regularly. I'm gonna give up the oatmeal after it's all gone. I feel too guilty. It's too many carbs for me. I will look up the 9 months post op thingie.
I admit I am too hard on myself at times but that's in everything. It keeps me motivated and working hard. I'm naturally lazy! Lol!!
I'll say no to the scale. My husband needs it so I can't throw it out. I'm try to be happy about the 22lbs I've lost in 15 days.

Muffin, I am so sorry you were treated so badly. I understand that many of us have a hard time standing up for ourselves after being psychologically battered by socieity for years because of our weight. But I have a news flash for you, we are both 55 years old and let me tell you that even though menopause has a lot of negative side effects, it also has a few good ones. For me, "the pause" as I like to call it, has made me a take-no-prisoners kind of person. I don't take crap off of ANYONE. Not my doctors, not my bosses, not my friends, not my children, or the men I date. I suggest you take advantage of your age ... there's more to being 55 than AARP eligibility! LOL If you are not a confrontational person I would write a letter to the doctor about the NP -- and don't mince words!
I have a 10 cc band and I am at least at 7.5. It is different for each person. This NP does not have a clue! I agree with the person that says you should refuse to see this particular NP ever again. Also, the band is not in place to NOT serve a purpose. If you do not have restriction (there are those that do not believe in "restriction" but I KNOW I have it, BIG TIME) OR a decrease in appetite then what on earth is the point of having the band? YOU ARE NOT FAILING YOUR BAND. Plzzzzz do not listen to anyone that tells you that, it will only serve to depress you and continue a downward spiral. Getting more Fluid in your 10 cc band WILL NOT IN AND OF ITSELF cause slippage. Seriously?? That's absurd. Read more posts and you will find people with 8+ in their 10cc bands.
Muffin, you are going to have to be the advocate for your health. No one is going to take care of you, but you! Take charge of your life, your eating habits and your exercise. Better eating habits will improve your blood pressure AND your diabetes. I was off diabetes meds within months of getting my band and went from taking 3 BP meds to only taking one (which I don't want to give up because it has a diurectic which helps with any Water retention I may have). Do your own research on diabetes and how to lower your BG levels. There is a great forum: "diabetesforum.com", the people there are very knowlegeable and helpful. When you return for your next lapband appointment be armed with knowledge. And, if anyone yells at you ... wait until they are done and then calmly (if possible) LET THEM HAVE IT!
You have support here on this forum. Keep reading, we are here for you.
Ultimately, you may need to look into changing docs, but that should be a last resort because I hear it is a difficult task.
All the best to you on your journey.
~Fran

You need to read your First Posting "again". I will overdo it, I know I will. Thats just me. Now your complaining on the time Frame ???
I spend at least 2 hrs. every other morning in the Gym, and Pool. Then a massage, and machinery on a shoulder. So it's between 2-3 hrs..
That's a long Haul from 10:00- 1:00 but I am doing it ! I would gladley get up and get in there at your time, just so I have the day for whatever.
In your case work !
Are you Happy at all with this surgery, and follow up work that you must do ? If not get use to it...
I understand the Newbie Confusion, but it's up to you to try to make this work.
I try to understand those who vent ! It happens to all of us.. But we try to get it together... I hope you do...

you guys made me feel better too! I had banded plication surgery on the 6th. Ive just lost 6 pounds since then. I thought w the plication I was suppose to lose fast. But i guess i gotta heal. Its just silly to eat so little and not see the scales drop. Please keep posting to us newbies. I dont know anyone personally to ask questions!!

While I agree that getting more fills will help make your journey a bit easier, the band isn't going to stop you from 'compulsively gorging' yourself. You have to practice some will power and self control to not eat just because you can.

Starvation mode doesn't really exist. Sure you can starve, but that takes generally 72 hours of no Water and food for your body to kick into such a situation.
But what many people who attempt to lose weight eating extremely low calories experience is a metabolic downgrade, which means that your body adapts tot he low calories you are feeding it and when you exceed that number, you eventually gain weight, even though it seems silly to gain weight eating 1200 calories, but consider this.
A woman eats 700 calories a day and loses weight perfectly. However, she hits a plateau and wonders why. Well, instinct tells her to drop her calories even more, which may result in SOME weight-loss but at such low calories you're hardly able to eat enough food to fuel yourself, so then you generally opt to eat more, but adding to your calories causes weight gain because your metabolism has downgraded.
And the only way to really fix such a situation is to lose the insane calorie deficits and eat higher calories. I went through this personally, still am. When I was first starting out I was eating 600-800 calories a day for almost a good 5-6 months, but it worked, but it also ruined my metabolism. So yes I've packed on 10lbs, but my metabolism is re-regulating itself, so nowadays I CAN eat 1800 and lose.
Just something to consider.

It's working. It's controlling your appetite and hunger. But it can't control what you put in your mouth, and it can't make your body burn more calories. I don't think you can really blame the band.
I think the band thing is like being in love. In the beginning it's fun and "easy" and the weight come off and we feel rewarded and motivated. Then real life comes back into play and the day to day business of eating correctly and following band rules stops being fun. It becomes hard work and it's not like many of us have a track record of working hard when it comes to controlling what we eat
The band is hard. It really is. I just don't think enough people fully realize it when they get the surgery done.

First let me say I am so proud of you for how far you have come and the success that you have - and you should be too!! It is hard work to lose weight and you have done it!!
Someone else made mention of giving up just one thing until you don't crave it anymore. I think that is a great idea and maybe something you could try? Just give up the coffee creamers for now.
Maybe give one thing up and add one thing in? The thing you add in could be a healthier food (say a hard-boiled egg for a snack to get more protein) or taking the stairs at work - or parking at the far end of the parking lot.
Or maybe having an appointment with a personal trainer would make the gym time happen.
Or maybe a 15 minute walk after dinner?
I have also recently discovered myfitnesspal.com and am tracking my calories and Protein intake through that. It is the easiest program I have used and it is very helpful to see how I am doing. It also motivates me to be mindful of everything I put in my mouth.
Good luck to you! I hope someone here can help you find the answers you are looking for to continue on your weight loss journey!!

This is not to slam anyone, but I really would like some input. I read here so many that say the band doesn't work, or that 20,30,or 40lbs have come off and now nothing. I realize that many of you have had problems with slippage or some other medial issue, so I'm not thinking of you,
I have been reflecting and I'm finding some greal gray areas for myself. I started to make my food changes the day of my seminar, I cut out sweet tea, sodas, starting taking smaller portions , no drink with food and soon started to feel bertter. And I was working hard to drink my Water. I choose the band because the bypass scared me, and I didn't like the look of those who had it.
I followed my own changes from Nov. until my 2 week pre op diet.in Feb. I was down 18lbs on that day. I was good about following the instructions and the weight keep coming off. I didn't exercise much, just watched what I ate. When I finally lost 63 lbs. and was in a size 12....I lost my mind. I got lazy and stopped following the rules. I lost my commitment to the program. I stopped loosing . Even knowing this I can't get on track.
I say these things because I don't think we are all as commited as we once were, we are not as honest with ourselves as we need to be. For me candy keeps wandering into my home, coffee creams are the devils inventtion and sugar has rentered through a back door. Still knowing this, I can't seem to shake things back in the right places.
I started this journey because I didn't want to be on a diet for life, and I don't feel I am. One of my problems is that even though I don't have ture restriction, I don't have a problem with hunger, I thought if I wasn't hungry I shouldn't eat...very wrong. I am stumped about how to fix where I am, I need to loose anthore 30-35lbs to be in the guidelines. I would like to loose about 15 to feel like I had a true result for my effor. I don't think doc will do a fill since I'm not hungry. I try to eat meat & veggies but it is usually only once a day. Yogurt and Protein drinks to try to get the protein in. My life schedule is strange and gym time never seems to come.
So, is it not working or am I doning something wrong.

Bobbie-you haven't failed until you stop trying and it looks like you are ready to roll up your sleeves and conquer the hunger monster head on!
This time you may want to think seriously about setting up some sessions with a therapist to really gain some insights to the root of your addiction.
Set up an appointment for a fill too! I know for me that when I am filled properly I simply can't eat a lot of food. Keep all of your fill appointments. Take small steps and before you know it you'll be losing and gaining confidence and feeling good about yourself! Read the quotes below my ticker. Keep positive!!
Wishing you strength and a healthy journey!

GIRL screw the scale for now! WORK YOUR BOOTY off!!!! have fun doing it don't even give that scale the time of day! DONT GIVE UP! you might be loosing in inches! just have fun BREATH and being out the enter goddess you know is in there somewhere!! Have faith in yourself!! You are the only one that can do this! get you some up beat music to get your mood together and just kick @ss!

That's Great BaileyRose, that you listen to your body. More people need to.
Mine is a hiccup. If I do it twice, I'm pushing it so stop. I usually am full on one hiccup though.
If they keep coming,,, then I have the hiccups...... LOL
Burping is fine, your still swollen, so you feel this pressure. It will go away.
But burping is important. It means your Band is clear. That's not all coming from your stomach !
Imagine your Bathroom Drain ! You run Water until you hear it's clear by the gurgling sounds it makes.
If you hear nothing,,,, you know it's plugged.
The same is true with the band. It's making all these noises to make sure your new plumbing is open.
If anything is hung up in there or even stuck, it will try to burp over and over until it's clear.
So it's actually a good thing.
You will learn in time to tell the difference in Burps, which ones tell you your open, and clean
verses not to clean.
For now enjoy healing, and welcome to the Band.
Shirley

If I could do it over I would do it years earlier!

Congratulations, Texas Bandit. I have been following your posts and it is good to see you are out of bandster hell. 6 days and counting. I have done fairly well on the preop diet losing 8 pounds so far. It can be hard and the head hunger rears its ugly head at the strangest times. Sept 14th cannot get here soon enough for me to get on with it. Please keep us posted on your successes, Texas.

RUN, don't walk to Dr. Richard Benevides in Richardson TX - in 3 years he never let a MA touch my port. Only himself or PA's (Nurse Practitioners) He's at Richardson Surgery Center. Call him right away!!!!

I'm 8 mos. post op. I have lost 48 lbs. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes years ago. I am now off my medication. I have hypertension, I am off one medication completely and have decreased dosages on the other. My blood pressure has been in the normal range. I have dropped in pant size from a 26 wp to a 18. I have gone down 2 bra sizes and 2 shirt sizes. I am about to go on vacation to play golf. I am so excited. I feel energized and fit enough to get out and walk the courses. I have improved my golf swing because I have less body to work around!
I am so glad I have gone through this surgery. There has been times I thought what the hell did I do to myself but now I am 'on schedule' with my weight loss. My doctor told me that I should expect 1/4 to 1/2 lbs weight loss per week. I have stopped looking at the numbers. I am working on my activity and food intake according to what I am supposed to do. I was skipping the daily protein snacks but found that's not the right thing to do. So now I am back on track and doing very well.
To those who get discouraged (like I did) hang in there! Remember it took years to put it on and it will take time to take it off. Be patient! I am on the 2-3 year plan. I am in no hurry to get to my goal ( which is 40 more lbs) but I will get there. This is hard work, I am a stronger person! I am thankful for all the encouragement from my family and friends.

My name is Amy Workman and I am a bandster (everyone: HI Amy). I haven't posted on here in a long time and thought I might share with you my blog post from today. If any of you watched the recent Dr. Oz show about Lapband, I thought it might be nice for those of you just beginning to see a more realistic idea of the band. I was banded January 27th, 2009. I weighed 327 and today weight 159 pounds. I love my band. My before and after pictures on here are not updated, but you can find all my pictures on my blog. If you have any questions, please email me and ask away.
Sometimes we forget when we were first beginning. Do you remember the first time you googled Lapband? Or the first time you logged into the forums...frantically searching for before and afters....looking at successes and getting pumped...stumbling upon a horror story and then getting scared? Do you remember the stupid questions you asked? I remember posting on lapbandtalk.com something like "is one cup of Wendy's chili bad for you?"
Well, I am going to try and remember back to when I didn't know much about the band...and what information would have been helpful. Here goes...
Did you know:

I started at 327 pounds. My doctor, the wonderful and handsome Dr. Jeffrey Friedman, told me that the band is not always the best choice for someone who is a grazer. They find that the band is actually more successful for men, because men tend to eat in volume (sitting down for a huge dinner and getting really full, vs eating and munching on little things all day). Some doctors say that the band will not work as well for those of us who are or were really morbidly obese. I disagree. And there are plenty of us out here who are proving them wrong. Did you know:

The band may not work for you? You could have the surgery and not lose much weight at all. It is not a sure thing. BUT, if you work with the band...it can and will work for most of us. What does "work with the band mean"?

Every doctor has a different regimen they want you to follow. Every doc is different, as it almost every patient. Some say no pop/soda, some say it's fine. Some have a 2 week liquid preop and scare the sweet baby jebsus out of you about not shrinking your liver enough for surgery and not being able to operate (thank you Dr. Friedman). But, you will have to do your part with the band. You will have to watch what you eat. You will have to eventually get your ass up and exercise. You will have to make healthier choices and just be better. I know you are saying WHAT? That sounds like a diet to me. And I fail at diets!!! The band is a TOOL, not the Alpha and Omega of your weight loss journey. You can "cheat" the band by eating sliders and soft food. I for one could eat cheetos all day long and the band would sleep right through it. But with the right restriction, your band prevents you from eating that large pizza, the extra value meal, the entire bovine. You have to find a doctor that you can have a relationship with. They have to be open with you and you have to be open with them. You HAVE to go see them for fills. You have to follow up. You have to be a good patient. ASK QUESTIONS.
What can you eat once you are banded?

At this point in my journey, I can't think of one thing I CANT eat. However, there are somethings that I try to stay away from because they are difficult with my band. Example: Bowtie Pasta. It doesnt go down well. And then it just sits in my band and expands...causing me to PB (get to that in a second). I can't eat a sandwich, or a hamburger with a bun, but I could eat a roll if I tear off little pieces at a time. Hot dogs give me problems for some reason. Dry chicken or reheated meat (with the exception of a hamburger) often give me problems as well. I still drink soda, I still drink beer. I love Soups. I can eat veggies. I can eat fruit. Eating after being banded is about going slow. It's about chewing. They say with proper restriction that 4-6 ounces of solid Protein (a piece of meat about the size of your fist) should keep you full for 3-4 hours. Most docs want their patients to avoid "slider meals". Meaning, eating a bowl of Soup for lunch or yogurt for Breakfast isn't going to keep you full or satisfied because it will SLIDE right down. You want your food to stay in your pouch, and slowly drop down. Sometimes though...food may get stuck and then you get "sick". The Dreaded PB:

A couple things may happen if a piece of food gets "stuck in your pipe" as Heather refers to it. You aren't going to die. It's not like it gets stuck and you need the Heimlich. But if a piece of food gets stuck, ain't nothing else going down until it moves or comes up. The first thing that may happen is a productive burp (PB). This is not throwing up. When something gets stuck, your slobber starts to build on top of it. For me, when this happens, I get a weird sensation in the back of my jaw. And if I wait long enough, I will have to get somewhere private (hopefully) and let it come up. What comes up is this weird slime/foam combo. It doesn't hurt. And hopefully...it moves whatever is stuck. Sometimes though, it takes a little more work. Sometimes that one piece of food I didnt chew enough will be down there for hours. And then, it's not PBing. It's sort of like dry heaving until that piece comes up. There is a tightness in the chest...a pressure. It's not fun. I will say that not everyone gets stuck or PB's. And most of us would agree that when we do get stuck...it's our fault. We eat without being present, we didn't chew, we ate too fast. Restriction and Tips for Eating:

Unless you are extremely lucky, you will not awake from surgery with perfect restriction. Some docs put a little liquid in your band to start with, others wait. I had to wait 6 weeks for my first fill. And again, unless you are the rare case, you probably won't get restriction with your first fill. It took me several fills before I had good restriction. ASK your doctor what his/her fill policy is. Some docs are super restrictive with their fills. They only fill on a schedule. They don't care whether or not you have restriction. All I know is if Dr. Friedman hadn't let me tell him that I was ready for a fill...and if he had made me wait regardless of what I could eat...I wouldn't have been as successful as I was. You will know you have restriction when you have it. It's sort of like having sex. If you have to wonder if you had an orgasm or not...um...you probably didn't. Restriction will keep you full and satisfied for 3-4 hours. You will be able to eat less. Restriction DOES NOT RESTRICT YOUR BRAIN. You may still mentally crave things. You will have to learn the difference between head hunger and physical hunger. This is very hard. When you do have good restriction, you will have to change the way you eat. This is easier said than done. You should be taking small bites. For example, if you are eating steak, you need to cut that sucker up into pea sized bites. You need to chew. Then, set your fork down and wait a few seconds. You should eat sitting down. You should pay attention to what you are doing. You will learn that things like eating in the car is rarely going to end well. (Always have your emergency PB kit in your car. A couple of bags, some papertowels or handywipes. Trust me.) You probably shouldnt drink with your meal or for 30 minutes after. liquids can help push your food down...thus...cheating the band. How much weight will I lose? How quickly will I lose it?

Now you know that there is no one answer for this. Statistically, Lapband patients lose around 40% of their excess weight. SO, if you are 100 pounds overweight, statistically you will lose 40 pounds. I hate statistics. And remember, they are an average. 17 more pounds lost and I will have lost 100% of my excess weight...and I am not alone. It can happen. However, there are so many factors that go into how much and how fast. Genetics, age, diet history, personal support, family life, exercise. Some weeks I lost 7 pounds. Some weeks I gained 5. The weeks I gained, I gained because I ate poorly. I cheated the band The weeks I lost, I ate and made healthy choices. There are some weeks, even when I WAS doing the right thing...I didn't lose. It can be frustrating. But you can't give up. You will have to keep upping your game. At some point, even with the band, you will either have to adjust your food or exercise. But, I feel like the band is "cheating". I feel like if I have WLS, I am weak.

I'm gonna tell you what. Who gives a flying monkey's ass?! Cheating what? Cheating early death? Cheating sleep apena? Cheating high blood pressure, sore joints, diabetes? I say CHEAT AWAY then. There is no shame in WLS. It's not about will power. It's not about failing. It is about trying to find a tool that works to give you some power, give you your health. I tell whoever wants to know or will listen about the band. And yes, I have heard "Oh...well...I thought you did it the hard way"...or "hmmm...that must be nice". I say listen FOOL. There ain't nothing easy about the band. It makes some things easier but it is still work. And I find that people either give you 'tude about the band bc they are afraid or jealous or because they don't understand. Either way, that is okay. I will educate or I will ignore. I feel like if I were to say "oh, I am just watching my diet and working out"...that I would be lying by omission. AND, my real fear is that someone who is overweight will think "Well, Amy did it "the old fashioned way", and they will feel like a failure when they try and do not succeed. Will my relationship fall apart if I have the surgery?

We all hear the stories of what happens when someone has WLS. The divorce rate and seperation rate is a little higher for us. There are several reasons. One, for some of us....when we lose weight, we become a different person...or the person we would have been if our bodies hadn't been our enemies so long. Our expectations may change, we may want more. OR, our partners may not be able to deal with the new us. OR, as in any relationship...sometimes it's just time to move on. I don't think that having WLS should make you fear losing or changing your partner anymore than the normal person. There are tons of bandsters out there still happy and maybe even happier with their significant other. Sometimes though, even though we can't see it or don't want to admit it...we have settled. And once you start to shed your cloak of security or denial...you realize you deserve more (too bad we don't realize that to begin with. Long story short...people change and grow...with or without weightloss surgery. Are you worried about complications:

No. But most days I am not a worrier about things that may or may not happen. I heard recently that the stats for band slipping are about 5% and for erosion, about 1-2%. Slipping for example, can be avoided most of the time and according to the docs...is easy to fix. Erosion is of course a little more scary. But I hope that by always paying attention to my body, my band, and how I am feeling...I can avoid it or if it ever happens...catch it early. Do fills hurt?

Mine never do. My doc has never done one under fluoro. He gives me a numbing shot and then the fill. How many fills do you have to have?

To get restriction, it took me 4. My first year I had around 6 fills. My second year, I had 2. Will you ever have the band taken out?

Lord I hope not. Even now that I am at goal weight and weight loss is more of what I do instead of what the band does for me...it's always there. It's my safety net. It will keep me from ever being 327 pounds again. Why did you choose the band over other options?

I was 28 when I decided on the surgery. I didn't want my stomach cut apart. I still wanted to be able to absorb my nutrients. I wanted to be able to eat sugar and other things without getting physcially ill. I liked that the removal of the band was a possibility if something went wrong. I liked the idea of being able to control my restriction. And even though I bitched and complained along the way, I liked the idea of a slower weight loss (vs Gastric bypass). It gave my skin and my brain a little more time to adjust. Did you know there are different brands of lapbands?

I have the Allegran Lapband. Ask you doctor your choices and the differences. Mine is a 10-11cc band. Some are smaller. Were you worried about the loose skin?

Barely. I figured I may look like a saggy deflated sack after I lost my weight, but I would rather be deflated then morbidly obese. And I am lucky. My skin is nowhere as bad as it could have been. Again, so many factors go into skin. Age, genes, working out, sun...etc. Would you do it again?

In a heartbeat my friends. In a heartbeat. It was the best decision of my life. It was a tremedous catalyst for change. I can't think of one negative consequence of the band.

Hey ErikaM, My surgeon is Dr. Reilly as well so I feel compelled to answer you! I'm not on my pre-op yet, last appt is 9/16 wooohooo, but I've been preparing myself with recipes and such in the meantime. This is long, so I apologize, but I got it from another thread in here and copied and pasted into word. Hope this helps and please let me know how your experience goes!!

pumpkin Protein shake
This is a wonderfully decadent way to get in your protein! Spicy, creamy and icy-thick.…milkshakes never had it so good!
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup skim milk or soymilk
1 scoop vanilla Protein powder (such as Matrix Simply Vanilla)
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 t. cinnamon, 1/8 t. cloves, 1/8 t. ginger)
2 tablespoons Splenda Granular
1/4 cup Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla yogurt
1 cup ice cubes
Place pumpkin, milk, protein powder, spices, Splenda, cool whip or yogurt, and ice cubes in blender container; process until slushy. Makes one Meal Replacement serving.
Per Serving: 230 Cal; 28 g Protein; 5 g Tot Fat; 13 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 2 g Sugar; 115 mg Sodium

Mocha Liqueur Shake
3/4 cup light rum
1/4 cup coffee flavored liqueur
1 scoop Matrix Simply Vanilla protein powder
1 pint vanilla ice cream
4 cubes ice

Maui Martini
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein)
1 (1.5 Fluid ounce) jigger best-quality vodka
2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers coconut flavored rum
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger banana liqueur
ice cubes
1 fresh pineapple spear or ring for garnish

BANANA PROTEIN NOG
1 scoop Matrix Simply Vanilla protein powder
1 cup skim milk
A one inch chunk of banana
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth.

Banana/Peanut Butter Shake (12 grams protein)
8 ounces fat-free milk
1 tablespoon creamy Peanut Butter
1/4 - 1/2 banana
Blend until smooth in blender.

Orange Dreamsicle (28 grams protein)
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein)
1 scoop (individual serving) sugar-free Sunrise Orange Crystal Lightâ powder
8 ounces skim milk
Alternatives: substitute 4 ounces orange juice for 4 ounces milk; substitute 4 ounces yogurt for 4 ounces milk; add 1/2 tsp. orange zest to shake.

Sunrise Smoothy
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup orange juice (or orange tang)
½ banana (peeled)
1 carton Low Carb Vanilla Yogurt
1 tablespoon Splenda
4-5 frozen strawberries
Mix in blender until smooth

Cherry Vanilla
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
4-5 maraschino cherries
2 scoops low carb vanilla ice cream
1 cup cherry sugar free kool-aid
Mix in blender until smooth

Peach
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup Crystal Lite peach tea
4-6 frozen peach slices
4 ice cubes
Mix in blender until smooth

Strawberry-Lemonade
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup sugar free lemonade kool-aid
4-5 frozen strawberries
4-5 ice cubes
Mix in blender until smooth

Cherry Vanilla Coke Float
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 scoops low carb SF ice cream
1 cup diet coke
4-5 cherries
Mix in blender until smooth

Apple Pie Frosty
1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder
1 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced
(or 1/2 C no-sugar-added applesauce)
2 packets Splenda
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t nutmeg
3/4 C Water
8-10 ice cubes Blend thoroughly and drink up

Butterscotch Pecan liquid Pie
2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla
8 oz cold water
2 T sugar free butterscotch pudding mix
4-5 ice cubes
1/4 C pecans
Blend protein powder, water and pudding mix.
(The pudding mix thickens the liquid considerably).
Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers.
Add pecans and blend again for a few seconds.
Pour into nice huge parfait glass and enjoy.
(about 300 calories).

Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake
1 scoop vanilla powder
1/2 cup SF cherry yogurt
4 ice cubes
splash water
vanilla extract (to taste)
cherry extract (to taste)
Put all of it in a blender and hit liquify! Enjoy

Choco Mint Shake
1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder
1 packet sugar free hot chocolate mix
1 teaspoon mint flavoring
1/2 cup of soy milk
1/2 cup of water
6 large ice cubes
Put all ingredients into blender
And mix to desired consistency. Serve cold.

Chocolate Almond Shake
2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
1 cup of soy milk
2 T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup
1 t almond flavoring
1/4 cup of almonds
6-8 ice cubes
Blend all ingredients,
Except almonds and ice cubes,
Then add nuts and cubes and blend again

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter De-Lite
3/4 c. cold water
1/4 c. Toasted Marshmallow s/f syrup
2 scoops PS IOO Chocolate Protein Powder 4 packets. equal
1/2 small banana
1T. low sugar Peanut Butter
1T. s/f White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix
Put everything in blender
And whirl till smooth.
Scrape down sides if necessary
And whirl some more.

Chocolate Banana smoothie
1/2 cup banana Fat-Free NutraSweet Sweetened Yogurt
1/2 cup Non-fat Milk
1/2 cup ripe banana peeled and sliced
Dash of Vanilla
1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder of Choice
Put all ingredients except ice in blender,
Blend until smooth.
Add ice and blend
To give it a frozen smoothie consistency.

Chocolate Coconut Shake
2 oz Coconut Milk
6 oz Cold Water
2 scoops Chocolate protein powder
1 tsp Chocolate or Banana Sugar-Free pudding
Hand Shake well.

Chocolate Covered Banana
1 scoop Chocolate Isopure
1/2 c 1% milk
splash of sugar-free chocolate syrup
1/2 banana
4 maraschino cherries
2 handfuls ice
Blend

Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake
1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder
1 cup soy milk
2T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup
10-12 cherries - (no pits please)
8-10 ice cubes
Put all ingredients into blender
And mix to desired consistency

Chocolate Frosty Shake
1 rounded scoop Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Chocolate Protein Powder
1 rounded tsp. fat free sugar free French Vanilla International Coffee
1 rounded tsp. fat free Creamora (non-dairy coffee creamer powder)
10 ice cubes
Use a blender to get a shake-like consistency

Chocolate Fudge Shake
2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
2 T chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix
8 oz water
5 large ice cubes,
tiny silver spoon (optional)
Blend ProScore, pudding and water, add ice cubes,
Blend till crushed with ice slivers still un-melted,
Pour into insulated cup (makes about 16 oz)
And eat it with a tiny silver spoon.

Chocolate OrangeSicle
1 1/2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
1/2 Scoop OrangeSicle protein powder
8 oz water
Shake very well

Chocolate Peanut Butter Death
2 scoops PS100 Chocolate Protein Powder
8 oz Cold Water
2 tsp Chocolate SF Pudding Mix
1 packets Splenda
1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Peanut Butter Syrup
1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Cookie Dough Syrup
1 Heaping Tablespoon (Daloop) of Fat Free Cool Whip Light
1 Heaping Teaspoon of Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter
approx. 6 oz of crushed ice
Mix until entirely smooth - pour - sit back and enjoy pure indulgence

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 tbs. peanut butter
1 cup skim milk
2 handfuls ice
Blend thoroughly

Chocolate Raspberry Shake
2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
8 oz water (or skim, lactaid or soy milk) sugar free raspberry syrup
Blend and enjoy

Chocolate Vanilla Swirl
1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
splash Vitamite
splash water
ice
Blend thoroughly

Chocolate-Banana Shake
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/2 banana
1 cup skim milk
2 handfuls ice
Blend thoroughly.
Hint: if you can't use a banana,
Try banana extract...tastes good!

Coco Loco
1 1/2 scoops 100%Whey Vanilla Protein powder
4 oz Vitamite
6 packets Splenda
splash Luzianne Peach Mango Ice Tea flavoring
2 drops Coconut extract
2 drops Pineapple extract
1 drop Rum extract (optional)
5 ice cubes
Blend and chop ice thoroughly

Cookies & Cream
Splash of Cookies & Cream coffee Splash of Vitamite
Splash of water
1 tsp. Sugar Free DaVinci Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Syrup (optional)
1/3 scoop ProBlend 55

Mocha/cappuccino
1/3 scoop Pro V60 Chocolate Thunder
1/3 scoop Pro V60 Vanilla Crème ice Blend

Creamy Peach Melba
6-8 frozen peach slices
4-6 oz water
1 tbsp peach mango Luzianne Tea Flavor
1 tsp DaVinci Raspberry flavor
2 packets splenda
1 tbsp heavy cream
2 scoops Keto Peaches & Cream Protein Powder
Blend peaches,
Water, flavorings, & splenda until liquid.
Add protein powder.
Drizzle in cream last. Blend well.

Donna's Delicious Protein Smoothie
6 to 8 oz sunrise orange crystal light (premade)
3 ice cubes
3 frozen raspberries
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
Optional: tablespoon of light cool whip
Mix crystal light with the ice cubes and frozen raspberries,
Add the scoop of vanilla protein powder
And mix only for a few seconds
(mixing the protein too much causes it to foam)

Double Chocolate Fudge
½ cup skim milk
1 packet, no sugar added hot cocoa mix
1 scoop Chocolate protein powder
4 ice cubes (or ½ - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender.

Egg Nog
1 scoop of Vanilla HDT 5+1 vanilla 1 cup of soy milk
1 teaspoon of rum extract
1/2 teaspoon of all spice
4-6 large ice cubes
Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency. Serve cold.

Elvis IS IN MY KITCHEN RIGHT NOW making a PB & J Milkshake
2 scoops ProScore Vanilla Protein Powder
1 Tbsp. vanilla sugar-free instant pudding
8 oz cold water
1 Tbsp or to taste berry, raspberry or peach (or other) sugar-free syrup
3-5 ice cubes
1 Tbsp. crunchy peanut butter
Combine the protein powder,
Pudding, and sugar-free syrup into blender
And blend for 30 seconds.
Add 3-5 ice cubes, blend until ice slivers,
Add crunchy peanut butter,
Blend for a few seconds.
Pour into 16 oz glass.
Eat with a small silver spoon, savoring each spoonful.

Extra spicy ProScore Mocha Chai
2 oz of any strong (i.e. Starbucks)
left-over cold coffee with half & half
piece of fresh ginger
4-5 cloves few peppercorns
1 oz cold strong unsweetened Chai tea
4-5 ice cubes
2 scoops ProScore 100 Chocolate Protein Powder
pinch nutmeg
splash vanilla extract
in a COLD blender, add cold coffee,
ginger, cloves, peppercorns, cold Chai tea.
Blend, adding 4-5 ice cubes one at a time
until ice cubes are broken up.
Add 2 scoops protein powder while blender is moving.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract.

Frappachino
1 tbs. instant coffee or a splash of cold coffee
1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
2 handfuls ice
1/2 cup skim milk
blend thoroughly.

Frappucchino On-the-Go
1/2 can Blue Luna light _mocha (or Starbuck's light Frappachino brand)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
Shake in Blue Luna can and pour over ice.

Fruit Freeze
½ cup skim milk (substitute water if you don't do milk)
1 scoop unflavored protein powder
5 strawberries, frozen, no added sugar
2 peaches, frozen, no added sugar
¼ cup pineapple, canned, packed in juice (or Lite syrup)
4 ice cubes (or ½ - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender.

Fruit Smoothie
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
4 fresh strawberries frozen and sliced
1/2 fresh banana frozen and sliced
1 scoop Vanilla or strawberry protein powder of choice
Put all ingredients except ice in blender
And blend until smooth.
Add ice and blend until frozen smoothie consistency.

Fudgesicle
1 1/2 scoops chocolate protein powder
12 oz cold water
10 packets splenda
1 sugar free fudgesicle
1/2 oz DaVinci sugar free vanilla syrup
6 ice cubes
put all ingredients except protein into blender-
blend on high until no more pings from ice on blades-
turn down blender until top of mixture is moving
but not splashing-add protein-replace cover and whirl-
but not too high or it will puff up to about 40 oz!

Good Morning Smoothie
1 small banana
3/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup non-fat sugar free strawberry yogurt
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice
Put all ingredients except ice in blender and blend until smooth.
Add ice and blend until frozen fruit smoothie consistency.

Iced Mocha Latte
2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate, leftover cold coffee (decaf Hazelnut)
1 T fat free sugar free vanilla pudding mix
a splash of sugar free hazelnut coffee syrup
and a few ice cubes
Blend

Light and Dark Symphony
1 scoop ProBlend 55 _Mocha Cappuccino
splash coffee
splash water ice
Blend thoroughly for light symphony;
for dark symphony add 1 tbs. white chocolate SF syrup and blend

Luscious Pina Colada
2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla
2 T vanilla sugar free pudding mix
dash of coconut flavoring
dash of pineapple flavoring
ice
Blend and enjoy

Mango Morning Smoothie
Juice of 1/2 of a fresh lime
2oz cold water
meat of 1 mango
small piece fresh ginger
1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract)
7-8 ice cubes
2 scoops ProScore Vanilla
Blend lime juice, cold water,
meat of mango, ginger and vanilla extract until smooth.
When blended, add 7-8 ice cubes, one at a time until blended.
Add ProScore Vanilla protein powder
one scoop at a time while blender is still moving.
You can substitute soy milk instead of water
and soy ice cubes instead of plain ice,
but you will need to watch calories with those substitutions.

Mocha, Ginger & Cinnamon
2 scoops ProScore 100 Chocolate
4 oz left-over coffee with half & half
a few good sprinkles of cinnamon
small piece FRESH ginger 6-8 ice cubes
Blend on low, then on high.
Add about 6-8 ice cubes, one at a time –
chuck each one HARD into the blender while blending.
Blend until creamy.

Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Shake
1 1/2 scoop GNC 100% Whey Vanilla Protein Powder
4-5 packets of Splenda
1 capful DaVinci's Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
5 oz Vitamite
lots of ice cubes
Blend syrup, Splenda, and Vitamite together.
Add protein powder; blend until mixed.
Add Ice and blend until chopped well.

Orange & Cream Shake
8 ounces (or less if you wish) Stewart's Diet Orange & Cream Soda
splash Vitamite
1 scoop ProV60 Vanilla Cream protein
ice blend extra thoroughly to get rid of all of the carbonation

Orange Banana Smoothie
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup pulp free OJ
1/2 banana sliced
1 rounded scoop Keto Shake Orange Crème protein powder
1 rounded scoop Keto Shake Banana Crème protein powder
1 cup ice
Blend all ingredients except ice until smooth.
Add ice, blend until smoothie consistency.

Orange Julius
8 oz non-fat plain yogurt
1 can (6 oz) Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
2 1/2 cup skim milk
1 Tsp vanilla extract
2 scoops Protein Powder of your choice
Put ingredients in blender,
blend until smooth, fruit smoothie consistency.

Orange Julius Ain’t Got Nothing On Us Smoothie
2 Scoops ProScore 100 vanilla
6 oz water
1 T sugar free vanilla pudding mix
1/4 c real orange juice (preferably hand squeezed with pulp, or from store with pulp)
1 t good vanilla flavoring
3-4 ice cubes
Blend all ingredients except ice cubes.
Cold water will cause pudding mix to thicken.
Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers.
Pour into tall glass and use straw to sip,
dainty, a little at a time, really taste it. Don't guzzle (grin)

Peach Creamsicle
6 oz Crystal Lite Peach Tea
2 tablespoon SF Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
6 packets Splenda
ice cubes
Blend thoroughly

Peach and Strawberry Yummy
3 slices frozen peaches (or 1/2 frozen banana)
3 good sized frozen strawberries
1/4 - 1/2 cup water
1 packets Splenda
1 rounded Vanilla protein powder
Blend

Pina Colada Smoothie
8oz can refrigerated crushed pineapple in natural unsweetened juices
1 Tsp coconut flavoring
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 packet artificial sweetener
1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice
Combine in blender and blend for 2 minutes on high

Pineapple Vanilla Ginger Shake
Meat from 1/2 SMALL COLD pineapple enough cold water to blend
small piece of fresh ginger
5-6 ice cubes
2 scoops ProScore 100 Vanilla Protein Powder
cinnamon and fresh mint
In a blender put meat from pineapple,
enough COLD water to blend, and ginger.
Blend until smooth.
Add 5-6 ice cubes, 1 piece at a time and blend until creamy.
Add 2 scoops of ProScore 100 Vanilla while blender is in motion
(OK to substitute different brand).
Pour into a brandy glass,
sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top and add a piece of fresh mint.

Real Root Beer float
1.5 scoops of diet, sugar-free vanilla ice cream
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
3/4 can diet root beer
Stir thoroughly

Root Beer Float
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 can diet root beer
Mix thoroughly and pour over ice

Enen Better Root beer Float
2 scoops Vanilla Carb Solutions Protein Powder
1 12 ounce can Diet Root Beer (A&W is best) open and let soda go flat
4 or 5 ice cubes
2 envelopes Splenda
Throw it all in a blender and enjoy!

S'Mores
splash coffee (optional, but really does taste better!)
splash Vitamite
splash water DaVinci Sugar-free Toasted Marshmallow syrup (to taste)
Chocolate protein powder
(something milk-chocolaty seems to taste best ,
like ProV60 Chocolate Thunder)
Sans Sucre Cinnamon Sugar (to taste) ice
blend thoroughly

Snicker
splash Snicker doodle coffee
splash Vitamite
splash water
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
ice
Blend thoroughly.
Don't have Snicker doodle coffee?
Substitute regular coffee, SF hazelnut syrup and the SF cinnamon sugar.
This one is excellent!!!!

Snickers Candy Bar
splash chocolate caramel coffee
splash Vitamite
splash water
1 tsp peanut butter or SF peanut butter syrup
chocolate protein powder
ice
Blend thoroughly.
Don't have chocolate caramel coffee?
You can substitute it with regular coffee,
SF caramel syrup, SF chocolate syrup
(optional) if you want even more of a chocolaty taste.

Strawberry Berry Berry
1 scoop of Strawberry Pro Blend 55
4 strawberries (frozen or fresh)
1/4 cup of blueberries
1 cup of cranberry juice
1 cup ice or crushed ice
Put all ingredients into blender
and mix to desired consistency. Serve cold.

Strawberry Chocolate Milk
2 Scoops Strawberry Carb Solutions
1 Scoop (use the Carb Solutions scoop)
Carnation Fat Free Hot Cocoa
14 ounces water
Mix in blender with ice for a "shake"
or shake inshaker for a more milky consistency

Strawberry for Protein Dummies
10 frozen strawberrys
1/2 small banana
1 scoop (23g) Biochem's Ultimate LO Carb Whey (Natural Flavor)
8 oz Water
1/3 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk
Splenda to taste
*Note: I found the protein
by going to a local health food store
and asking for a whey protein
with the LEAST taste and that mixed easily into water*

Tropical Breakfast Smoothie
1 cup fresh cut-up strawberries
8 oz pineapple chunks in natural juice
1 fresh banana sliced
1/2 cup cholesterol free egg product
1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice
Put all ingredients except ice in blender,
blend until smooth,
add ice and blend to frozen smoothie consistency.
This recipe yields more than one serving

Two Berry Delight
1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup water
1 cup ice
1 packet of sweetener
1/2 cup milk
1 cup orange juice Vitamins or protein powder
Put all ingredients except ice in blender
and blend until smooth.
Add ice and blend to give it a frozen smoothie consistency
Vanilla Butterscotch
8 oz cold water
2 scoops vanilla ProScore
1T butterscotch sugar-free pudding
4 ice cubes
1 T vanilla sugar free pudding
4-5 ice cubes
blend it all, and let it set up a little,
and it tastes all custardy.

Vanilla Chai
Vanilla protein powder
8 oz iced Chai tea (made from tea bag and refrigerated)
dash of cinnamon
little Splenda
splash of soy milk
Blend and enjoy

Vanilla Frosty
1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder
1/2 to 1 container Dannon Fit and Light yogurt (any flavor)
3/4 c water or soy milk
10-12 ice cubes
Blend in blender until the consistency of a Wendy's frosty

Vanilla PB Fruity
2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla
1 T sugar free vanilla pudding mix
8 oz water,
1T or to taste berry or raspberry or peach or other sugar-free syrup (0 calories)
3-5 ice cubes
2 t peanut butter-crunchy kind
Blend before adding peanut butter,
add peanut butter and blend again till ice slivers.
Note: (if you put in too many ice cubes, it will dilute the peanutty taste)...

Vanilla Spice Freeze
2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla
2 T vanilla Sugar Free pudding mix
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of cloves
Blend, store in freezer until it gets thick. Yummmmm

Vanilla vanilla citrus
2 oz of refrigerated water
1/4 lime, (including rind) cut up in about 4-6 pieces
Piece of fresh ginger to taste
About 1/2 t. vanilla Blend. 45
Chuck in about 6 cubes, one at a time, till dissolved,
add 2 scoops of ProScore 100 Vanilla,
swirl in a little cinnamon, while still blending.
Add all except ice, ProScore and cinnamon.
Blend. Add remaining ingredients and blend again.

White Chocolate Mouse Mocha Frappachino
splash Vitamite
splash water
1 scoop PB55 Mocha Frappachino
1/2 tsp. SF Jell-O White Chocolate Mouse Pudding
handful of ice
Blend thoroughly, sweeten to taste (Optional)

Peanut Brittle Protein Shake
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
2 tbsp sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix (dry)
1 tbsp natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
8 oz. water (or low-fat milk)
3-6 ice cubes
Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve.
I like to use chunky peanut peanut butter
and add it last so that it it stays chunky (like peanut brittle)
but it tastes just as good with a smoother consistency.

Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp imitation vanilla (or 1/4 tsp extract)
1 packet artificial sweetener
a few dashes butter flavor sprinkles or butter-flavor extract
8 oz. water (or low-fat milk)
3 ice cubes
Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve.

The Hulk Protein Shake
2 scoops vanilla protein
1 ½ tbsp sugar-free pistachio pudding mix
1 mint leaf or a few drops peppermint extract (optional)
a few drops green food coloring (optional)
8 oz. cold water (or low-fat milk)
3-5 ice cubes
Add all ingredients to blender, blend, and pour into cup.
This tastes great without the mint so don't worry if you don't have it around.

Instant Breakfast
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup milk skim
1 package of carnation instant breakfast
1 scoop of protein
4 ice cubes
Blend

Strawberry Instant Breakfast
1cup skim milk
1 packet of instant breakfast
1 scoop protein
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
blend 45 seconds

Mocha Instant Breakfast
SF Carnation Instant Breakfast
2c. NF low carb milk
1 tsp decaf coffee
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/2 scoop protein powder
Mix until smooth
This gives you 38g of protein!

Chocolate Fudge Shake
2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate
2 T chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix
8 oz water
5 large ice cubes,
tiny silver spoon (optional)
Blend ProScore, pudding and water, add ice cubes,
Blend till crushed with ice slivers still un-melted,
Pour into insulated cup (makes about 16 oz)
And eat it with a tiny silver spoon.

Berry Berry Smoothy
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1-2 scoops low carb ice cream
1 cup skim milk (or 1% milk)
¼ cup frozen fruit medley
Mix in blender until smooth

Banana Mocca
8 oz milk (carb countdown, 2%, or whatever you use)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 banana
1 tbsp. instant coffee
Ice
Blend

Chocolate-Banana-Coffee Shake
1/2 tsp coffee (I dont like coffee)
1 small scoop low carb ice cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 scoop chocolate protein
1/2 banana
then I hit blend...


Lemon Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie
1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 scoop unflavored protein powder
1/2 cup lite orange juice
1 & 1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
Combine all in blender until smooth.

Colossal Cranberry Smoothie
Serves: 2
1 1/2 cups lite Cran-Raspberry Juice
2 cups frozen mixed berries
1 1/2 cups nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt
2 scoops unflavored protein powder
Put all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
8 oz skim milk
1/3 small banana
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
2 packets of splenda
5 ice cubes
1 scoop unflavored protein powder (Could use chocolate if you wanted a choco banana PB smoothie)
In blender combine milk, banana, peanut butter and sweet n' low. Add ice cubes and pulse.
Double Berry Smoothie
1/4 cup orange juice
1 cup vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt
1 ripe banana, peeled and broken into pieces
1/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder
Chocolate Peanut Butter Supreme:
(Lean Mass Gain)
· 12 oz. water
· 4 ice cubes
· 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
· 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
· 2 scoops chocolate protein powder

Mocha Shake:
(Lean Mass Gain)
· 6 oz. water
· 4 ice cubes
· 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
· 6 oz.. coffee*
· 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
· *You may use 12 oz. coffee and no water for an extra pre-workout or morning kick!

Frozen Chocolate Banana
(Lean Mass Gain)
· 12 oz. Water
· 4 to 5 ice cubes
· 1 banana
· 1 tablespoon heavy cream
· 2 scoops chocolate protein powder

German Chocolate Cake:
(Lean Mass Gain)
· 12 oz. water
· 4 ice cubes
· 1 tablespoon heavy cream
· 1 tablespoon cream of coconut
· 2 scoops chocolate protein powder

Tangerine Cream:
(Maximum Fat Loss or Lean Mass Gain)
· 12 oz. Tangerine Diet Rite
· 4 Ice Cubes
· 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream
· 1 to 3 scoops vanilla protein powder

Root Beer Float:
(Maximum Fat Loss or Lean Mass Gain)
· 1 can Diet A&W Root Beer
· 1 to 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
· 4 ice cubes
· 1 to 3 scoops vanilla protein powder

Pineapple Blast:
(Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and off Season)
· 4 ice cubes
· 12 oz. water
· 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
· 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Pina Colada Passion
(Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and Off Season)
· 12 oz. water
· 4 ice cubes
· 3 scoops vanilla protein powder
· 1/3 cup Pineapple chunks
· 2 tsp. Coconut extract

Ultra Oatmeal: (mix ingredients after cooking)
(Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning and Off Season)
· 1 serving cooked plain oatmeal (1/2 cup precooked)
· 1 to 1½ scoops vanilla protein powder

Power Fudge: Vanilla or Chocolate
(Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning)
· 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
· 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
· *mix together in a bowl until ingredients reach consistency of cake icing. May be refrigerated or frozen.

Peanut Butter Muscle Balls:
(Lean Mass Gain Off Season)
· Follow directions for power fudge. Form peanut butter into small balls slightly larger than a marble. Coat with Power Fudge by rolling together to create a chocolate covered peanut butter ball. Refrigerate for 2 hours. May be frozen to speed up process.
Chocolate Banana Shake
· 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
· 6 to 8 ounces of water
· 4 to 6 ice cubes
· 8 strawberries
· Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

Chocolate Banana Shake
· 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
· 6 to 8 ounces of water
· 4 to 6 ice cubes
· 1 banana
· Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

Chocolate Strawberry Blast
· 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
· 6 to 8 ounces of water
· 4 to 6 ice cubes
· 8 strawberries
· Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

Vanilla Banana Creamy
· 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder
· 6 to 8 ounces of water or whole (or 2%) milk
· 6 ice cubes
· 1 banana
· Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

Rasberry Chocolate Thick
· 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
· 6 to 8 ounces of whole (or 2%) milk
· 6 ice cubes
· 8 rasberries
· Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Drink or eat with a spoon!

Banana Cheerio Quickfast
· Great for a super fast morning meal
· 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
· 6 to 8 ounces of water
· 4 to 6 ice cubes
· 1 banana
· 3/4 cup cup or original cheerios
· Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

Orange Creamsicle
· 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder
· 6 to 8 ounces of water
· 4 to 6 ice cubes
· 1 to 2 peeled oranges
· Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

Blueberry Blaster
· 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder
· 6 to 8 ounces of water
· 4 to 6 ice cubes
· 20-30 blueberries
· Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

Mocha Surprise
· Save some leftover coffee and add about 1/2 cup to your next chocolate shake. Adds 0 calories but lots of taste.

Orange Tangy
· Add a dash of sugar free Tang to a vanilla protein shake. Adds less than 10 calories and brings back childhood memories of enjoying the real thing.

Grasshopper
· A few drops of mint extract will turn your chocolate shake into a chocolate mint treat.
Eggnog
· Add a dash of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg and a sprinkle of butter buds to a vanilla shake to create a yummy eggnog flavor.

Protein & Oatmeal pancakes
Ingredients
· 1/3 cup oatmeal
· 2 or 3 egg whites scrambled (or 1/2 cupe eggbeaters)
· 1 scoop vanilla protein
· 1/2 tsp baking soda
· dash of pumpkin pie spice
· 1/8 tsp sweet-n-low brown
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and allow mixture to thicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour onto preheated frying pan or griddle. Cook over medium heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Gamish with fresh strawberries or sugar free syrup. Makes 1 serving.
Variation- Add 1/2 pack sugar free apple cider mix. Lots of flavor and only 8 more calories.

Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
· 1/2 cup all natural creamy peanut butter
· 1/4 cup honey
· 1 1/2 scoop vanilla protein
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Roll by hand into 1" balls and chill until firm (about an hour). They make great high protein Snacks and are an excellent source of healthy fats. Makes 4 servings.

Protein Pudding Shots
· Try mixing your scoop of protein with 2 tbs fat free, sugar free pudding mix and 1 oz ice water. Allow mixture to thicken and eat it with a spoon. Adds 50 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Nestled eggs
Makes 1 serving.
Per Serving: 174 Cal; 13 g Protein; 12 g Tot Fat; 5 g Carb; 0 g Fiber; 4 g Sugar; 201 mg Sodium

This one is so easy it's silly, really!! This could be a Soft Stage food since the egg is cooked to your liking and leaving the yolk slightly runny would help it sit in a new pouch easier. It's an old-fashioned recipe that’s creamy and cheesy and just the right size to make it very pouch-friendly. Double, triple or make a hundred of them to suit the crowd you're cooking for. (In that case you can do them in a shallow casserole dish and increase the cooking time.)

1 egg
3 tablespoons fat free half & half
1/4 teaspoon butter
2 tablespoons shredded cheese
1 teaspoon cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste


Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease a custard cup and break the egg into it, leaving the yolk intact. Pour half & half over the egg until just the top of the yolk is peeking through. Dot with butter and sprinkle shredded cheese and bacon on top. Season with salt and pepper. Place custard cup on a cookie sheet and bake for 12-18 minutes, depending on how you like your eggs.

Zucchini Boats
Anyone with a summer garden has a few small tender zucchini to spare. This is a great looking dish; and a healthy and delicious meal when served with a tossed salad of baby greens, olives, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, and red onion, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This dish also works with small thin japanese eggplant.

WLS serving, 1 zucchini boat: Calories 154, fat 6 gr, carbs 4 gr, protein 18 gr Makes 8 boats, 2 per regular serving

4 small zucchini, about 5-7 inches each
2 teaspoon olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup marinara sauce (I use Barilla Marinara or Rustica Sweet Peppers and Garlic)
Parmesan cheese


Preheat broiler to high. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and remove seeds from each half using a spoon, creating a shell. Arrange on baking sheet cut side up, brush cut surface with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil 8 minutes, until zucchini are fork tender, and set aside.

While zucchini are broiling, cook turkey sausage in a nonstick skillet over high heat, mashing with a fork or wooden spoon until well browned and finely crumbled.

Assemble boats by spreading some of the ricotta in the hollow of each prepared zucchini, fill with 1/8th of the cooked meat and top with a little sauce. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Broil 5-7 minutes, until boats are heated through and cheese is lightly browned.
Chocolate Monkey
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop chocolate protein
1/2 a banana

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.


Strawberry Banana Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop vanilla protein
1/2 banana
3 whole frozen strawberries

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Banana Split
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1/2 banana
1/4 cup chopped pineapple
2 frozen strawberries

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Blueberry Bonanza Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Chocolate Covered Cherry
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop chocolate protein
10-12 frozen or fresh cherries
optional: 1 tsp. of SF Cherry Torani Syrup or a drop of cherry extract

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Silky Latte
4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk
4 oz. water
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Silky Mocha
4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk
4 oz. water
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie
4 oz. Vitasoy Peppermint Chocolate soy milk
4 oz. water
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup canned pumpkin (chilled)
Dash of pumpkin pie spice

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Berry Berry Good Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup frozen or fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Mochachinno
8 oz. cold coffee
1 scoop chocolate protein
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Egg Nog Protein Shake
4 oz. Silk Nog soy milk
4 oz. water
1 scoop vanilla protein
Dash of nutmeg

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder. Blend on low then high till well blended. Dash of nutmeg on top.

Pina Colada

8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup pineapple
1 Tbs. SF Coconut Torani Syrup (I've also used 2 T. of unsweetened coconut from the health food store or Baker's catalog)

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Peanut Butter Cup
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 Tbs. peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
2-3 ice cubes

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop vanilla protein
5-6 maraschino cherries
1 Tbs. SF French Vanilla Torani Syrup

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Chocolate Caramel Protein Shake
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 Tbs. SF Caramel Torani Syrup
3 Ice Cubes

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop vanilla protein
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 banana

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Strawberry Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop vanilla protein
3-4 Frozen Whole Strawberries

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Lemon Meringue Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1 T. SF Jello Lemon Pudding Powder
2 Ice Cubes

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Green Giant
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1 T. SF Jello Pistachio Pudding Powder
2 Ice Cubes

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Butterscotch Shake
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1 T. SF Jello Butterscotch Pudding Powder
2 Ice Cubes

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Strawberry Cheesecake Shake
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1 T. SF Jello Cheesecake Pudding Powder
3-4 Frozen or Fresh Strawberries

Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Vanilla Spice Protein Shake
4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk
4 oz. water
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Nutmeg
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie
4 oz. vanilla soy milk
4 oz. water
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 T. Almond Butter
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Mango Madness Protein Smoothie
4 oz. water
4 oz. vanilla soy milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Banana Joe Protein Shake
4 oz. water
4 oz. vanilla soy milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 banana
1/2 shot of espresso or 1/4 cup fresh coffee or 1 tsp instant coffee
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Carrot Cake Protein Shake
4 oz. water
4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk (if you use Vanilla or Plain Milk add more cinnamon and nutmeg)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup frozen sliced carrots
1 Tablespoon Cream Cheese
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Nutmeg

Place liquids in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Mango Banana Protein Lassi
4 oz. vanilla soy milk
4 oz. water
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 Tbs. SF Vanilla Torani Syrup
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Banana Protein Smoothie
4 oz. water
4 oz. vanilla soy milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen)
Dash Cinnamon
Dash Nutmeg
2-3 Ice Cubes

2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Mocha Banana Joe Protein Shake
4 oz. water
4 oz. vanilla soy milk
1 scoop Chocolate protein powder
1/2 banana
1 tsp [ame=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00060PTLO?tag=theworlda074c-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00060PTLO&adid=1ASNFJ0QQZ2HSGPX3BZ0&]instant espresso powder[/ame]
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Mocha Joe Protein Shake
4 oz. water
4 oz. vanilla soy milk
1 scoop Chocolate protein powder
1 tsp instant espresso powder
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Peach Cobbler Protein Shake
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup frozen sliced peaches
dash cinnamon
dash nutmeg
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended

Mango Banana Protein Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 a banana
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Gingersnap Protein Smoothie
8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1/2-3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 Tablespoon Starbuck's SF Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
dash of cinnamon
2-3 ice cubes

Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended.

Basic Instructions:
1 scoop of protein powder, 4-6 ounces of water, natural low sugar juice or skim milk. These drinks are excellent by themselves or when blended at low speed for 1 to 3 minutes with 4-8 ice cubes or the equivalent amount of crushed ice.

Vanilla Blush
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. water
1/2 TBL Carob Powder
Pinch Ground Cinnamon
4 - 8 ice cubes

Iced Expresso
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. water
1 1/2 TBL instant Expresso Coffee
4 - 8 ice cubes

Apple Pie
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
4 oz. Apple Juice & 4 oz. water
1 graham cracker (4 sm squares)
4 - 8 ice cubes

Double Apple
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
4 oz. Apple Juice & 4 oz. water
1/2 Apple, chopped or sliced
4 - 8 ice cubes

Orange Creamsicle
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. Orange Juice
4 - 8 ice cubes

Orange Monkey
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. Orange Juice
1/2 banana
4 - 8 ice cubes

Lemon Squeeze
4 scoops Vanilla Protein powder
3 oz. Lemon Juice & 5 oz. water
1 TBL Honey
4 - 8 ice cubes

Pink Possibility
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. Pink Grapefruit Juice
4 - 8 ice cubes

Tangy Tangerine
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
1/2 cup Tangerine Non-Fat Yogurt
Fresh or canned Tangerines
4 - 8 ice cubes
Strawberry Supreme
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. water
1 cup frozen Strawberries
4 - 8 ice cubes

Rapsi Rumble
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
4 oz. Orange/Pineapple Juice
4 oz. water
1/4 cup frozen Raspberries
1/2 Kiwi
4 - 8 ice cubes

Creamy Cranberry
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. Cranberry Juice
1/2 cup Vanilla Non-Fat Yogurt
4 - 8 ice cubes

Cran-Strawberry
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
4 oz. Cranberry Juice
4 oz. water
1/4 cup frozen Raspberries
1/4 cup frozen Strawberries
4 - 8 ice cubes

Berry-Berry
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. water
1 cup fresh or frozen Mixed
Berries
4 - 8 ice cubes

Peach Paradise
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. water
1 Peach, chopped or sliced
1/2 Banana
4 - 8 ice cubes

Hawaiian Holiday
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. Pineapple Juice
4 or 5 frozen Strawberries
1/2 Banana
4 drops Coconut Extract
4 - 8 ice cubes

Papaya Pizzazz
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 oz. Papaya Juice
1/2 Peach, chopped or sliced
1/2 Banana
4 - 8 ice cubes

Mango Mambo
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
4 oz. Pineapple Juice
4 oz. water
1/2 cup Passionfruit Mango
1/2 Peach, chopped or sliced
4 - 8 ice cubes

Coke-Float
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 - 12 oz. Diet Coke
1/4 cup Non-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream
4 - 8 ice cubes

Black Cow
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 - 12 oz. Diet Root Beer
1/4 cup Non-Fat Van Ice Cream
4 - 8 ice cubes

The Un-Cola
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 - 12 oz. Diet Sprite or 7-Up
1/4 cup Non-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream
4 - 8 ice cubes

Orange Delight
1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder
8 - 12 oz. Diet Orange Slice or
Orange Crush
1/2 Banana
4 - 8 ice cubes

Chocolate Banana
1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder
4 - 8 oz. Skim Milk
1/2 Banana
4 - 8 ice cubes

Chocolate Truffle
1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder
8 oz. Cranberry Juice
4 - 8 ice cubes

Chocolate Almond Oasis
1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder
8 oz. water
1/2 Banana
4 drops Almond Extract
4 - 8 ice cubes

Ice Blended Mocha
1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder
8 oz. water
1 1/2 TBL instant Coffee
4 - 8 ice cubes
Blended Mint Mocha
1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder
8 oz. water
3 drops Mint Extract
1 1/2 TBL instant Coffee
4 - 8 ice cubes

Black Forest
1 scoop Chocolate Protein powder
8 oz. water
5 - 10 frozen Strawberries
4 - 8 ice cubes
Protein Balls Recipe
The pb and oatmeal balls are VERY easy. (Great Recipe *****)
1 cup Peanut Butter (I use no-sugar-added Peter Pan)
1 cup rolled oatmeal -- not the instant stuff
1 cup protein powder (I use Matrix Chocolate, but you can use other flavors)
5 packets Splenda
Warm the peanut butter in microwave about 30-40 seconds -- it melts it and makes mixing in the other ingredients much easier. Add the oatmeal, protein powder, and Splenda and mix well. (If needed, you can add a little bit of water to make it easier to mix) Roll into walnut sized balls, refrigerate. Store in fridge in zip-lock baggies. This recipe makes 20-24 balls.
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids)
12 ounces of water
12 ice cubes
1 scoop of chocolate coconut protein delite
and 1 teaspoon of peanutbutter JIF

Blended well in blender.
~~~~

BANANA NOG (All stages except clear liquids)
1 scoop vanilla protien powder
1 cup skim milk
A one inch chunk of banana
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla

Whiz up in a blender until smooth.

~~~~

nectar PROTEIN COCKTAIL (All stages)
Makes 64 ounces of drink mix
Serving Size 12 ounces, calories 120, protein 18g, carbs 0, fat 0

1 tub Crystal Light
4 scoops Nectar, fruit juice flavored whey isolate

Prepare the Crystal Light in a plastic pitcher using 64 ounces of water, or to your taste. Using a silicon whisk or large spoon, blend in 3-4 scoops of Nectar. Keep chilled and consume within 24 hours of preparation to ensure freshness. Stir before pouring as some settling occurs. Great flavor combinations include:
Crystal Light Fruit Punch and Nectar Twisted Cherry
Crystal Light Sunrise Orange and Nectar Fuzzy Navel
Crystal Light Pineapple Orange and Nectar Fuzzy Navel or Caribbean Cooler
Crystal Light Peach Tea and Nectar Lemon Tea
Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade and Nectar Roadside Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi or Twisted Cherry
Crystal Light Pineapple Orange and IsoFruit Delite Pineapple
Lipton SF Green Tea Honey Lemon and IsoFruit Delite Apple

Pumpkin Protein Shake (All stages except clear liquids)
1/4 c. pumpkin puree, unsweetened
2 T. Splenda Granular
pinch of salt
1/8 t. cinnamon
1/8 t. ginger
scant 1/8 t. cloves
OR 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice instead of other seperate spices
1 cup milk or soymilk
1 scoop Matrix Vanilla pro powder
1/4 cup frozen Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla Ice Cream
1 - 1 1/2 cups ice

Throw all ingredients into blender and whiz up. Pour into a tall glass and drizzle with Caramel Sauce, if desired. (Cinnamon Bliss is fab!!)
HOT COCOA (All stages except clear liquids)
1 tablespoon Splenda
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons dried milk powder
8 ounces non-fat milk
Dash salt
Few drops good quality vanilla

Blend Splenda, unsweetened cocoa, dried milk powder and salt in large mug. Blend in milk, stirring until dissolved. Microwave 1 minute on high or until hot. Can also heat in saucepan on stove. (13 grams of protein)

BUTTERCREME TOFFEE ICED VANILLA LATTE (All stages except clear liquids)
2-3oz crushed ice
4oz Mice Milk Vanilla - 9g
2-3oz water
1/2 packet Big Train Vanilla Latte mix - 1g
1/2 scoop Elite Buttercreme Toffee flavor- 11g

Dump it all in a Magic Bullet or blender and blend away! Add a blob of SF Cool Whip or RediWhip if desired.

This is really good! It's sweet, but not super-sweet
PINA COLADA SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids)
1 container FAGE 2% yogurt
8 oz skim milk (could be done with water, I suppose)
1 scoop Isofruit Pineapple
1 oz s/f Coconut syrup
6 ice cubes

Process in blender or bullet.

Makes a 16 oz shake with 46g of protein

CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE (All stages except clear liquids)
Frozen Vanilla Yogurt
Scoop of Chocolate Coconut Protein Powder
1" brownie (BE Low Carb Brownies, i freeze in 1" squares)

Put in Blender with just enough vanilla soymilk to blend.

CARAMEL HAZELNUT SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids)
2 scoops vanilla Zero-Carb Isopure
1 c. ff Lactaid Milk
3 T. Coffee Mate sf Hazelnut non-dairy creamer
1 oz. sf Torani Caramel syrup
Ice (I use an entire tray)

Add everything in blender but ice and blend together to combine. Add ice cubes one by one to create consistency you desire.

Calories: 335
Protein: 59
Carbs: 16
Fat: 3

Notes: I like using the sugar-free and fat-free Coffee Mate creamers, but I often have a problem in which the amount needed to solicit the flavor I want is too rich for my tummy.


CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BROWNIE SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids)
2 scoops PD Alpine Chocolate
1 cup ff Lactaid milk
1 shot Torani sf caramel syrup
4 Joseph's sf brownie bites
Ice cubes

Blend liquid ingredients until smooth, add brownies with ice cubes and pulse until same thickness as a Dairy Queen Blizzard (I use an entire tray of ice cubes).

It's important to note that this is not a low-calorie meal. This was yummy, but I would not add the brownie bites in the future -- they add 100 calories and 14g of carbs, which isn't worth it for the minimal flavor boost. Also, I typically use ff Lactaid milk, but dh brought home reduced fat and I didn't realize it. So, the reduced fat milk has 130 calories per cup, versus only 80 for the ff version. The caramel syrup has no nutritional value for a 1-oz. serving.

So, here's the stats for what I actually drank this morning, though you could easily cut 150 calories by making the substitutions mentioned above:


WHATEVER-FLAVOR-YOU-WANT LATTE (All stages except clear liquids)
1 1/2 scoops Matrix Vanilla
16 oz cold brewed coffee (I like Starbucks Sumatra blend)
4 oz milk (I've added a little half-n-half to make it creamier) skim or 1% are best
your favorite SF syrup..chocolate, caramel, vanilla.. the possibilities are endless!
lots of ice

PROTEIN CHAI TEA (All stages except clear liquids)
Mixed 1 scoop Elite Vanilla
1 dash cinnamon
2 teaspoons Chai tea mix
8oz water.

mix well and heat in micro till steaming. Yummy

PEACHY FUZZY NAVEL (All stages except clear liquids)
One scoop Nectar fuzzy navel
Made 2 quarts of SF peach (crystal lite knockoff from wally world)
Used only 8 or 9 oz in the fuzzy navel
added 3 slices of SF peaches which are the carb smart friendly kind...
add ice

Place in blender or bullet and process till smooth

VANILLA STEAMER (All stages except clear liquids)
8oz Mice Milk warmed in Microwave about 1-2min-not too warm.
1-2 shots of Davinci SF Vanilla Syrup
A squirt of Reddi Whip
A Sprinkle of Nutmeg or Cinnamon or both

Warm the MM in the microwave 1-2 minutes. Pour into Blender. Add Vanilla syrup to taste. Blend on Mix-but take caution to vent it as the heat could cause the lid to explode. Mix 1-2 minutes until frothy. Pour into large mug. Top w/ Reddi whip and sprinkle w/ nutmeg or Cinnamon or both

STRAWBERRY VANILLA SHAKE (All stages except clear liquids)
1 scoop Elite vanilla powder
1 cup low-carb milk
1 cup ice
3 strawberries

Whiz in blender or bullet.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BANANA (All stages except clear liquids)
2 scoops Whey Gourmet Choc peanut butter powder
1 cup water
4-6 ice cubes
1/2 banana

Process in blender until thick and smooth.

ROOT BEER FLOAT (All stages except clear liquids)
1 scoop Whey Gourmet Vanilla Ice Cream pro powder
1 - 1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons DaVinci sf root beer syrup

Shake until well blended.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE (All stages except clear liquids)
Chocolate Mice Milk
DaVinci German Chocolate Cake Syrup.
Poured over ice.


GINGERBREAD (All stages except clear liquids)
Vanilla Mice Milk
DaVinci Gingerbread syrup
Nutmeg
Poured over ice.

RASPBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids)
5 oz mice milk
8 oz cold water
1/2 small banana
1 1/2 scoop Whey Gourmet Raspberry
Equal or splenda to taste
4 or 5 ice cubes

Mix this all up. If you can stand to wait, then put it in the freezer for a bit and let it get even colder and slushier

BANANA CREAM PIE (All stages except clear liquids)
2 scoops Isopure Zero Carb powder
1 tbs Banana syrup - Divinci
1 tbs Coconut - Divinci


CARAMEL PEANUT BUTTER (All stages except clear liquids)
2 scoops vanilia powder
1 tbs Peanut Butter syrup - Divinci
1 tbs Carmel syrup - Divinci.

PEACH MELBA SMOOTHIE (All stages except clear liquids)
1 scoop Raspberry Whey Gourmet Protein Powder
6 ounces Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt
4-5 slices frozen, unsweetened peaches
water and ice
Blend all ingredients until thick and creamy.
Stats: Calories 243, Protein 36grams, Fat 5grams, Carbs 16grams

AMARETTO (All stages except clear liquids)
2 scoops Vanilla Royale Protein Powder
8 ounces water
1 shot Davinci SF Amaretto
Coffee to taste
Mix two scoops of protein with 8 ounces of water.
Add SF syrup
Add coffee to taste
Stats: Calories 230, Protein 46grams, Fat 6grams, Carbs 6grams

SNICKERS Protein Drink
1/2 carton Vanilla Micellar Milk*
1 tablespoons sf chocolate sauce
1 tablespoons sf caramel sauce
2 pumps sf hazelnut syrup
1-3 shots (3-4 ounces) espresso or very strong coffee

Heat Micellar Milk until very hot, but not boiling. Add flavorings to taste (my measurements are just a guideline and I always add the espresso shots. You may not need as much flavoring if not using coffee

Cinnamon Protein Shake
2 scoops whey gourmet Vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp imitation vanilla (or 1/4 tsp extract)
1 packet artificial sweetener
a few dashes butter-flavor extract
8 oz. water (or low-fat milk)
3 ice cubes

Whiz up in a blender until thick.
Below are various flavors, combinations and hints
*I mix Cafe Mocha protein with decaf coffee and some Davinci Kahlua and lots of ice! Yummy!

*I also like the Cin-van mixed with Davinci Eggnog syrup and a piece of banana with a little nutmeg..divine!

*I mix the Cappucino protein with 8 oz of decaf coffee some Davinci hazelnut or vanilla and lots of ice

*Some times I add the same flavor SF creamer and a little FF whip cream for a desert type shake.

*Small banana, light vanilla yogurt, fruit of choice (I use strawberries or blue berries occasionally Mango)...One scoop unflavored protein and ice....whiz in blender.

*I add unflavored protein to just about everything in the blender including the Big Train latte mixes. In the am during the summer I will add coffee instead of milk to the Big train for more of a wake up drink.

*I took the 100% Whey Vanilla protein powder and added the Alpine Suger Free Apple Cider and mixed the two together.

*I took the same 100% Whey Vanilla powder and added Tropicana 1/2 the suger and 1/2 the carbs Orange Juice and mixed those together.

*I have found that if I use frozen fruit with my protien and put it in my bullet with some carb countdown that it is better than ice cream!
examples: Nectar Roadside Lemonade, frozen strawberries, tablespoon Splenda, splash milk. Or…Nectar Peach, frozen peach slices, tablespoon Splenda, splash of milk.

*I like the PDCC (Protein delite choc. coco) just mixed with cold water and maybe some ice-it has coconut pieces in it and chocolate chips-great by itself or I mix it with PD Almond coconut.


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I appreciate you not wanting anyone to be judgemental and since I dont walk in your shoes I won't be. However I didnt cheat for 6 months post op so you can stop reading if you like.
If you are still reading.... I didnt cheat for 2 main reasons. I have gained and lost the same hundreds of pounds over the years and needed to find something which will help me keep off the weight. I believe I found it in the band. Now that the liquids, gas and post op pain is over I am learning to live with the band.
I REALLY want this band to work and was / am committed to do whatever I have to do to see that it does.
The second reason is that I was scared to death if I cheated I would botch something up and have to go back in the hospital for a removal or to fix something I messed up. But I am not telling you this to be self rightous. I am telling you this to make sure you know that if you eat the right foods at the right time and the correct quantity...you will be successful which I am guessing you want more than anything.
SO many people think the band is a license to eat whatever you want... just smaller quanities of it. In theory when you are maintaining I suppose thats true. But I am not there yet. I count every calorie that goes in my mouth (with a phone ap) and know that if I go over 1000-1200 per day I will not lose anything.
Recently when I have veared off for a meal or two I havent gained any weight.... I just didnt loose for a few days. I could eat one piece of pizza and be stuffed instead of eating 4! That in itself tells me this band will work once I hit my goal.
Best of luck to you!

That is a pretty standard post op regime.It's hard but it's doable. If you want to start progressing ahead of schedule you should be asking your Dr not looking for approval on a website! Whatever your Dr says is what you should do.