4ALongerLife

Cytomax pure Protein performance drinks, they are Clear liquids and are undergoing a marketing rebrand to Cytomax Whey Isolate I think. They are 3.79 each at Vitamin Shoppe and 42 a case, 40 g of whey isolate protein and not much else. I love tropical and tangerine. @ Vitamin Shoppe you can buy them individually in a refrigerated section to try first, which I recommend! I hated Isopure. Some ppl call it Isopuke and I've adopted this term, sorry but I have! I hated the protein "bullets" (disgusting). nectar Syntrax are nice protein powders. You can buy them in a trial package (you can choose the flavors from BJ's Bariatrics), it's like 13 for $13, online. Premier Protein from costco is good as well. Unjury's strawberry sorbet is good and their chicken Soup. I've also got some unflavored protein powders, but I still taste that in anything (yuck). Power Pak puddings are good. 30 g of protein per 8 oz containers (I have to eat it 2 x's a day to get it all in). Buy at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe, 17-24 usd per case of I think it's 5 in a case. @ Vitamin Shoppe you can buy them individually in a refrigerated section to try first, which I recommend! Hope this helps you!

I'm sorry I just saw this... I'm glad you are better now! I had a leak and was very lucky that I did well in a very short time, so they say. But it IS very scary. God be with you & may He protect you... xoxo

So I'm feeling overwhelmed. And I feel like my last two blogs this week have a whiney tone to them, my apologies. Considering I spoke with the dr's wife who does the nutritionist counseling for him and explained to her that my tummy contorts whenever I eat anything pureed at first and if I drink 1/4 of an oz of liquid, it helps... she told me I might have a stricture. You know just whenever pneumonia and a leak and abscess weren't enough ... now I worry I have a stricture. Let's hope that's not the case because if it is, IDK how I'm going to ever regain my confidence back. Oh lawd, here's that baby again. Ok big girl panties, I wanted to post something more solid, more positive. So I have a book that I'm going to post something from. The book is called "Small Bites: Daily Inspirations for WLS Patients" and it's by Katie Jay and Julia Persing. I borrowed it from the bariatric nurse edjucator from the hospital. Set your angel free When you decided to have WLS, were you longing to set free something inside you? Obesity had hidden your true self from view. You longed to reveal the inner you. So, each day WLS has chipped away at your exterior. Michaelangelo said "I saw the angel in the stone and carved until I set him free." Yet at the end of his first day, the rock still looked like...... a rock. Only slowly did it become the beautiful creation that was locked within. As you lose weight, you will change many times, you will wake up mornings and not recognize the thinner face that has replaced the rounded one. In time, with consistency, effort, and a firm vision, you will release your angel within. Set aside a few quiet moments and visualize the inner you - your inner angel. In your mind, embrace that vision, talk to it, and plan together how your inner angel can help you remain steadfast.

Christina Rose, you are a beautiful girl (said in a totally platonic way, fyi!) and I love the ticker pic of you and your spouse/boyfriend. Congrats on your weight loss journey that is about to begin. You will have a rush of so many emotions, but it's exciting.. and scary. I am still trying to figure out how to eat now that I can and still not sure about it. I'm struggling this week, but it's a roller coaster some days. But I didn't gain all of this weight overnight, I sure am not going to learn to lose it nor lose it overnight either. Hang in there, sounds like you are off to a wonderful start! Sassygirl, hang in there yourself ok? You have done a wonderful job according to your ticker.... but I love what you said, it's totally true. No other addicts have to have their choice drug and 'get over it.' It's a hard struggle.... but we are all worth success. Hugs.

I totally feel this post. I have posted in my blog twice this week and feel like a durn whiney arsed baby. Today I called my dr's nutritionist contact and asked her why I am having pain whenever I eat more pureed but solid foods. She says, after my leak and pneumonia and all of that ... that I might have a freak'n stricture (that's where the hole closes up smaller than what it should be) and it may be due to my having been on Clear liquids so long. She was going to speak to the dr. and see what his thoughts are. Guys, if you pray, hell even if you don't (yeah you can tell I'm not perfect with that hell stuck in here) but... please say a prayer for me. Just a quick one. I don't wanna have to be endoscopied again (yes that is written in my whinest voice that I can come up with!). I have been doing myfitnesspal and it's helping me keep up, but dang it, I'm STILL not eating enough .... omg.... I've eaten 1174 calories today and the thing is STILL telling me in red letters you are not eating enough. How can I eat more and still get my liquids in? I am seriously struggling with that. I add ice to my Cytomax's (8 to 10 oz in the morning then at least 4 to 8 oz in the afternoon) so I get so far into it only for the ice in the latter part of the day making the liquid shoot back up. Anyone got a good thermal insulated cup that will keep something super cold that they can recommend? I'm in Texas and it's hot already here (yes I am whining again sorry). But I so feel you LeeLeeLosing. Hang in there mama! PS thank you CamarilloCA for mentioning the b12! I forgot to take mine today (it's the one day of the week that I take it). My dr. gave me some by physiologics that are GREAT tasking. They are Vegetarian Lozenges, 5000 mcg.

Cytomax Pure Performance Protein is at Vitamin Shoppe. They are undergoing a change on the bottles right now and it's being rebranded to Cytomax's whey isolate or Cytomax's whey protein (black bottle, white writing). I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Try the cytomax if you are low on protein, doesn't matter which diet you've progressed to either, they are Clear Liquids. Make sure you get the ones that say 160 cals on the side, there is another kind that they make and those aren't the ones I'm referring to. These have 40 g of protein and little else in them. For the full liquid dieters and mushies and regular eaters, they make protein puddings that you can get at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe that are good. I like the chocolate (and I usually don't do chocolate). It's Power Pak Protein pudding. I think a case is 17 usd and each can comes with a pull back lid (like the old bottles of beer, remember? the flip back tab and you peel it back) and has a plastic lid for each pudding in the box/case. They are 8 oz ea. so you cannot eat it all in one sitting (well I can't, yet) but they have 30 g of protein in them. I don't remember how much if you buy them as a single item, but Vitamin Shoppe sells these and the Cytomax drinks in a refrigerated bin and you should only buy one or two, try them and see if you can "live" with them. Here's a tip that I shoulda known better: DO NOT BUY by the case of anything until you KNOW you can deal with it for a while (i.e. protein powders, drinks, puddings, anything....etc.). Don't waste your money ok? Premier Protein shakes are awesome. They are sold at costco (not Sam's) and are 25 usd a case. They come in Chocolate and Vanilla at Costco. I was a dummy and ordered a case online - strawberry - and those are super sweet. I don't like them at all. So remember what I said pls on do not buy until you know what you are getting and can you "live" with it. I saw the lean shakes at Smoothie Factory tonight VSG! (I took my son after I went to the gym so he could have a "treat") I totally forgot to look into trying them... do you know if they sell them individually? I'll check my gym next go too. Note to self, note to self, note to self..... Hope this post helps anyone that might need it. Good luck to you all... xoxo

I like cream of chicken. And cream of chicken with mushroom. That's about the only one that I realllllly enjoyed myself!

Ask your dr. first but I know somewhere they suggested getting mylicon drops (like you give to babies).

I think it's normal too but ask your dr. Mine suggested mirolax, but IDK if that's too soon for you yet or not.

I absolutely adore Joel Osteen.... and my sincerest congrats to you girly and best wishes. You will ROCK in doing this, I just know it!

Thank you tmorgan813... hugs

You go girl! CONGRATS!

Favoredone, rub my elbow pls. I need some "bombness". I think I've lost my belief in mine (ok maybe just today, but maybe not).

Ok I feel like rambling and IDK why. It's usually whenever I'm upset and IDK that I am upset.... worried still, story of my life. I've had ppl tell me I'm too quickly going back to the gym on the elliptical and that's heavy in my mind tonight. I went again tonight, yes, I know..... but I did two miles on the elliptical and one mile on the treadmill (level 7 incline, boo yeah!). But am I pushing myself too much too soon? Should you say yes, I won't tell you that I cleaned out my car for about 1.5 hours after the gym... and I **** and span cleaned it out ... every nook and cranny! I love a clean ride... they are so few and far between since I had a kiddo. Yes, I'm old fashioned hand detailed which means I do it myself. Oops that has to be activity... I didn't put that in fitnesspal yet... brb. I get on the scale and think I've gone up a 1/2 lb. Better than with my gym shoes on, then it was 1.5 I think. I've been doing myfitnesspal for the last um 3 days, as I was encouraged to do so, but no friends. Wish I had some to tell me 'try this' or something. But you know I've been on here for a brief minute and how many "friends" do I have? {Sidebar: Thank you Janneth! You've pulled me out of my shell a bit! It's honestly hard for me... thank you!} Otherwise, I just think I'm no longer good with people. Idk if it was the fat or if it was the death or my sister and brother after my parents death and those experiences (oh jeesh no boo hoos but I'm just say'n the facts or possibilities). For a long time I lost myself in a stupid game on a social site. Even more out of the real world. That's changed recently but I still feel like a social moron. Then that relates to my job. And since I work as a contractor and possibly soon my contract might be ending, well, I worry...... Something, somewhere in me, I've lost my confidence since I had this leak/abscess. I'm scared, still. I pray every day, about 4 times a day "please God let the leak be healed up and I never go back to the hospital." Maybe I just need something else to obsess on... which brings me back to the gym. Is that it? I AM bored, trying to figure out what now - or is that just life in general? For a while in my life, I felt like I was in the palm of God's hand. Somewhere I don't feel that like I did before. Have I done something wrong or am I just nutzo? Oh my this is depressing. My apologies. I just am in a weird mood. Not a funk, but just overanalyzing and thinking about the future and goals. Worried that the penduluum swung to great and I'm swinging back to the other side, where I'm generally more familiar. I am hoping that I can meet and/or exceed the few goals that I do have in mind at this time, but hoping that I find some other ones for my career and life in the meantime. (do we all just get blah in life sometimes? i'm 38, perhaps that's normal once your kids get to a certain age? yes, rambling, sorry...) Hope you guys are having an amazing week! Truly, sincerely ... with hugs.

Dang it... too late. I was hoping to give you my address for a good once over. *winks* GOOD LUCK TO YOU on your surgery and recovery!

lol too funny. after the surgery, i can't even eat a smidge of a biscuit! i tried, tonight... took the guys (my family) out to cracker barrell and they ate cornbread and those biscuits.... i was going to attempt, put it in my mouth only to spit it right back out. poor Cookies would probably end up the same way right now c'est la vie! before my leak i loved premier Protein drinks, so thanks for the tip on the bars, i will have to try those next! as for now, it's midnight in texas so i'm heading to bed. wishing you sweet dreams (and sorry on the isopuke, thank god for your hubby.. mine's getting the strawberry premier Proteins i bought actually too! lol)

If you watch the 600 lb life series, make sure you see the one with the girl who ended up working at her dr's clinic. Grr for the life of me I cannot remember her name though! (sorry) The last episode that I saw was on the guy that ended up pretty bad after he did drugs during one of the year follow ups. It is an awesome show. Ok tips... come on this site and read around a bunch. Ask alot of questions now - before your surgery. Make sure you understand what your dr's requirements are for the pre op diet. If your dr. is strict on yours, make sure you STICK to it. It's honestly unreal to "get" it (or was that just me) prior to your surgery. Your life is TOTALLY going to change after this surgery. If you can find any books on WLS from ppl that had the surgery and what their journey is like, read those (I read a good one by Katie Jay and I cannot remember the title...sorry I DO need ginko biloba, sigh). Congrats tho! This journey is WELL worth it!

Health, 80% minimum Emotional (i.e. vanity, hating myself for my size, confidence, etc) 20% most days My decision was mostly health related. Mom died at 56 of a heart attack, paternal gma at 50 same thing, father had diabetes and died of cancer at 63. I'm trying to beat my genetic odds over all, a come to jesus discussion from my annual appt with my ob/gyn made the decision for me, personally. Would be nice if I get rid of my hypothyroidism, but only time will tell on that one. (Just keep praying, so I tell myself)

sorry on the returns in shipping and handling cost! i've been finding out about that lately myself (i am looking to try strawberry mousse from nectar Syntrax... that's a good mixing Protein powder and you can buy 13 bags of trial sizes for like 11 or 13 dollars on bj bariatrics.... i didn't ask for strawberry mousse and i bet i'd love it). anywho, my apologies on your ordeal with isopuke. some ppl rave and love it, not i popeye. cytomax pure protein is undergoing a remarketing i just found out this weekend. it'll be called whey isolate or whey protein in Vitamin shoppe but still by cytomax. the ones that i like are 160 cals and the bottles are about 20 oz and 40 g of protein (to anyone else that might be reading this and wonders!). yeah i'll miss Cookies lil monster, but nothing taste as good as being thin feels..... or so I hear! he he (hope we ALLLLL know soon!) hugssss

You DA BOMBBBBBB.... rock it rainydayz!

I too wish you the best with surgery. Know that you do have support here, you just have to ask for it.

Well, from what I understand, it's all up to your dr. on how long the preop diet is. My dr. asked that we all lost 25 lbs prior to surgery and I did that in 14 days 4 weeks prior to surgery, thanks to new hypothyroid pill dosage. But from what I know, that's his 'standard' diet. All of these diets are done to shrink your liver, which is done through weight loss. Not sure if he asks all patients to lose weight earlier on .... but since he's had the surgery himself, maybe he didn't want all of his patients to suffer. I'll ask him next time I see him. And he did use staples. He even told me a more clinical version of the reason that the leak occurred (and the staples name) but if I had that good of a memory, I'd be on jeopardy! (dang it, i need ginko biloba!)

Unjury chicken soup is good...... fyi. Just don't overheat it... or it'll clump up. You can buy it online. But the clear liquids are not a "thrilling" stage, sorry.

Thanks so much writergirl and notime. I just worry I'm going to fail on this as well as the other million diets that I've done. And after all that I've done complication wise, dammit I don't want to fail. (praying) Sorry I have "my moments" where I freak. I just happened to type it out lol.. thanks for your support.

CamarilloCA, where did you buy those cases of Isopuke? I mean, Isopure Sorry I hated those, they tasted like watered down Protein bullets which make me wretch. But fyi, GNC and Vitamin Shoppe have really GREAT return policies. Vitamin Shoppe is like 30 days on returns I think. Keep your receipts - you can even bring them back opened w/in so much time. I LOVE the Cytomax Pure Protein clear liquid drinks - specifically the tropical (which is green and I call it my nuclear kool aid) and tangerine. They are much more flavorful. I have a watermelon one chilling in the fridge to try as well (as they were on 50% off since they are remarketing them and renaming them, but thank you jeeshus they are still making them!) lol and btw, I LOVE your picture... that's too cute!