erikavonne

I have found it to be very "gritty." I don't know what it is. Still working on different ways to prepare it so it won't but no luck yet. I won't purchase it again but am trying to use up the tub of chocolate flavor I bought. If they have single serve packs try them first.

Hello All It has been a long time since I have visited this site but it was indispensable to me when I was starting out and beginning my journey. I am now 3 years out and have maintained a 105 lbs weight loss. I am sooo happy I got sleeved! I am returning to seek advice for us "old timers" on here. What over the counter brands of Multivitamin do you take? I have been taking the Celebrate tablets with Iron and have always gotten good labs back. But those are getting too expensive for me and I am trying to find a cheaper alternative. I do continue to eat a healthy diet with Protein first and plenty vegetables and fruit. Is a simple One A Day or Centrum Complete adequate? And also a Calcium supplement? Thanks in advance for your input. In good health, Erika

Has anyone tried the Celebrate Multivitamin capsules? (not chewables) Vitamin A, D and B1. Sooo...I'm going to switch back to Celebrate since they have higher levels of these in their formula. But this time I'm going to use the capsules. I've ordered them today. I'll let you all know how it goes!

I tried Unjury and didn't like it at all. It had a weird smell and taste to me. I love Any Whey from Optimum Nutrition. I put it in my coffee every morning (after I stir in some liquid creamer from the fridge to cool it down). You can tell there is a little something in there but it's not bad at all. I've also mixed it in soup and other foods and can't tell it's there. I order it online. You should definitely try it.

I just got one (Euro Cuisine Automatic) and plan on making up a batch tomorrow. How do you all flavor it? Do you make a batch and plain and add flavorings later? And which flavors do you add? Thanks!

I tried the chocolate and thought it was just okay. I was thinking about going back and getting a small bag of another flavor. Which ones have you tried?

How do the AlternaVites taste? Is it sweet? Tangy?

I thought you couldn't add the protein powder to hot liquids...no warmer than 180 degrees?...which is just barely warm. At least, that's the way it was when I used the unjury chicken soup flavor. So do you let your coffee cool down all the way, or make iced coffee, before adding it in?

I had surgery on Sept. 13th with Dr. Yu at TLC Surgery. They were the "pioneers" of performing this surgery through your belly button. I just have one small line to the left of mine and I'm sure it will go away after a while. They have a page on Facebook. Once a month or so you can talk "live" with their nutritionists and ask questions. The office staff isn't that great. Stephanie has messed up my appointment times twice. The other receptionist (I forget her name) sounds like you're bothering her when you call. But I do like Lashon (worked fast on getting my insurance approval) and Gracie (Dr. Yu's nurse, also filed all my short term disability paperwork quickly.) Overall, I'm glad I went there. I am very pleased with my surgery results so far.

You are doing great! Congratulations and keep up the good work! :thumbup:

I love my Magic Bullet. When I was on liquids I used both my blender (when I wanted to use lots of ice) and the MB. But now that I'm on pureed foods I don't see how I could live without it! (I promise, I am not a paid spokesperson.) The small cup that comes with it is perfect for this. And best of all, clean up is waaaay easier and quicker than using a blender or a hand/wand blender. Oh, and you have less dishes to wash because you can eat out of the cup, too. Bonus! :thumbup:

I was getting nauseated often too. I noticed it especially after taking my multivitamin. After researching on here and speaking to my surgeon it turns out the multivitamin was the cause! The surgeon said he has received a lot of complaints about the brand - Bariatric Advantage. I got some samples from him for Celebrate vitamins and it looks like I'll be switching to them. Have you tried using different vitamins? You can get free samples online, too.

Yes! I love the Premiere drinks at Costco. I've drank them all during my pre-op and I'm still not tired of them yet. They taste even better when I put in a tiny bit of sugar free raspberry syrup. Yum!

WOW Tiff! That's awesome! How often (and for how long) did you work out? Do you exercise more or less now that you're in maintenance?

It's a good idea to save more than you think you'll need. I've been surprised by extra expenses these last 2 weeks before surgery. Today it was $280 doctor's fee + $30 copay + $40 bariatric vitamins + $40 bariatric protein powder from the surgeon's office. I just found out last week that my insurance will only cover 90% and I have to cover the other 10% - which is $3,300!!! (Apparently, the hospital I'm going to bills for the max amount insurance will pay...regardless of the true cost???) I can't believe it's $33K when you can go to Mexico and get it done for a 1/3rd of that price! I know it's a lot less out of pocket than you all who are self-pay but I really wasn't prepared for all extra money needed. (Hit up the retirement account). :001_unsure:

Congrats! I'm so excited for you! You are about to see one of your dreams come true! I pray that all goes well with this first step on your new journey in life. When you can, let us know how you're doing afterwards. God bless! :confused1:

Congratulations! Your dream is finally coming true! I pray all goes well for your big day. We look forward to hearing from you afterwards! :confused1:

Hey Sleeve Sister! I'm still hanging in there too. I had a pre-op appt with my surgeon today and he says I've lost 13 lbs since I was last there. So at least this terrible diet is working! Keep up the good work with following it so well. I'm not a singer but I know of a lot of professional singers who have lost a lot of weight and it has not affected their voice in a bad way. (Check out this brief article on Patti Austin: Patti Austin - Austin Sheds 120 Pounds After Gastric Bypass - Contactmusic News). I think after the surgery you will be an even better singer because of the physical changes on the outside and inside and you'll have the increased confidence that comes from weight loss. Stay positive. There's no telling where your career will go! Make sure you send a shout-out to all of us (or just me) :cursing: when you win that Grammy. :confused1:

That is awesome! I hope I'll be able to say the same when I have my surgery next week. Besides getting in all your water and protein (good job!) :thumbup1: any advice to help make post-op a smoother ride?

I didn't know that. Thanks for the info. I recently bought some Max Protein from there and fortunately I like it. I read about it on Eggface's blog. I got vanilla that way I can rotate different flavors of Crystal Light in it. I'll have to give Muscle Milk a try too.

OMG! OMG! OMG! I just found out that insurance (Aetna) has approved my surgery! YEEEAAAAA!!! My VSG surgery is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13th! I'm so excited! I start my 2 WEEK LIQUID DIET TODAY. That part I'm not so excited about. But that's okay. I know it's a minor price to pay for the great things to come. I've been researching and wanting to get WLS for 2 years! I originally was going to get the Lapband but had to put it off because I needed 2 yrs documented weight history. During that time I found out about the sleeve instead and Aetna's decision to cover it a few months back. I guess everything does happen for a reason. :001_cool: Okay, I'm off to pick up some supplies. Thanks for listening...well, reading. I hope you all have a fantastic day! :thumbup:

I'm starting my liquid diet today. Did you start feeling any better toward the end?

Alright! You're my inspiration! Ha, ha! Congrats! Keep up the good work. :001_cool: