Satchel

No, I am not diabetic, but my doctor told me I was borderline diabetic before surgery. Another reason for having it.

When is it okay to eat nuts, such as almonds or peanuts? Is trail mix okay, or honey oat granola bars?

I have lost 75 pounds so far and have the same thing. I would be curious to know what your surgeon says. I also have the flab on the top of my legs and knees, but I know more exercise will help that. Congratulations on losing 85 lbs!

Happy 40th Birthday! A wonderful gift to give yourself! April is a great month for birthdays, I see! I am turning 56, and bought a new treadmill for rainy days. Hope to get a new bike for Christmas!

Happy Birthday to you!

Thanks, everyone, for all of your suggestions!

Welcome! Are the Premier shakes thick or not so thick? I have an issue with the smell of them, too.

I understand. Have a happy birthday!

Are you able to eat Pasta, rice, or bread? April is your birthday month? It is mine, too. The 22nd!

I find that my throat and mouth always has a funny taste. I constantly am brushing my teeth. I also try to find things that quench my thirst. Since we can only sip, it is hard to actually "quench" the thirst.

What is different about the Nectar Protein powders?

No, I haven't. I am not too familiar with the various protein powders.

You are so right! Evian is great, too. I buy it for a treat. In between, I like weak iced tea.

I am 12 weeks out from surgery and have always had an intolerance for the protein shakes, pre-op and post-op. Needless to say, I am weak quite often, but make sure I eat protein first. Are there any other sleevers who have an intolerance to protein shakes and bars? If so, are you able to get the necessary amounts of protein in your diet? And fluids, as well. Still having a tough time getting all the fluids in each day.

I am a fan of Clinique Moisture Surge on my face and neck. Expensive, but a little goes a long way.

What are "protein shots?"

Is there a particular brand of yogurt that you like?

What meds are you taking that help with the reflux? I, too, just eat to suffice my stomach pains, but really am sick of the same foods, chicken, banana or apple with Peanut Butter, cottage cheese, Soup, greek yogurt, string cheese . . . any suggestions?

Miralax is a laxative, as well, correct? It says it dissolves in 4-8 oz of Water or any liquid. I would imagine if mixing in only 4 oz of water, it would be thicker to drink, so can you sip it slowly and take awhile to drink the whole thing? Crazy questions, I know, but I get nervous about drinking stuff that may be thick.

How many do you have to chew a day?

Is this Equate fiber supplement in capsule or powder form? How much Water do you have to drink with it? Does it expand in your stomach? Who makes Equate? I have a lot of questions about this because I have a real problem with constipation. I need a laxative every 3 or 4 days and am afraid I have become dependent on them. I get so many different answers from pharmacists. (I have spoken to my surgeon who told me to contact my pharmacist.)

Thanks for the replies. What are your thoughts on vitaminwaters?

I was not much of a pop/soda drinker, but now that I cannot have a diet coke or diet vernors, I am so missing it. Watching my husband guzzle down a diet coke kills me. So, what alternatives to refreshing drinks do you like, even with small sips. And are small sips a "forever" thing?

Does the toast or Kashi Go Lean ball up in your stomach at all? These are all great suggestions. Thanks.

Let me first say that I am not a cook, and even being 7 weeks out from surgery, I am a bit behind in where I should be with regards to meals. I am really at a loss for breakfast ideas. My stomach wakes me each morning with stomach pangs, but nothing ever sounds good and so far can only take a few bites. What do you find keeps you sustained until the next meal? Thanks so much.