bobheist

The Quest bars can have a globby texture (I kind of like that). Someone on here recommended I carry the bar (still packaged, of course) in my pocket for a bit before eating -- or leave on car dashboard for a few minutes. I found that to be a great tip -- softens the bar just the right amount. Others microwave them but I have found that makes them a bit too sticky. Call or email Quest and they'll send you a few free bars to sample (as someone else posted) and then you can decide before spending any money. I can't say enough about Quest bars - they are tasty and a great source of Fiber, which I had trouble getting in after surgery.

I am 100% team Quest. The bars are great, and seem like the best choice nutrition-wise. Quest also has unbeatable customer service, in my opinion.

I've been using the Bariatric Advantage chews. They were recommended by my nutritionist. I like them and feel they're working well. I get them (and all my vitamins) from www.bariatricchoice.com - the site is a lot less expensive than Amazon and had great customer service.

When I hit the one year mark my appetite came back with a vengeance. I still have restriction (I'm about 18 months out from surgery). I had very little appetite/hunger for that first year - I sure wish it had stayed that way.

I was given a little pillow when I had my surgery. I never really used it at the time, but it has been great for my back when driving long distances, lol.

Sorry it took me a month to see this... My dietician told me that collagen, while technically a protein, isn't absorbed or isn't absorbed as well.

I was told to stay away from any protein containing collagen.

I get what you're saying about not being sure about the concept of net-carbs ^^^ but any way you slice it the Quest bars are high in fiber, which I find really helpful.

I like the Power Crunch, but they're messy to eat (at least for me). Quest will send out a few free bars if you call them or do the instant-chat on their website. They'll also give free shipping with the code WORKOUT.

I didn't mind the liquid Loratab at all -- it definitely helped me sleep.

I'm thinking you should probably be at the soft-foods stage (or check with your team) - the Quest Bars, if microwaved for a few seconds are very soft. It would probably depend with each type of bar. I got the idea from someone on here to put the quest bar in my pants pocket for about 10-15 minutes before I eat it -- it gets nice and soft that way, but the microwave works too.

I never had any problems with swallowing pills. I did have a bit of a learning curve regarding when to take them - some on an empty stomach, others needed food with them, etc.

I'm definitely on the Quest Bar bandwagon. I think they're the best protein bar out there. The company also has excellent customer service.

I'm very anxious to see this -- I checked on Netflix and it's available as a "save" which doesn't mean too much... Do I recognize one of the ladies in the trailer (the one shown early on in a bathing suit and then driving with the gearshift being in her way) from the My 600 Pound Life series?

Wow! Your success is so impressive and inspirational!

I don't know how you managed without power. Ugghhh! Glad you're starting to see some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, though.

Congrats on your success -- you look great! I don't think I could be a bigger of Quest. Not only are their products great, their customer service is too! If you go to their site and send them an email or instant chat, they'll mail you a few free bars. I was ordering from Amazon (I live hours away from a GNC or Vitamin Shoppe, etc) but I've started ordering directly from Quest just because I want to be loyal and show appreciation for how great of a company I think they are. When I order bars (sometimes there's a free-shipping code, other times I pay a flat fee of $4.95 per order for shipping -- still comes out cheaper than GNC, etc.) from Quest they're usually on my doorstep within a day. What a great company! Has anyone tried their Pasta yet? I have some, but haven't gotten around to trying it...

I second the Premier Protein recommendation. I also really like the carb-free Creamy vanilla powder put out by Isopure. If you're looking at all for Protein Bars (down the road, maybe?) I recommend Quest. They're really great tasting and much better nutrition-wise than a lot of their counterparts. I love the company -- they have the BEST customer service and will send out a few free sample bars if you email them or live chat with them: http://www.questproteinbar.com/

So great to see all these pics and hear all the inspirational success stories!

The premixed Isopure drinks that look like Gatorade are pretty expensive. Some people love them and others hate them (I am sort of in the middle). What I really like is the Isopure carb-free powder. It has 50 grams if Protein per serving (two scoops) but I usually use one scoop/half a serving per shake. That adds 25 grams of protein, no carbs, and 105 calories. To me that is a win and less expensive. I really like the creamy vanilla made in the blender with ice, etc.

I was never much of a coffee drinker before. Now, I do drink some decaf and really enjoy it -- I find it great if I mix it with sugar-free chocolate. I also found it was a great way to make Protein shakes. I've had this gizmo for years: http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-BVMC-FM1-20-Ounce-Frappe/dp/B002FWMF8G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391728948&sr=8-2&keywords=mr.+coffee+cafe+latte I make a protein shake I love using that machine with decaf coffee and a scoop of carb-free vanilla Protein Powder, etc.

My dad mentioned this to me recently. He had seen a show (I can't remember if he said it was Dr. Oz or The Doctors) where they talked about this -- he was surprised that a lot of starchy root vegetables were mentioned to be much worse for a person than has been thought in the past -- apparently carrots, turnips, potatoes, etc. can add to the risk of dementia.

12/18/2012 and 12/18/2013

I'm about 13 months out from surgery. I can't eat a whole lot at once. However, I'm said to say that my appetite/hunger has definitely made a reappearance...

Putting on deodorant and realizing that my armpits have actually become pits.