annieaple

I use the Body Fortress protein powder as well... both the chocolate and vanilla. I mix them with Hood Calorie Countdown (1 cup chocolate: 90 cal, 5 g fat, 5g carb, 8 protein ~ 1 cup fat free 45 cal, 0 fat, 3g carb, 8 protein) in the blender with a couple of ice cubes and it's like a milkshake... YUM! If I have time in the morning I mix one up, otherwise I'll have a pre-mixed. I can't eat first thing in the morning... so it's a good little protein boost until I get to work and have breakfast.

I love the YMCA as well! There are a wide variety of classes that I can take, and always something that will fit my schedule. When there isn't a class that I'm interested in, a treadmill or elliptical machine is always available to use. I'm going to start some weight training this week to get toned up... I want some muscle on these arms instead of wings!

<p>Protein shakes are the way to go! I was banded on 7/23... when I felt hungry during the 'liquid' period other than at meal time I would make a nice thick protein shake in the blender. I used (and still use) Hood Calorie Countdown chocolate milk, protein shake powder, and 2 or 3 ice cubes... Delicious! Like a thick milkshake and very filling! YOU CAN DO IT!</p>

I've been using Body Fortress Why Protein powder (I get it at WalMart) in chocolate and vanilla. I mix a scoop with a cup of Hood Calorie Countdown milk and 3 ice cubes and VOILA! It's like a thick yummy milkshake! When I make the vanilla one I add a teaspoon or two of sugar free vanilla syrup to give it a little more flavor. I've also tried the IsoPure drinks in bottle... I was not a fan of the fruit punch, but the grape one was pretty good.

My name is Andrea, I'm 38 and I live in the Northern Massachusetts area. I was banded on 7/23/07 @ Lahey Clinic Thus far, I'm feeling really great! I had a lot of pain in my left shoulder during the first week... but moving around and using heat on it made it feel better. I still get an ocassional 'tweak' there, but it's bearable. I'm very much looking forward to being able to hit the treadmill and elliptical machine next week! Getting back into a fitness program (pre surgery) made me realize how much I enjoyed and missed exercising. I've gotten the 'green light' to start some light weight training once I reach 6 weeks out... I want to keep as toned as possible while I lose the weight! The board looks like a great place to get information, share stories and recipes, and ask questions. I'm planning on making it a daily stop! Cheers!

Yes! I was banded on 7/21.. and I had a lot of shoulder pain the first week. It's been off and on so far this week. If I hold the phone or something for more than 10 minutes with that arm it starts hurting. Getting up and walking around makes it feel better...