JeanZ_RN

Quest bars are a staple in my diet - I eat them for at least 2 of my 4 meals each day, and sometimes 3 meals. I've tried most of the flavors, and my faves are vanilla Almond (that's Breakfast each day) and Cookies and Cream (4 PM each day). Others that I eat sometimes are Choc Chip Cookie Dough, White chocolate Raspberry and Coconut Cashew.
There are several that I found just so-so, as in not bad but not good enough to buy again. Then there were a few that I really did not like.
The consistency is not like most protien bars - Quest bars are more like a cookie dough consistency, and they're not dipped in anything so they are just a bit sticky to the touch. Not a problem to me at all, but it is different than other bars.
For me 1 bar is a full and satisfying meal, and I think $2.75 for a meal is not pricey. Where else can you get a nutritious, yummy, satisfying meal for that price? And they're convenient to carry, too.
I'm with gomekast about the carbs in them - there are only 3gms NET carbs per bar.
As for fast food... There are some good choices at fast food places, but fighting the temptation of the not-so-good choices may not be worth it.

I'm 60, and had my sleeve done 7.5 months ago. I've lost 53 lbs, and have 21 to go to reach my goal weight. I hate exercise, and I've done very little of it - like only when I must do something to break a stall, and then it's only walking.

Just found this thread. Answer: YES, you should definitely date another sleever! ME!! LOL!! I live in North Dallas, and I've been single for several years. I keep thinking I should get on some dating sites, but the only one I'm on so far is LoveAfterWLS.com -- and there weren't many people on there when I last checked.

I'm 60, and had my sleeve done 7.5 months ago. I've lost 53 lbs, and have 21 to go to reach my goal weight. I hate exercise, and I've done very little of it - like only when I must do something to break a stall, and then it's only walking.

I'm 60 years old, have been divorced for many years, and after a few going-nowhere relationships I just quit trying to date. Being at my heaviest during that time was either the chicken or the egg - I don't know which.
A couple of months ago I signed up for LoveAfterWLS.com, but as it happens there aren't any men in Texas signed up there. Yesterday I checked in at that site again, and there still aren't any. So, having heard of PlentyOfFish on this site, I signed up there. I found several interesting profiles within 75 miles of my home, and I messaged back and forth with 3 of the guys. I've already had a telephone conversation with the most interesting one, and we're going to meet later this week. Woot Woot!
For CowgirlJane: My bet is that you intimidate men by being so very good looking. Seriously!

I was taking Prilosec daily before surgery, and I've continued taking it since my sleeve was done last November (7.5 mos ago). I had a hiatal hernia repaired at the time of my sleeve surgery, so I have tried once since then to wean off the Prilosec. It didn't work - my heartburn came back within a day or two, so I resumed taking the med. I may try again some time to wean off, but it's not important to me either way.
What I'm super glad that I no longer have to take: Insulin and blood pressure meds.

I was taking Prilosec daily before surgery, and I've continued taking it since my sleeve was done last November (7.5 mos ago). I had a hiatal hernia repaired at the time of my sleeve surgery, so I have tried once since then to wean off the Prilosec. It didn't work - my heartburn came back within a day or two, so I resumed taking the med. I may try again some time to wean off, but it's not important to me either way.
What I'm super glad that I no longer have to take: Insulin and blood pressure meds.

I'm 60 years old, have been divorced for many years, and after a few going-nowhere relationships I just quit trying to date. Being at my heaviest during that time was either the chicken or the egg - I don't know which.
A couple of months ago I signed up for LoveAfterWLS.com, but as it happens there aren't any men in Texas signed up there. Yesterday I checked in at that site again, and there still aren't any. So, having heard of PlentyOfFish on this site, I signed up there. I found several interesting profiles within 75 miles of my home, and I messaged back and forth with 3 of the guys. I've already had a telephone conversation with the most interesting one, and we're going to meet later this week. Woot Woot!
For CowgirlJane: My bet is that you intimidate men by being so very good looking. Seriously!

Here is my version of the very simple rules I have to follow if I want to get to my goal weight and stay healthy:
Consume 60-80 gm Protein per day and 60-80 oz of Clear liquids per day. Every day. Do not drink anything for at least 30 minutes before a meal or snack. If you forget and do drink, re-set the timer and wait another 30 minutes before you eat. Eat dense Protein first at every meal. If you have room, eat a very few bites of non-starchy veggie in addition. Decide how many meals and/or protein Snacks you're going to have per day* (or how many calories) and stick to it. Every day. Do not eat between meals. Wait at least 30 minutes after every meal or snack before drinking anything. If your mouth gets really dry you could rinse after eating, brush your teeth or chew gum. I avoid alcohol because I'm concerned it would decrease my ability to resist bad food choices. Follow those rules at least 90% of the time, and you will succeed. For the other 10%, do not beat yourself up - just get back on the wagon immediately and Sleeve On!
* The two ways I know of to lose weight are 1) Low calorie; 2) Low carb. I chose low carb because I can eat more volume and I don't have to count calories - the Atkins diet. I eat every 4 hours (8a, 12n, 4p and 8p), and I keep my carb intake as low as humanly possible. Both factors contribute to my never being hungry for very long at a time.
Best wishes!

You look WONderful! Congratulations on coming so far! NO, you do NOT look fat in the least! And the idea that you might have excess skin that would account for the remaining 9 lbs is absolutely inspired; could it be correct?
There are ways to exercise that won't adversely affect your knee. (This from one who HATES exercise, but that's a different issue.) Think Water aerobics and/or swimming laps, or using an eliptical machine that allows the knees to stay straight (I have one - it has clothes piled on it. ) And here's a link to a web site where you can find an exercise program that you can do sitting down: www.bobbywhisnand.com.
Perhaps some therapy is in order? There are therapists who specialize in treating WLS patients... Best wishes!

My first date in at least 10 years was last night, and by george I DID remember how to act. It was great! He is fabulous, and that's not just because he said several times "You're so little!" We have "a hot date" (his words) set for tomorrow night. I'm grinning like an idiot, and I love the feeling.

I'm 60, and had my sleeve done 7.5 months ago. I've lost 53 lbs, and have 21 to go to reach my goal weight. I hate exercise, and I've done very little of it - like only when I must do something to break a stall, and then it's only walking.

You are NOT too old. I had my sleeve done 6 mos ago, at age 60. I haven't turned 61 yet, but as a previous poster said - that's just a number. I feel MUCH better now that I've lost 48 lbs (26 more to go). I would definitely do it again.
Comorbidities:
>> Type II diabetes: I was on insulin; now I'm off that and taking just one Metformin tablet per day instead. My blood sugars and HbA1c are much better now.
>> Hypertension: I was on Diovan; now I'm off that.
>> Osteoarthritis: I too have a knee that is probably going to need replacing some day. It hurts a LOT less now than it used to, despite me being more active now.
The sleeve is a tool, not a cure. It does not make weight loss easy, but for me it made it possible to lose and keep it off. Best wishes!

I don't cook (because I don't enjoy it and all that buying, storing and cleaning up is a hassle), so if I'm not eating a Quest bar I'm eating out or eating leftovers.
I eat 4 times a day, and earlier this week I cut back from 2-3 bars a day to just 1, in hopes that will get my weight loss going again. So now I'm eating real food* 3 times a day, and I'm staying with as few carbs as humanly possible (Atkins).
So obviously, I have no problem eating out. I can find Protein at just about any establishment that serves food. Sometimes I have a veggie on the side or a salad, but mostly I just eat Protein - beef, chicken, salmon, tuna, or eggs. And when I want extra flavor I order bacon in addition. I'm not at all adventurous about trying new foods or flavorings, and I don't like spicy food at all, so I stick to a few restaurants where I know the menu.
* Eating real food is a hassle too. I would be very happy going back to 3 bars a day and one real food meal - but my slow weight loss is frustrating! Someone on this site said when they cut back on the bars it helped them lose again, so I'm giving this plan 2 weeks to see if it helps me.

Another single sleever here, in the Dallas TX area. I'd love to be in a relationship again, but I'd really like to just skip the dating part - so uncomfortable! LOL! No, seriously, I'm eager to have my first date in years, just hope I remember how to act. When I get a bit closer to goal I'm going to sign up for www.loveafterwls.com.

Miss Craig's Face-Saving Exercises; A 6-Day Plan Which Teaches You How to Naturally Lift the Sagging Muscles of the Face
This is the book I use. I personally think it is the best.

Congratulations! You're a good ambassador - thanks for spreading the word about WLS!

@@CowgirlJane I chose the filler because they are quick, simple, minimally invasive, fairly inexpensive (comparatively), easily obtained, and temporary. The state of Michigan doesn't require a physician to inject. I happened to come across a nurse who works under the physician's licence, and is a trainer for the company who makes all of those products. I saw the people she worked on, and they all look natural. She comes to the beauty salon I go to about every three months, so it makes it very convenient. Honestly, I might not have done it if it weren't for all those factors. However, I really like the results. I tried botox around my eyes for fine lines, but didn't like the results of that (it left me no fine lines,but it did cause a little crease under my eye) so I haven't redone that.
@@JeanZ_RN I will post pics of my neck if I decide to move forward with that. I would have that done in the office of my plastic surgeon - but it's a med tech who does it, so again, the dr. isn't actually doing the work. I'll also see if I can find some before and afters of the fillers, too and post them.

Congratulations! You're a good ambassador - thanks for spreading the word about WLS!

Congratulations! You're a good ambassador - thanks for spreading the word about WLS!

Hey, Miss Mac! I would love to do that - but there's probably more fun to be had with her saying what she's saying as everyone knows I had the surgery -except her :-)))) She will eventually be very confused...
Jenn1, good for you, using your IL's bad attitude to drive you on to do a good, positive thing is perfect. Good luck in the race!
Lipstick, revenge is a dish best served cold - enjoy....

Hey there, Indigo1991,
Wouldn't you just love to confront her and ask her how long she is going to wait before she gives up and moves on to spreading viscious gossip about someone else?

My SIL is the same way. We were always dieting buddies and she had loads of fun making fun of another friend who was constantly losing and gaining. The last time she really spoke to me was when she was trash talking this friend. I asked her if she spoke of me this way when I failed another diet. Totally pissed her off.
She has no idea I had surgery and we went without seeing each other for about six months after. She went from gloating about being a size smaller than me to outweighing me by 100+ pounds. Whoooooops!
Even better? Her aunt is always on her to lose weight and now uses me as an example. Snort!
I love how much she hates me.

Had my surgery in April 2013 and my life is unrecognisable from then until now. My mind is unrecognisable never mind my body, lol. I am happy and nothing in life is a problem...
Luckily for me that's what keeps me smiling when an acquaintance repeatedly tells mutual friends she is just waiting for me to "pile the weight back on".
Hell will be freezing over before I give her the satisfaction of seeing me gain a pound. But what a sad life she must have if taking pleasure in waiting for someone to fail is the highlight of her life.
The old me would have fretted about whether she might have a point. The new me says "feck her". And if she ever says it to my face, that's the gist of what I will say to her. Not very sophisticated - but I think it would be very effective in shutting her up once and for all!

what a jerk he sounds like now! it is so friggin hard to find a suitably aged man (i'm 56) who is emotionally available and physically attractive and financially secure and not an axe murderer.
i've been divorced for 10 yrs now, and dating has been like a second job since then, seriously. i found that the more i did it, the better i became at weeding out the ones that didn't work for me... i used to tease first dates about my "patented process".
i've had several relationships since my divorce, all of them good but none of them great. eventually there would come a time when i realized that and i had to move on. i mean, even my ex-husband was "right" for me at one time... i've changed since i first got married, and i continue to do so, and therefore so do the qualifications for the right partner.
luckily for me, i found him. he's adorable, intelligent, sexy and treats me like a goddess, but hasn't got a penny. i got over that and we have been living together happily ever after for the last year and a half. i feel incredibly lucky!
i'm glad i didn't give up dating because i never would have found him. i tell myself that all the others between him and my ex husband were who i needed at the time, and that i wouldn't have been ready for him before i found him. what i mean is, the most important thing to look for in a relationship is that it satisfies you, whatever it is that you want, be it sex, affection, a travel companion, someone to hike with... and doesn't DISsatisfy you in a way that you choose not to accept.
you did good. on to the next fool! they're all fools until you find the right one.