roundisashape

Syntrax Matrix isn't too bad. Where I usually order from it's one of the lower price per serving powders, too.

Has anyone else had trouble with communications at Hopkins Bayview recently? They were really responsive early on, but I've been trying to get a simple (but relevant) question answered since April. Rotating emails and phone calls a couple times per week, no one ever answers and none of my messages have been returned. It's definitely making me wonder if I'm going to be able to get the surgery before I have to start all over again. It also makes me really apprehensive about having surgery here now. They've got some of the best surgeons around, but if something happens, am I going to be able to reach them? I'm finishing up my last two requirements in the next couple of weeks, and I'm just not sure how to proceed...or if I'll even have a choice in the matter since I don't know what's causing the lack of responsiveness.

Lol! Yep!

Smile in the car and still be able to see where I'm going! Boy, I cannot WAIT to get my face back.

Oh boy, do I understand! I decided to do this in the middle of a foreclosure (which is coming to a head right about the day of surgery), I just moved, and I'm working full time AND just went back to school full time. I've questioned my own sanity at thinking NOW is the right time to do this. I've had this discussion with my therapist, and she made a great point. No matter how much stuff is happening, no matter how much someone is going through, good health helps. Realistically there's never going to be a perfect moment to take a time out and do something major for ourselves, so we've just got to prioritize it and bulldoze through! Good luck to you

Is it supposed to be salty, or did I get some bad samples? I've been trying shakes right and left and never tasted anything quite like it. Just making sure I'm not going to get sick, lol.

Smell strongly affects taste - what if you put your Protein or touched up Soups in a coffee cup (one of the ones like you'd get at 7-11 that have a lid and a tiny hole to drink out of)? It would block the smell. A cup with a lid and straw would do the same thing, but everyone's instructions regarding straws is a little different.

I got a ton of samples from Nashua Nutrition. They'll package up samples of just about anything they carry for under $2 each. So far my favorites have been Syntha 6 (except Cookies and cream) and Matrix (but only mint cookie) . Premier is also good - it tastes like Yoo-Hoo to me. Kind of like the box, but in that nostalgic "I drank this when I was a kid" way.

I tried strawberry and banana cream, and they both tasted salty to me mixed with skim milk - I don't know if they were still good, though. I ordered the samples from a place that packages their own. That's why I wasn't sure if it was normal or not. I've got a couple of the clear RTD drinks too, but I haven't tried them yet - I've heard a lot of people say they aren't fans! Thanks!

"You're absolutely right! As soon as the office opens back up, I'm going to have the surgeon put my stomach back in." "Speaking of personal decisions, remember that time when you __got divorced / got arrested / got evicted / whatever__" Sorry, I know those are mean spirited - my only excuse is that I'm hungry today and trying to drop a couple of pounds before surgery, lol.

Aww, I'm sorry - hope things work out with the family AND the surgery!

I'm betting you're going to look lovely no matter what size you are now. There's something about getting all dressed up like that, it's hard to look bad! Every time you get dressed up to go out, try to remember that it's the last time you'll be wearing that outfit in that size - this time next year, you might just FEEL like the person you present to others

So I was talking to this guy online many, many moons ago and we exchanged pics for the first time. He sent me a message that said, "You know, if you lost some weight your nose wouldn't look so lumpy." I replied, "You know, if you said that to my face yours would be on backwards right now" Anywho, you have a lovely nose and I'm sure it will look perfect on your face when you're done :)

I'd be a little afraid of letting him do the revision if he's not comfortable with it - but I hope you can find someone soon! Good luck

You're living my current greatest fear! I'd fess up for safety, but I REALLY hope you're better posthaste!!

Not telling them might wind up driving a bigger wedge than the weight loss. I don't know the intricacies of your relationship with your friends, but I can relate a personal experience. One of my oldest friends had surgery many years ago, and it DID cause some strife in our friendship. I was proud of her, and admired her success - honestly, I even understood that she needed to bring new friends into her life who could do the things she wanted to do. What I DIDN'T understand was why she couldn't remember what it was like to weigh 400 pounds and not be able to do things. Why she got upset or frustrated with me when I wouldn't do something with her because I couldn't keep up / walk that hill / fit / come in under the weight limit / afford the outfit, etc. Why we'd go places and start out walking together, then she'd start outpacing me and get pissy when I fell behind and she had to stop for me to catch up. Why she couldn't understand when I'd get upset when she insisted on sitting in the center row at the movie theater, right between people, forcing me to sit sideways on one cheek to avoid spilling onto the people next to us. You can't control their reactions to your success, but if you want to do your part to maintain your relationship with them, just don't forget where you came from - respect where they are and what they can do, and that it's okay that they aren't in the same place that you are. And congratulations - it looks like you're doing a great job so far

That'll work!

YES!!! It might be a great product or it might not, but I thought the same thing about some of the posts. Especially with the whole, "approved by Johns Hopkins" bit - I'm in the program there and no one has said a word about it.

Three people left work sick today. I'm about to start wearing a SARS mask to the office. Already hand sanitizing like I have a disorder of some sort - I just want to roll around in it like Scrooge McDuck. Had my CBC redone and my count was about 3,000 higher than last time. I still don't feel bad. Going back Monday to have it done again, and I hope she orders a differential this time. Time is running short, I don't even care what bug I have, just give me some of ALL the medicine and let's nuke whatever it is from space.

My surgery date has been compromised. After pre-op testing, my PCP is not willing to approve surgery because my white count is elevated. I went back for a second test today. The thing is, it's been chronically elevated for like 10 years. No other doctor has ever been concerned about it, and now I've got like 3 weeks to surgery and all of a sudden it's an issue. I know it's just a safety thing, I get that, but if it turns into some long, drawn out process to figure it out and I can't get surgery until next year, I have to start all over with the deductible again. My mother used to tell me not to borrow trouble so I should probably not freak out, but I can't help it. I just want to get this over with and move on with my life.

I could do something around lunchtime on the 13th, but won't be free in the evening. I got tickets to see Danny Bhoy up in York .

I am doing it - we're scheduled for the same day! As for the food, I'm planning for a small, not-over-the-top early Thanksgiving with some of my closest family. On the actual holiday kicking back with some turkey broth and watching everyone else clean up sounds *perfect*. Good luck to you!