BLERDgirl

A blender makes it easier, but no it's not necessary. I had a nutra bullet long before WLS, but I like to cook and have a bunch of appliances and gadgets.

@ - Jut keep doing what you are doing. What you are feeling is perfectly normal. Stay hydrated, keep up with the Protein & walking. Since you returned to school make sure to sneak in a cat nap whenever you can.

@@Dar200 - If you think the addiction is that serious you may also want to consider therapy even if it's just short term. The surgery will help, but you have to learn to develop new tools to deal with stress and change your views on food.

I've never heard of someone having swallowing nearly a year post op. It could be GERD, but I would call the doctor. Since you are nearing a year out perhaps he could order a swallow study to make sure everything is okay.

I would ask the doctor to write a script for colace (stool softener)and omeprazole or a PPI (acid) at discharge. Better to practice preventative care. It's good to have several water bottles available as well.

@@ASUgrad - I'm a makeup gal. I had to create a vanity with filing cabinets to hold all my stuff. However for skin care I find that the more natural and basic something is, the better it works for my skin. I am somehow this weird combination of high maintenance and hippie.

Gosh what an awful few days Glad to see you didn't self medicate with food. I hope you can do something about the horse situation. I cannot stand animals being mistreated. It breaks my heart.

It takes a while to tell the difference and it will be a slightly different feeling.

I'm gonna add this because I see soooo many folks having trouble with constipation. Wheat germ, flax powder or psyllium powder. A tsp added to a shake, yogurt or applesauce should help keep you regular.

What is on your food plan? You can add wheat germ, flax powder, psyllium to food on a soft diet. They are all excellent forms of fiber. Especially when added to high Protein foods like yogurts. They can also be blended into Protein shakes. Make sure you are getting in ALL your fluids since that will help with constipation as well.

It's easy clear is anything you can see through. The others are more milkshake like. The unjury sampler is a good way to see what flavors you like and dislike. The link you provided is the unflavored. When adding it to Soup, never add it directly to heat. It will clump. I dissolve it in a tbsp or less of Water until it's smooth, then slowly add it to my soup.

Isopure unflavored added to Soup or broth was a godsend. I needed something not sweet. Bang for the buck the Isopure NoCarb teas are great for hitting those Protein AND Fluid goals. I split one bottle into thirds and mixed in my Water. My water bottle is 24 ounces. I drink that 3 times a day. At the end of the day I've gotten in 72 ounces of fluids and 40 gms of protein not counting my food. It makes hitting 100gms of protein easy. On the cheap side I use CVS brand vanilla powder in my coffee instead of cream. I don't drink coffee every day but when I do, this is a nice boost.

The consultation should just be an informational session. Just remember that goes both ways. Make sure you inform them of all your medical history and any meds you are taking.

Clear Protein shakes:

go into your settings and turn it off

@@Basia - Someone on another thread suggested getting a lidded cup and trying to sip that way so that it blocks the smell.

Good for you! Keep up the good work!

Which ones are you taking? Have you had your bloodwork checked lately?

It's hard to tell without a little more info. What was your pre-op weight? Date of surgery weight? How tall are you? Age? Are you taking the stool softeners regularly? Have you spoken with your doctor about this? What is a typical food day like for you? Are you getting in all your Protein and fluids?

Agreed I only shop on sale and Goodwill. Until I'm at goal, it's a waste of money.

I don't weigh myself often enough to track something like that.

Splenda is less artificial because it's derived from sugar. The vanilla protein powder I use instead of coffee creamer has a sucrolose(generic splenda) in it. I find that if I am careful and don't use too much it doesn't trigger my allergies

I do real sugar, raw honey and maple sugar. However I am extremely careful to keep the amounts small and I try not to have any of these every day. I do partake in small amount of fruit so I do get naturally occurring sugars as well.

This all looks good. Maybe try upping the calories a little bit. Add more healthy fats like nuts, avocados or had boiled eggs. I don't think you are doing anything wrong, it sounds like your activity level is just burning through what you are eating. It also sounds like you are close to goal, the body will hold onto those last few pounds.

@OKCPiratev- I don't have any issues with clumping with the Isopure. I will check out the pipingrock. I am leery of changing because it's such a challenge to find things that work with my food allergies. I do plan on trying some of the Bob's Red Mill protein powders. They are plant based and not cheap, but I would eventually like to go vegan once I hit goal so I'm trying to find things I can begin to transition to.