MsB7

Thank you, ladies!!
Today is one day I don't mind being surrounded by mirrors. Lol
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Today makes 12 weeks post op. Hard to believe. As I look back, I see all the ups and downs I've had during that time.
It's easy to feel good about everything on those "high" days, but on those lows? It's really hard not to focus on anything, but the negative. I found this forum in hopes of helping me reach my goal, but I have taken away so much more.
I for one do not have a support system I can rely on, so I am thankful for all of you.
There are so many of you that have shown me that even though life can be pretty crappy, there is always something to be thankful for.
More importantly, a few of you have caused me to laugh, when all I wanted to do was cry. And one very kind person that through our talks, I ended up learning more about myself that I either refused to see, or just didn't want to acknowledge. If that's all I take away from this process, I will be forever grateful.
Anyway I say all that for this.....the numbers on the scale have once again stopped. I've been driving myself crazy about it cause all I could focus on was those stupid numbers.
If it wasn't for what I've learned on here "to look for the good" I totally would not have even realized I grabbed a pair of jeans 4 sizes smaller than what I've been wearing and.....THEY FIT!!!! Wasn't until I looked in the mirror at work that I saw they aren't my usual "go to's."
So, thank you to all of you that have been there as mentors, comedians, my reality at times, and more importantly friends.
Dang I look good, and this is only the beginning!!
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Thanks everyone. I got some protein2o at Vitamin World and I'm planning on giving that a shot. I also plan to check out the other options listed here. Wish me luck!
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those feelings are completely normal!
but you know what? I did not feel like a failure when I had a hysterectomy to deal with those issues in my body and I am not going to feel like a failure to have my stomach changed to deal with obesity.

@@fancypants67 In January of 2015, I went for my first consultation for WLS. I had signed up and said I was gonna go through with it. Then, I backed out because I thought "I can do this on my own." I wasn't ready to give in.... Fast forward to December of 2015 and I hadn't lost one pound, hell I probably gained 5 pounds... I decided enough was enough, found a new doctor that I LOVE, and made the commitment this January. I was just sleeved 8 days ago and I'm so happy that I did. I really regret NOT going through with it back in 2015 because I could have been at my goal by now! I just wasn't ready. It's normal to feel that way, but you aren't quitting. You are admitting that you need help. This tool will help you get where you need to be to be healthy. Believe me, you aren't "throwing in the towel", because you still have to work at it. You still have to put effort into your weight loss, you will just have a tool to help you get it done a little easier:)

The night before and the morning of.

I used Hibiclens as per my pre-surgery orders. I got mine from CVS but I remember the clerk being kind of clueless and having to do some research as to where to find it in the store.

I was told to use Hibiclens from the neck down and to gargle with Listerine.

Hey! I'm doing really well. Thank you for checking in on me! As of this morning, the scale showed 197.9. That's a total loss of 60 lbs. I'm in awe at my progress but so so grateful to be where I am so far! I hope everything goes well for you and UHC covers thst revision. I've heard/read such horrendous experiences with the band and feel horrible for anyone stuck with it and the complications they have to endure. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I've decided to update the original list/posting “List of Bariatric Nutritional Companies offering free samples!” by TapSnap. The following contains websites stating if they offer free samples. I contacted most companies via the “Contact Us” link and stated my rational for a free sample. However, some companies did offer a direct link for a form to fill out for free samples. I will say that all companies required you to input your email address, thus, some companies have daily emails with discounts and coupons. Only a small handful of companies continue to send out promotional emails after filling out the contact form. (Good thing there is always an “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the emails). Other companies I had to call directly after not receiving a response to my initial email. Please feel free to post comments for additional companies that offer free samples.
Protein


BariatricPal.com- Did not offer free samples, however, they did provide me with a link to get 25% off my total purchase.
Gotein.com/sampls_pack.html- Sample pack of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate Protein mix. They also require you to pay $1.00 in shipping fees.
Freelean1.com- Free sample of lean1 protein mix after a short survey. They also require you to pay a shipping fee of $2.99.
Wheynaturalusa.com- Free protein mix sample and a 10% off coupon. They also require you to pay a shipping fee of $2.50.
Chikenutrition.com- Does not offer free samples. But they do have a variety pack of 5 flavors of Meal Replacement at a discounted price.
Pillsbury.com- After making an account, they state that they will occasionally send you options of free samples in their newsletter. Otherwise its a great resource for coupons and recipes.
S partos.com/protein_water- Doesn't seem to be producing protein Water since early 2014.
Bigtrain.com- Does not offer free samples nor coupons. However, they do have a variety pack to purchase for sampling.
C lifbar.com- They offer occasional samples for those signed up for the newsletter. Otherwise, no free samples upon inquiry.
Vitalady.com- Does not offer free samples nor coupons.
Designerprotein.com---Does not offer free samples nor coupons.
Musclemilk.com- Originally contacted cytosport.com, whom referred me directly to musclemilk.com. Sent muscle milk Protein powder sample, monster blend and monster isolate protein powders.
Questproteinbar.com- Receive 2 Protein Bars and 2 protein powders of your chosen flavor for free.

Fitness-connection.com--- No longer offers free samples.
Atkins.com- For making a account on Atkins they send you a free starter kit, informational nutrition packets, and a BOGO coupon for a frozen meal.
How2lse.com- sent 2nd email 5/13/16- No response from company therefore no free sample.

Twinlab.com- Supposedly you get free samples of their protein- called 05/13/16 and shipped UPS- No sample received.

Vitamins

Bariatricfusion.com-Sent Protein Powder sample and sample pack of Vitamins. Free shipping on first order.

Wellesse.com- $2 off coupon and a free 2 ounce sample of liquid Calcium and D3.
Celebratevitamins.com- Get a sample pack of vitamins for $3.00 and receive a $3 coupon off your first order.
BariatricChoice.com- Sample of protein chicken bouillon Soup, chocolate cream pudding shake, and Multivitamin.

Bariatricadvantage.com- Sample pack of chewable vitamins.
procarenow.com--- sample packs of vitamins, protein powder sample packs, and Protein Bars.< /p>
Bbvitamins.com-called 05/13/16 requesting free sample- No sample received.
Other Offers/Discounts
Kindsnacks.com- 10% off first time order with code KINDLYL10
thinkthin.com- Does not offer samples nor coupons.
Isopure- Does not offer samples nor coupons.
www.bellplantation.com- A.K.A. PB2- Does not offer samples nor coupons.
GNC.com- Sign up and get 15% off your next online or phone order. Receive additional discounts with membership. All GNC products are returnable within 30 days with receipt f you don’t like it.
gastricbypasssupplements.com- Does not offer free samples.
Nashuanutrition.com- Does not offer free samples nor coupons
Ultimatenutrition.com- Does not offer free samples at this time
premierprotein.com- No free samples.
Energyfirst.com- They will send you samples of protein powders, a Protein Bar, pre-workout energy powder, and organic super food powder.
Powerbar.com- No free samples
jayrobb.com- Will send you 2 free samples of protein powder.
supremeprotein.com- No free samples

Isatoritech.com- Received tub container of protein powder for free!
doctorsbestweightloss.com- 4 free samples of my choosing from any brand on their website.
Chefjays.com- Coupon for $7.50 to try some of their products- “Sample750”

Purefit.com- $14.95 shipping for a 7 bar sample box and a coupon for your next order.
biotrust.com- 15% discounted coupon when ordering over the phone.
orgain.com- No free samples. Significant coupons available on their website for various discounts.
biprousa.com- Sent a variety of protein powder samples.
EAS.com- No free samples but will mail you coupons.
mybariatricpantry.com- Does not offer free samples nor coupons. However, they do have a variety pack to purchase for sampling.
naturade.com- Will send you literature, sample protein powders, and coupons.
Championperformance.com- email sent 4/15/16- never responded. No contact phone number available. Second email sent 5/13/16- No response from company.
drinkclick.com- email sent twice, called and left message 05/23/16- No response from company but plenty of promotional emails.
optimumnutrition.com- called and left message 05/23/16- No response from company.
ambarinutrition.com (sister website bariatricfoodsource.com)- sample requested 05/19/16 via phone. Did not receive a sample.
myvega.com- sample requested 05/19/16 via phone- Did not receive a sample.
In addition, please feel free to share this information with others who have had a WLS in order to aide them in their lifelong journey. The only thing I ask is to please give credit where it is due. It took me hours upon hours over multiple weeks to organize this list, bring it up to date, and add additional websites from the original posting by TapSnap. Please keep in mind that this information was collected from March until June 2016. I hope you all find this list as helpful as it was for me!
Disclaimer: If you get an email back saying they are not doing free samples at this time, wait a couple of weeks and try again. Most of the companies only give out so many samples each month.
*The picture I included contains all of the samples that I received! I did not spend more than $10 for everything in the picture. I personally did not opt for every discount offered.

I add nutritional yeast to anything and everything. It adds Protein (app. 8gr/2 TBLsp) to everything. In Soups it tastes like savory croutons. On meat, fish, fowl, it has a cheesy taste.
It's a great way to boost the Protein count of whatever you're eating.
Give it a try. "you'll like it".
Good luck and let us know how you're doing along your journey.
Prayer going up for you, Friend.

Ditto what's been said. No way could I get all my Protein from food until maybe 1.5 years post op and honestly still can't most days at 2.5 year out and I've been at goal for a year and a half!
I also used 5-6 small meals a day rather than three squares again because my capacity wasn't large enough to fit everything in. Still do that to this day. High Protein Snacks like Greek yogurt, shrimp, tuna, Jerky and yeah Quest Protein Bars.

The shakes are awesome. The most important thing is to get the Protein in so if it takes the shakes to do it then so be it. It's your journey so how you eat will be totally different from everyone else. It's not a 1 size fits all kind of journey. We all tolerate foods differently so do what is best for your tummy.

pureed cooked oatmeal, smooth applesauce, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, and pureed winter squash; try them out and you may need to Water them down with water, broth for flavor, or milk for Protein or almond milk for taste. Yogurt is a good one, too. You can also puree canned foods like green Beans, carrots, tuna, and chicken. The foods that aren’t high in protein (like cream of wheat or oatmeal) you can add unflavored Protein Powder to. Pureed canned beans are good if you can tolerate them; some people can't.

I definitely didn't have bland food. I put Sriracha on everything. Refried Beans, I topped with plain Greek yogurt that was mixed with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. There are a lot of foods that have flavor in the Puree stage. Think texture not flavor! I liked cream of wheat with banana baby food mixed in, it was actually really flavorful.
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I always feel that I need to start by suggesting that you call your bariatric team and let them guide you. They are familiar with your specific plan as well as you personally.
Soooo, the pureed stage can be the most creative level of WLS menus. Anything you can cook in a crock pot and then blend in a blender is a "go". Step out of the box---like chicken cooked in diet root beer in a crock pot sounds whacky, but is really yummy. pureed foods have to be smooth--not tasteless, so don't forget your seasoning.
Cottage cheese just needs to be blended down until smooth.
I hope I have helped a wee bit.
Be creative and have fun with the pureed stage.
Prayers going up for you and your imagination!
PS: The Soup question? yes, you can. Better yet, make your own bone soup, add some nutritional Protein (for added Protein and flavoring) and dig in!

The last few weeks I've been seeing a lot of rude responses to posts........each time I saw one I wanted to respond and ask "WTH is your problem?"......but knew that would just add to the drama, and I think that's what those folks are seeking anyway......So I found this "Rant" section and decided this would be the place to express my low opinion of those posters that seem to think that name calling and talking down to people is the way to respond to posts on a support forum....I see this type of response most often from some of the long timers. I'm not going to name names, because I know you know who you are because it is obvious it is done intentionally.....My advice to those folks, is if you're no longer able to provide support without being sarcastic, maybe it's time you move on with your life and just leave the forum and find something you're good at......It's great to have long timers here that will share their experiences with newbies because it is priceless when shared appropriately.....but if you don't know how to do it in a way that is supportive, you're only being hurtful and may actually cause someone not to ask a future question for fear they will be attached for being stupid......
That's the end of my rant.............As Ellen says at the end of all her shows............"Be kind to one another"

Thanks everyone. It seems that the Flintstones Complete are very popular [emoji4] I don't want to take too many things but I thought I would have to take Calcium and B12 as well. I will see what the NUT class for Surgery advises me as well. Thanks again everyone.
Have a Wonderful day
Blessings

I like to coupon, especially at stores that double the face value of the coupon. There are always coupons for Premier Protein. Maybe that would be worth a try?
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Wow u guys have so many hoops to jump through! I have a consult with surgeon, full physical with chest x rays and other tests, then if I pass I get a surgery date!
So happy for u! I'll be watching for updates
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My doctor prescribed Bariatric Advantage Essential Multi Vitamin, Bariatric Advantage Dry Vitamin D, Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate chewable with Vitamin D, and Bariatric Advantage Chewable Iron 29. I am hoping that I can find a more tolerable brand of Vitamins. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I would rather not have the Vitamins that taste like chalk.

I'm taking two Flintstones Complete with Iron a day, and two Vitamin D 1000 IU. I used Flintstones immediately after surgery because they never caused any stomach upset (as most Multivitamins do for me), never broke me out (I have PCOS and am acne-prone), and could be taken without food or Water. About two months post-op I switched to these Vitamins http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Vitamin-Womens-Capsules/dp/B00280M13Y and I really liked them. I went back to taking Flintstones about five months post-op simply because they are more readily available and I didn't have to make a special trip to pick them up. I briefly tried the patch, but they caused skin irritation so I gave the rest of my pack to my dad (who hasn't had that problem). My blood work has been excellent.
Taking excessive Vitamins can actually be more detrimental than beneficial. If you haven't already done so, I recommend getting your Vitamin levels checked to see where you stand before taking anything beyond what your surgeon instructed. I accidentally worsened symptoms of my PCOS a couple of years ago by taking vitamins that weren't necessary. They also caused me to have strange tingling sensations, sleep disruptions, and other issues. My endocrinologist went on a mini rant about stores like Whole Foods promoting B12 and people overloading on it without realizing that it can be harmful.

My surgeon recommended Flintstones Complete - surprisingly enough, they have more Iron and zinc in them than all of the bariatric Vitamins I looked at.
The NUT also recommended bari-melts and the Nascobal B12 Rx - it also comes with a Multivitamin, Calcium, and Iron. The only reason I didn't really look into it is because I caught Flintstones on sale and have already stocked up.
Once I run out of those, I'll switch back to a capsule (or the patch).

Today I went to meet with the surgeon for my All Consultation and I was given 2 dates. The first date I had to decline because of a pre planned Family trip. So August 24,2016 is my Sleeve Surgery date

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!