susi1662

Betsy, thats a hilarious story about your son!!! lemonade flavored gravy??? Hahahahaha!:confused:

My sample pack of Syntrax Nectar just came in the mail, and I am really disappointed with the taste of the fruit juice flavors. So far I have tried the fuzzy navel and twisted cherry flavors mixed with water, and personally I found them awful! Maybe if they were mixed with soy milk they'd be better, but then again, I can't imagine drinking the iced tea flavor in milk! My daughter tried the cappuchino flavored with soy milk, and said it it is pretty good. So for now, I think I will stick with the Body Fortress brand from WalMart. They are cheap, have 26 grams of whey isolate protein and taste really good!

Hi! I am also in the process of getting banded, and am currently on a 6 month supervised diet. My diet is probably different from others because it really is a practice diet for life after the band. I am to eat at least 4X per day, and having a protein with each meal. I have to eat the protein first, then vegetables. I have to avoid eating bread, rice, and pasta. I can't drink with meals, and have to wait at least 45 mins to an hour after I eat to drink something. I have to practice eating slowly, and chewing thoroughly (my biggest challenge! lol). The diet is not meant to be a weight loss diet, although I should if I follow the guidelines! I am also starting an exersize program. I don't know if this is what you wanted or not, but I hope it helps a little! susi

Modifying mt diet and eating habits has been an interesting experience! It's made me see where my problem areas are, and what to really work on changing. Saw the dietician on the 20th, and according that scale I weighed 253, which was 7 lbs less from initial weigh in on the 6th, so we both think it wasn't really accurate (it was a different scale at a different clinic), so I am waiting to see if there's been a change on my next appointment on the 18th. Exercize has been the pebble in my shoe though. I went to the exercize physiologist and her gave me some things to do at home, I went all gung ho and bought myself an exercize band and a mat, but have I done them? NO! I went to a trainer at the Y, and she gave me some more things to do like walking 30 minutes every day (what a joke, I can only handle about 5 minutes at a time right now!) and gave me some weight lifting goals. Water aerobics were going to be my big thing, but all of a sudden our normally warm AZ weather has been too cool for me to go! So needless to say, I have been a bit disappointed in myself. But, I am going to stop making excuses, and start doing what I need to do. I have been to the Y once so far, walked a bit on the treadmill, and did a few weights. Walked the dog for about 5 minutes the other day, and today I did a little bit of my Walk at Home dvd by Leslie Sansone. Had a hard time keeping up, had to stop and rest a couple of times, but at least I gave it a shot! I will get over this slump!

Modifying mt diet and eating habits has been an interesting experience! It's made me see where my problem areas are, and what to really work on changing. Saw the dietician on the 20th, and according that scale I weighed 253, which was 7 lbs less from initial weigh in on the 6th, so we both think it wasn't really accurate (it was a different scale at a different clinic), so I am waiting to see if there's been a change on my next appointment on the 18th. Exercize has been the pebble in my shoe though. I went to the exercize physiologist and her gave me some things to do at home, I went all gung ho and bought myself an exercize band and a mat, but have I done them? NO! I went to a trainer at the Y, and she gave me some more things to do like walking 30 minutes every day (what a joke, I can only handle about 5 minutes at a time right now!) and gave me some weight lifting goals. Water aerobics were going to be my big thing, but all of a sudden our normally warm AZ weather has been too cool for me to go! So needless to say, I have been a bit disappointed in myself. But, I am going to stop making excuses, and start doing what I need to do. I have been to the Y once so far, walked a bit on the treadmill, and did a few weights. Walked the dog for about 5 minutes the other day, and today I did a little bit of my Walk at Home dvd by Leslie Sansone. Had a hard time keeping up, had to stop and rest a couple of times, but at least I gave it a shot! I will get over this slump!

hi sandi, thanks for responding and giving me the rearding myself idea. I'll try that! I have gone to the Y now, walked on the treadmill for about 6 minutes, it wasn't much, but it was something! I also did some weights too, that one of the trainers showed me. That was a couple of days ago. I have yet to really start the exercizes that the exercize physiologist gave me to do and home with my exercize band. Today I did do a bit of a home walking program by Leslie Sansone, I had to take breaks every once in a while, but I know that with doing it more, I'll be able to keep up with the dvd. I am going to see if I can get my daughter to do that with me! It's been unusually cold here the past few days, so since I HATE cold water (LOL) I haven't started the water aerobics yet. As soon as our normal AZ comes back. I will get started. I am going to be more positive about this, and take baby steps and I know I will be successful! I have to start small to get started, as I haven't ever done any exercize before! I am going to make it!

Found these on another forum, and am sharing here. There are some flavors of soy milk that I have never heard of before, but I think you can tweak the recipe to get close to the same taste! chocolate Monkey 8 oz. Water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate Protein 1/2 a banana Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. strawberry Banana smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/2 banana 3 whole frozen strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Split 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla Protein Powder 1/2 banana 1/4 cup chopped pineapple 2 frozen strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Blueberry Bonanza Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Covered Cherry 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein 10-12 frozen or fresh cherries optional: 1 tsp. of SF Cherry Torani Syrup or a drop of cherry extract Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Silky Latte 4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Silky Mocha 4 oz. Silk brand Mocha soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie 4 oz. Vitasoy Peppermint Chocolate soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. pumpkin Spice Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (chilled) Dash of pumpkin pie spice Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. berry Berry Good Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen or fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mochachinno 8 oz. cold coffee 1 scoop chocolate protein 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Egg Nog Protein shake 4 oz. Silk Nog soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein Dash of nutmeg Place liquid in the blender first, then powder. Blend on low then high till well blended. Dash of nutmeg on top. Pina Colada 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup pineapple 1 Tbs. SF Coconut Torani Syrup (I've also used 2 T. of unsweetened coconut from the health food store or Baker's catalog) Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Peanut Butter Cup 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbs. peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 2-3 ice cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Cherry Vanilla Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 5-6 maraschino cherries 1 Tbs. SF French Vanilla Torani Syrup Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Caramel Protein Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 Tbs. SF Caramel Torani Syrup 3 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 banana Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 3-4 Frozen Whole Strawberries Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Lemon Meringue Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Lemon pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Green Giant 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Pistachio Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Butterscotch Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Butterscotch Pudding Powder 2 Ice Cubes Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Cheesecake Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1 T. SF Jello Cheesecake Pudding Powder 3-4 Frozen or Fresh Strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Vanilla Spice Protein Shake 4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein powder Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 4 oz. water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 T. Almond Butter 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mango Madness Protein Smoothie 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 banana 1/2 shot of espresso or 1/4 cup fresh coffee or 1 tsp instant coffee 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Carrot Cake Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. Silk Spice soy milk (if you use Vanilla or Plain Milk add more cinnamon and nutmeg) 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup frozen sliced carrots 1 Tablespoon Cream cheese Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg Place liquids in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mango Banana Protein Lassi 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 4 oz. water 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 1 Tbs. SF Vanilla Torani Syrup 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Protein Smoothie 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1/2 Banana (fresh or frozen) Dash Cinnamon Dash Nutmeg 2-3 Ice Cubes 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mocha Banana Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1/2 banana 1 tsp instant espresso powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Mocha Joe Protein Shake 4 oz. water 4 oz. vanilla soy milk 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 1 tsp instant espresso powder 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Peach Cobbler Protein Shake 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup frozen sliced peaches dash cinnamon dash nutmeg 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended Mango Banana Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks 1/2 a banana 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Gingersnap Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 1/2-3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1 Tablespoon Starbuck's SF Cinnamon Dolce Syrup dash of cinnamon 2-3 ice cubes Place liquid in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Strawberry Mango Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop vanilla protein 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks 3 whole strawberries Place water in the blender first, then powder, then additions. Blend on low then high till well blended. Banana Bread Protein Smoothie 8 oz. water or 4 oz. soy milk/4 oz. water 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder 1 T. SF Jello Banana Pudding Mix, dry 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon dash Nutmeg dash Ground Cloves 1/2 Banana, frozen 2-3 Ice Cubes

Here is a link to a youtube video that you might like to watch if you are a fan of fried cheese sticks. YouTube - WLS Recipe: Fiberiffic "Fried" Cheese Sti

I just found this on another bandster forum, sounded so good I thought I'd share it here! whey Protein Faux Ice Cream Sandwiches Ingredients 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt 1 banana 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 scoop whey protein Graham crackers (reserve) Directions Purée all ingredients together and freeze until semi-solid. Stir a few times while freezing. Once it has reached "ice cream" consistency, sandwich a scoop between 2 low-fat graham crackers and return to freezer to firm up. Serve or keep in an airtight container in the freezer until you're ready for your next post-workout snack. __________________

Still having trouble with getting started. I have all the good intentions in the world, but those intentions are not coming to fruition! It's hard to get myself out of the house, I have become somewhat of a hermit in the past 3 years. I was going to start water aerobics thics this week, but just have felt yucky (phyiscally) since yesterday, so no go. I took my dog out for awalk the other day, and could only walk around the corner and a bit more before my legs and back started cramping up, and I was out of breath! when I got home, my daughter said I was only gone for about 3-5 minutes! That's pretty discouraging. Heck if I can't walk more than that, will I ever be able to??? I am frustrated with myself! I want to get to started, but thats the difficult part for me. Thanks for letting me vent! I will post once I start moving...

I am not banded yet, but my nose also begins to run went I have eaten too fast or too much! Now I know why!

Hi! I am in Peoria, and am going thru the weight loss institute of AZ in Phx. Their surgeons are Dr. DeBarros and Dr. Orris. My doc is DeBarros. I like him alot! He is very personable, and the other thing is is that he has a band himself! So he knows what his patients go thru first hand. They have seminars on the east side, central Phx and also on the west side. You should check them out! susi

I had my psych eval yesterday, and I am feeling a bit worried about it. I probably am feeling this way mistakenly, but I just can't help it! I was honest about the mental health issues that I have, but he seemed concerned about them. I have seen here on the forums that there are people who have the same issues I have, and they have gotten the band, and have been successful, so I know it can be done. What do you think would happen if you don't pass the psych eval, but are cleared from all the other tests?

Yesterday I went shopping, and walked right past an angel food cake, and went and got a protein bar instead!!!

Yesterday I went shopping, and walked right past an angel food cake, and went and got a protein bar instead!!!

I am also disabled but denied medicare because I am covered under my bf's private insurance. I know that I am still eligible though, but don't know if I can get it right now. Since my private insurance is covering the majority of the things I need, I wonder if I have medicare, if they would help with the 5000 dollar copay I have to pay to the hospital?

Boy am I glad that I gave up soda a long time, or I'd be in the same boat as you ladies!! My downfall is that I absolutely HATE the aftertaste of diet drinks and sweeteners! I drink Lipton's Green tea w/citrus, and that has been hard to give up, and I am wayyyyyy preband! I would be scared to drink soda from what I've heard about the gas pains you can get, and also by the idea that it can stretch my pouch and casue the band to slip.

Sandy, you certainly are an inspiration! I just read your blog post, Use It Lose It, and I found it amazing. Right now, I am not doing any exercize, although I need to be. I have membership at the Y, but I have only gone once in the 2 years that I have had it. I too don't even do my own grocery shopping, I send my daughter to do it for me. I have a pool and don't use it because I panic when I get into water over my head (I am a real shorty), I just can't swim anymore with this weight. When I walk, I cramp up and lose my breath and need to sit down. I am really frustrated because I am not able to get up and make myself do anything! I have 10 months to go before I can get banded, and I just don't know to get started. Maybe if I follow the way you did it, I can do it. I am really frustrated with myself....

Are there any people out there who have the following mental health issues. I am curious as to how the the band has affected you. I have bipolar disorder and ADHD. I know that is a personal and private issue, but I hope people will vote in the poll, even reply if they feel comfortable with it. I don't usually announce my mental health issues, but am not ashamed to say the truth, since they are a part of me and who I am.

I take Centrum Chewables. I found mine at the local grocery store. Congrats on your banding! Good luck tomorrow! It's the beginning of your new life!

sounds yummy (other than with that protein powder) I love V8 juice, the spicy kind, and if you can find a flavorless protien powder that really is flavorless, that would be great! one question, what is veggie powder? Thanks for sharing!

My 1st consult is tomorrow! It will be an interesting day, since I will be getting all of my insurance info, as well as getting my psych eval, and labs drawn and meeting the whole team at the clinic! I am stoked at finally getting started!

I was wrong... the first consult wasn't as I had thought it would be... but I did meet with my surgeon and with the dietician, so that was good.

I started my "diet" two days after my consult, and found that it's more of a behavior mod diet that one to lose weight on! My guidelines are to eat at least 4 times a day, lots of protein, eating slowly, drinking lots of water.... etc. The dietician says it's not about weight loss, mostly practicing to eat like a bandster. If I lose weight, thats great, but I just can't gain it! I can live with that. I've been on it for 4 days now, and am finding it hard to being eating "so much", as I usually don't eat much during the day. Not drinking with meals has been fine, but eating slowly and taking smaller bites has been a challenge. I guess it'll get better with time and PRACTICE! As for exercising, I haven't started anything yet, I need to start walking at least a little bit though, just as a start. I need to make an appointment with the exercize physiologist to get a routine made for me, that will help! I know that I need to get moving for all of this to work!

I started my "diet" two days after my consult, and found that it's more of a behavior mod diet that one to lose weight on! My guidelines are to eat at least 4 times a day, lots of protein, eating slowly, drinking lots of water.... etc. The dietician says it's not about weight loss, mostly practicing to eat like a bandster. If I lose weight, thats great, but I just can't gain it! I can live with that. I've been on it for 4 days now, and am finding it hard to being eating "so much", as I usually don't eat much during the day. Not drinking with meals has been fine, but eating slowly and taking smaller bites has been a challenge. I guess it'll get better with time and PRACTICE! As for exercising, I haven't started anything yet, I need to start walking at least a little bit though, just as a start. I need to make an appointment with the exercize physiologist to get a routine made for me, that will help! I know that I need to get moving for all of this to work!