I"m going to be banded in about 3-4 weeks, and was wondering if either of these is a must? I feel like it might be since the mushy stage and protein drinks? What did you all use? Or are using now?

A THUNDERSTICK!!!

LOL That's the brand of immersible blender I bought years ago. I started out with the blender, but it was a hassle to constantly be washing it.

An immerible allows you to blend right in the glass, cup or bowl you're eating from and then be washed off quickly and ready for next time.

Immersible -- that's MY recommendation!

I use my blender. I got a bullet but it's a waste of time and money as far as I'm concerned. I'm always tricked by those infomercials. lol

Is an "immersible" one of those hand-held deals? I have a blender now with a drink cup attachment for single servings. I also have a small food processor.

Is an "immersible" one of those hand-held deals? I have a blender now with a drink cup attachment for single servings. I also have a small food processor.

Yes, "immersible" is hand-held, stick the business end down in your cup or bowl and puree the heck out of it!

I, too, have to recommend the immersible blender. I have the Braun hand-held stick blender and I've yet to come across any kind of food that could be blended with a regular blender, but not with the stick blender.

My Braun also came with a chopper attachment (sort of looks like a mini food processor) and that has been wonderful for chopping/pureeing foods that you would normally drag out your food processor for. Granted, it's small and can't hold too much, but it beats having to clean a food processor. I'm going to try to grind my own chicken breast to make chicken burgers.

I've heard mixed reviews about the magic bullet, especially about the seal rings that may have to be replaced. They're also pretty small and limited given what else you may want to make.

Good luck!

Thanks Nana. I see those hand-held deals at the thrift stores all the time. I'll have to check them out now. I just spent a chunk of money on 2 nice scales - 1 digital nutritional for the kitchen, and a digital bath scale. Gettin' ready for the ride!!!!!!!

I love my bullet. I've used it almost every day for more than 2 years, and really don't know what I'd do without it. It works great for Protein drinks (you blend right in the cup), and I use it for chopping nuts, making guacamole, whipping cream, etc. Then you just put the cup in the dish washer. (Mine came with a bunch of extra attachments for grating, juicing, etc. -- I don't use those, just the chopper & blender).

A lot of people have posted thinking it's too pricey, but I've already gotten 700+ uses out of it, so to me it's a pretty good investment. :ohmy:

I love my bullet so much - I even persuaded my mom to buy one too (she is not banded, but loves smoothies) I have had a smoothie machine, blender, hand held blender and by far I love and USE my Bullet all the time.

I would spend the money to buy a new one every year if I had to.

Hi I just love my magic bullet, like its compact size and if we are going to be eating smaller portions why in the world would we need a 10 cup blender!!

On my second day of the pre op diet, scheduled for april 8th. I am soooooo excited!!!

I use my generic magic bullet. I bought it from Walmart for like $30 and it does the same thing and comes with all the cups and stuff too. I think the brand is Sunbeam.

I bought an off brand bullet at JC Penney.......LOVE it.

I don't know if my blender would even be able to puree 1/4 cup.....but this can. It's been a real convenient item to have.....and I think it makes the protein shakes a little more palatable.

OMG, I use my Magic Bullet every day. I have a blender, ultimate chopper, cuisinart, you name it. But I love my magic bullet. I make a protein shake every morning with Vanilla Carnation instant breakfast, a few frozen strawberries, Vanilla Unjury protein powder and drink it on the way to work. I have also made salsa in it. I haven't used it for much else, but everyday protein shakes make it worth it for me. I LOVE IT! It does come with a recipe book that looks really good, but for almost a year now, I've used it every day.!!

Good luck.

Cindy

I have a regular blender and I recently purchased the Magic Bullet. Personally I have to recommend the Magic Bullet or at the very least something that will do smaller portions than a regular blender. After you are banded you will be making smaller portions that it will just be a paint to wash the entire blender when you could only be washing a small cup. Besides the Protein powders taste the best with only 4-5 ounces of Water, even if you add other things.

What I like about the magic bullet is that you get more than one cup. Sometimes I just don't want to immediately wash it and just put it in the dishwasher and pull out another one for the next shake. As far as the plastic rings that you will need to replace on it, it comes with four or five extras and I have a friend that lost hers and called the company and they sent some for free.

If you don't plan on crushing ice or fruit then you don't even need either. You can get stirr cups that mix the powders with water in seconds that cost $12. I got one from the Vitalady. (Vitalady.com - Protein supplements, Vitamins & Minerals, and Safe Snacks!) Those are nice for work and easy to clean.

Edited March 29, 200818 yr by ShellShock
listed wrong price for item

immersible blender definately.

I am on my second magic bullet. I wore the first one out. I have had both the conventional blender and the thunder stick and I have found I love the bullet compared to the others. You mix your drink right in the cup and it can take ice and make it into snow, literally! They aren't that expensive considering how long they last.