Hi Julie, Congratulations on being 3 pounds from goal. That's when the real work starts, I believe!! I have spent over an hour replying to this post and my computer keeps knocking it out. So, I'll keep it short. Julie, please don't ever be scared to post, especially if you feel something might harm others. I respect your opinion and certainly wouldn't want to contribute to something negative. If you feel that way I'm sure others do as well. I don't agree though that the diet is a "gimmicky fix" as Joanne got the ok from her surgeon. I have referred people from the main board back to their nutritionist or surgeon. I did feel comfortable sharing with Wanda and Debbie because I feel I know them a little better. So, I'll refer people back to Joanne, if she still wishes to share. Thanks, Paula

Julie, I'm not offended in the least bit and am thankful for your concern. You are absolutely right when you say we need to stick to the basics. I personally needed to do something drastic to get me back on track, and it worked. Will I do it again.... probably not. I did feel like I was "dieting" and that is not a good feeling. One good thing did come from it though, I'm truly back to the basics now. You are such a good role model! Thanks for sharing your concern. Wanda

I'm a little concerned about posting this, but I hope this is a board where we can talk freely without anyone getting offended and I hope you all take it in the spirit offered. I'm concerned about the recent thread where everyone is talking liquid diets. I know it's working for several and I guess that's good, but to me it feels like the same old desperate, gimmicky fixes we all rushed to embrace pre-op. Been there, done that. And I hope to never go there again. It didn't work then and I'm doubtful that it will work now - at least for me. I find it scary to think that that may be my future and I don't think my surgeon or dietician would support it. I know I'm only 3 lbs from goal and that may be coloring my perception of it, but "back to the basics" to me means eating right...lots of protein, veggies, fruits, no sugar, lots of water and all of my supplements and vitamins. Doesn't anyone else get cold feet and clammy hands just thinking about going all liquid? Julie 254/ 143

Hi Debbie, If you are talking about the diet that Joanne shared with us it's not written in stone. I added carbcontrol yogurt 2 - 3 times a day in addition to the shakes. I believe Wanda added cottage cheese in the evening. After day 2 my carb craving lifted, but it was difficult to get back to basics on the first 2 days!! Debbie, Isopure has a high protein drink in single serving bottles that you can get at GNC. Pretty pricey at $3.50 bottle. It comes in fruity flavors like punch, grape, and cherry (I think). Each bottle has about 50 grams of protein. If you don't like the texture or taste of the shakes made with the powder I would give them a try. Good luck. And please let us know how you do. Paula 299/125

Debbie, When I do a protein shake, I use the powder ones. I like Med RX Butter Pecan that I found at the grocery store (Vons/Pavilions/Safeway). Also like Matrix5 simply vanilla. I make my protein drinks with water not milk and use frozen strawberries or frozen mixed berries (unsweetened of course) to make it thick like a shake **** will do the same thing). I got the Matrix5 from store.bariatriceating.com (add http:// to the beginning .. no www needed). When I do the jump start thing I plan to do shakes PLUS protein bars. This worked great for me as a pre-op and as a post-op too. Not sure I could do liquids 3 meals a day. Mary