Way loooooong ago when I started looking into WLS, I purchased a bunch of samples from www.vitalady.com and tried a bunch to find what I liked. I know my tastes might change after surgery, but I wanted to give it a shot. I found I couldn't stand the SMELL of ANY protein drink, but the flavor wasn't too bad if I could eliminate the smell. I didn't like the way the vanilla clumped up, and never met a vanilla powder I really like. Eventually I settled on Syntrax Nectar Fuzzy Navel as a great (if smelly) beverage. I put it in a 16 oz water bottle with some orange crystal light, shake it up (it mixes well) and drink from the bottle (no smells that way). Yum, 23 grams of protein and 90 calories, 0 carbs and 0 fat. I've heard a lot of things about caffeine ... some docs say never, some docs say not for the first month, three months, etc. Some say that if you take in 8 oz of caffeinated, you need 16 oz of liquid to make UP for the caffeine... so if you normally have to drink 64 oz, you get 64 oz in, then 8 oz of coffee, and then 16 more oz of additional liquid... some say that it stimulates cortisol and production of fat-enhancing chemicals in the body and/or slows down weight loss. Wish things were easy in this world!

I'm sorta kinda excited but keep having the "what if's". . .Either way, I look forward to playing outside with my kids with at least a 1/2 of their energy! Luv Sharon

Hello, From what I understand if there is too much scar tissue then they just can't do the surgery laparoscopic and would have to do an open bypass. I guess that depends on the Dr. mine adv me that if he can not do it laparoscopic then he would proceed to the open but I would not know until I woke up. I hope this helps some and good luck! I am also scheduled for the 3rd of March just a few more days!

S'far as I know, they don't require a liquid diet .... for my surgeon... but I like the idea of getting my innards as trim and slim as possible so that there is no chance for any sort of mess ups while I'm under. I plan to keep my diet simple leading up to surgery, 2 protein drinks per day, plus a small tuna or something for lunch. Just trying to keep my success as great as possible! Good luck to you!

Thanks for the compliment. I made it from one of my old websites that I have long since abandoned http://www.geocities.com/cenataurslady/ ... if you want to pick a picture for an avatar, I can make one for you. I also used "stuff" from that old website of mine to spiff up my profile. I like to change my name/avatar frequently.... but I like this newest one, so I'll keep it for a while.