Hi Everyone

Since I'm spending the summer in Michigan, I'm unable to be on the computer unless the kids visit the library. Therefore, I'll keep this rather short (at least for me). I have literally had a textbook case and I'm feeling really great. I'm walking about 5 miles a day on average. I try to target my calories at about 600-700. The new focus I have is to keep my protein grams up to 90 and above. I have 3 protein shakes a day in order to accomplish that. I did move to soft foods and had some severe pains after about 2 ounces. What I learned is that I had to mix the pureed vegetables and fruits with the 2 oz of meat in order to get that in. If I'm in a hurry, I eat too fast and end up hurting. I've learned that I'd rather be comfortable than sick/in pain. How that amount of food fills me up still seems amazing. I have not thrown up yet, but I'm very careful too. I read the "best rules" over and over to be sure that I'm doing everything correctly. 34 pounds prior to pre-liquid diet 11 pounds on liquid diet 17 pounds after 2 1/2 weeks after surgery Total loss is 62 pounds since January I want to drop eactly 100 pounds from this point to be at 185 (goal) Well, the kids have their books so I have to go. Thanks to all of you for your support over these past couple of months. I really care about you Maysters and want all of you to be successful. Good luck to all of you. John

You're doing wonderful John! I've felt so icky the last few days. And, darn it, I cannot get those protein shakes down at all. I hate it. But, somehow, someway, I'll get that darned protein in. Enjoy your summer! Check in with us when you can. * Cyndi *

I just wanted to say ditto on the protien shakes. I have had one that tasted good and I don't know but I think they are made with dirt. Anyway John you are doing fabulous! Makes me want to try harder. maxine

This is saints1's wife. I am his coach. I make him a protein drink in the morning when he is running late to go to work. 1/2 a cup of skim milk, one scoop of "Body Fortress 100% Whey protein" (23 G protein) Vanilla (at GNC) 1/2 cup of crushed ice and maybe a cap full of coconut extract or banana extract. We have a small blender called a bullet and I use it all the time. It tastes really good. At night about an hour after dinner I fix another and maybe add 1/2 cup of sugar free vanilla ice cream and forget the extract and maybe add a squirt of chocolare syrup (Sorbee Zero Sugar, Fat Free made with Splenda). I also sometimes mix 1/2 a scoop of the Unjury unflavored protein powder(10 G protein for 1/2 a scoop) to 1/2 a cup of Crystal Light (Rasberry Ice, Orange Sunrise or Lemmonaid) 1/2 cup ice and put it in the bullet. It taste like a slushy. Try these and see if you like them. I hope this helps. Take care and God bless.

Congratulations John!! Sounds like things are going really well. 62 lbs. is awesome!! Have fun with the kids!!

John, you are doing great. I have no doubt you will reach that 100 pounds before you know it. Enjoy your summer and keep up the great work.