i did the proteins at the hospital but then my doc said to lay off the protein shakes cause he preferred for me to have the proteins from meats and that is still true today...however i have tried different protein shakes in the past and hadn't found anything substantial plus some the shakes were making me sick due to the sugar so I didn't take them for a long time. i went to a support meeting and the leader gave me a sample of Isopure and it was GREAT and I loved. I also tried the Herbalife protein drink and that was good as well (in chocalate). Both are these are light, frothy, good tasting and no gritty bitter aftertaste. So I'm down to wanting to lose my last 20 lbs by 5/9 when I see my surgeon for the last time so I'm taking 2 shakes a day and walking at least 20 min on the treadmill and around my job complex. So I'll see how I do in a few days!

I still drink protein shakes. When I don't have them I have a high protein snack, like soy pasta chips or a soy protein bar.

18 months ago, I was awake..and nervous. The next day was my big day...my rebirth. 18 months ago, I weighed 344 lbs and wore a size 26/28/3-4xL. 18 months ago, I was a diabetic, suffered with joint pain in both knees, had asthma, chronic bronchitis, sleep apnea, PCOS, and unsual liver functions. 18 months ago, I had already had a hysterectomy, gall bladder removed, uretha sling put in (for stress incontinence)...all due mainly to my weight. Today, I contemplate all that has occured since September 17th, 2004. I have lost 164 lbs. I now wear a size 10-14 (depends on style/cut). Mediums are starting to get loose on me. Today, my ailements? I have an underactive thyroid and my sugar drops too LOW. One little pill takes care of one and eating 3 snacks along with my 3 meals a day takes care of the other. Today, I've had a few more surgeries and (ALOT) more endo's than I had planned...but it was well worth it. Tomorrow.....I continue on my path to loose that last 40 lbs. I have never been an 'ideal' BMI...but I WILL be. My all time favorite saying is "To thine own-self, be true". When I had my RNY, I was true to myself for the first time in a very long time. My RNY helped me find me. I was hidden away in all that fat so much that even I had trouble seeing through to the real me. I am still finding out who that person is. What I know of 'me' though I am beginning to like alot! People who have known me awhile are still adjusting to 'me' though. I'm not the jolly fat girl I once was. Why is it that obese people has such a need to be liked by everyone that we become class clowns? That's a rhetorical question. I know for me it was because I couldn't imagine someone liking me for me so I tried to be funny instead. Besides, if I made a joke about me being fat, maybe it would put others more at ease. Hurt less if I said it instead of just 'knowing' that was what they were thinking. You all know what I mean. Anyway....here I am at my pc tonight just thinking about these past 18 months and all the changes. I just think 'Whew girl! You did it!!' LOL! Just had to share... Sherri

My doctor & nutritionist told me that I would have to do the "high protein" thing for the rest of my life because of the malabsorption issues that we have. I drink high-protein hot cocoa midmorning and then a high-protein shake in mid-afternoon. I can't imagine doing without that, now. They say that a "minimal" protein amount is your current weight times .3 That would be about 48 grams for me, but I keep mine closer to around 60 and I feel great! I have LOTS of energy and my hair is healthier than ever. My complexion even looks better!! I am also still losing weight--I have about 20 lbs. to go. I really don't ever expect to quit drinking and eating high protein! Blessings, Pam

Teresa, I was at a similar point as you and just started taking it again. I was doing 2 scoops in 1 drink once a day (23 g protein/scoop). Recently, I was diagnose with hypoglycemia. My sugar bottoms out (lowest so far is 37!!). So...I'm to eat 3 meals & 3 snacks per day and have a high protein/low carb diet. I do 1 scoop of protein (diluted) for 2 of the scacks. It's too soon to tell if it's doing any good yet in the weight-loss area. I haven't had any real low sugars since starting this at least and that's saying alot! What I have found to help me with the weight loss is water. LOTS of water! Not just the 64 oz...but closer to 140 oz/day. And for me, it has to be WATER, not crystal light, in order for me to lose. Sherri