I need guidance. I have samples of the Nectars, and I find them too thick. am I not putting enough water with them, or should I not use the blender? I cant even force myself to try it, cause they are too thick.

I had been using SF CIB, but that has been causing me to throw up--again I think it is too sweet and too thick, so I am trying some of the other samples I have received. so far Isopure strawberry is okay.

I have been trying to rush myself, eating things I shouldn't, today I stayed with liquids, soups and I have found a SF tapioca pudding that is wonderful.

DON'T USE THE BLENDER!!! you can just stir the nectars with a spoon. are you adding ice to them when you blend them? you don't have to. i just stir the scoop of powder into 8 oz of water with a spoon. and then add a few ice cubes. i like them cold, but that frothy thickness makes me gag big time.

the CIB has way too many carbs, even the SF stuff, and it doen'st have nearly enough protein.

and my faves in the nectar: raspberry and the new fuzzy navel [peach]. not so fond of the caribbean cooler..

good luck!!! keep us posted on what you figure out!

Hi everybody
I've too have been lurking. I have not had WLS, though its on my mind all the time. I am 44, 281, after doing sugar busters this last wk(lost 5) and have so many med issues due to my weight. Started 27 yrs ago. 97lb weight gain during my first pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Up and down 50 lbs with next two pregnancies, but no diabetes. quit smoking in 1990 and gained 87lbs and BINGO, onset diabetes. Back to smoking in 1997,frustration and of course to lose weight(of course I didn't lose weight, now fat & smoking) so quit smoking again. It's been 1 yr since last smoke. Yeah I followed sugarbusters last yr and lost 30lbs, but when fall came I found the 30 I lost.
Diabetes raging, high blood pressure, high cholesterol (and I take thyroid suppliment as I had half my thyroid removed in 1988. So it's been a long road.
Now I am really scared. As I mentioned earlier, I am 44, my mom was 49 when she died, and I am a carbon copy. I have a wonder DH and 3 great sons(well, great when I'm feeling sappy) and I'm not ready to check out yet. My mom was taking 11 pills a day when she had her heart attack(actually a blood clot, complications of combo of all her on going illnesses) anyway I take 9 pills and feel like I'm on the edge. Sorry to go on & on but I'm at a loss as to what to do(no pun intended) I read Megs post and think, why can't I get my big butt in gear and do what I'm supposed to. Anyway, if you made it to the end of my babbling. Thank you. I think you are all wonderfull in how you support each other and I've enjoyed my time on the board.

Oh yeah:

location: suburbs of NYC

occupation: mtg banking

marital status: married to my best friend

children: well they shouldn't be but they are. All three boys/men/maybe
26yrs, 22yrs and the baby(may adhd project)20yrs

Donna, welcome. come often and ask questions. there is a good mixture of newbies like yourself and "oldies" like Jiffy. any one will answer questions, so ask lots.

I can tell you that since my surgery on 1/19/04 my diabetes is a thing of the past and my high blood pressure is going down too. my arthritis is in check and that is just with a 14 pound loss.

Another site that has scads of info and message boards is obesityhelp.com you can find surgeons, hospitals, help with insurance and help with making a decision.

so post often and ask away. everyone here is friendly and supportive.

Donna, welcome and thank you for sharing your story. You weren't babbling at all; we care and are interested.

I cannot help with WLS issues but there are plenty of wonderful chickies here who can. I just wanted to to say hi and a huge CONGRATULATIONS on the battle with the cigarettes. Such a big hurdle to overcome! I'll bet your loving family is really grateful for that achievement!

Hi Donna,
Welcome to our little home! I haven't had WLS yet, but am hoping to have Lap Band surgery in the near future.

My advice for your is that if you're interested in having surgery, start the process now. As I am finding out the hard way, insurance companies, doctors and all the various people who need to be in line for you to have surgery have their own, very slow, timetables. If I were you, and believe me we're very similar based on your post, I would call my insurance carrier and start figuring out what steps you need to take. You can always back out if you decide you don't want to do it. And in the meantime, read, post, read some more and do lots of google searches for weight loss surgery. There's an amazing amount of info just floating around out there. Oh yeah, obesityhelp.com is a good site too, but mostly for RNY.

BUFFY, your thread kind of got hijacked! I'm starting to research protein drinks now in the hopes that I'll actually be needing them, so I will read people's responses with great interest. Hope you find the magic elixir soon.

JIF - I love that you were referred to as an "oldie". Betcha Peach does too! <ducking>

Later gators,
Ms. Chicka-diddly-dee

I am sitting here now sipping on a fuzzy navel(stirred not shaken) over ice. it is good, better than blended. I think I will be okay with this. thanks Jiff for the advice. and I didn't mean offense at referring to you as an "oldie" Post op escaped me this AM

My Dearest Buffy,

I thought your term "oldies" when referring to Jiff was quite charming.

As to the Nectars: I know that alot of the gals like them, but I found them to be....well, for lack of a better word....slimey. I did much better with the the chocolate whey protein, mixed with water and crushed ice blended with about a tablespoon of sf instant chocolate pudding. What ever works for you and feels good on your tiny tummy.

Hey Donna! good to see you!

One of the reasons I persued WLS was the constant (as in yearly) cycle of weight loss and weight gain. I would lose at least 30 pounds every year and gain it + 10 every year. Chickadee is right...the process takes a long time and you can stop it or back out at any time.
Post often so we can get to know you better!

peach