22many

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Susan Maria's Before & After Help (Powered by Invision Power Board)

Half a medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter (I actually don't use any butter. I just saute with PAM and some butter spray instead)
1 egg (I use egg substitute instead)
1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
2 tablespoons flour
salt
pepper

Saute the onion in the butter until golden... allow to cool in pan. In a small bowl, beat egg slightly, blend in cottage cheese, flour, salt and pepper, and onion butter mixture.

Heat nonstick skillet, spray with Pam, and place four 1/4 cup scoops of batter and spread into small pancakes. Cook until browned... flip and cook until lightly brown on other side. __________________
 

Please have your docs run a FULL panel rather than one or two.  It saves time rather than do it piecemeal.

Every 12 months -

• 85025  CBC w/ diff
• 80053  Comprehensive Metabolic Profile
• 84134  Transthyretin (Prealbumin)
• 80061  Lipid profile
• 83735  Magnesium, Serum
• 7444  Thyroid panel
• 83540  Iron Profile (Includes TIBC and Sat %)
• 82728  Ferritin
• 84630  Zinc, RBC
• 84446  Vitamin A
• 82306  Vitamin D (25-hydroxy)
• 84425  Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin), whole blood
• 84207  Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), plasma
• 82747  Folate, RBC
• 82607  Vitamin B12
• 83970  Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact
• 83937  Osteocalcin
• 83921  Methylmalonic Acid, Serum
• 85610  PT
• 85730  PTT
• 84590  Vitamin E
• 82525  Copper
• 496  Hemoglobin A1C

After this, if these come back normal, then it's time to think elsewhere.

After surgery, we all want to look at the surgery as a cause for everything that can go wrong with us.  It is not always the case.

Protein Shake Recipes
Here are different (mostly) protein shake recipes.

1.Chocolate Peanut Butter Supreme 
◦12 oz. water 
◦4 ice cubes 
◦1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream 
◦1 tablespoon natural peanut butter 
◦2 scoops chocolate protein powder

2.Mocha Shake
◦6 oz. water 
◦4 ice cubes 
◦2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 
◦6 oz.. coffee* 
◦2 scoops chocolate protein powder 
◦*You may use 12 oz. coffee and no water for an extra pre-workout or morning kick!

3.Frozen Chocolate Banana 
◦12 oz. Water 
◦4 to 5 ice cubes 
◦1 banana 
◦1 tablespoon heavy cream 
◦2 scoops chocolate protein powder

4.German Chocolate Cake 
◦12 oz. water 
◦4 ice cubes 
◦1 tablespoon heavy cream 
◦1 tablespoon cream of coconut 
◦2 scoops chocolate protein powder

5.Tangerine Cream 
◦12 oz. Tangerine Diet Rite 
◦4 Ice Cubes 
◦1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream 
◦1 to 3 scoops vanilla protein powder

6.Root Beer Float 
◦1 can Diet A&W Root Beer 
◦1 to 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream 
◦4 ice cubes 
◦1 to 3 scoops vanilla protein powder

7.Pineapple Blast 
◦4 ice cubes
◦12 oz. water 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦1/2 cup pineapple chunks

8.Pina Colada Passion 
◦12 oz. water 
◦4 ice cubes 
◦3 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦1/3 cup Pineapple chunks 
◦2 tsp. Coconut extract

9.Ultra Oatmeal 
◦1 serving cooked plain oatmeal (1/2 cup precooked) 
◦1 to 1½ scoops vanilla protein powder

10.Power Fudge: Vanilla or Chocolate(Lean Mass Gain Fat Burning) 
◦1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder 
◦3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 
◦*mix together in a bowl until ingredients reach consistency of cake icing. May be refrigerated or frozen. 

11.Chocolate Banana Shake 
◦1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder 
◦6 to 8 ounces of water 
◦4 to 6 ice cubes 
◦8 strawberries 
◦Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

12.Chocolate Banana Shake 
◦1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder 
◦6 to 8 ounces of water 
◦4 to 6 ice cubes 
◦1 banana 
◦Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

13.Chocolate Strawberry Blast 
◦1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder 
◦6 to 8 ounces of water 
◦4 to 6 ice cubes 
◦8 strawberries 
◦Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

14.Vanilla Banana Creamy 
◦1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder 
◦6 to 8 ounces of water or whole (or 2%) milk 
◦6 ice cubes 
◦1 banana 
◦Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

15.Rasberry Chocolate Thick 
◦1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder 
◦6 to 8 ounces of whole (or 2%) milk 
◦6 ice cubes 
◦8 rasberries 
◦Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Drink or eat with a spoon!

16.Banana Cheerio Quickfast 
◦Great for a super fast morning meal
◦1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder 
◦6 to 8 ounces of water 
◦4 to 6 ice cubes 
◦1 banana 
◦3/4 cup cup or original cheerios
◦Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

17.Orange Creamsicle 
◦1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder 
◦6 to 8 ounces of water 
◦4 to 6 ice cubes 
◦1 to 2 peeled oranges 
◦Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

18.Blueberry Blaster 
◦1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder 
◦6 to 8 ounces of water 
◦4 to 6 ice cubes 
◦20-30 blueberries 
◦Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Enjoy!

19.Blastoff 
◦1 single tall espresso shot 
◦12 oz milk 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦scoop ice

20.Juicy Lucy 
◦10 oz apple juice (can use orange/blend) 
◦1 scoop ice 
◦1/2 large banana 
◦4 frozen strawberries 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 

21.Peanut Butter Cup 
◦scoops chocolate protein powder (or vanilla protein powder + 1 tbsp cocoa powder) 
◦1 tbsp natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 
◦8 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 
◦3-5 ice cubes 
◦add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve. 

22.Berries & Cream Shake 
◦1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
◦1 scoop of ice
◦1 small can of pineapple juice (cook with boiling water)
◦1 handful of mixed berries

23.Banana Bread Shake 
◦2 scoops protein powder
◦1 Banana
◦1/2 cup Quaker Oatmeal (cook with boiling water)
◦3/4 cup Kellogg’s Bran Flakes
◦1 bottle of water
◦Sugar, Brown Sugar or Artificial Sweetener to taste

24.Banana Protein Shake 
◦30g protein powder (plain or vanilla)
◦1 medium to large banana
◦8 oz. light Soy Milk
◦1 TBSP Linseed, Soy and Almond mixture
◦1 tsp Golden Syrup
◦Few drops vanilla essence/extract
◦3-4 cubes ice
◦1 TBSP low fat natural yoghurt (optional depending on diet)
◦Throw into blender for several minutes. Great as a meal replacement or after workout snack!

25.Orange Vanilla Shake 
◦mix 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder 
◦8 oz. Orange Juice
◦4-5 ice cubes
◦1 tsp. vanilla Extract
◦½ banana
◦2-3 frozen strawberries
◦2 packets of sweetener

26.Berry Good Shake 
◦mix 2 scoops of Raspberry Yogurt and protein powder 
◦4 strawberries 
◦15 blueberries 
◦16 ounces of nonfat milk 
◦1.2 cup of ice cubes. 

27.Protein-Carb Almond Blast 
◦mix 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder or other protein with 
◦10-12 oz of skim milk 
◦1.2 cup of dry oatmeal 
◦1.2 cup of raisins 
◦12 shredded almonds 
◦1 tbsp of peanut butter.

28.Strawberry Nut Shake 
◦mix 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder or other protein with 
◦1 cup of fat-free strawberry yogurt 
◦6 shredded macadamia nuts.

29.Plum Ice Shake 
◦mix 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder or other protein with 
◦1 ripe plum (pitted) juice of 1 lemon 
◦16 ounces of ice water 
◦1.2 cup of ice cubes.

30.Peppermint Oatmeal Shake 
◦mix 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder or other protein with 
◦1 cup sugar free vanilla ice cream 
◦1 cup oatmeal 
◦2 cups non-fat milk 
◦1.2 cup water 
◦a splash of peppermint extract!

31.Chocolate Coffee Shake 
◦mix 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder or other protein with: 
◦1 cup of skim milk 
◦5 ice cubes 
◦1 cup of water 
◦1 spoonful of instant coffee! 

32.Plum-Lemon Cooler 
◦2 scoops vanilla flavor protein powder 
◦1 ripe plum, pitted 
◦juice of 1 lemon 
◦1 tablespoon multi-vitamin powder 
◦16 ounces ice water 
◦1/2 cup ice cubes

33.Wild Berry Boost 
◦2 scoops vanilla flavor protein powder 
◦8 raspberries 
◦4 strawberries 
◦15 blueberries 
◦16 ounces nonfat milk 
◦1/2 cup ice cubes 

34.Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffle

◦2 scoops chocolate flavor protein powder 
◦1 teaspoon creamy peanut butter 
◦16 ounces nonfat milk 
◦1/2 cup ice cubes 

35.Creatine Catalyst 
◦2 scoops vanilla flavor protein powder 
◦5 Granny Smith apples 
◦5 grams (one teaspoon) creatine powder 
◦1/2 cup ice cubes 

36.Peanut Brittle Protein Shake 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦1 tbsp sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix, dry 
◦1 tbsp natural peanut butter, chunky 
◦8 oz. cold water or lowfat milk. 
◦3-6 ice cubes
◦Add all ingredients to blender, blend, and serve.

37.The Hulk 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦1/2 tbsp sugar-free pistachio pudding mix 
◦1 mint leaf or a few drops peppermint extract (optional) 
◦1 few drops green food coloring (optional) 
◦8 oz. cold water or low-fat milk 
◦3-5 ice cubes
◦Add all ingredients to blender, blend, and pour into cup.

38.Oatmeal Meal Replacement Shake 
◦1 cup dry measure oatmeal, cooked in water and cooled 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦3 dashes cinnamon 
◦1/8 c sugar free maple syrup or equivalent amount brown sugar replacement 
◦1 tbsp chopped almonds (or flaxseed oil or natural peanut butter) 
◦12 oz. water or low-fat milk
◦Add all ingredients to blender, blend, and pour into cup.

39.Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding 
◦1/4 tsp cinnamon 
◦1/2 tsp imitation vanilla (or 1/4 tsp extract) 
◦1 packet artificial sweetener 
◦a few dashes butter flavor sprinkles or butter-flavor extract 
◦8 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 
◦3 ice cubes
◦Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve.

40. Nada Colada Protein Shake

◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦1/2 c pineapple-orange juice 
◦1/4 tsp rum extract 
◦1/4 tsp coconut extract (or 2 tbsp shredded coconut) 
◦1 packet artificial sweetener 
◦4 oz. water (or low-fat milk) 
◦3-6 ice cubes
◦Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve.

41.Thick Bananna Protein Shake 
◦1 cup skim milk 
◦2 tsp. safflower oil 
◦Several pieces of ice 
◦1 banana 
◦1 package of Carnation Instant Breakfast ( lo-carb mix)
(any flavor–strawberry, chocolate, cappacino, French vanilla, chocolate malt) 
◦Mix together in blender until ice is completely crushed and mixed well.

42.Banana Delight 
◦8 oz. pure water 
◦1/2 banana (frozen) 
◦2 oz. protein powder 
◦2 tsp. flax seed oil

43.Strawberry Cheesecake 
◦10 oz pure water 
◦8 frozen strawberries 
◦4 tbs. low fat sour cream 
◦10-15 drops liquid artificial sweetener (optional) 
◦1.5 oz. protein powder

44.Blueberry Dream 
◦10 oz. Pure water 
◦1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 
◦1.5 oz. protein powder 
◦2 tsp. flax seed oil 
◦15 drops liquid artificial sweetener (optional)

45.Fat Burning Peaches and Cream 
◦8 oz. pure water 
◦1 ripe peach 
◦2 tbs. low fat sour cream 
◦8 drops liquid artificial sweetener (optional) 
◦1.5 oz protein powder

46.Quick Start 
◦3 oranges (fresh juiced only, NOT canned or bottled 
◦6 drops liquid artificial sweetener (optional) 
◦1 oz. protein powder

47.Tropical Treat 
◦8 oz. pure water 
◦1/2 banana (frozen) 
◦2 tbs. low fat sour cream 
◦1 tsp. coconut extract 
◦10-15 drops liquid artificial sweetener (optional) 
◦1.5 oz. protein powder (vanilla flavor)

48.Tropical Pleasure 
◦8 oz. pure water 
◦1/2 tsp. pineapple extract 
◦1/2 tsp. coconut extract 
◦1 tbs heavy cream 
◦1/2 frozen banana 
◦1 heaping scoop (1 oz) of protein powder 
◦artificial sweetener to taste (optional) 
◦2-3 ice cubes (optional)

49.Chocolate Almond Delight

◦10-12 oz. pure water 
◦15 raw almonds 
◦1/2 tsp. coconut extract 
◦1.5 oz protein powder (chocolate flavor) 
◦artificial sweetener to taste (optional) 
◦3-5 ice cubes (optional)
◦first, blend the almonds until creamy smooth in 1/2 the water, then add the rest of the ingredients

50.Chocolate Lovers 
◦12 oz pure water 
◦1 tsp. pure cocoa powder 
◦2 tbs. low fat sour cream 
◦10-15 drops liquid artificial sweetener 
◦2 oz. protein powder (chocolate flavor) 
◦2 tsp. flax seed oil

51.High Energy Shake!

◦10 oz pure water 
◦10 strawberries (Fresh or Frozen) 
◦1 tbs. flax seed oil 
◦1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
◦1 heaping scoop (1 oz) of protein powder 
◦artificial sweetener to taste (optional) 
◦2-3 ice cubes (optional)

52.Super Slimmer 
◦8 oz. pure water 
◦1 tbs. flax seed oil 
◦1/2 ripe peach (peeled) 
◦6 frozen strawberries 
◦1 heaping scoop (1 oz) of of protein powder 
◦artificial sweetener to taste (optional)

53.Heavy Gainer 
◦10-14 oz. pure water 
◦1/2 cup raw almonds – blend with water only until creamy smooth then add… 
◦1/2 large frozen banana 
◦2 level scoops (2 oz) of protein powder 
◦artificial sweetener to taste (optional)

54.Weight Gainer 
◦14 oz. pure water 
◦2 bananas or 2 scoops YAM Power 
◦3 tbs. peanut butter 
◦6 drops liquid artificial sweetener (optional) 
◦2 oz. protein powder

55.Mineral Power 
◦10 oz. pure water 
◦1 oz. liquid ionic plant source minerals 
◦1 packet knox gelatin 
◦1 tbs. flax seed oil 
◦1 heaping scoop (1 oz) of protein powder 
◦artificial sweetener or to taste (optional)

56.Rock N’ Roll Protein Shake 
◦1 cup of pure water 
◦1 big scoop of vanilla whey protein powder 
◦3/4 cup of natural yoghurt 
◦1 banana 
◦1 tsp of flax-seed oil 
◦2 tsp of honey 
◦1 tsp spirulena

57.Banana Almond Creme 
◦1 Banana 
◦12 Cup Milk 
◦10 Almonds 
◦1 Serving Protein 
◦5 Ice Cubes 

58.Fruit Smoothie 
◦2 scoops protein powder strawberry 
◦4 large strawberries 
◦blueberries ( a small handful) 
◦water (just a few drops) 
◦1/2 C ice 
◦Splenda to taste 
◦Start off by crushing the ice in the blender and then gradually add the
fruit and enough water to get it smooth. Finish off with the two scoops of
whey and enough Splenda to make it sweet.

59.Pineapple Power 
◦1 cup of pineapple juice 
◦3 strawberries 
◦1 banana 
◦1 teaspoon of yogurt 
◦1 scoop of your choice of protein 

60.Orange And Cream Delight 
◦1 Bottle of Orange Gatorade 
◦1 packet vanilla meal replacer 
61.Strawberry Savior 
◦4 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦8 fluid ounces water 
◦1 colombo strawberry yogurt 
◦3 frozen strawberries 
◦1 teaspoon creatine 
◦1 teaspoon flax seed oil

62.Vanilla Coffee Delight 
◦10-12 oz. low-fat milk 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦1/2 cup low-fat coffee flavored ice cream 

63.Heavy Gainer 
◦3 scoops protein powder (vanilla/chocolate) 
◦4 egg whites 
◦1 tbls. Peanut Butter 
◦8 oz. cold water 
◦2 cups ice 

64.Egg-cellent Shake 
◦3 eggs 
◦1/2 cup milk or 3-4 scoops vanilla ice cream 

65.The Best Protein Shake Ever 
◦2 scoops chocolate protein powder 
◦10 Ice Cubes 
◦12 oz. fat free milk 
◦2 tblsp fat free vanilla yogart 
◦1 tblsp reduced fat peanut butter 
◦2 tblsp hazelnut coffee 
◦1/8 cup caramel ice cream topping 

66.Peanut Butter And Banana Shake 
◦2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
◦100g almond flakes 
◦1 table spoon peanut butter 
◦500ml skim milk 
◦half banana 
◦1 table spoon honey 

67.The Best Overall Tasting Homemade Protein Shake 
◦16 oz. skim milk 
◦2 cups no-fat cottage cheese 
◦3 scoops whey protein powder (vanilla) 
◦1/2 cup reduced-sugar vanilla yogurt scoop of your favorite fruit
◦Splenda or Sweet-n-Low to taste (about
2 packets) 
◦Handful of Ice 
◦Blend together and chill. Makes 3 two-cup servings.

68.Snickers® Protein Shake 
◦3 Snickers® Bars
◦4 eggs
◦3 cups milk
◦2 tablespoons evaporated milk
◦Chop the candy into cubes. Add the milk, eggs, then mix; add the evaporated milk and mix.

69.Butterfinger® Protein Shake 
◦3 Butterfinger® Bars
◦4 eggs
◦3 cups milk
◦2 tablespoons evaporated milk
◦Chop the candy into cubes. Add the milk, eggs, then mix; add the evaporated milk and mix.

70.MUSCLE SHAKE 
◦1 c. lowfat milk 
◦1/2 c. plain lowfat yogurt 
◦1 banana, sliced 
◦2 tbsp. protein powder 
◦6 strawberries, sliced 
◦1 tsp. wheat germ 
◦1 tbsp. honey or maple syrup 
◦1/4 c. natural berry juice 
◦Pinch of nutmeg or carob powder

71.Ginger Bread Man 
◦1 packet of vanilla protein powder 
◦1 graham cracker 
◦1/2 tsp cinnamon 
◦1 capful vanilla extract 
◦12oz. of water 
◦4 Ice Cubes
◦Blend 45 seconds

72.Creamy Coffee Ice Cream 
◦1 packet of vanilla protein powder 
◦13 oz ice cubes 
◦3 oz water 
◦2 tsp ground coffee 
◦Blend the ice cubes until you get a snow. Add the protein, the ground coffee, the water and blend for 5-10 minutes to a smooth consistency. Freeze 30 – 60 minutes for thicker ice cream.

73.Apple Pie Delight 
◦1 packet of vanilla protein powder 
◦1 peeled and cored apple, cut into pieces 
◦1 1/2 cups of milk 
◦1/2 tsp cinnamon 
◦1/2 tsp nutmeg 
◦5 Ice Cubes 
◦Microwave the apple pieces for 2 minutes on high. Add all ingredients to blender, puree for 30 seconds.

74.Fruity Smoothie

handfull of ice
5-10 frozen strawbarrys
1 packet of sweetleaf
1 cup of cranberry juice
squirt of lemon juice
2 scoops of vinella protein powder
Blend it together and enjoy.

Deep Dish Protein Pizza Quiche

•4 oz softened cream cheese 
•4 large eggs, 
•1/3 cup milk, or cream
•1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
•1 tbs chives
•1/2 tsp Italian or pizza seasoning
•2 cups shredded mozzerella cheese
•1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 tsp garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder
•1/2 cup low carb tomato or pizza sauce
•1/2 cup PLAIN protein powder

Recommended Toppings

•1/3 cup red peppers
•1/3 cup green peppers
•1 cup cooked ground beef
•1/4 cup pepperoni
•1/3 cup onions
•1/2 cup mushrooms
•1/2 cup tomato sauce (as a topping or for dipping)
Directions

1.Preheat oven to 375.
2.Beat together or blend the cream cheese and eggs till smooth.
3.Add milk or cream, parmesean cheese, and spices.
4.Add plain protein powder. Avoid flavored protein!
5.Spray 13×9 glass baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray such as PAM.
6.Put 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of shredded cheddar in the dish, and pour egg mixture on top.
7.Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes.
8.Remove pan from oven.
9.Spread quiche with sauce and add your toppings.
10.Spread 1 cup (or more) of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
11.Bake until brown.
12.Let stand for 5 minutes to cool.

                                        Enjoy.  Peace and good everyone.

Note:  You can use the sweetener of your preference (Stevia, Truvia, Splenda, Agave, etc... )

  

DRUGS THAT CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH:
Advil
Aleve
Amigesic
Anacin
Anaprox
Ansald
Anthra-G
Arthropan
Ascriptin
Aspirin
Asproject
Azolid
Bextra
Bufferin
Butazolidin
Celebrex
Clinorial
Darvon compounds
Disalcid
Dolobid
Erythromycin
Equagesic
Feldene
Fiorinal
Ibuprofin
Indocin
Ketoprofen
Lodine
Meclomen
Midol
Motrin
Nalfon
Naprosyn
Nayer
Orudis
Oruvas
Oruval
Pamprin-IB
Percodan
Ponstel
Rexolate
Tandearil
Tetracycline
Tolecin
Uracel
Vioxx
Voltaren
ALL "NSAIDS"

DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFE:
Bendaryl
Tylenol
Dimetap
Robitussin
Safetussin
Sudafed
Triaminics (All)
Tylenol (cold products)
Tylenol Ex Strength
Gas-X
Phazyme
Imodium Ad
Colace
Dulcolax-Suppositories
Fleet Enema
Glycerin-Suppositories
Milk of Magnesia
Peri-Colace

Here are 21 basic rules we should all follow in regards to our meds:

1. If side effects appear or increase, consult your doctor or your pharmacist about dosage or other medication options.

2. First-pass effect medications may not provide effective absorption at the currant dosages. Check dosage or check for alternative medications that do not have first pass effect. (your Pharmacist will know if any of your meds are "first-pass" meds)

3. Medications that are in a liquid or solution form will be absorbed faster than those that are solids. Check for liquid forms of medications.

4. No extended-release, sustained-release, controlled-release, timed-release or osmotic pump medications.

5. Many medications can also have gastrointestinal side-effects like gas, diarrhea, constipation or intestinal cramping.

6. Read the pamphlet attached to the prescription bag for potential side-effects.

7. You should not take any NSAIDs without a protectant such as Cytotec or Carafate. EVER!!!!

8. Be able to recognize an NSAIDs when you see one.

9. Use a protectant if taking daily low-dose aspirin for heart health or to prevent stroke.

10. Check all PMS over the counter medications (OTC) for NSAID ingredients.

11. Read all OTC medication packaging to check for NSAIDs ingredients.

12. Inhaled steroids for asthma are okay.

13. Taking steroids of any kind, even by injection, requires taking a protectant as well.

14. Medications commonly used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva have the potential to cause gastrointestinal ulceration. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.

15. Do not continue to take medications that have been discontinued.

16. If dosages have been changed, do not finish out a previous dosage just because it is there. CHange the dosage immediately unless instructed otherwise by your physician.

17. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications are fat soluble. If so, stay in touch with the prescribing physician and report your currant weight every month for possible dosage changes. (as the amount of fat in your body changes your dosages may also need to be changed)

18. Tell all medical providers about your status as a weight loss surgery patient. (Lap-Banders too!)

19. Keep all your scripts at one pharmacy if possible.

20. Meet and get to know your local pharmacists. They truly can be invaluable friends.

21. Remember to have everyone work as a team for you! You're worth it!

(Used with permission of Little Victories Medical/Legal Consulting & Training. All rights reserved)

One other word of warning when it comes to taking Tylenol. You MUST watch the amount of Tylenol you are taking. No more than 4,000mg in a 24 hour period. You can cause yourself liver damage with Tylenol overdose. You need to read your labels. Look to see if things have Tylenol or acetamenophin in them. Vicodan has Tylenol so if you are taking Vicodan or Lortab make sure you aren't adding a lot of Tylenol on top of it. That is why it is important to read the information on those pharmacy bags and on otc medications. __________________
 

DRUGS THAT CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH:
Advil
Aleve
Amigesic
Anacin
Anaprox
Ansald
Anthra-G
Arthropan
Ascriptin
Aspirin
Asproject
Azolid
Bextra
Bufferin
Butazolidin
Celebrex
Clinorial
Darvon compounds
Disalcid
Dolobid
Erythromycin
Equagesic
Feldene
Fiorinal
Ibuprofin
Indocin
Ketoprofen
Lodine
Meclomen
Midol
Motrin
Nalfon
Naprosyn
Nayer
Orudis
Oruvas
Oruval
Pamprin-IB
Percodan
Ponstel
Rexolate
Tandearil
Tetracycline
Tolecin
Uracel
Vioxx
Voltaren
ALL "NSAIDS"

DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFE:
Bendaryl
Tylenol
Dimetap
Robitussin
Safetussin
Sudafed
Triaminics (All)
Tylenol (cold products)
Tylenol Ex Strength
Gas-X
Phazyme
Imodium Ad
Colace
Dulcolax-Suppositories
Fleet Enema
Glycerin-Suppositories
Milk of Magnesia
Peri-Colace

1) When I first started this journey, the thing I learned is it takes forever to get to your surgery date. Even if it is only a month away.
  2) Then right after surgery I learned that if you are a newly pre op, that if you think you have to pass gas, sit on the toilet. Never trust a fart right after major surgery.
  3) Sip and wait. It may stay there, it may not. If you drink too fast it hurts and thinking you are going to burp and then having water or crystal lite dribbling out your nose impresses no one.
  4) Bite sizes change after surgery. I use to take bites the size of a gum eraser, now I must take bites the size of a pencil eraser that has been used for a while.
  5) If you drink after eating, you will regret it.
  6) A boiled egg sounds like a good idea, but my hearing is bad.
  7) A kitchen timer is my new best friend early out. One to two minutes between every bite chewed well, one hour before drinking.
  8) Taking an acid reducer gets rid of shoulder pain and makes water easy to drink. I had no idea i had an acid problem, but I guess I did, because now I don't toss every thing i eat and I can drink more.
  9) I use to avoid booths at restaurants because I did not like my boobs sitting on the table. Now I avoid them because I feel like a 3 year old because the table is so far away.
  10) Store clerks find it funny when you do not know what size you wear. But some find it fun to help you and dress you up like a life size barbie doll.
  11) Scales at your friends houses are evil. They tell you you have gained or lost weight you have not.
  12) All Dr's have graduated from the Spanish inquisition school of torture.
  13) You become linked in an unhealthy way to your scale and miss it when you leave the house for more than 24 hrs.
  14) A kitchen scale and a food journal is the only reliable way to keep track of your eating. I use fitday.
  15) Corn is grown in hell and if you eat it too early out it will take you back there with it.
  16) You are no longer going to have a bowel movement every day, you just don't eat enough. You will have one when ever it is most inconvenient during the week. Like a big presentation or when you are driving through no where USA with no toilet in site. Or at a concert with a half mile long line.
  17) You will forget to eat. In my life before weight loss surgery, I have forgotten my keys, my wallet, my phone, my phone number, after one really great party I forgot my name for a while, but I never forgot to eat. Now I do all the time. Once I passed out from low blood sugar or some damn thing. I set the alarm on my cell phone now to remind me to eat. I used to think that you would have to be pretty damn stupid to forget to eat.
  18) If you are in a stall you are losing inches. I did not lose a pound for 6 weeks once but I went down sizes in pants and lost 3 inches in my waist and 4 in my hips.
  19) The faster you drop a pants size is inversely proportional to how much you like a pair of pants. If you find a great pair and they look great on you, they will fit a week and a half tops. If you find a pair that are just ok, they will fit for a month and a half.
  20) You will soon hate things you use to like to eat. And suddenly you will like things you never used to like. You will also get in food ruts.
  21) I find if I get in a food rut, where I am eating the same thing basically every day, I stop losing weight.
  22) If you eat carbs, you will crave carbs, if you eat salts, you will crave salts. If I eat corn syrup in anything, I throw up. Just say no to carbs. One or two bites once a week in an evening is ok, but if you eat carbs early in the day, you are going to want more all day long.
  23) Get off your butt every day. Even if all you do is walk a block. Park at the end of the parking lot, play with your kids. Whatever, MOVE. You will feel better.
  24) If you start saving right after surgery, by the time you have lost all your weight and are ready, you will have a down payment on all the plastic surgery you swore you would never have.
  25) Protein drinks still come in handy on days when you just can't get in your protein.
  26) Your boobs start out looking at where you are going but end up looking at your feet. I figure they are just amazed to see feet down there. Either that or my belly was just holding them up.
  27) Sex is amazing when you can get in all these new positions and get your feet up next to your ears.
  28) Painting your toenails becomes amazing simple
  29) You are daily area amazed at the things you can do and how easy things are. You find that you are not afraid of breaking things by sitting or standing on them.
  30) You also find things are a bit harder when you do not have as much weight behind you. I got pulled off my feet by the roll door of my friends shop. They thought it was hilarious. I went to roll the door up and it kept going and up I went too.
  31) People have actually called me skinny and I have looked around to see who was standing behind me.
  32) Takes a lot more lean to turn my motorcycle now. You use your weight to turn and since I have lost over 90 pounds total, it takes a bit more effort.
  33) You have to have money and like to shop to lose weight. I have spent more money on clothes and new leathers in the last 6 months than in the last 10 years before that.
  34) If you don't drink enough water you feel like **** and you don't lose weight.
  35) You need to have your vitamin levels and iron checked regularly. I have become anemic and had to have an iron infusion and now take twice daily iron pills. I feel much better and have twice the amount of energy.
  36) Learning how to tuck loose skin into your pants is an acquired skill.
  37) If you want to really **** off those hard bodies at your gym, let them see how much your weight drops every time.
  38) Working out becomes fun when you can do it with out seeing spots in front of your eyes after only 10 minutes.
  39) People treat me different now I am a size 7/8 than when I was a size 20/22. The other day a good looking (if dumber than a box of rocks) 29 year old was trying to pick up on me.
  40) I feel younger. Really, I recommend this surgery to anyone thinking of having weight loss surgery.
  41) Make sure you take your measurements and take lots of pictures before you start so you can compare.

The days are getting closer. Got the call this morning. Pr-op Dec 6 and surgery Dec 29 couldn't be any more happier.
About to take a spot on the Loser bench.

Ins. has finally gave the go ahead RNY here I come. I am so ready have bought my magic bullet special small bowls and plates all kinds of protein. And I cried like a baby with warm big tears when the ins lady told me that yes I have been approved it has been a long process to get here this far. And I am so ready for this journey.

Top 10 reasons why WLS is not the easy way out

---

I have copied this information from weightlosssurgerycoach.com Wonderful site!

The Top Ten Reasons why Weight Loss Surgery is NOT “the easy way out”

10. It's very expensive. Many health insurance companies don't pay for the surgery, and even when they do, co-payments and other costs add up quickly. Also, it can become very costly to constantly replenish wardrobes as the weight comes off.

9. Recovery can be very painful. Besides the pain from the surgery wound, patients may experience nausea or severe gastric distress. Patients with sleep apnea may become sleep-deprived, with all of the associated adverse affects, when they must discontinue use of their CPAP machines to avoid disturbing the staples creating their tiny new stomach pouch.

8. Recuperation can take a long time. Patients may be “out of commission” and absent from work for a prolonged period of recovery time. In some cases, patients may not be able to return to work or normal pursuits for up to 10 – 12 weeks.

7. It's hard work and a major time commitment. For optimal results, patients should engage in aerobic exercise for up to an hour daily. For bodies unaccustomed to vigorous exercise, this can be very hard. It's also a real challenge for WLS patients to learn all they must about nutrition so they can assure that their food and vitamins are sustaining their body. Finally, it can be exhausting to consciously, carefully and painstakingly chew every bit of food that enters your mouth.

6. Vomiting isn't fun. Nor is diarrhea. It may take patients many months (and frequent episodes of vomiting or diarrhea) to identify incompatible foods and to learn the practical limits of their newly reduced stomachs or digestive systems.

5. It takes extraordinary courage to consciously limit food choices for the rest of your life (and potentially limit social opportunities built around meals). For many patients, life after WLS means treating food as a fuel, not as a source of drama, excitement, comfort or a central life focus: i.e. eating to live rather than living to eat. While some procedures may be reversible, for most patients WLS is a lifetime commitment, requiring a lifetime of major lifestyle changes.

4. Weight loss surgery can be dangerous. As many as .5% of surgery patients may die from the procedure, and up to 5% may experience debilitating medical complications (especially if they listen to their peers' advice more carefully than their doctor's.)

3. It takes great bravery and strength to deflect other people's judgments and society's myths about obesity. Fat people are often blamed and shamed by family and friends with simplistic advice, unrealistic solutions, and uninformed prejudices. Whether it's for genetic or metabolic reasons, diet and exercise, willpower and discipline have never, by themselves, been enough. Our appetite regulators simply don't work. Without WLS, we don't know when we're full!

2. What gives anyone the right to judge which path is right for another? Is a person who runs a 10K taking a “better” or “tougher” route to wellness than the person who walks vigorously every day? Is working with weights better than water aerobics? Different strokes for different folks. Each of us finds our own right way, and how dare others judge our path to health and longevity! By their reckoning, the most courageous thing would be for us to suck it up and die young.

1. For many morbidly obese people, WLS may be the ONLY realistic alternative for achieving a long, healthy life. The newest research provides irrefutable evidence that body weight is largely a function of genes — just like height or a family propensity for cancer. These genes help regulate appetite and metabolism. People prone to obesity seem to gain excessive weight easily, while finding it difficult or impossible to lose it. That's why diets almost always fail and why WLS is currently the only viable weight loss option for many morbidly obese people, according to endocrinologist David Cummings of the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System. Most people can lose no more than 5-10% off their "natural" body weight by exercising and eating wisely. Decades of diet studies show that more than 90% of people who lose weight by dieting gain it all back within 5 years. "There are exceptions, but when you are speaking of general rules, the only people who are able to lose more than 10 percent of their body weight and keep it off are people who have had gastric-bypass or other bariatric surgery," Cummings notes. __________________
J.Bridget Fisher
Find me on face book; bridget.fisher
Twitter: bridgetlovesdan

"People will argue with you that getting what you want in life isn’t something you can learn, if you’re destined to be one of the worlds winners as opposed to one of its perpetual whiners, its because you have been born with the right talents and temperament and have a big dose of self-esteem, ambition, and good judgment." Kate White