I purchase my protein powder from either Costco OR from the bulk food store. 

There are lots of great powders out there though. 

Hi Cathy - I am 18 months post surgery and I actually found the opti-fast the easiest part of the process....take it one day at a time and add sugar free flavoring to the optifast if needed. 

Good luck. 

Lynette 

A good friend gave me these recipes...lots to choose from...enjoy 

Almond Peach Delight
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ½ -1 cup frozen peaches, ½ tsp almond extract, ½ tsp cinnamon
 
Apple Cinnamon
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ½-1 cup of chopped frozen apple, 1 tsp cinnamon
 
Apple Pie Delight -- YUMMY 
1 scoop of vanilla powder, 1 peeled and cored apple, cut into pieces, 1 ½ cups of milk,
½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, 5 Ice Cubes, Microwave the apple pieces for 2 minutes on high. Add all ingredients to blender, puree for 30 seconds.
 
Apple Smoothie
½ cup milk, skim, ¼ cup yogurt, plain, fat free, no added sugar,(greek yogurt will add additional protein!) ¼ cup applesauce, no added sugar, 1 scoop Vanilla powder, pinch cinnamon, pinch nutmeg, ¼ tsp. vanilla extract, 4 ice cubes, Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds. 
 
Apricot Fantasy
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, 1- 2 small apricots, ¼ cup raw almonds
½ tsp almond extract, Ice
 
Banana Almond Creme
1 Banana, ½ Cup Milk, 10 Almonds, 1 scoop powder, 5 Ice Cubes
 
Banapple Blast
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ½ small green apple, ½ frozen banana
½ tsp cinnamon
 
Banana Bread Shake
2 scoops protein, 1 Banana, ½ Cup Quaker Oatmeal (cook with boiling water), ¾ Cup Kellogg's Bran Flakes, 1 Bottle of water, Sugar, Brown Sugar or Artificial Sweetener to taste.
 
Banana Cheerio Quickfast
1-2 scoops of chocolate powder, 6-8 ounces of water, 4-6 ice cubes, 1 banana, ¾ cup cheerios, Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. 
 
Banana Delight
8 oz water, ½ banana (frozen), 2 oz protein of choice, 2 tsp flax seed oil
 
Banana Split
Mix one serving of vanilla or chocolate according to directions. Then, add 1 ripe banana, ¼ cup chopped pineapple, 4 frozen strawberries and 3 ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds.

Berries & Cream Shake
1 Scoop Vanilla powder, 1 Scoop Ice, 1 Lil Can Of Pineapple Juice (cook with boiling water), 1 Handful Of Mixed Berries.
 
Berry Good Shake
Mix 2 scoops of Raspberry Yogurt and protein powder, 4 strawberries, 15 blueberries
16 ounces of nonfat milk, ½ cup of ice cubes.
 
Berry Madness
1-2 scoops of vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups water or skim milk, ¼ cup of frozen or fresh strawberries, ¼ cup of frozen or fresh blueberries, ¼ cup of frozen or fresh, raspberries, add ice for extra thickness
 
Blastoff
1 single tall espresso shot, 12 oz milk, 2 scoops vanilla powder, scoop ice
 
Blueberry Blaster
1-2 scoops of vanilla powder, 6-8 oz of water, 4 to 6 ice cubes, 20-30 blueberries, Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute.
 
Blueberry Dream
10 oz water, ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1.5 oz protein of choice, 2 tsp flax seed oil, 15 drops liquid stevia (optional)
 
Blueberry Vanilla Pear
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼-½ cup frozen blueberries, ¼-½ cup chopped pear, Ice
 
Blue Mango Heaven
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼ -½ cup frozen mango, 1/3-½ cup blueberries
 
Breakfast Boost
Blend 8 oz of orange juice with a half-cup non-fat, plain yogurt, half a banana, one serving of protein, 1 tbsp flax seed oil, four frozen peach slices and 3 ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.


Breezy-Freezy Shake
1-2 scoops of vanilla powder, 1-1 ½ cups of  water or skim milk, 1 cup reduced fat mango yogurt, ¼ of frozen pineapple, ½ -1 banana, Add ice for extra thickness
 
Carnation Instant Breakfast Smoothie
¼ cup orange juice, 100%, ½ cup milk, skim, 1 package Carnation Instant Breakfast, vanilla, no added sugar, 1 scoop Any Protein, 4 ice cubes,  Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.  
 
Cherry Ripe
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼-½  frozen banana, ¼-½ cup frozen black cherries

Chocolate Almond Delight
10-12 oz water, 15 raw almonds, ½ tsp coconut extract, 1.5 oz chocolate powder, Stevia to taste (optional), 3-5 ice cubes (optional), (first, blend the almonds until creamy smooth in ½ the water, then add the rest of the ingredients)
 
Chocolate Banana Crunch
Mix one serving of chocolate according to directions. Then, add one banana and three ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds. Then, add four low-fat chocolate wafers, blend at low speed for ten seconds, and server.
 
Chocolate Banana Shake
1-2 scoops chocolate powder, 6-8 oz water, 4-6 ice cubes, 1 banana, Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute.
 
Chocolate Coffee Shake
Mix 2 scoops of Milk Chocolate protein, 1 cup of skim milk, 5 ice cubes, 1 cup of water
1 spoonful of instant coffee,
 
Chocolate Dream
½ scoop Chocolate powder, ½ scoop Vanilla powder, 8 oz milk, skim, Stir ingredients together or use shaker cup. 
 
Chocolate Fudge Shake
2 scoops chocolate powder, 2 tbsp chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix, 8 oz water
5 large ice cubes, tiny silver spoon (optional), Blend powder, pudding and water, add ice cubes, blend till crushed, with ice slivers still un-melted, pour into insulated cup (makes
about 16 oz) and eat it with a tiny silver spoon.
 
Chocolate Lovers
12 oz water, 1 tsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp low fat sour cream, 10-15 drops liquid stevia, 2 oz protein chocolate flavor, 2 tsp flax seed oil
 
Chocolate Strawberry Blast
1-2 scoops of chocolate powder, 6-8 ounces of water, 4-6 ice cubes, 8 strawberries, Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute.
 
Chocolate Vanilla Swirl
½ scoop chocolate powder, ½ scoop vanilla powder, splash Vitamite, splash water, Ice,
 
Choco-Banana Nut
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼-½  frozen banana, 1 tbsp of raw cashew butter

Chocolate Mocha
½ cup milk, skim, 1 1/3 Tbsp General Foods International Swiss Mocha Instant Coffee, sugar free, 1 scoop Chocolate powder, 4 ice cubes,  Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.   
 
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
Mix one serving of chocolate according to directions. Then, add 1 heaping tbsp of all-natural peanut butter and 3 ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.  (maybe use PB2?)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Supreme
12 oz. Water, 4 ice cubes, 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream, 1 tbsp natural peanut butter, 2 scoops chocolate powder
 
Cinnamon Roll Supreme
Mix one serving of vanilla according to directions. Then, add ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp fat-free Butter Buds and 3 ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.


Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake
2 scoops vanilla, 1 tbsp sugar-free instant vanilla pudding, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp vanilla, 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.
 
Coffee Lovers Delight
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼-½ cup raw almonds or cashews, 1-2 tsp instant decaffeinated coffee
 
Creamsicle
¾ cup orange juice, 100%, 1 package, Carnation Instant Breakfast, vanilla, 1 scoop protein powder, 4 ice cubes
 
Creamy Coffee Ice Cream
1 scoop of vanilla 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.
 
Creamy Peach Smoothie
1-2 scoops of vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups water or skim milk, ¼-½ cup of frozen peaches, ¼-½  frozen banana, ice for extra thickness
 
Double Deluxe Chocolate Fudge
Mix one serving of chocolate according to directions. Then, add one packet of Swiss Miss fat-free hot cocoa mix and three ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.


Eggnog
1 scoop Vanilla powder, 1 cup skim milk, ¼ cup egg substitute, 1 Tbsp Instant, pudding, vanilla, sugar free, dry, ½ tsp. vanilla extract, Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.  Chill, and then stir prior to serving.   
 
Eye opener
1 scoop protein powder, 1 tsp instant coffee, 12 oz ice cold water, 2 ice cubes and blend

Fat Burning Peaches and Cream
8 oz water, 1 ripe peach, 2 tbs. low fat sour cream, 8 drops liquid stevia (optional)
1.5 oz protein of choice
 
Frozen Chocolate Banana
12 oz. Water, 4-5 ice cubes, 1 banana, 1 tbsp heavy cream, 2 scoops chocolate powder
 
Fruit Freeze
½ cup skim milk, 1 scoop Vanilla powder, 5 strawberries, frozen, no added sugar, 2 peaches, frozen, no added sugar, ¼ cup pineapple, canned, packed in juice, Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer.   
  
Fruit Smoothie
2 scoops strawberry, 4 large strawberries, blueberries ( a small handful), water (just a few drops), ½ cup ice, Splenda, 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.
 
German Chocolate Cake
12 oz Water, 4 ice cubes, 1 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tbsp cream of coconut, 2 scoops chocolate powder
 
Ginger Bread Man
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 graham cracker, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 capful vanilla, 12oz water, 4 Ice Cubes ,Blend 45 seconds
 
High Energy Shake!
10 oz water, 10 strawberries (Fresh or Frozen), 1 tbsp flax seed oil, ½ tsp vanilla, 1 heaping scoop protein, Stevia to taste (optional), 2-3 ice cubes (optional)
 
Hot Cocoa
1 cup milk, skim, 1 scoop Chocolate powder, Heat milk in microwave on high power for 90 seconds or until desired temperature is reached.  Stir in Matrix 5.0 until dissolved. 
 
Hot Cocoa
1 cup milk, skim, 1 scoop Vanilla powder, 1 packet hot cocoa, sugar free, Heat milk in microwave on high power for 90 seconds or until desired temperature is reached.  Stir in Matrix 5.0 and hot cocoa until dissolved.   
Iced Café Vienna
1 cup milk, skim, 1 scoop Vanilla powder, 1 2/3 Tbsp  General Foods International Coffees Café Vienna, sugar free, 4 ice cubes, Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds. 
 
Iced Latte      
1 cup decaffeinated coffee, chilled, 1 scoop Vanilla powder, 4 ice cubes, Place all ingredients in blender.  Blend until smooth.   
 
Juicy Lucy
10 oz apple juice (can use orange/blend), 1 scoop ice, ½ large banana, 4 frozen strawberries, 2 scoops vanilla powder

Key Lime Pie
Mix one serving of vanilla whey according to directions. Then, add 2 tbsp frozen lime juice, one graham cracker (four small squares) and 3 ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.


Melon madness
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼-½ cup frozen watermelon
 
Mocha Shake
6 oz. Water, 4 ice cubes, 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream, 6 oz. coffee*, 2 scoops chocolate powder, *You may use 12 oz. coffee and no water for an extra pre-workout or morning kick!
 
Nada Colada Protein Shake
2 scoops vanilla, ½, cup pineapple-orange juice*, ¼ tsp rum extract, ¼ tsp coconut extract (or 2 tbsp shredded coconut), 1 packet artificial sweetener, 4 oz. water (or low-fat milk), 3-6 ice cubes, Low-carb version: Omit juice and use ½ tsp sugar-free pineapple-orange drink mix (dry). Increase water or milk to 8 oz, Add all ingredients to blender, whip, and serve.
 
Oatmeal Meal Replacement Shake
1 cup dry measure oatmeal, cooked in water and cooled, 2 scoops vanilla, 3 dashes cinnamon, 1/8 cup 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. If your short on time, just use dry oatmeal or oat flour.
 
Orange And Cream Delight
1 Bottle of Orange Gatorade, 1 scoop Vanilla, Simple, yet tasty!
 
Orange Creamsicle
1-2 scoops of vanilla powder, 6-8 ounces of water, 4-6 ice cubes, 1-2 peeled oranges, Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. 
Orange Vanilla Shake
Mix 2 scoops of Vanilla, 8 oz Orange Juice, 4-5 ice cubes, 1 tsp Vanilla, ½ banana, 2-3 frozen strawberries, 2 packets of sweetener,
 
PB&J
Mix one serving of vanilla according to directions. Then, add one heaping tbsp of all-natural peanut butter and four frozen strawberries. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve

Peanut Brittle Protein Shake
2 scoops vanilla, 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 This mimics peanut brittle only in taste. Add all ingredients to blender, blend, and serve. I like to add the peanut butter in last so it stays a little chunky, just like the peanut brittle it is replacing.
 
Peanut Butter And Banana Shake
2 scoops Vanilla, 100g almond flakes, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 500ml skim milk, half banana, 1 tbsp honey
 
Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffle
2 scoops chocolate powder, 1 tsp peanut butter, 16 ounces nonfat milk, ½ cup ice cubes
 
Peppermint Oatmeal Shake
Mix 2 scoops of Milk Chocolate Protein, 1 cup sugar free vanilla ice cream, 1 cup oatmeal, 2 cups non-fat milk, ½ cup water, a splash of peppermint extract!
 
Piña Colada
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ½ -1 cup frozen pineapple pieces, ½ tsp coconut extract
 
Pina Colada Passion
12 oz. Water, 4 ice cubes, 3 scoops vanilla powder, 1/3 cup Pineapple chunks
2 tsp Coconut extract
 
Pineapple Blast
4 ice cubes, 12 oz. Water, 2 scoops vanilla powder, ½ cup pineapple chunks
 
Pineapple Power
1 cup of pineapple juice, 3 strawberries, 1 banana, 1 tsp of yogurt, 1 scoop of your choice of protein
 
Plum Ice Shake
Mix 2 scoops of Vanilla, 1 ripe plum, juice of 1 lemon, 16 oz of ice water, ½ cup ice cubes.
 
Protein Power Carnation Instant Breakfast
1 cup milk, skim, 1 package Carnation Instant Breakfast, no added sugar, 1 scoop Any Whey Protein, 4 ice cubes , Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.   
 
Protein Power Crystal Light
½ cup Crystal Light, 1 scoop Any Whey Protein, 2 Tbsp Cool Whip Free, 4 ice cubes, Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.
 
Protein Power Plus Carnation Instant Breakfast
1 cup milk, skim, 1 package Carnation Instant Breakfast, no added sugar, 2 scoops Any Whey Protein, 4 ice cubes, Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds. 
 

Protein Power Orange Frostie
½ cup orange juice, 100%, 1 scoop Any Whey Protein, 2 Tbsp Cool Whip Light, 4 ice cubes,  Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.   
 
Protein Power Pineapple Smoothie
2/3 cup pineapple juice, 100%, ½ cup cottage cheese, fat free, 1 scoop Any Whey Protein
Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer.   
 
Protein Power Strawberry Carnation Instant Breakfast
1 cup milk, skim, 1 package Carnation Instant Breakfast, no added sugar, 1 scoop Any Whey Protein, ½ cup strawberries, frozen, no added sugar,  Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.   
 
Protein Powered Vegetable Juice
1 cup tomato or V-8 juice, 1 scoop Any Whey Protein, Blend or use a shaker cup to mix well.  Pour over ice or blend with ice.   
 
Protein Shake
1 cup skim milk, 2 tsp safflower oil, Several pieces of ice, 1 banana, 1 package of Carnation Instant Breakfast, (any flavor--strawberry, chocolate, cappacino, French vanilla, chocolate malt), Mix together in blender until ice is completely crushed and mixed well.
 
Protein Tower of Power
Mix two servings of vanilla, chocolate or strawberry according to directions, and three ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.


Pumpkin Spice Latte
1 scoop Vanilla powder, 1 tbsp Canned Pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), ¼ tsp Apple Pie Spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice), ½ cup Skim Milk, 2 tsp Splenda or Equal (add more or less to adjust sweetness), ½ cup Water, 1 tsp Instant Coffee (regular or decaf), Hea****er in microwave (below 130 degrees) then, mix in instant coffee Add: -Coffee (as prepared above), milk, canned pumpkin, Vanilla powder, apple pie spice and sweetener in blender -Blend until combined (about 30 seconds) -Heat in microwave
until warm or serve over ice Fun Extras: -Serve with a cinnamon stick -Top with 1 tablespoon of cool-whip (sugar free or regular) and sprinkle with Apple Pie Spice
 
Quick Start
3 oranges (fresh juiced only, NOT canned or bottled, 6 drops liquid stevia (optional)
1 oz protein of choice
 
Raspberry Chocolate Thick
1-2 scoops of chocolate powder, 6-8 ounces of whole (or 2%) milk, 6 ice cubes
8 raspberries, Mix in a blender on medium for 1 minute. Pour into a tall glass. Drink or eat with a spoon!
 
Raspberry Rhubarb Magic
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼-½ cup frozen chopped rhubarb, ¼-½ cup frozen raspberries

Rise and Shine
½ cup orange juice, 100%, ¼ cup yogurt, vanilla, fat free, no added sugar, ¼ banana, ripe
3 peach slices, frozen, no added sugar, 2 scoops Any Whey Protein, Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.  Strain through a fine metal mesh strainer. 
  
Rock N' Roll Protein Shake
1 cup water, 1 big scoop vanilla powder, ¾ cup natural yogurt, 1 banana, 1 tsp of flax-seed oil, 2 tsp of honey,
 
Root Beer Float
1 can Diet A&W Root Beer, 1-2 tbsp Heavy Cream, 4 ice cubes, 1-3 scoops vanilla powder
 
Root Beer Float
Mix one cup of diet root beer, that has gone flat with one scoop vanilla powder, and it tastes like a root beer float!
 
Simply Peachy-Keen
1-2 scoops vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups water or skim milk, ¼-½ cup of, frozen peaches, Add ice for extra thickness
 
Strawberry-Banana Frost
Mix one serving of strawberry according to directions. Then, add 1 ripe banana and 3 ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.
   
Strawberry Berry Berry
1 scoop Strawberry powder, 4 strawberries (frozen or fresh), ¼ cup blueberries, 1 cup cranberry juice, 1 cup ice or crushed ice, Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency., Serve cold.

Strawberry Cheesecake
Mix one serving of vanilla according to directions. Then, add three tbsp of Jell-O's no-bake, reduced-fat cheesecake mix, three low-fat vanilla wafers, and four frozen strawberries. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.
    
Strawberry Chocolate Milk
2 Scoops Strawberry powder, 1 Scoop Carnation Fat Free Hot Cocoa, 14 oz water
Mix in blender with ice for a "shake" or shake in shaker for a more, milky consistency

Strawberry Delight
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼-½ cup frozen strawberries, ¼ cup frozen mango slices
 
Strawberry Nut Shake
Mix 2 Scoops Vanilla, 1 cup fat-free strawberry yogurt, 6 shredded macadamia nuts.
 
Strawberry for Protein Dummies
10 frozen strawberries, ½ small banana, 1 scoop powder, 8 oz Water, 1/3 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk, Splenda to taste

Strawberry Savior
4 scoops vanilla powder, 8 oz water, 1 strawberry yogurt, 3 frozen strawberries
1 tsp flax seed oil,  
 
Super Slimmer
8 oz water, 1 tbsp flax seed oil, ½ ripe peach (peeled), 6 frozen strawberries
1 heaping scoop protein, Stevia to taste (optional)
 
Super Vanilla Shake
½ cup milk, skim, ¼ cup yogurt, plain, fat free, 1 scoop Vanilla powder, 1 scoop Any Whey Protein, 4 ice cubes, Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.   
 
Tangerine Cream
12 oz. Tangerine Diet Rite, 4 Ice Cubes, 1-2 tbsp heavy cream, 1-3 scoops vanilla powder
 
The Best Protein Shake Ever
2 scoops chocolate, 10 Ice Cubes, 12 oz fat free milk, 2 tbsp fat free vanilla yogurt
1 tbsp reduced fat peanut butter, 2 tbsp hazelnut coffee, 1/8 cup caramel ice cream topping, You can add more or less caramel topping, depending on how sweet you want your shake.
 
The Best Overall Tasting Homemade Protein Shake
16 oz skim milk, 2 cups no-fat cottage cheese, 3 scoops vanilla, ½ cup non-fat, 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. 
 
The Hulk
2 scoops vanilla, ½ 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. This tastes great without the mint so don't worry if you don't have it around. The shake is a light green even without the food coloring but if you want it green (like The Hulk!), you'll need a few drops.
 
Tropical Fruit Freeze
Mix one serving of strawberry according to directions. Then, add ¼ cup frozen, unsweetened peaches, ¼ cup pineapple, and 3 ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.
     
Thick Banana Protein Shake
1 cup skim milk, 2 tsp. safflower oil, Several pieces of ice, 1 banana, 1 package of Carnation Instant Breakfast, (any flavor–strawberry, chocolate, cappuccino, French vanilla, chocolate malt), Mix together in blender until ice is completely crushed and mixed well.
 
Tropical Pleasure
8 oz water, ½ tsp pineapple extract, ½ tsp coconut extract, 1 tbsp heavy cream
½ frozen banana, 1 heaping scoop (1 oz) of Egg Protein, Stevia or Agave to taste (optional), 2-3 ice cubes (optional)

Tropical Treat
8 oz water, ½ banana (frozen), 2 tbsp low fat sour cream, 1 tsp coconut extract
10-15 drops liquid stevia (optional), 1.5 oz. protein of choice (vanilla flavor)
 
Two Berry Delight
1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries, ½ cup raspberries, ½ cup water, 1 cup ice, 1 packet of sweetener, ½ cup milk, 1 cup orange juice vitamins or protein powder, Put all ingredients except ice in blender and blend until smooth. Add ice and blend to give it a frozen smoothie consistency
 
Vanilla Banana Creamy
1-2 scoops of vanilla powder, 6-8 oz 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. 
 
Vanilla Coffee Delight
10-12 oz. low-fat milk, 2 scoops vanilla protein powder, ½ cup low-fat coffee flavored ice cream, Add all ingredients in blender. Blend and enjoy.
 
Vanilla Nut
1 scoop vanilla powder, 1 ½ cups skim milk, ¼ cup raw organic oatmeal, 1 tbsp raw cashew butter, ½ tsp cinnamon
 
Vanilla Shake
½ cup milk, skim, ¼ cup yogurt, plain, fat free, 1 scoop Vanilla powder, 4 ice cubes
 Put all ingredients into blender.  Blend on high for 45 seconds.   
 
Vanilla Yogurt Smoothie
1 cup plain, fat free yogurt, 1 scoop Vanilla powder, ¼ cup milk, skim, Place all ingredients in blender.  Blend until smooth.   
 
Whey Egg Nog
Mix one serving of vanilla according to directions. Then, add ½ tsp ground allspice, 1 graham cracker (4 small squares) and 3 ice cubes. Blend at high speed for 45 seconds and serve.
 
Wild Berry Boost
2 scoops vanilla, 8 raspberries, 4 strawberries, 15 blueberries, 16 ounces nonfat milk, ½ cup ice cubes
 
Yogurt Smoothie
Blend 1-2 scoops of Any Whey Protein into your favorite no added sugar smooth yogurt flavor and ½ cup milk.  

All your hard work has paid off ....congrat's !!!!

I saw Dr, Jackson for my consultation but had Dr. Urbach for my surgery.  They were both great.  

Please note that you are not guaranteed the surgeon that you see for your consultation for your surgery but all seem have good reviews.  
 

March 1st will be here before you know it.  

thanks - I will look for this book. 

So here is the scenerio.....

I am at goal weight....have been for the past few months but I am now struggling with old demons....

1. emotional eating and unhealthy eating habits are returning........

2. issues of feeling fat and huge........I can see the difference in pictures, I know I am wearing smaller clothing, but psychologically I still feel huge....

Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

As I am sure you are aware, hair loss is a very common side effect of rapid weight loss....usually peaks between month 3 - 6 although can last up until year 1.   The good thing is that it will grow back.  

great way to describe it......

You may also want to consider GNC - they have some good protein powders and sometimes you can buy one, get the 2nd for 50% off. 

I also turned 50 this year and celebrated with a trip to Cuba....you certainly deserve to celebrate your success with a trip to Barbados !!!!!!!!!!

You look amazing and have worked hard to reach your goals. 

Congrat's and keep up the amazing work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrat's on your 4 year anniversary and thanks for sharing your inspiring journey. 

I am just over 1 year out and although have reached goal - continue to receive inspiration when I read stories like your's.  

Keep up the amazing work  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!