Hey guys... I had the coolest things happen to me on Friday night. A group of co-workers were getting together at a local sports bar Friday night. As I was getting ready to leave one co-worker pointed someone out and asked if it was an old co-worker of ours. Sure enough... it was him. I knew him for about 8 years but I haven't seen him for about a year and he didn't know I had surgery. So I tell my friend that I'm going to say hi before we go to the next place. I walk up and it is just him and another guy. I said "Hello Paul". He looked at me like he wished he knew me and his friend was staring at me too. I said "You have no idea who I am do you". I laughed and he admitted no. So I said "Close your eyes and listen to my voice". As soon as he did that he knew who I was and FLIPPED OUT!!!! Now he is not big on social graces and tried many times to compliment me but it kind of came out like this - "You have improved alot " We talked for a few minutes and two girls came up that were with them on a double date. They were giving me the evil eye (which I love because that means they think I'm a threat) and Paul introduced me and I said hello. I left shortly after that. So we get to the next bar to listen to a band and during the break went upstairs with my friend. I recognized the DJ as someone who used to flirt shamelessly with me in high school. I went to say hello and he recognized me instantly!!! This is the coolest thing ever because someone I saw about a year ago didn't recognize me but someone I haven't seen for about 17 years did! Isn't that great!!!! I didn't have to go through the whole... how I lost weight thing... just how have you been. It was AWESOME!!! Just thought I would share! Laura RNY 9/7/04 330/180/140

They are great. I love the banana flavor one. I get mine at GN****asionally.

The protein is not for the weight loss. Your body requires a certain amount of protein to operate on any given day. If you do not eat enough, it will pull it from muscles, any muscle, e.i. your heart. This is why protein levels are stressed by the surgeon. Poor protein intake can lead to heart complications. Also the less muscle mass you have, the slower the weight loss. My father died of heart disease, so when speaking to the surgeon and the nutritionist who visited me in the hospital, my mother made sure to ask the effects of the new diet on my heart(she is a nurse). She had already mention this side effect to me. My surgeon said the same thing when talking about protein, yes it helps with weight loss but it is really about keeping your organs healthy. I hope this motivates you to get back on the protein train. By the way I do not drink shakes, as I eat enough protein in my diet.(Cottage cheese, tuna, fish, soy beans, steak and nuts.) My first blood test at the six month mark gave me a clean bill of health. Good Luck Helen

You look amazing. You must feel so good inside. Thanks for sharing... Shannon

My surgery was 9-17, and I'm doing just great. I've lost a total of 128 pounds now and feel terrific! My hubby also had the surgery (August baby) and he's down 105. It's a new life for us and I couldn't be happier with the results and how we both feel/act. I've slowed down in my weight loss the last 3 to 4 months, but I've also been slacking with the exercise. I need to work on this and will do so and very soon. How are you doing?