When ordering any products for WLS

Be sure to always ask the total, including shipping and handling charges. Most websites calculate that for you and you are able to see the total price before you place your order. You have a right to know what the total charge will be.  Also, never be afraid to ask for samples of any products they sell. Most companies will be happy to oblige you. I have gotten samples of the Oh Yeah bars and some calcium samples along with various protein samples. I have also gotten some great samples of the protein chips, and low-carb products. BE is great about sending different samples with every order (not just Nectar as someone else has said, that is simply not true, they will send samples of several different products). Bottom line. Compare prices INCLUDING shipping and handling before you place your orders. Often times the cost of the shipping negates any perceived savings on the item you are ordering. The total cost of shipping, handling AND the product should be considered before you "think" you're getting some kind of great deal. Finally, if you feel you are being overcharged, complain to the supplier! They don't always know when one of their distributors is price gouging.

Thanks for your tips regarding purchasing products. If I may ask who are you & what stage are you in with your weight loss journey? You do not have an avatar or a name that we can reference you by. If you would please introduce yourself to us. Thanks so much. - Kat

You're most welcome. Sure you can ask, I am 9 months out from RNY. Loving it, and doing very well. I don't much like to put out a lot of personal info on the web as I work in a very high profile position. I'd rather not let the world "google" me. However, if you want to send me a PM, I don't mind telling you a bit more. Honestly, I have been surprised and disappointed at some of  the jumping to conclusions and nasty inferences by some folks on this site. I realize most people on here are really wonderful, but I don't have any use for, or desire to become embroiled in the petty aspects. So I try to keep it as impersonal as possible. I've been quite surprised at some of the nasty PMs that have come simply because I have chosen not to post up personal information. That's said, perhaps I would have opened up a bit more if I had been approached in a different manner. Your message here is most pleasant and much appreciated - which is why I don't mind answering you.

I did send you a PM but I was not trying to be nasty and hope you did not take it that way. I also use several sites to buy my protein - the one Jill mentioned is one of them - I buy mine quarterly so search through about 8 sites to get the overall cheapest and always look at the shipping charges as part of the overall cost. Many sites will give you free shipping if you buy enough at once and them send vouchers afterwards for percentages off your next order. I think many people like to have a bit more of an idea on who they are dealing with before they open up back to them.  If you want people to trust your information, you have to give them something more to trust. than annonimity.  Glad you are doing so well on your weight loss journey..... Jackie

Let me say "Welcome"...I may have missed some your previous posts, but definately saw thing one. Sorry to hear that people on this board have been nasty to you - it's just not how all of us are so I hope that you do not hold that against all of us..... Congrats on being 9 months out and doing well.  keep up the great work. Don't be such a lurker............

Jill - Thank you! Actually, I'm exactly 12 days shy of 9 months. But I've learned to count the baby steps along the way (along with the ounces and pounds!) Interestingly enough, this thread has generated some of the nicest responses and PMs. I appreciate that. I understand that people are less willing to respond if they aren't sure who they're responding to. I will try to be a bit more open and if anyone is curious, they are certainly welcome to PM me. I have posted a number of times now on various forums (although someone commented that I'd only ever posted twice). So many of you provide such great information that I feel I don't have quite as much to contribute - so I sit back and read.  I certainly don't hold anyone's actions against everyone else. I also know that some posts can be misunderstood. It's hard sometimes to get points across when you can't hear voice inflections or see facial expressions. I know too that some days, everything just reads wrong (I think we all have days like that). Jill - I appreicate your words and the fact that you've really made me feel welcome, and much more comfortable here. Thank you so much!

Welcome to the VA Board. I've messaged you privately. I hope that you see the positives in folks here and I'm sure you know that there are some folks we'll cross paths with that aren't pleasant. However, we can make a choice to "kill them with kindness" and get our points across. Support is support and should not be based on selfishness & such but more on helping each and every person if and when we can. We all have things to offer here & if you have felt slighted or what have you I suggest you address those folks & continue to see the great things we have to offer here. Sometimes others judge what they cannot understand. We have all pointed fingers at one time or another but we can choose to learn that each of us is important, can offer great things & are worth it. I hope that you do, in time open up and become more expressive. You could help others with your journey. All best......

Most definately consider the shipping, tax etc.  It is because of BE's extremely high shipping prices that I do not order from them.  I use www.netrition.com instead.  They have a HUGE variety of stuff, cheaper than bariatriceating.com AND the shipping is MUCH better.   Plus, from time to time they offer freebies with their order to make it better. OR...I will just drive over to the Vitamin Shoppe and pick up what they carry (Miceallar Milk, Matrix Protein Powder, Protein Delite Protein Powder, Oh Yea Bars, Muscle Milk Pudding...)  Plus, with them, I receive a coupon yearly based on my purchases.

Thanks for the tip on Netrition! I'll definately take a look at their site. I've heard great things about Vitamin Shoppe too, and they do have several locations around the country. Another thought would be to ask places like The Vitamin Shoppe to consider carrying some of items that they don't already have. I think that would be a win-win situation. They'd sell more and we'd all save on a lot of shipping! By the way, you look GREAT!!

Thanks much for the kind words..... Definately check them out.  they have a high protein low carb flaxseen granola that is really good in yogurt.  So, they have stuff that you cannot find elsewhere. As for the Vitamin Shoppe, they will also give you samples of the Nectar products to try out.  PLUS...if you purcahse a protein powder from them and do not like it, you can bring it back for a full refund - NO ONE elwse offers that kind of customer service.  Not ANY website out there. And for us who's tastes change so often, that is great to know. They carry those Whey bullets that people like, too, and many of the Nectar products.  Also, they will special order items for you so you always have them in stock (provided that it is an item that they carry). I use their brand vitamins for most of my vitamins and have always had great labs. Back on the shipping thing....I'm busy and don' thave the time to dork around with shipping prices when figuring out who has what at the lowest price.  If I have to call someone to get a shipping price, well, that is just not going to happen.  I do most of my online shopping late at night after most places are closed.  So...something else to consider when doing your price comparisons....your time. Again....the one stop shopping takes me back to www.netrition.com and the Vitamin shoppe over and over again.......