Great to hear from you!  You look great!  You've come a long way in two years!
Lisa

Lisa--I've been wondering about you recently--glad things have turned around for you!!  Continued success!!  Lisa

You can try adding a little plain cocoa powder (the unsweetened type) to your protein shake before you blend it to intensify the chocolate taste.  Occasionally I do that when I want a stronger chocolate flavor.  I find it works best if I'm using my blender rather than the blender bottle but you may feel otherwise.  BTW I use Syntrax Nectar Sweets Chocolate Truffle.

I'm not sure I understand your question, but the chocolate truffle is just that, chocolate.  I never taste any vitamin flavor in it, and I am also very sensitive to tastes.  The brand comes in many other flavors but this is the one I like.  I suggest you try lots of samples from Vitalady until you find something you like.  She carries quite a variety of brands and offers single serving samples at a very reasonable cost.  Keep in mine that just because you don't like a particular flavor doesn't necessarily mean you won't like another flavor by the same manufacturer or the same flavor in another brand.  I probably tried thirty samples until I found one I liked.  I drink three shakes/day and I'm pretty much a purest--except for fruit in the AM I usually drink mine straight (no additional flavorings).

I discussed the DS in detail with my PCP and my plans to go to Brazil for the surgery.  I told him that I needed him to order my follow up labs, etc. and he agreed to do so.

I tell my PCP what labs are due and when and he writes the orders and reviews the results.  I email my results to my surgeon, Dr. Marchesini in Brazil (who by the way is a brilliant surgeon and a wonderful and kind man) for his input and follow his recommendations.  He is a believer in the knowledge and experience of Michelle (Vitalady) and refers me to her for assistance with adjusting my vitamins if needed.  (She has been fabulous, too!)  So far this partnership has been working well.  BTW--I got the buy-in for this from my PCP before I had the surgery so there were no surprises early on.  Lisa

I get all of my vits from Vitalady and haven't had any problems either.
Lisa

So sorry for your loss!  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Lisa

Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss!  Thankfully you were able to be there for your granddaughter and daughter.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa

Jazz--Ok, so I admit I didn't read through all the posts so forgive me if you already answered this, but have you looked into taking the class elsewhere (where you could have greater success with another instructor and possibly find a good tutor) and transfer the credits back to the college you are attending now?  If you have enough credits where you are currently attending there should be no reason you cannot transfer in the anatomy credits toward your degree.  I took anatomy and know it can be challenging but your passing it is not impossible!  Don't give up!! You must believe you can and you will!
Good luck!
Lisa

Sending prayers her way!

Dr. Marchesini did my virgin DS surgery last year and I have not had a single problem other than being gluten intolerant.  He is an outstanding person and doctor and I wouldn't hesitate using him for a second.  I lost below my goal weight in 9 months but that varies by individual.  I was self-pay and my total 2010 cost was $19,000 for two to fly round-trip to Brazil and stay two weeks including hospital, hotel, surgery and food. 

I do not have any personal experience with Dr. Rabkin but know he is also highly regarded.  Either way you have two great choices.

Good luck!
Lisa

My prayers are with you!  I'm so sorry for your loss!
Hugs,
Lisa