yes protein drinks aren't cheap, but if you factor in that they will replace other foods that you are probably eating, then the drinks kind of equal out. I drink AdvantEdge carb control by EAS. I get them at Walmart. They end up being a little over a $1.00 a piece. They have 15 g protein and 2 carbs (total). I drink 4-6 of those a day. I put them in the freezer and then drink them when they are slightly slushie. Yum! So, if I didnt' drink those, then I'd probably eat other things that would cost more then the drinks. So, weigh your options. The big thing is to find a drink you like and sticking with it. Increase your protein intake...that will help. Hence the reason to supplement with protein. Also, make sure you are getting in real water and exercising 4-5 times a week. If you follow those tried and true WLS rules, you'll drop the weight and maintain. Keep us posted on things. hang in there! christy

My prayers will include you both...the Lord will bring peace to you. Christy

I will probably have to tell them. I am not looking forward to it. I really would not be surprised at all if we were not all released very soon. We have been there for 3 years. We have a new Bishop and this will probably be the next big change. I will be sad. Well I have plenty of things to keep me busy till surgery date. With going to UT for Conf. and then just getting home days before I am to enter the hospital. It will probably go fast. I work for a taxz accountant so I was just getting my life back after taxes. Well next year when I go back to work maybe justtttttttttt maybe I can wear my skinny clothes. Later Barbara

Hi Barbara, Congradulations on getting your surgery date. Sounds like youare really looking forward to the women's conference too. I think you should tell you RS pres./other counselor. Maybe you could tell them that you are having abdominal surgery. I don't want to discourage you in any way what so ever, but......I told the YW pres.(I was her counselor at the time) I didn't want a whole lot of people to know but.....I was also very excited that I was having the surgery. I was very comfortable with my decision, and I knew that all it would take was just one person who wanted to gossip. I asked my husband to tell the bishop and our home teacher. However.......I had a few complications with my open RNY. The RS pres. found out from the YW pres. and an announcement was made in RS and Sac mtg. requesting prayers in my behalf. I was very glad that the people in leadership knew about my situation right away. I got hospital visits and calls from well wishers. If somebody "trys" to tell you about so and so's cousin's uncles mother who died from the surgery...just tell them that you are sorry but, if you don't have anything uplifting to say to me...please keep it to yourself. I know some people just tell their co-workers etc. that they are having abdominal surgery..and you are!! Hugs and smiles Ginger from Arizona

First of all Barbara, congratulations on your surgery date. I think that you should tell the R.S. presidency as well as your compasionate service leader in your ward. You don't need to tell them what the surgery is, you just need to be vague and tell them you are having a really personal surgery and your DH may appreciate a meal or two brought in while you are recouperating. They may also need to fill in for you while your out. I would just emphasize that this is of a personal nature and don't go into any more detail than that. Good luck. This is exciting. Let us know how you're doing. Melody P.S. Do you have an angel yet? If you e-mail me your home phone number I'll call and check up on you.