Support/Meal and Protein Shake Ideas... HELP!

Hello,

I am writing for support not damnation - so pls. be gentle on me.
I had RNY 11/27/07 - I am coming up on my 3rd year post op. 

Initially I went from 303 to 215 - then started battling the carb monster and gained 15 lbs.
I got married, and  then found out I was pregnant - and all hell broke loose. While I only gained about 20 lbs. in my pregnancy, the post partum period was exceptionally hard for me and I relied heavily on carbs and sugar (mainly in the form of soda and white carbs). I have a beautiful 10 month daughter, whom I can't imagine my life without.  I have had also had a horrible bout of post partum depression that I am seeing a counselor and working on, but it has made it very hard to make things right.  My father was diagnosed with cancer in March and we have had a very hard time dealing with that as well.  I'm afraid I have put myself on the back burner again, as I always have in the past.  I focus on my daughter, I ignore my self.  I do not take my vitamins or exercise.  I don't drink water even though I am so thirsty for it!  It's weird, it's like a self-conscious sabotage.  I am currently 250 lbs.  I would like to be 170 but I can't seem to get back into the swing of things.  I guess I am just looking for someone who can sympathize/empathize and help with some motivation/support :(

Will you share your favorite protein powder and vitamin products... also any schedules and meal ideas that you may follow?  
Thanks

I totally understand.  I have gained weight AFTER the babies.  Not much so far but the scale is going up slowly.  I personally can't do the protein shakes.  I get sick on them, they are nasty to me.  I still take flintstones.  Have you thought about trying the pouch test?  I think that this what it is called.  I am sure will correct me. LOL  I don't mean that in a bad way either.  But for 5 days you follow strict diet.  Kind of like a short version of the after surgery diet.  Fluids for two days, soft for two days, I forgot the last,  and I could be totally wrong.  I just don't remember to be honest.  It has been like four years since I looked at it.  Go back to the basic.  No drinks before, during, or after meals.  Protein first then complex carbs if you are still hungry.  No simple carbs at all if possible. I am going to be honest.  If you do not take your vitamins daily, you are just asking for trouble.  I take mine and I am still low on iron, B12, vitamin D, and a few others I can't remember right now.  Just be careful and start taking those vitamins.  They are your life line, seriously.  I get fussed at by my doctor everytime I go in there.  The first thing I am asked if I have a death wish cause that is where I am headed if we don't get things straighted out.  Water!  Water!  Water!!  That is all I can say as well. 

Well, it is good asking for help. That is a step in the right direction.
Your little girl deserves a healthy mommy. So it is important to take your vitamins & calcium. Vitamin deficiancy (especially B-12)  can make depression symptoms worse. Today...go to your nearest drugstore and get some Citrical petites with added D3 in it. If you can swallow a multivite, get Centrum women, or if you need a chewable, get the Centrum complete chewable. And, a B-12 sublingual.
Go home and take these: 2 citrical & the B-12 sublingual. Then a couple hours later, the multivite. It will have iron in it, so it can't be taken with Calcium or the iron won't absorb.
Tomorrow, call your surgeon and say you need to have a full vitamin panel done, ASAP. They may even fax a script to the hospital or something.
There are (of course) better options available for RNY patients. I take the Bariatric Advantage multi-chewable twice a day, Celebrate chewable calcium, and the B12 shot from my surgeon once a month. You can email these companies and ask for free samples. They really are not much more expensive than regular vitamins and are better tailored for us. But they are only available online, or sometimes at the surgeons office. It is important you have your labs done, so that if you are deficient in anything, you will know what. After that, your surgeon will give you a guideline of what to take.
I know that B-12 deficiancy adds to mood swings, and iron deficiancy can cause excessive tiredness. Being you are an RNY patient, I cannot stress enough how important Calcium Citrate is (we cannot absorb it any other form) and B12 shot, sublingual, or nose spray. We cannot absorb that either in any other form.
So...RUN to the drugstore and get this stuff, at the bare minumum. It will help you get back on track and you should feel a little better in a few days.
You should be taking 2 multi-vites a day, 1500 mg of calcium citrate (500 per dose) 1 B12 sublingual, and I would even add in an extra D3, to speed up the calcium absorbtion.
Sorry if this was a little long winded...but if you want any more info, let me know.
Now...run to your car!!

I love the Isopure Tropical protein mix. They have banana, pina colada, mango they all have no carbs and are high in protein. I do have a little advice for you. Take it one day at a time. You cant do everything all in one day. Stop beating yourself up. Just decide to do one thing today and then build on it. It will take time but you can do it. You have come this far already. ;) Good Luck

 

 My favorite protein powders are About Time Birthday Cake and Unjury Chocolate. 
I also like the Cookies and Creme flavors and add a scoop with sugar free pistachio pudding. You can do it. I'm not far from having my little one. I will be in the same boat, I'm sure.