You know, luckily for you I have a serious problem with memory.  I tend to "forget" that I've already tried a product -- and when I see something that looks like a new item or a new flavor -- I grab some! 

"Hey - check this out - it's new/different?"

Some times, this works out well.  In the case of the BNRG Power Crunch Bars.  I could never eat those without having a serious reaction, but since I have a problem,"  I keep buying them.  Here and there, there's Power Crunch in my freezer -- and they are FCKING DELICIOUS, which basically means I was eating them even if I reacted.  But, hey -- it stopped happening, and now they have climbed up the list of my favorites.  I have learned that RNY sucks, and never, ever, write a food off your "works for me" list until you've tried it over and over and over.  Except eggs.  And, nuts.  And, milk.  And, dry meat.  And... well, you get it.  (No, really... I tried to return a case of PC bars years ago because I was certain they were the death of me.)

But.  Not always.  I snagged a handful of Doctor's CarbRite Diet Sugar Free Bar - For carb conscious dieters!  last night.  I tried them at least twice before.  I'm just a slut for "Look! It's different!" and bought some.

I am sorry, I still do not like them.

I cannot get past the texture.  Thick and thick.  This isn't to say I won't keep trying!  I will. Formulations change.  I tried the Chocolate Mint variety - but I didn't taste much of anything but The Thickness.  No wait -- It tastes -- like protein powder -- soy protein powder.  Soy protein powder, mixed with a sugar-free "fudge."

If you're seeking a super-dense protein bar that is low carb - it fits the bill. 

• Product - Doctor's CarbRite Diet Sugar Free Bar - For carb conscious dieters.
• Price - Less than $2 each $1.50-$1.69
• Via - Grocery Shopping
• Pros - The Thickness, low carb, high protein, dense like my head.
• Cons - The Thickness, high sugar alcohols.
• Rating - Neutral Pouchworthy, because I know I will try it again sooner than later, I have three in the fridge plus one half-eaten one.

It's already half-past July.  I am surprised that the summer seems to be buzzing right along.  One week -- and two kids go to day-camp -- and then a few weeks more and -- BACK TO SCHOOL!  The kids and I went and checked out a pretty-school for the little one yesterday -- where she immediately ran to the window! 

"I'mma play in DAT one pwaygwound!"

She wasn't scared of the environment -- she listened to the director who was giving me the tour -- and went right ahead at played with the toys the the teacher suggested.  I know if I decide to send her to "school" there will be a huge adjustment, and she's likely to flip out at least for a while, but this was a good reaction to begin with, no leg clinging or "Hold me!"

Each of my kids has gone to preschool at age three, all through a totally different program.  We don't qualify for it anymore, nor did we last time, but the program director allowed us through, and we were able to pay on a "sliding fee" schedule and you could not BEAT the cost even at the highest rate.  This year, I got the paperwork and realized we'd be living in the car on the income limits provided for a family of six. 

I am not technically working -- but I want to either GET to that point or working enough from home that I AM "working," and getting some schooling accomplished.

You see, it's great to be able to be AT home and try to find a way to work from home, but it's extraordinarily distracting and difficult with four kids, unless they are occupied as well. 

The summer has taught me that it's next to impossible to complete even the most basic... blog post unless I hurry, do it late at night, or procrastinate -- so taking on a "job" would be insane -- and WE, WE don't DO ANYTHING.  It's not like we have this schedule of kids' activities and social events yet -- I've been non-driving for 1.5 years -- life stopped.  Once things start rolling again (sohelpmepleaseletmedrive) I can only imagine that "working" and classes will be difficult.  If I consider having the wee one in school at least a couple days a week - I will have >THAT MUCH< time to get things done! 

Right now, I am never, ever alone, ever.  Bathroom?  Nope.  Sleeping?  HAHAHAHAHA.  The summertime?  I'm lucky to pee with THREE people in the bathroom with me. 

So - if you're going to bitch at me for even considering shuffling my baby to "pretty-school" three days a week - kiss my ass, I think I've earned it.  I've been doing "this" for 12 years.  Mama still needs a career -- a family of six demands it.

Maybe it seems a bit counter productive, paying someone to watch my kid so I can get paid.  But isn't that how it works?  At this point, I don't care.  I must do something, work/school, whatever, I can't wake up at age 40 and realize all I am capable of doing in the work force is making coffee* and folding jeans. 

*However - please note that I have been unsuccessful at getting a position at Starbucks, what, three times?  *sigh*  Not good enough for 'bucks.

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You are at the WRONG BLOG.

Back that browser up.  I am in JUST the right mood to deal with pervert internet searches tonight.

RAWR.

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That's exactly what I thought when I sipped this.  "They could call this bariatric ramen."  :x  

Yesterday- I tried the Chicken Noodle variety of soup via Focus28.  It's a full liquid phase protein supplemental soup -- with 15 grams of protein.  Perfect for early stages post op, and later as a supplement for your plan.  It tastes a little bit like ramen broth with the babiest of noodles.  It's the kind of thing that would be heavenly as you enter back into the world of the EATING after surgery.  (While I sipped canned broth, not feeling the love.. I would have loved something like this!)

Information per Serving:

Serving size.......1 packet, 24g

Amount per Serving

Calories.............85
Fat Calories..........5
..............................%DV
Total Fat............0.5g......1%
Sat. Fat.............0.5g......2%
Trans Fat..............0g
Cholesterol...........8mg......3%
Sodium..............580mg.....20%
Potassium............30mg......1%
Total Carbohydrates....5g......2%
Dietary Fiber..........0g......0%
Sugars.................0g
Protein...............15g.....30%
Calcium 1% Iron 1%

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As comparsion, another bariatric chewable vite:

Building Blocks vitamins produces a full-line of bariatric supplementation*.  Today I am trying the Building Blocks Multiple Chewable Vitamin in Mixed Berry.

I opened the package and did the sniff test - surprised to smell a berry aroma - because the tablets themselves are not pink/purple, they're much like other vitamins and a variegated neutral color. (I have a little PTSS about chewing neutral colored vites -- they usually taste like what they look like.)

Chewing the vitamin, it broke down quite smoothly, not much of a grit to it at all, leaving no trace of little vitamin crumbs in my teeth.  It tastes slightly sweet, and has a creamy berry flavor.  I haven't got much of an aftertaste now either, which is great.  There is a tiny bit of vitamin taste -- which is to be expected -- but not at all unpleasant.

You can get FREE SAMPLES from Building Blocks at this link.

• Product - Building Blocks Multiple Chewable Vitamin
• Via-  www.bbvitamins.com
• Price - $18.95 a month/cheaper with auto-ship/$100 for free shipping
• Pros - Chewable, tastes good, no grit, little aftertaste, quite affordable.
• Cons - Two tablets per day
• Rating - Pouchworthy, ^MM.

*'ll be posting reviews of the entire line as I try them.

Here's BTV with Michelle from BBvitamins.com!