Gifts from the Garden

Here's the fancy pants (but super easy) weight loss surgery friendly meal I made out of that fantastic basket of mixed mushrooms I bought at the Farmer's Market and some other gifts from the garden...

Shelly's Chicken Mushroom Marsala

About 1 1/2 cups Fresh Mushrooms, sliced
2 Green Onions, diced
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Marjoram
3 tablespoons Flour (I use Multigrain Pancake Mix or Spelt)
4 (4-ounce) boneless Chicken Breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 cup Chicken Broth
1/4 cup Marsala

Combine the salt, pepper, marjoram (do not omit, find it in the spice aisle, seriously it's key) and flour on a plate. Coat the chicken in the mixture. Heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook till golden, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and set aside.

Saute mushrooms and onion. Add Marsala (most of the alcohol is cooked away and just the yummy flavor is left behind) and broth to the skillet. Add chicken back to pan. Bring to a boil and continue to simmer 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened. Serve chicken with mushroom sauce spoon over.

I served it with a cucumber and tomato salad with a drizzle of storebought balsamic vinaigrette. The yellow grape tomatoes are from my garden. They did very well this year. Speaking of doing well this year...

I have one Black Mission Fig tree in the yard and for the first time in years it is full of figs.

For dessert, I warmed a few slightly in the toaster oven and served them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of Sugar Free Maple Syrup. This would make a delicious breakfast too, maybe with a few walnuts or almonds on top.

Soooo good.

Thank you Dr. Oz

Dr Oz on Weight Loss Surgery: "Yes. Listen, if you're one hundred pounds overweight at age fifty, you have the same mortality rate as if you have a solid cancer. Would you operate for cancer?"

He's an advocate for gastric bypass surgery, which he hopes will grow in the near future as a tool for in helping to fight obesity:

"I think gastric bypass surgery will play a big role. We probably do only 1% of the gastric bypass surgeries we should do."

As a community I think we really needed this positive press... what a wonderful change from the "she lost it without surgery" articles and celebrities hiding the fact they had surgical assistance. Dr. Oz I always liked you but now ❤

Thank you. Best decision I ever made.

The quotes above are from this month's Prevention Magazine on newsstands today. Show your support and be sure to pick up a copy. Here's a few excerpts online from yesterday's USA Today. A few of the comments ticked me off and cause I must smack down/educate that sort of stuff (the NY girl in me) I commented too ;)

If you can't stand the heat...

Get out of the kitchen. It's hard to be a food blogger when it's 107°F and the last thing you want to do is cook. I stood by the kitchen window washing a few dishes and it felt like I was standing in front of a blast furnace. According to the weather people it's called "Monsoonal Flow" which is the scientific term for sticky-nasty-sit-in-front-of-the-fan-move-as-little-as-possible-feel-like-a-wet-dishrag-Satan-must-have-moved-into-the-neighborhood-heat. I've been getting as much stuff done before 10 AM because after that I'm pretty much useless. I have to stop complaining though my poor east coast family and friends are dealing with Hurricane Irene and I'll take this over that any day.

I was born and raised on Long Island so I've been through a few Hurricanes. My Pop almost bit it in Hurricane Belle in 1976 when he decided in the middle of the storm to move the car from near a tree that looked like it was going to come down, as he was pulling away it did and the tree and power line it brought down missed the car by inches.

Me and the fallen tree, Hurricane Belle 1976, I look thrilled.
I went to the Farmer's Market yesterday morning. So if the forecast is right and this gnarly weather is supposed to end today (I'll believe it when I don't feel it) I'll have lots of fun stuff to work with. I miss cooking.

There's a new seller that had every variety of mushroom you can imagine. I bought an assortment I'm going to turn into dinner tonight.

Dinner last night was BBQ'd Greek Shrimp Kabobs. I tossed everything in my super groovy bento box and took it to the lake near my house.

Blue Box (top left): Green Salad with sliced Tomatoes, toasted Pine Nuts
Green Box (top right): A hunk of Chocolate Brownie Quest Protein Bar and (in the little blue container) Shelly's Quick Pesto Vinaigrette (equal parts Pesto Sauce & Vinegar)
Pink Box (bottom left): BBQ'd Greek Shrimp Kabobs
Orange Box (bottom right): Sliced Strawberries

It was still in the 90's at 9 PM. I loathe this heat... although another reason I can't complain, I used to deal with it 150+ pounds heavier.

Sending good thoughts to those in the path of Irene. I hope she makes her way out to sea quickly. Stay safe!

Sign the Open Letter to Congress

Please sign the Obesity Action Coalition and C.H.O.I.C.E. Campaign's Open Letter to Congress. This Open Letter urges Congress to recognize obesity as a disease and support legislation to provide greater access to and acceptance of all effective treatments, including weight-loss surgery. Sign on to the letter and have your voice heard by following this link.


I'd like to also encourage you if you aren't already a member of the Obesity Action Coalition to please consider joining. The OAC is a national non profit organization dedicated to giving a voice to those affected by obesity through education, support & advocacy. The greater the coalition's membership, the stronger our voice on issues. When you walk into a legislator's office to ask them to support a cause, numbers speak. Membership in the OAC makes our voice louder. Here's the 411 on that (you get a great magazine too.)

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

We're in a gnarly heatwave. Yesterday we just kissed 100°F but today and for the next three days we'll be solidly into triple digits. Ugghh. I can't really complain too much, this summer has been a pretty mild one. My friends and family on the east coast have been baked. I guess it's finally our turn. Here's what my hot yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating looked like...

Breakfast: Went for a walk early. Wanted to get the exercise out of the way before the heat kicked in. I ate a Wild Berry Quest Protein Bar as I walked.

Love these. Mixed Berry is my second favorite flavor. Apple Pie slightly edges it out for me. I love that they have no chocolate-y coating so they hold up to heat and abuse in the purse (or carry-on bag.) Perfect for post weight loss surgery traveling.

Lunch: Busy AM and before I knew it it was lunch. I avoid turning the oven on like the plague in this heat so I took my Reed avocado from this weekend's Farmer's Market haul and turned it into one of my favorite post-op summer meals. My deconstructed California Roll Salad. If you love Sushi but are going riceless like I am this is a must-try.

Shelly's California Roll Salad

8 oz. Crab Meat (Imitation Flake or Real)
1 Cucumber, diced
1 Avocado, diced
1 Green Onion, sliced on the bias
Shelly's Wasabi Yogurt Dressing
Optional: Baby Spinach

Shelly's Wasabi Yogurt Dressing

2 oz.Greek Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon Wasabi Powder
squeeze of Lime Juice
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Mix crab, cucumber and avocado together. Mix dressing ingredients together till well combined. Spoon over salad. Sprinkle with green onions. I used flake imitation crab aka surimi (it's a bit higher in carbs but cheaper on the pocketbook) than the real deal. Surimi is usually made from Alaskan Pollock and typically what they use in California Rolls. Sometimes I spoon this over a bed of baby spinach leaves but I didn't have any and that Reed Avocado was HUGE so I just served as is.

Dinner: Finally turned the stove on but only for 10 minutes to make this yummy Tortilla Pizza.

I had a hunk of leftover Italian sausage from BBQing the other night. Removed the meat from the casing and turned it into pizza topping along with more of my weekend Farmer's Market haul... peppers and red onions I roasted to have on hand for the week. Usually right after I come home from the market I chop up the peppers and onions and get them roasted. They last several days in the fridge or if I'm using them slower than I would like I toss them in the freezer, they can be defrosted and used in soups, casseroles at a later date.

Shelly's Italian Sausage & Peppers Tortilla Pizza - Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat Fajita Size Tortilla topped with leftover Sausage, Roasted Peppers and Onions, Mozzarella Cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian Seasonings. Here's how to make them.

Snacks: A couple of chunks of cold Mango (Costco lazy girl pre-cut hunks = love) and at the hottest part of the day I made this to cool down. Soooo good.

Shelly's Chocolate Raspberry Protein Shake

8 oz. Vanilla Soy Milk (any milk will do)
1 scoop of Chocolate Protein Powder
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Raspberry Torani Syrup
6-8 Fresh Raspberries
3-4 Ice Cubes
Optional toppings:No Sugar Added Homemade Whipped Cream, Sugar Free Smucker's Chocolate Topping, Raspberry

Blend on high.

More day in my pouch posts

Well I'm off to review some of my favorite Cold Eats and plan my heat wave menu. A few yummy salads, BBQing versus heating up the kitchen, a batch of protein ice cream, and maybe springing for a lunch or dinner at a restaurant with air conditioning and I think I may survive.

Stay cool everyone and drink your H20! I struggle with this. Trying to do better.

New Orleans Obesityhelp Event

Obesityhelp is having a conference next month in New Orleans. If you are going... shoot me a comment or email and we'll make plans to meet up.

It'll be my first time in New Orleans. What do I need to see and do?

My Bento Box Rocks - Bento Box Lunch Ideas

A new school year is starting for whippersnappers and it always makes me nostalgic. Who doesn't remember their first day of school? I remember hardly sleeping the night before in anticipation. I'd stare at all my newly sharpened pencils and new notebooks, I'd have my new outfit all laid out and I always had a new super cool lunch box to start the year.

I think that's why I love my bento box so much... makes me feel like a kid again but without the math homework or ummm detention ;)

Here are some of my favorite bentos hope it gives you a few new ideas...

FAQ's Frequently Asked Questions about the Bento's:

Q: Do you eat it all?, Can I eat _____? A: Do you eat it all? Sometimes. Sometimes it's a meal & a snack if I'm going to be out for awhile. Sometimes it's shared. I usually bring extra protein muffins to give to someone when they say "what's that?" Also I stop when I feel almost full (when I recognize my soft cue: that post gastric bypass little message your body tells you when you have had enough - for some it's a sneeze, a runny nose, hiccup, sigh, yawn. If you recognize yours quickly you can avoid overeating and potentially losing what you just ate by not taking "just one more bite.") so I often bring a little home. Portion size should be determined by your medical posse. A: Can I eat _____? My blog is filled with oodles of weight loss surgery friendly food ideas and recipes that are OK on MY PLAN. I am honored my recipes and ideas are used by bariatric programs, nutritionists and dietitians all over the country (and a few overseas too), my blog is often referred by bariatric programs as a great post-op resource but my standard disclaimer is: "when in doubt, print it out" and ask your Dr before you try something you are unsure of.

Q: Where did you get your bento? A: Here's an online source:




(FYI: the blog scores a few cents for those purchased through the link/helps pay the domain bill.) I have several different boxes and inserts of different sizes too. They have bags. Fun stuff. Check them out.

Q: Do they leak, can you microwave them, how do you keep things cold? A: I've never had it happen but I don't put anything toooo saucy or soup in them. I have a thermos I use for soup. So far so good though. I have microwaved in them. I try not to because you know how things get distorted after you nuke them too much I don't want to risk it. I use these or these to keep things cold or place the whole box in the fridge.

Q: What are the benefits to putting food in a bento box? A: For me, it's a way to visually see my meal is balanced (high protein, low carb.) It's great for portion-control (just don't fill the box full of chocolate LOL.)

Q: Do you have a link to all the bentos you have made? A: Well not all yet but close... Here's my Pinterest Bento Page. Also if you click on the pictures in the slideshow above most of them are labeled with post links. Also a work in progress.

Celebrate Apple Cake Shake

One of the AWESOME weight loss surgery friendly products in the Southern California Meet & Greet Swag Bag was a sample of Celebrate Vitamins ENS (Essential Nutrient System) shake in the Vanilla Cake Batter flavor. Each shake contains a high potency multivitamin, 500 mg of calcium citrate, 4 g of fiber, and 25 g of whey isolate protein in each serving. How I wished these had been around in my first few months post weight loss surgery. I've shared my love of this product before (and the Chocolate Milk flavor) and they are delicious mixed with just water or milk but what I did with it yesterday AM was beyond yum...

Shelly's Apple Cake Shake

8 oz. Vanilla Soy Milk (any milk will do)
1 single serve packet Celebrate Vitamin's ENS - Multivitamin, Calcium, & Protein Shake in Vanilla Cake Batter flavor
1/4 cup Shelly's Apple Pie Innards
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Caramel Torani Syrup
3-4 Ice Cubes
Optional toppings: SF Land o Lakes Whipped Cream, Apple Pie Spice

Blend on high. I served it with a squirt of SF Land o Lakes Whipped Cream and a sprinkle of Apple Pie Spice. Yum.

Shelly's Apple Pie Innards

2 Apples, sliced
1/4 cup chopped Nuts (I used combo of walnuts & pecans)
1/4 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Caramel Torani Syrup

Heat on low, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until apples are tender but still whole. Great mixed into a shake, on top of sweetened ricotta, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, pudding, ricottage cheese pancakes, protein ice cream or cakes or on it's own.

5000

It looks like while I was dealing with broken technology and bumps on the head we crossed the 5000 Facebook pals mark.

The World According to Eggface

Promote Your Page Too
So cool (must dig up a celebratory prize this week) I am honored and blessed to have crossed life paths with you all. Thanks for sharing this journey!

Weekend Wrap-up & Weight Loss Surgery Party Snacks

I'm back. Old Betsy (my computer) finally bit the dust and it took me a few days to figure things out but I'm now posting on Betsy 2, a sparkly more powerful version of old Betsy. New Betsy has all these bells and whistles I need to figure out or at the very least figure out how to turn off. See right now... Ding... "No, thank you new Betsy I don't want to install that flippin' program." Grrrr. Progress is annoying. Anyway, I am sure in a few weeks I will love New Betsy and wonder how I lived without all those new whiz–bang gadgets but right now I just want familiar.

I have a low tolerance for annoying since "the accident." A few days ago, I was reaching into my car trunk and the lid came down WHACK, full-force right across my forehead. Ouch. I guess I took the whole Eggface thing literally... goose Eggface ;) Thankfully it didn't break the skin but it was some bump. The bump is almost gone, I'm not as dizzy and the nausea I had for a few days is subsiding. I apparently have a very hard head.

It wasn't all bad while I was gone. The weekend was mostly lovely... Saturday was the Farmer's Market... I met my WLS pal Michelle and her family and we bought oodles of yummy fruits and veggies. I bought yellow and red onions, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, Reed avocados and gorgeous cherries. I've got some great plans for them this week. Will blog the results.

Let's see... what else did I do besides unhook old computer equipment, clean hidden dust bunnies and hook-up new equipment... I used a gift card at Red Lobster Saturday, brought home the leftovers and turned them into great things one of which is below and was part of our little Next Food Network Star Finale tidbit party last night...

All weight loss surgery friendly of course!

Shelly's Shrimp Scampi Bites

10 or so Cooked Shrimp, chopped (I used leftover Shrimp Scampi from Red Lobster)
1/2 cup Storebought Bruschetta Sauce, drained, solids only refrigerated pasta section)
5 eggs, beaten
2 Green Onions, diced
1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Minced Garlic
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Spoon into lightly greased (Pam non-stick spray works great for this) mini muffin tins.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350.

Let them cool a few moments they pull away and pop right out. Makes 24.

Other Eggface Bites

We also had these super yummy individual Antipasto Salads. Sort of a play on my Antipasto Skewers and Caprese Skewers. I served them in aluminum foil cupcake liners (Michael's, JoAnn's)

Shelly's Individual Antipasto Salad

Chickpeas, rinsed & drained
Bocconcini (small Fresh Mozzarella Balls)
Fresh Basil Leaves
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
Chopped Cucumber
a variety of goodies from the supermarket olive bar/deli section Black Olives, Green Olives, Artichoke Hearts, Marinated Mushrooms
I topped some with a little Ventresca Tuna and a few with a slice of Sopressata (an Italian dry-cured salami)
a few Pine Nuts (toast in a dry pan 2 minutes)
Shelly's Creamy Bean Dressing

Toss everything together (except tuna or salami, dressing and pine nuts.) Spoon into foil muffin cups. Top with Salami or Tuna (or a grilled Shrimp or some grilled Chicken would be great too), a dab of dressing and a sprinkle of pine nuts.

Shelly's Creamy Bean Dressing

2 Tablespoons Hummus (any flavor)
1 Tablespoon Fruity Vinegar (Citrus, Champagne, Red Wine, etc)
1 Tablespoon Lemon Olive Oil

Whisk together till thoroughly combined. Great for use as a salad dressing or dip for meats and veggies.

I was thinking these individual antipasto salad cups would be neat to take to a potluck... maybe in one of those cupcake carriers.

Soooo good. The finale was great too. I won't give away the winner for those of you that have it TiVo'd but I was pleased with the outcome.

Drum roll...

Thank you for the wonderful response to The World According to Eggface SWAG BAG Giveaway filled with AWESOME weight loss surgery friendly products.

The random generator has selected:

Tammy C.
tammy_cope2002@xxxxx.com

Congratulations!!! You are the winner of the SWAG BAG! Check your mail and follow email instructions for claiming your prize.

When you receive your prize, open that jar of Better'n Peanut Butter right away, one of the cool products in the bag and make some of this yummy dip.

Moms: this would be a super healthy after school snack for your kids! It's a current favorite of mine...

Shelly's Better'n Peanut Butter Protein Dip

1 Tablespoon Better'n Peanut Butter (any flavor: Original, Low Sodium, Banana, Chocolate)
2 Tablespoons Protein Powder (any flavor)
1 Tablespoon Milk (any type)

Mix till well combined. Serve with apple slices for dipping, spread on a banana, spread on a protein muffin, 5 minute cake, drizzle on protein ice cream.

Locally I can find Better'n Peanut Butter at Trader Joe's (best price), Whole Foods, and Target. Here's a store locator to find it near you.

I highly recommend you do business with companies who help support weight loss surgery community gatherings and more importantly make AWESOME weight loss surgery friendly products! If you try them and enjoy, please let them know and tell 'em Eggface sent ya. I appreciate it.

Sugar Free Torani Syrup - Facebook, Twitter
Premier Protein - Facebook, Twitter
Kay's Naturals - Facebook, Twitter
CLICK Espresso Protein - Facebook, Twitter
Better'N Peanut Butter - Facebook
House of Jerky - Twitter
Bariatric Fusion Vitamins - Facebook, Twitter
Quest Protein Bars - Facebook, Twitter
Gotein Protein - Facebook, Twitter
ISS Oh Yeah - Facebook, Twitter
Tera's Whey Protein - Twitter
Coach's Oats - Facebook, Twitter
Voskos Greek Yogurt - Facebook, Twitter
Jay Robb Protein - Facebook, Twitter
Labrada Nutrition - Facebook
Celebrate Vitamins - Facebook, Twitter
True Lemon Orange Lime - Facebook, Twitter
Chobani Greek Yogurt - Facebook, Twitter
Teeccino Herbal Coffee - Facebook, Twitter
Obesity Action Coalition membership materials including the great magazine you get when you join "Weighty Matters" - Website, Facebook, Twitter
Realize Solution Water Bottle - Facebook
and all this GREAT stuff goes in a southern California sunny yellow reusable shopping bag (with no advertising) so you can use it as a beach bag or bling it out yourself.

Raspberry Cheesecake Protein Shake

One of the awesome weight loss surgery friendly products in the Swag Bag given out at our Southern California Weight Loss Surgery Meet & Greet last week was Sugar Free Torani Syrup.

I love my Sugar Free Torani Syrups. I use them in oodles of post weight loss surgery friendly recipes... Protein Ice Cream, Protein Shakes & Smoothies, Desserts, Yogurt, Muffins, Donuts, Cocoa and in my Coffee of course.

This morning I started my day off with this yummy shake using Sugar Free Raspberry Torani Syrup.



Shelly's Raspberry Cheesecake Protein Shake

8 oz. Vanilla Soy Milk (any milk will do)
1 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Raspberry Torani Syrup
1 Tablespoon Jell-O Sugar-Free Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix, dry
3-4 Ice Cubes
Optional toppings: SF Land o Lakes Whipped Cream

Blend on high. I served it with a squirt of Homemade No Sugar Added Whipped Cream! Yum!

New to the world of Sugar Free Torani Syrup? This great variety pack includes 6 of the most popular flavors (including the SF Raspberry used in my breakfast above) is a great way to start your obsession ;)



P.S. There's still time to enter to win a Swag Bag from the event. Click here for the 411 on that.

CLICKtastic Crepes

My crepes are great but add CLICK Espresso Protein and they are CLICKtastic. Had fun experimenting this morning for breakfast. Had even more fun eating the results.

Shelly's CLICKtastic Crepes

2 Eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Soy Milk (I use Silk Vanilla)
1/4 cup minus 1 Tablespoon Water
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (I used SF Vanilla)
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
1/2 cup Spelt Flour
1/4 cup CLICK Espresso Protein (any flavor)
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
dash of Salt

Blend all ingredients on low till thoroughly combined. Pour into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for a half-hour.

Spray a non-stick 8 to 10 inch crepe pan with Pam. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan and twirl it around to spread the batter in a thin circle.

Cook till top appears dry and flip. Cook a minute or so on other side. Repeat till all batter is used. While you are making them you can keep them warm in a low oven 200 degrees or nuke for 20 seconds before serving. Makes 8-10 crepes depending on size of pan. They are great with Sugar Free Maple Syrup, Shelly's Vanilla Latte Ricotta Cream or one of these filling ideas.

Yes, you can use a fry pan but crepe pans with their shallow sides make the process so much easier. I also made little crepettes (basically silver dollar sized pancakes but thinner) when I got sick of making big ones...

More CLICKtastic Eggface recipes:

Shelly's CLICK'n Granola
Shelly's Coconut CLICKacchino
Shelly's CLICKcakes Espresso Protein Pancakes
Shelly's Espresso Protein Souffle
Shelly's Tiramisu Protein Shake
Shelly's Banana Protein Mochacchino
Shelly's Cinnamon Bun CLICK Latte
Shelly's Espresso 5 Minute Cakes
Shelly's Espresso Protein Truffles
Shelly's Espresso Protein Fudge
Shelly's Coffee Toffee Crunch Protein Ice Cream
Shelly's Vanilla Latte Ricotta Cream-filled Crepes
Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli
Shelly's Peppermint Espresso Protein Truffles
Shelly's CLICK Fondue
Shelly's Caramel Almond CLICKacchino

If you love coffee, you must start CLICK'n.

Eggface Meet & Greet: 5,037 pounds lost with Weight Loss Surgery

TOTAL POUNDS LOST (and still losing): 5,037! On July 30, weight loss surgery post-ops (and a few pre-ops) from all over the Southern California area gathered to celebrate the loss of those pounds and our new healthy lifestyle.

The attendees all had some form of weight loss surgery (gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, etc.) and continue to maintain their weight loss with exercise, eating healthy, and working on the reasons of why they first became obese.

Combined, we have lost thousands of pounds, but we understand that there is no finish-line. This is a lifelong war versus obesity. Having weight loss surgery was just battle one. Everyday we wake up and fight. Together.





Here's the before & after of 158 pounds of those 5,037 pounds lost:

Can't wait for next year!

P.S. Thinking about weight loss surgery and researching options? Here's a link to an online Q&A session you'll want to check out.

Eggface Meet & Greet: Weight Loss Surgery Swag Bag Giveaway

The first 50 pre-op and post-op weight loss surgery attendees at the Southern California Meet & Greet this past weekend scored an EPIC Swag Bag filled with oodles of weight loss surgery related products to try. BIG THANK YOU to the companies that provided samples.

I highly recommend you do business with these companies who help support weight loss surgery community gatherings and more importantly make AWESOME weight loss surgery friendly products!

Here's a list (including links) of the products inside...

Sugar Free Torani Syrup - Facebook, Twitter
Premier Protein - Facebook, Twitter
Kay's Naturals - Facebook, Twitter
CLICK Espresso Protein - Facebook, Twitter
Better'N Peanut Butter - Facebook
House of Jerky - Twitter
Bariatric Fusion Vitamins - Facebook, Twitter
Quest Protein Bars - Facebook, Twitter
Gotein Protein - Facebook, Twitter
ISS Oh Yeah - Facebook, Twitter
Tera's Whey Protein - Twitter
Coach's Oats - Facebook, Twitter
Voskos Greek Yogurt - Facebook, Twitter
Jay Robb Protein - Facebook, Twitter
Labrada Nutrition - Facebook
Celebrate Vitamins - Facebook, Twitter
True Lemon Orange Lime - Facebook, Twitter
Chobani Greek Yogurt - Facebook, Twitter
Teeccino Herbal Coffee - Facebook, Twitter
Obesity Action Coalition membership materials including the great magazine you get when you join "Weighty Matters" - Website, Facebook, Twitter
Realize Solution Water Bottle - Facebook
and all this GREAT stuff goes in a southern California sunny yellow reusable shopping bag (with no advertising) so you can use it as a beach bag or bling it out yourself.

Here's one of the attendees: CandiisSweetEnough (aptly named she's so sweet) sharing the contents of her swag bag on her YouTube channel:


Now it wouldn't be fair if only us So Cal pals had all the fun. Sooooo....

It's GIVEAWAY TIME!

The Prize: One of the EPIC Swag Bags (including contents and bag) from the Southern California Meet & Greet! In fact, this bag is even more EPIC because it has everything... occasionally a product ran out as my Mum and I stuffed bags and slight substitutions needed to be made, this bag has all the loot.

How to enter: Just leave a comment (include your name and an email addy) on this blog posting (scroll to # of comments & click on it to leave your deets) by Tuesday, August 9th, midnight (Pacific time) and sometime on Thursday, August 10th. I'll draw a name using a random number generator and announce the winner of this prize here on the blog! I will also email the winner at the addy posted. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.

One COMMENT ENTRY per person. Remember blog comments are moderated so there may be a slight delay (up to a few hours) in seeing your comment/entry post. Giveaway is open to anyone in the United States (48 contiguous plus Alaska & Hawaii ONLY. Sorry non-US pals.)

***Want extra chances to win?*** Do anything listed below and mention in your comment what you did for up to five more entries per person!

* Follow The World According to Eggface AND at least 3 of the companies above on Facebook

* Follow me @Eggface AND at least 3 of the companies above on Twitter

* Tweet about the giveaway:

Hey Everyone Enter to Win the @Eggface Swag Bag Giveaway! http://bit.ly/pkNaTI

* Blog about this giveaway or post about it on a social networking or support forum you frequent (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)

* Grab my super snazzy code and place it in your blog

<a href="http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/favabean/Lolatini/buttoncleangrad.png" /></a>

Good Luck!