14isabella

Thank you guys! I am a bit nervous-to say the least- but I'm ready! I guess I'll see you on the other side of the band! Good luck to everyone!

I seem to be in the minority when it comes to Protein drinks. I LOVE MML(it can be rather expensive though..), and of course if you like what you're drinking you'll stick to it, right? My surgeon sells this horrible tasting Protein Drink, but if I had to drink that I'd DIE...lol..Any suggestions for a thick, great tasting one that's low in fat?? I currently drink the 8.25 oz, 150 cal/4.5 fat/20 protein..my surgery is this Weds....

I know EXACTLY how you feel! My surgery is this wednesday and I'm still wondering if I should go through with it! Like you, I was SO focused on doing what I was supposed to do to get it( the nut. visits, eating right, ALL the doctors visits..) and DETERMINED to get the band, that when I finally got approved-I freaked! I've lost 20 pounds.on my own in the past two 1/2 months, so I too had the thought that if I could do it without it, why..?? But then I think of all the times I lost-only to regain-MORE... So, I feel ya...

Hey all! Yep! My pre-op surgeon visit (this Tues.), and one more test (echo this Wed.) and that's it! Surgery is the 20th, and like almost everyone here, I'v had my doubts as well-but when I think of all the times I've lost only to regain more-the doubts stop!. About the "pre-op" For me, I have to sub ONE protein shake a day the week before, then two days before surgery at 12:00 noon, start liquids(I believe this includes protein shakes as well,I'll re-read my instructions..lol..I think it might say just clear liquids:( Then, the night before(at midnight), NOTHING. What I CAN have AFTER surgery is ALOT more restrictive than a lot of the post-op's I've read, though...Good luck to all!!!!!! Question? what can I expect at the pre-op meet with my surgeon?

Okay. I've been perusing through these boards for quite a while now, and I've often wondered: Did you all(who've had the band) learn to chew slowly and completely BEFORE or AFTER the band? I'm trying my best to remember to do so, but I STILL take large bites at time. I DO NOT want to get stuck! , so I know I HAVE to learn to take smaller bites...And, is there much pain when one DOES get stuck?? Thanks!

Thanks, guys! The baby spoon idea sounds great. I will add that to my ever-expanding "things to buy before surgery" list!

Yep. BORED. I'm not even required to do the pre-op diet, but the things I AM allowed (by my nutritionist..) have bored the heck out of me!..lol.. So, for the last few days, I've replaced my first two meals with Muscle milk and an apple or two, and then have a a protein-rich dinner. Even going grocery shopping-which used to be fun-is pretty depressing..not because I WANT things I can't have, but because the things I buy (lettuce, pineapple, tomatoes, tuna,egg whites-ugh!) have become tedious...sigh. .. ..just venting..

Thanks,Shirley! Question: Where would be the best place to buy in bulk? I get my current supply from costco, but they only have RTD in 8.25 oz (and they're light-but with 3 grams sugar-when the others I see are diet with no sugar grams..)and only chocolate. I love the portability of the RTD's,but there are SOOOO many different formulations, it's maddening! I LOVE the 14 0z lights, but can't find them in bulk!! Help!..lol..Are you mixing or drinking RTD's? Thanks again!

I do drink the light(8.25 oz.-) from costco, but there are SO many different Muscle Milk formulations it's ridiculous!..lol.. - There's the light I drink(that while not sugar free-3 grams sugar) is 150 cal, and 20 grams of Protein, the "diet" one,(8.25 oz.,100 cal, 0 grams sugar,and 15 grams protein, then, finally, the regular, 11 oz., 180 cal, 3 sugars and 20 grams of protein-just insane. The best one I've had is the light in the bottle, 14 oz., 0 grams sugar and 30 grams protein. I think I'll try a few other bands of protein drinks, and your suggestion..Thanks for the advice... ote name='Acadia' timestamp='1309406954' post='1633059'] I drink the light myself, while you can do regular I wouldn't make it a habit. You're probably better to make a double portion of light than drink a single portion of regular. Simply because of the calories and additional sugars, etc. If you buy the mix yourself add 1/4-1 cup of light soy or almond milk (60 calories), it will add even more to the filling aspect than Water with fewer calories and more protein than regular milk (and you won't taste the difference). Once you're on more solid liquids add in some silken tofu, makes it like a milk shake, thick and creamy, add some ice, perfect to fill you up and keep you on track. You won't taste the soy or tofu at all. The flavor of the protein powder will blend right in.

Well, maybe it's a good thing.. boredom is alot better than craving something I can't have..lol.. I just have to make sure I eat enough-especially protein-so I lose..my surgery date is around the corner, and I'm going to start trying other brands of Protein drinks.. I've been drinking just the chocolate muscle milk...time for a change!..

Hey there, acadia! Your listing is VERY helpful! My surgery is sked for the July 20th, and I have a question regarding Protein drinks. I currently drink Muscle Milke light. Can I drink the regular(it's not that many calorie/fat grams more, and much more filling) My nutritionist has me on the light, just wanted to know if you-or anyone else- drink the regular.-strength Protein Drinks or stick to sugar-free...or does it even matter? stamp='1309321778' post='1632540'] For eating you won't be for a week or two. Get Jello (mix with 1 c isopure clear Protein Drink and 1 c hot Water to make a high protein snack), crystal light, protein shakes you enjoy, broth, single serving soup (tomato and such), yogurt, frozen fruit bars, milk (cow, soy, almond) things like that. That will tide you over the first 1-2 weeks. You likely will not want to leave the house the first 3-5 days. After that get heartier soups you can blend smooth, milk, protein shakes still, veggies you can purée (try to avoid potatoes), apple sauce (sugar free), pudding (add protein powder), oatmeal, bananas, fruit you can blend, ice, hummus, other soft foods that don't need much chewing. That should tie you over through to week three. After that look for fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, oatmeal, tofu, fish, soft meat if you eat meat, and everything above. Stay away from anything refined, white products (flour, sugar), cakes, candies, pastries, Pasta (except small and whole wheat), breads, fried foods, breading, etc.

..My surgery is July 20th! Is it normal to be excited AND scared?!..lol.. They're sending out my surgical packet today! Yea!!

I will! Thanks for the invite!!

Definitely SURREAL!! I've been kind of floating around on a "happy cloud"today..lol...but then I wonder if I'm doing the right thing! Crazy, eh? I've wanted this like FOREVER, and I've worked VERY hard to get it. So I guess it's just "nerves" and the reality of it all!! . My packets on its way, so I'll know even more

Congrats to you as well!! And I don't have a pre-op diet. Just the day before surgery I'll be on broths and Clear liquids..( I've been going to the nutritionist for over a month and a half and lost around 20 pounds-maybe that's why-but then some still require one, so...... Congrats again! o's Mum' timestamp='1309219728' post='1631858'] yeah ! I'm right after you (7/21). Yes, I am also nervous (very) and excited ! When do you start your pre-op diet? Maybe we'll be doing that together too !

He's my surgeon as well..just wanted to get some feedback. Thanks!

Hey Jen.. Welcome to the club!..lol.. Yes. "we" are quite rare. I've been on Methimazole(off and on really..) for over 4 years, and I'm currently at normal levels(yea!). When I take it regularily, levels become normal. When I don't, they go right back to high-that's why repeated blood tests are SO important. I would NOT recommend taking the iodine. Once that's done, a person would (more often than not..) become hypothyroid, and then on Synthroid(or some other thyroid replacement) for the rest of their life. We are the only developed nation where its doctors push the iodine first, instead of anti-thyroid drugs to (hopefully) normailze the thyroid. Having a "hyper" patient is just alot more work for them.One thing I know is that if I(and I can only speak for me..)don't take my Methimazole, I might speed up a bit, but no other physical changes. If I was Hypothyroid, and missed a few weeks of thyroid replacement meds?...Whoa. I've heard some horror stories. But again, it's a personal choice. I don't advise it, and MANY have regretted it. Good luck with your thyroid, and your brand new band!! quote name='jen_ngah' timestamp='1308160615' post='1626463'] Not sure if you have already gotten your surgery, but I have HYPERTHYROIDISM as well. I was actually diagnosed a few weeks before my surgery after a iodine uptake test. Like you I am on methimazole as well, and don't want the radioactive iodine because of it's risks to fertility. I already have two children, but am young and not ready to completley say adios to my fertility. My doctor didn't have a problem doing the surgery with the hyperthyroidism but wouldn't do it unless the "symptoms" of the disease were under control (I have trouble keeping my heart rate under 90). Because of that my surgery was postponed from May 12th to May 26th. Now I am banded, and dealing with the struggles of that and the struggles of having an overactive thyroid. Keep your chin up, I think it might have been smarter to have the thyroid under control first, then you only have to focus on the new banded you!

They put in for the approval today!! yea! She asked me what date would I like as well!! I was told it could take about a week or so for the insurance approval, and if it comes in I'll be banded in July!! Also:no official "pre-op" diet. Just two days before to switch out one meal with a shake. Also: no endoscopy, which I had thought everyone had to go through..So, I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Hey all! It's getting closer! I'm not sure if this question has been answered before(I'm sure it has..lol..) But what can I expect at the first meet? Will he schedule me for surgery? Or will he send me to the gastro and others for tests? I've already been to the nutritionist(lost 20 so far.. and the psychologist. I guess I'll find out all this tomorrow at 9:15..but just wanted to know other experiences. Thanks in advance- I LOVE this board. You guys have been great!

Hey all! Yep. I've had a torn meniscus for years and it really affects how much excercise I can do.I LOVE my stationary bike-but can't do it long without major suffering and swelling afterwards! This past week I was doing 30 minutes a day (with a good brace on) but that proved too much. I really WANT to do my bike, but it looks like I have to find an alternate type of cardio that's not weight-bearing.. do have hand weights, and I could just work my upper body. I know just how important exercise is after the band. Any suggestions?

Hey all! Just got my "bariatric Surgery" surgeon approval letter from my insurance. It has the name and address of the surgeon, and I have to call and make an appointment. Attached to the letter was my nutritionist recommendation and the psych report(both approve of me getting the surgery. So. I see "my" surgeon for the first time! I'm SO excited, and nervous..lol.. Will it be the surgeon who sends me to the gastro? ( I've already lost around 20 pounds in the last month and a few days with my nutritionist,so I'm pretty serious about this...I have Anthem Blue Cross California-and I've heard they move rather quickly..) Does it sound like I've been approved? I know there a few more steps to go, but I've read the horror stories on this board in regards to being approved one minute, and then denied the next. Just wanted to get a few opinions..thanks!!!!

YES. HYPERthyroid. NOT HYPO. I know what I have(believe me-I've been dealing with this for over 4 years..lol..) and what I'm talking about. I realize that hypothyrodism is usually associated with the obese, yet there are more people than you think who are overweight and have hyperthyroidism.I REFUSE to take irraidiated iodine(which my doc NOW understands why I will not..) just to "kill" my thyroid and make me dependent on Synthroid for the rest of my life(also, I've seen and heard what can happen to a person with hypothyroid, who doesn't take their medication. I'll pass..) So, TRUST me guys, I KNOW what I have. I just wanted to know if anyone is dealing with it and what they've had to do to get their band. *sorry about the rather cranky tone, but it's frustrating that people assume I don't know my own diagnosis(and this happens ALOT..)just because they've never met an overweight person with hyper before.. tamp='1305766138' post='1615359'] HYPER? That is not normally associated with obesity, HYPOthyroidism or Hashimoto's disease is...are you sure that's not what you're talking about? I do have hypothyroidism, have the band, lost 30 lbs, and still have hypothyroidism....did you know you can take iodine for thyroid dysfunction? I think it's sold as potassium iodine....

Hey all! Okay, and update: Looks like I was worried for no reason. My "anti-lapband" nutrtionist faxed in her report on my progress. She wrote that I'd be an excellent candidate for the surgery!!!( mentioning my weight loss, attitude and determination to work with the band) Yeah!!!' Once my insurance gets that, I'll get my referral for the gastro!!! Yea!!! Gettin' closer to my band, y'all! Thanks for all the support: