NWgirl

After being on these boards for so long, I can tell you that there are people who need surgery and those who don't. I think it mainly matters on age, stretch marks, and how much weight you carry where. I have read some people who lost a lot did not require any surgery, and some who lost less did require surgery. I did see someone's Dr told them to moisturize regularly so the skin stays hydrated, hoping that will help with the skin shrinking.

I am getting banded on March 20th, 7:30 AM. I am extremely excited and ready for next Tuesday to be here I know if we set our minds to it, we will all get to where we want to go.

congratulations! Good for staying positive even when you've had some problems

good luck guys!

Hi Scott! I have found the easiest shake is one from costco called Premier Nutrition. It comes in chocolate and vanilla (not a fan of the vanilla) and has low carbs/low fat and high protein (30g). Cost is approx 18 pre-mixed for $25.

I would just be worried about thyroid cancer. I have heard about having thyroid removed if it starts growing too much. The remedy for this is to take synthroid to make up for the lack of function.

I have hypothyroid and it did not cause any problems.

I ordered from some unflavored protein from this link this morning: http://www.earthturns.com/Whey-Protein-Powder-p/fe-p-protein-whey-32.htm It seems like all protein powders have some flavor, even if they are not flavored. I was originally going to try the Jay Robbs unflavored because it doesn't have a lot of additives (sweetener, etc), but found this brand for cheaper. I am planning on adding to broths, soups, etc for after surgery to make sure I get enough protein.

Good luck!

My surgeon only primes the band- taking the air out and replacing it with the saline. She does no real fills til a month out, and then it will be 2cc, followed by 2cc, and then as needed.

Yeah, it's usually pretty fast paced... Combine that with someone who never was very dance gifted and it's not pretty

Yes, and I thought it was not very good. Had a very strong odor and did not taste like any chicken soup I ever tried. My dietician gave me a sample pack, maybe you should order one to test? I would have been dissapointed if I had bought the whole tub.

my NP said Tylenol 325mg would be fine. I also bought adult liquid Tylenol.

I have heard of golden zumba, which is supposed to be slower paced. I have done zumba a few times, and my only dislike was not knowing the steps and feeling perpetually behind. I'm sure it would be really nice when you had he steps down.

I would like to suggest the Lipton Cup-a-soup Cream of chicken soup/broth. I was looking through older threads trying to get more variety, and saw an old timer suggest the soup. It is like a broth, but has a very delicious taste. I am going to buy an unflavored protein to mix with it too, since it has barely any.

I am on a kids chewable and a sugar free Calcium +vit D & K soft chew. I think I will use the Bariatric Advantage Vitaband when I run out of the kids chewables.

I am doing two shakes a day (one morning, one night), one Quest protein bar (LOTS of fiber), and two yogurts w/out chunks or seeds. I have not added any broths yet, but will do so soon so I can decide which tastes best for after surgery. I am also allowed soups with no chunks.

hi ladybugs! I'm in Oregon too. Where are you getting your surgery at?

I have heard that some people have a hard time even with the initial prime to start... Hope you are doing better soon.

Congrats on your success!

HAHAHA love it! The time will fly by. I started the process in January and it seemed like February and March were so far away, but here we are.

Awesome to read!

Have you thought about a regular laxative for this particular bought? Then start incorporating fiber products in your diet. I've heard people rave about the fiber gummies that Target sells.

I will also be flying the week after banding, so this is a good topic. The NP assured me that I wouldn't be beeping through TSA security, so that's good. Can I carry protein shakes in a carry on?

Have only told people really, really close to me (mother, stepmom, dad, boyfriend, and Boss, who is like a third mother to me). I don't really plan on telling anyone either. It's a very personal decision on my part.