Brewa2000

As of yesterday, we can join this group! I was banded 1/31/07, my wife 2/22/07. She's at home recovering today. Her best friend is spending the day with her. I told her that she's probably not going to be very good company....

I also have trouble finding it. Thanks Alexandra! Down 35 lbs since 1/15 as of this morning! I'm slowly easing in to soft/mushie foods. Not going to hurry. Get my first fill on 3/8. I wouldn't count on drinking too much beer if you're serious about weight loss. I've brewed beer (not commercially) since the early 90's. Mostly stouts, IPA's and my personal favorite Czech Pilsner. Great beer, but tons of carbs. No wonder my weight shot up from 220's to near 300 lbs. The "low carb" beers, well, no thanks I'll drink water. I've given it up. Maybe when I reach my goal, I'll sip one if it still has any appeal. If i were to have a drink now, it would probably be JD on the rocks.... Bruce

I do Flintstone vitamins myself (recomended by Dr). They taste kind of like sweet tarts. I use a liquid calcium (Calexcel) from Costco. Seems to be easier on the tummy than some of the other calciums. For shakes, I use EAS powder mixing a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of vanilla. Add ice and make a shake with a Magic Bullet.

I was banded 1/31. Relax, it will get better. I didn't (couldn't) sleep in bed for 5 days. Then didn't sleep on my left side (favorite sleeping position) for another week. It's the port that they sew into the muscle. I'm 3 weeks out today and feel great. I only feel it occasionally, no pain. Even the itching is gone. Doc said it's my belly hair regrowing.

Congrats ouachita! Glad all is well now. Unfortunately the hunger will return at some point. Rest up but get your walking in. Welcome to the club! Bruce

I was banded on 1/31. Spent yesterday alternating between the hot tub and sauna. Felt great except I wish that I would have taken a shower afterward. Last night I itched a lot in the area where they shaved me. I think the cause was the chlorine. Bruce

Sorry to hear about your episodes Daniel and Ted. I've been trying to be very careful myself. So far, so good. I have heard of others having problems with chicken and tortillas. I know I have to be very careful as I have always been one to eat fast and not chew my food enough. I'm sure at some time I'll go through it too. Bruce

The ladder's up and the sentry is posted. We're going to have to start checking people using the Crocodile Dundee method! I just plugged my numbers into the BMI chart. I'm no longer Morbidly Obese (I started out with a 43 BMI). Have a great weekend! Bruce

Yes, that's the stuff... Bruce

I was banded in Washington state by Dr Earl Fox. I thought about going to TJ, but couldn't take the time off (business owner). Even though I wasn't at work for two days, I could check in. The third and fourth days post op, I did go in for awhile (was bored at home). Did you like Dr Kuri? Sure heard lots of great things. Bruce

There was a drug a few years back (can't remember the name) that my wife took for awhile. Ok, I barrowed a few. They were supposed to let the fat go through your system. Anyway, they left a nasty oil slick when you did a number two. Had to live close to the bathroom, hope you never have to sneeze in public, and bleach your undies! What a way to lose weight and your dignity! Bruce

You guys are my motivation! Congratulations to Neal, NowNotSoBigGuy, and Jack on being close to your goals! Keep posting! A month ago, I started preop at 288. This AM, I'm happilly banded (1/31) and weigh 258, about 25% of the way to my goal of 170. I'm able to do 90% of what I need to do on the job. Port still let's me know I had surgery recently. Sure, it's a lot of money (self pay), the liquid diet sucks (mushies not much better), and there are some concerns, but I'm beginning to realize that THIS IS the best investment I have ever made! Stand strong brothers! Bruce

Good luck Sean. Keep the new slimmer you in your head and yes walk. You can do it! Chris, yes lots of hoops to jump through, but you will join us soon. Bruce

Chris, How long do you have to do liquids? The 24 hour thing would be a challenge. Ask your Dr if you can add a shake or two. I was 10 days before surgery. After the first couple days, it got much easier. Get your protein in. It help you feel a little more "full" and provides energy. It's also amazing how much weight I lost (18 lbs) in 10 days. I'm still on liquids (last day) and have lost 30 lbs (about 25% of my goal). Better days are ahead!!! Bruce

I don't know 'bout you Ted, but I hope the pain is gone by the 3 month period. I wanna be ready for the kind of action that Dorin's getting! Ho Ho Ho!!! Bruce

Guess I missed out on the panties and the catheter too, darn! They didn't let me drink (or eat) anything after midnight and my surgery was at 3 PM, so I was a little dehydrated, it would have been a "dry well". My belly hair is making a come back. Still looks weird...

Thanks for the warm welcome! It's great to have some fellow Bandsters to chat with! My Doc has me on liquids for 4 weeks post surgery. Long time, I know, but I have never lost weight this fast so that's motivating. I was originally scheduled for surgery on 1/25, had to change to 1/31 because of a complication. So I've actually already been on liquids for almost 4 weeks. Only 2.5 weeks left. Get my first fill 3/15. Have a great Friday!

Hello Cascadian from the dry side of Washington state (I assume you're a Westsider). I too was an Atkins guy for 2 and a half years. Dr Fox banded me 1/31. Doing great! I have been real happy working with Dr Fox and have no problem recommending him. I had to self pay so he saved me about 3 grand (I'm allowing $1000 for fills) over my next choice. Good luck!

Hi to all my fellow Bandsters, I'm a late member of the January Bandsters. I was banded 1/31. Doing great. Getting a little tired of liquids, but love the results. Down 25 lbs in the past 4 weeks. Just thought I'd stop by....

Hi guys. I was banded 1/31 (rescheduled from 1/25 because they couldn't get the tube down in my esophagus). Recovery has been pretty good. Slept on a recliner the first 4 nights. The Doc shaved me and it really itched! It helped to wear a real loose shirt and apply lotion often. Still itches a little. I've been on liquids just short of four weeks; lost 25 lbs. I'm going to ride this train as long as I can stand it!