ElizabethAnne

I get weighed every morning.

Congratulations! You are doing a great job!

Congratulations! Success stories like yours are encouraging! Thanks for posting.

Congratulations! That's great news!

Congratulations, Deb! I am so happy for you!

You are almost there!

As far as whether it's considered cheating, I'd probably call and ask just to make sure it's okay.

I'm sorry you have to deal with this now. I agree with Julie and think it would be a good idea to inform your surgeon. He may even be able to help you get the tests out of the way before surgery.

I am a little scared, too, but am ready to proceed. I hope everything goes well for you!

I'm sorry you are going through this. Two years is a very long time to suffer from depression. Depression can definitely affect your memory and your energy level. Exercising, eating healthy, and getting into a regular sleep routine should help some, but it's important to seek professional help from your doctor who should be able to refer you to a good counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. I would call tomorrow. Most depression is treatable, and you deserve to feel much better.

Christina, As embarrassing as this is, I can't figure out how to vote. Would you please explain what I need to do?

It says we can't vote more than once: "Votes are tracked and attempts by any person to vote more than once will void ALL votes by that person."

My dietitian's handout lists calcium citrate as the supplement for band patients. I wanted to buy some sugar-free calcium chews at Costco, but calcium carbonate is listed in the ingredients, not calcium citrate. Does anyone know if one supplement substitutes for the other?

Congratulations---it's encouraging to read stories like yours! Thanks for posting!

I also take Centrum chewable. I wanted to be used to the chewable type before my surgery. I take mine in the morning now but after my surgery, I will likely take it later in the day since many say the band is "tight" in the morning. After I've used up this bottle, I am going to see what other types of chewable Vitamins are available. They don't taste horrible but seem chalky to me.

I will vote for you once it's possible. I enjoyed reading your blog! Good luck!

Mine was a lengthy but pleasant evaluation. I was told it would take about 3 hours. I first talked with the psychologist for about an hour. Although she asked several questions, she was very nice and it felt like we were simply chatting. After she finished interviewing me, she led me down the hallway to a room with computers. Next, I took an assessment on the computer (the MMPI, I think), which took about another hour. The psychologist told me I was the ideal candidate for the lap band, which increased my confidence.

I googled Biotin and found a lot of information. Here's a link what I found at WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-313-BIOTIN.aspx?activeIngredientId=313&activeIngredientName=BIOTIN

I need to get clarification on this, too. On pages 65-66 of the Forest Park Medical Center Manual that was posted here on Springers, it states "Nioxin shampoo can be used to help and/or Biotin supplements (50 to 100 mcg per day)." I finally was able to find Biotin today at Target. One tablet has 1000 mcg (1 mg). The directions on the bottle say to take one tablet daily, preferably with a meal. I asked my surgeon's NP about Biotin when we had the small group meeting, and she said it's fine to take Biotin, but she didn't say how much to take. Hopefully, Julie might be able to help us.

Congratulations---you are off to a great start!

Good idea. I'm obsessed with surgery right now and the only way I can keep my mind off of it is to keep super busy. It makes sense to me, Julie, and I wonder if we are focusing on this so much because we're mentally ready to proceed, yet physically we are in waiting mode until it's our turn. I'm afraid of heights sometimes (like when I am hiking a trail without a guardrail and can see how far down I could possibly fall), but fortunately, most of the time, my fear isn't paralyzing. However, I am even more afraid of mice, which I know is completely illogical...LOL.

Five pounds in one days is awesome! Yay for you!

Hi loreebyrd. Welcome to the group. I'm counting calories---1400 a day. At first, it was hard because I do best with rigid diet plans that give me very few options. However, once I adjusted, the food cravings subsided. I've done the HMR physician-supervised liquid fast multiple times in the past and remember well how difficult those first 3-4 days are on a liquid diet, but I also recall how quickly I shed the pounds. You will lose fast, too! I love cats and have had Siamese cats in the past. I currently have two rescued cats and would have more if I could.

Welcome to the group, Mike. Thanks for sharing your story with us. You have accomplished much, and your level of commitment inspires me!

Thank you for letting us know your decision. I was confident you'd make the right decision for yourself, and I support you 100%. With your current weight loss, you are already steadily traveling along a path that is working well for you, and with your level of commitment, you WILL continue to lose weight! Through your posts, you have taught us so much and are an invaluable member of this group. I appreciate all the ways you've helped us and truly hope we will continue to receive updates from you when you have time to post. Best wishes!