Heldie

Mr. Yoda... you crack me up!

I am starting to fit much better in my seat on the bus and put the arm rest down too!

Hi Donna D - I was told that if it had the same or less calories, carbs, and fat as Source yoghurt I could have it, so check out the label on the Egg Beaters... I think that's what I had and it was fine.

Robgoblin - I have been on solid food for the past week (was banded on March 9th) but the pre-op and post-op stages are still fresh on my mind!! I am very glad that I went through the stages - it gives me a sense of accomplishment and also helped me prepare myself for the changes I had to make (eating habits etc.)

Robgoblin, You are right - I have seen a few shows about people who are 700+ lbs and they highlight their stories but once the show is over, they are forgotten. I always find myself hoping that the people they turned to for help did not abandon them too. Obesity is such a complex problem and there is more to treating the problem than cutting calories. I am glad that we have this forum to support each other - thanks for being there everyone!

I want to wear tight(ish) pants and not mushroom over top of the waistband... I can't wait for people to stop assuming I'm stupid cuz I'm plus-size I want to cross my legs without sitting on one hip and leaning against the armrest to keep my leg from sliding off I want to take a couple of flights of stairs without huffin' and puffin' I'm sure there's more but its late!

People often look look at an overweight person and say why don't they just stop eating so much, as though it's that simple. People who have never had to deal with a serious obesity issue have no concept of what it is like to live in our shoes. In many cases, family and friends have a very real ability to be cruel and mean spirited, but I think more often than not they say the things that they do out of love and concern for our well-being. I just wish that they would take a moment or two to think about it so that they really say what they mean and not end up just sounding mean.

Maisieben, keep reading... there's lots of info for you here. I attended the info session at TLBC, read lots of posts, read the info on the websites and talked to 2 friends who had it done before I made my decision to have it done. Good news is that while OHIP doesn't cover banding (despite it being less invasive that by-pass) you can deduct the cost of the surgery on your income tax (there's quite a few posts about that too!) Good luck with what ever you decide!

Hi Yasmina, I was at the last TLBC Support Group meeting and they talked about trying set up net meeting/internet accessibility (sorry I'm a bit techno-challenged so I can't explain it too well) for people who are unable to attend meetings in person, though unfortunately do not know if they have a time frame for that. Give TLBC a call maybe they can give you more info!

I have lost 28 lbs since I started the pre-op diet at the end of February. I am finding that I need to take some my clothes in because they are getting baggy and I fit into a pair of pants that I "grew out of" - yippeeeee I'm doing the happy dance!

Susan, you may be physically there by yourself, if that turns out to be your decision, but you have a group of people here rooting for you!!

What's sliming???? I finally found out what PB'ing was last week but sliming is a new one for me!!

Donna D., I found out about a week after my surgery (banded at TLBC) that black coffee and tea are considered clear fluids and you can add milk/cream when you start the full fluids.

So glad to hear you are on the mend! Let us know how you're doing!

Jurema, I was banded March 9th and I have to admit that I found the pre-op diet difficult as I am not fond at all of yoghurt and cottage cheese (they were not part of my pre-band diet.) I was told that if it has the same amount or less of calories, carbs, fat as Source brand yoghurt I could have it. I found the Egg substitutes met the criteria and gave me the warm meal I was craving. I found out too that black coffee and tea are also considered clear fluids and when on the full Fluid, you can add milk or cream to them. Don't quote me on this, but I think that the BCP's may actually thicken the blood...

Mark, Thanks everyone... excellent suggestion on the shakes - chocolate Protein and p-nut butter/banana sounds like a combo I could live with! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!

:help: I know that I am not getting enough protein and was hoping someone could suggest a good protein powder as I can not find the one recommended in the pre-op diet seminar. I would prefer an unflavoured one. Which ones are you using? Thanks

Buffie... I am sorry to hear your news. I hope everything works out for you! Donna D... I was banded at TLBC by Dr. Yau. No complaints about the surgery or the recovery time, though I am reallllllyyyyyy looking forward to eating real food again. I am still in the "full fluid" stage.

Thanks Marjon, I was also hoping to get some advise on which store to go to buy the protein. I am just about to start on the pureed portion of the TLBC post-op diet and know that I just will not be able to eat blended meats - its a texture thing. So I am worried about the lack of protein in my diet.

It is so unfortunate that the media choses to only scratch the surface on the issues that face obese people like me. It's such a complex problem and I don't think that I have ever seen a compassionate, well researched article on this issue. So many of us are made to feel guilty and humiliated by people who read these articles and believe that our only problem is that we eat too much. Reading all of your posts is like reading my own story and I thank you for once again helping me realize that I am not alone!

Donna, I was banded March 9th and one of the things that went through my mind was whether I could have some of the things that I used to enjoy before I was banded, and I came to the conclusion that I could have anything that I wanted to have as long as I planned for it and try to eliminate the impulse or binge eating. I am also finding out that you may not be able to tolerate some things as you fill your band and I am trying to look at that it positively too. The band is a tool to help you limit portion sizes and reduce the amount of food you can take in and therefore lose weight. So far I don't regret it!

Excellent advise Argon, if Lappy is as concerned as he appears to be he should call the clinic and talk to their new C.O.O. I am curious too. It was because of Dr. Joffe that I decided to have the procedure. I am sad to see him go and wish him the best no matter what the circumstances of his departure were. Lappy, you wrote that you were banded just recently and are still in pain. Take a litte time during your recovery to read some of the many many helpful posts. And have a little patience... while there may be foods that you find you may not be able to tolerate as you tighten your band, you may find that you can tolerate everything. Just hang in there as you see the scale go down and your health improve, I am sure that you will see things a bit differently! There is no pressure here to reveal any personal facts about your weight, BMI or weight loss... just support as we go thru the process!

Agreed again... please please go and get it checked out... not knowing is worse than knowing. Let us know how it went...

Ladijane... wow... what a thing to say to a loved one. My heart goes out to you. Keep your chin up!

Doddie... thanks for the heads up on the stitch. All of my steri-strips have come off but one and that one is looking good so far. Rosi... I have a real aversion to yoghurt and cottage cheese. I was told that if I can find foods that are equal or lower in fat and carbs I could have it... I looked at all the labels and found egg beaters and had those as well... you might want to ask the clinic yourself, but it worked for me!