dylanmiles23

that was all so sweet and true. very nicely said.

I had the surgery July, 2012 and take colace and Miralax every day. They are both prescription. The colace is liquid and I put it in my shake and the Miralax is powder and I put that in my hot tea after dinner. Ask your doctor. I went home from the hospital with the colace liquid.

Congratulations!!! I don't think you will be sorry. When I had my surgery they gave really strong pain meds, liquid, which may help with the arthritis. I had to wash with special cleaner the night before and the morning of the surgery and never heard of the 'q'tip and the belly button. That is a new one. ​I couldn't have caffeine for many months after the surgery. I do limit it though. I am a tea drinker not coffee. One thing I did not do before the band, take measurements or pictures. That is up to you, though.

I love the band. I would never have a sleeve, too much removing. The by pass, never. I know of at least 6 people who had by pass and after 6-10 years they are all huge again. The band can be repaired, replaced and your body is not all cut up. I see my doctor every 2 months and have had 3 fills for a total of under 2cc's. The needle hurts like any other needle you would get. Every doctor has their own rules about fills, seeing a dietitian etc. I go to my monthly support groups and love them. The meetings are all WLS people not just bands, so you learn and listen to everyone. I never did any research. My lung doctor made my appointment and said you are getting the band. I didn't question it at all. I am off all meds except for the vitamins and minerals that they say to take every day. Blood pressure is super!! Just keep asking questions and we will all answer you, honestly.

Arlene's famous recipe. I use chocolate (only) (Body Fortress). 8oz FF milk, 1 scoop of protein powder, a little decaf instant coffee (kills the after taste), a little peppermint extract and lots of ice. I have a small Hamilton Beach blender (under $20. at Walmart or Target). The blender is also a drinking cup. It is very thick and tastes great. i have one every morning for breakfast. When I get a fill I have 3-4 for 3 days after the fill. Good luck.

Good luck with everything. Every doctor and dietitian have their own rules for what to eat and how much. My doctor's office gave me a huge book with everything in it. It starts with the before, during and after food lists. What brands of shakes to have, protein bars etc. I still go to the monthly support groups, but may skip this week's because it's about sleep and I have been to that one twice all ready. I love my band and have had no problems. Tonight I ate too much salmon and the band let me know. I walked around my house until I burped and then felt much better. My fault for eating too much, but it tasted so great. Just keep asking questions and people are very straight and honest on this site.

Wonderful story, thanks for sharing a NSV!

Never thought of it. But a lot people on this site have. Do you have a name picked out?

Thanks for sharing the info. Feel better.

Your smile says, I am doing great! Sometimes the numbers on the scale aren't great but the tape measure is wonderful.

recipe time for shakes. I love mine and have been having for 1 1/2 years now. I use Body Fortress chocolate (use what ever you like). I use 8 oz FF milk, 1 scoop protein powder, a little decaf instant coffee (kills the protein after taste) a little peppermint extract and tons of ice. Lately they have been extra thick. They are as good as McDonald's or Wendy's thick shakes. I have a small Hamilton Beach blender that is also the drinking cup. (I own 2 of them). They are under $20. at Walmart or Target. Enjoy. You'll make it.

you're super, thank you. Love you too.

I think if you are losing inches then that is great. I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk in my shakes. Maybe try that or soy milk. When mixed with the Protein powder you can't tell that it's not real milk. I add decaf instant coffee and peppermint extract to the shake and it tastes great. Good luck and don't let numbers ruin your day.

I use mostly Bariatric Advantage brand for my vitamins and minerals. The price isn't bad and they were recommended by my surgeon's office. For fish oil I buy Nature Made adult gummies. Target has a great selection and not expensive. My husband (not banded) has Vitafusion Men's complete multivitamin that are gummy. Maybe ask your doctor or dietitian for suggestions. They all have their own ideas.

I love the way you told your 'cat' story. Made me laugh. I hope one day to have a flat 'cat'.

I did 2 weeks of 2 meals of liquids and dinner was Protein and veggies. Good luck to everyone.

messed up, it was Forever 21 who has plus sizes.

Me again. I just went to Rue 21's site and they have plus sizes. I wonder what really happened unless they are 2 different stores.

I don't drink coffee but love mocha and coffee flavorings.