New Hope

Wow, Leatha, you must certainly be "rebounding" from that last surgery! It's amazing how getting rid of something that hurts can make you feel so good! I am so proud of you! You'll look so cute! And it sounds like a wonderful way to meet some fun guys. Lucky dogs! What will you be wearing?

Audrey, there is an old saying, "Don't judge someone until you've walked in his mocasins." Your post could only have been written from someone who's been there. Please go ahead and get all of those tests done. Then you'll know that you have a clean bill of health. (Certainly nothing wrong with that!) I had to go through numerous tests also (after ins. denial, appeal, 8 mos. wait for approval). But it was certainly worth it! Best of luck to you! And keep up that exercising! That's wonderful!

Gail, I think you've summed it up wonderfully! Just do what you feel is the right thing to do for you. I can tell you are a wonderful person, no matter what physical weight you are or were at. P. S. I hope you get your fill adjusted and start to feeling better immediately. We don't want you having any band-related problems that can hopefully be avoided.

Hi, Dana, I'll be glad to share the little bit I've learned along the wayl. Best of luck to you!

Hi, Tina, do you know for a fact that your health insurance won't cover this surgery? Best of luck to you on your journey! Getting healthier is not only a birthday gift to you, but also to your WHOLE family. Everyone will benefit from you being healthier.

Andrea, I "love" the Blue Bunny "Sweet Freedom" Fudge Lites (at Walmart). They have 70 calories for TWO bars. The only thing that I've liked of Atkins is their "Advantage" shakes, 170 cal. can. They're good if you're in a hurry and don't have time to mix a Protein drink. You can blend in a fresh banana and frozen fruits (just like w/a protein shake). Their other things seem to taste pretty awful and they're very expensive. Don't do like I did and buy "bulk quantities" if you're not sure you'll like something. Atkins "Creamy Cinnamon Buns" Protein Bars sounded so good! YUK!! Major bad investment! Your Soup sounds yummy and comforting! Take care!

Is this our little Andrea talking? Wow, what a great experience! I am so proud of you and so happy that everything went so smoothly! This is what we would hope for every bandster - stateside or abroad! Please take care of yourself and don't "overdo". That's easy to do sometimes when you feel so good. Keep drinking that water! Yeah, you're a Bandster!

Magnolia, do you think that you could possibly start drinking a Protein shake in the a.m.? Just Protein powder in fat-free milk (in blender), add 1 fresh banana, some frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, or peaches, etc.), add a few ice cubes to thicken. Delicious - like a smoothie. Not too heavy to eat in the a.m. Are you on solids yet? Then try a scrambled egg and a veg. sausage pattie (micro. total - 2 1/2 min.) for Breakfast. For lunch, how about tuna or chicken salad and couple of ritz crackers? Refried Beans w/ cheese are good source of Protein. dinner - lean, moist meat (chicken, beef, pork chop, grilled shrimp, or baked fish, etc.), some kind of dipping or steak sauce, vegetables. I don't always have time for breakfast. But I find that I stay satisfied feeling longer if I do. Are you getting all of your Water in each day (but not drinking an hour after meals)? Are you taking a chewable multi-vitamin? The main thing is to eat solid foods each time that will stay in your pouch longer. Try to eat interesting foods that you really like. Enjoy your meal leisurely, savor each bite. Don't get bored w/ your choices. Keep them flavorful and colorful, pleasing and enjoyable. Use a pretty salad plate (size helps w/portion control). Have a variety of drinking glasses to help you get your water load in. A chilled jug of water and Cranberry Lite gives you some variety on getting fluids in. You'll do fine!

Is there anything that you can't do? Wow, that is going to be so great when you get it finished.

LOL, Darcy, thanks for brightening my day! You're a sweetie!

C, how much sodium does it have? Sodium, unfortunately, makes us retain water and too much is hard on the heart and kidneys. Sorry, don't mean to be a "party pooper". Maybe you could "water it down" a little bit.

I don't wear tight things out of courtesy to other people.

I think height and frame has a lot to do with it. I'm 5'3", 190, can currently wear L or XL top, 14-16 bottom. I'm small boned (under all this flab), small breasts, big abdomen. My gut keeps me from getting into a smaller size pants.

My surgeon DID say that the band would help with reflux and hiatal hernia. There must be something to that. Because I only take Prevacid now if I'm taking a Celebrex (arthritis) to protect my stomach. I used to take it twice a day for bad reflux and hernia.

You are a very new bandster. How long are you supposed to be on liquids? You haven't healed enough yet to try to eat anything. If your body hurts, it is telling you to stop! Please be sure that you really need a fill before you get on. Best of luck to you! Take care!

Wow, Kathy, you look so "perky"! (And I mean that in a good way!) What a cutie!

Darcy, thanks for missing me! I've been a really bad bandster, feeling crummy, and eating even worse, and riding the ole bike just a couple of times this week. Boy, do I feel the effects! I think being sick, then the cat incident just maxed me out for a while. It doesn't take any time to undo good habits. I am so unhappy with Me right now. Well, enough of this pity-party. I'll get back in line. P. S. I did catch Thomas (the stray) and he's getting changed from a rooster to a hen even as we speak and all his shots. Hopefully, he'll behave himself now.

Betty, you're a cutie! LOL on your post. I just can't do it yet.

Babs, I can feel your excitement! Yeah! Great job! Can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

Nancy, you may be fuller in the breasts.

Seriously, find out everything that you can about this surgery before you have it! You can go to Inamed's website and read all about the band, how it works, food, etc. Old posts have a wealth of information available. Several drs. have their own websites with info. I can pm you my dr. info. if you'd like it (just to read for info.). The more informed you are, the better you will do. Can you give a little history on yourself - ex. weight, height, any health problems, age, etc. Did you say that you've already been approved through your insurance co.? Who will be your surgeon and where will you be having your surgery done (in states or in Mexico)? We'll share anything that we've learned. But we're not medically trained, just Bandsters trying to live a healthier life. Please do take care of yourself! Best of luck to you!

Gail, I'm a "closet bandster" also. I just feel like this is a very personal decision that each of us has to decide. I had several co-morbidities and feel like this surgery was necessary (not optional). I'm also very thankful that I had insurance to help make this a reality. Consider our alternatives...keep gaining weight, keep increasing our health problems, end up in a wheel chair, heart attack, stroke, early death, etc. This is not a cosmetic surgery, to change our nose just because we don't like the way it looks. This is a chance to live a physically, mentally, and spiritually better quality of life. I don't feel like putting up with those who think this is "an easy fix." We certainly know it takes a lot of physical and probably even greater mental work on our part to succeed. I'm sure I will have to make the decision to tell eventually. But I'm just not ready yet. One thing to remember, once you tell, you can't "untell." Best of luck to you! You're doing a fantastic job!

Yes, No, Probably. Expect some down time. But it's temporary. You'll do fine!

When we lose more weight, will we have tons of energy like Donali? And become sunddenly tool efficient? Sounds good to me!

Jeanie, you're doing great! Try not to get on the scale too often. I think that backfires on you. Maybe, once a week. Then, hopefully, you'll be pleasantly rewarded. But 20 pounds in a month! Wow!