PrettyThick1

I've tried that, it's sold at my gym. It's okay, but I prefer Muscle Milk.

Since I've been banded, I don't really care for alchol anymore. The three times I've tried social drinking, I've ended up throwing away money because I don't want it after just a few sips. I've heard this from a few other people so far.

I say go for it, without hesitation or reservation. I tried for years to lose the weight: phentermine, Atkins, Slim Fast, Quick Weight Loss...you name it, I probably tried it. Yes, they were all successful for a while but I eventually gained the weight back. The band is different, unless you are a glutton for pain - it's hard to mess this up. Although it is good to have the support of your family and friends, sometimes you just have to keep things to yourself and do what you think is best for you. Good luck, don't look back!

I don't like the sound of those ingredients at all! Do you have to take that? Muscle Milk was perfect for me, it has a great taste, many varieties and it worked wonders on helping me to lose, reducing my blood sugar and giving me energy. They have so many varieties it's hard to get bored with it and you can do so much with them. For instance: Cake Batter flavor tastes just like yellow cake mix - I use to love licking the bowl and beaters when my mom made cakes as a kid. So I mix the Muscle Milk to that consistency and eat it like I was that little 6 year old on the stool in the kitchen while mom baked. Ahhhhh, it feels a bit nostaligic to say the least.

Hi Ladies: I'm looking for input from everyone, but women of color in particular since stretch marks seem to be more visible on our skin. I have tons of stretch marks on my shoulders, arms and breasts. After you lost your weight, did those seem to go away or did you have to use a scar product on them? Thanks for your time!

That was sweet!!!! I like it, too!

Hi Nana: Were you a pear before the weight loss?

Call your doctor, I haven't had dry heaves but I know it must be torture and you don't want to risk injury. Keep us posted.

How did your arm and breast lift surgeries go? I know I'm going to have to have my arms done, there is no doubt about that - as long as I hold them out to the side, they look like normal sized arms, but when I look at the profile...ugh, it looks like an upside down steep hill and I can't stand it. Do you have any before and after pics?

You've done an outstanding job! You even look taller, but I can see from the door frame that you're height hasn't changed at all! Isn't that something? Keep up the good work...and share your workout routine with us, please.

Congrats and Welcome Carrie! You're amongst friends here, if you have questions feel free to ask and of course do lots of reading. I learned so much from this forum that I had very few questions for my counselors or my surgeon - there is nothing like first hand advice from others who have already gone through the process. Just keep in mind: no two bands or bandsters are alike and try not to compare your results with others. Some of us started losing immediately after surgery and have been full speed ahead the entire time, some take time to start losing - sometimes it doesn't happen until after a fill or two. But you will lose substantially! For now, enjoy the last of your pre-band days by eating all of the things you can think of - at the quantities you want to eat them. After your surgery, you will still be able to eat whatever you want (after you're healed of course) as long as the entire meal fits in the equivalent of a Dixie cup. LOL I have no regrets, I am happy with my decision and I know you will be too!

I tell them the truth and if they ask how, I tell them the truth about that as well.

I'd ask the doctor first. I wasn't comfortable enough at that stage of the game to even try crunches or sit ups. I believe it is recommended that strenuous activity be put on hold for a certain period, right now your focus should be low impact cardio and not strength.

If it's just a day or so, go for it but any longer than that you'll be setting yourself up for something. The preop period is hard enough, I wouldn't start it any sooner than I had to. Being on the other side now, I wish I had a couple of my pre-preop days back so I could eat as much as I wanted to. I understand your excitement and all, but you should wait until you actually need to start the preop diet otherwise you're likely to get burnt out and be miserable in the days leading up to your surgery.

Congratulations!

I was just about out of my expensive Vitamins and was determined that I wasn't going to keep spending that much money for them, so I placed an order for TwinLab Bariatric Support Chewable Multi in berry flavor with Iron from iHerb on Friday (60 ct. - $9.99) and they arrived this morning! I like these because you only need 1 as opposed to 2-4 of other brands, which is a savings in itself. While I was on the site, I did a bit more surfing and found Certified Organic Spirulina, after doing a bit of research on the product it sounded like something that would be beneficial for me...and other bandsters! I bought the small bottle, which is certified organic and labeled as a Genuine Whole food. The retailer is a trusted Google site, so I was fairly sure I couldn't go wrong trying it. I also purchased a box of Black Currant tea (I love this stuff!) and my entire order including shipping was only $27.00. I thought I'd share this with you all. What is it? Spirulina is a natural “algae” (cyanbacteria) powder that is incredible high in Protein and nutrients. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of Water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. It is largely made up of protein and essential amino acids, and I typically recommend it to clients who decide to remain vegetarian for its high natural iron content. It is often touted for its high B-12 content, though there is a lot of debate about if this particular form is a complete and absorbable form of B-12 and I don’t recommend it completely in place of animal products. The high concentration of protein and iron also makes it idea during pregnancy, after surgery or anytime the immune system needs a boost. Health Properties: Though it does taste like pond scum, Spirulina has some great health-boosting qualities: Spirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has gotten a lot of attention for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially when taken with other quality Omega-3 supplements like Fermented Cod Liver Oil. (I suspect that the benefits of GLA in Spirulina are even more than what the studies have found since these studies often use vegetable oils for their GLA source, and the other inflammatory compounds in vegetable oils can interfere with the anti-inflammatory ability.) It contains all essential amino acids. Spirulina contains Omega 3-,6 and 9s and is especially high in Omega-3s. Spirulina is extremely high in Chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system. Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is excellent during pregnancy and for those with anemia and will not cause constipation. Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including (according to Wikipedia): “Spirulina contains vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and vitamin E. It is also a source of potassium, Calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc. Spirulina contains many pigments which may be beneficial and bioavailable” This Spirulina (from Mountain Rose Herbs) was tested be an independent laboratory and found to have an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of over 24,000 which is 4x the ORAC score of blueberries. The ORAC score is generally used to measure antioxidant ability and concentration in different foods. Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk, making it excellent for children, the elderly and during pregnancy. Some research has suggested that Spirulina may be helpful in allergies and allergic reactions. Spirulina’s phosphorus content makes it helpful as part of a tooth remineralization regimen. Emerging evidence suggests that it binds with radioactive isotopes and may be useful for radioactivity exposure or radiation therapy. The protein in Spirulina is highly usable and has a net protein utilization rate of between 50-61% Spirulina can bind with heavy metals in the body and help remove them. Spirulina can increase fat burning during exercise.

That's awesome! I am off of metformin, too. I quoted my A1C wrong...I don't know what that was, but I know my fasting blood sugar was 150. I'm now 95-105 when I check it!

My BP was doing some wicked things before the band...it had gone up as high as 170/92 or something like that. I'm already back to 120/80. Not only that, but I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in February with a fasting A1C of 150, I am now off the meds and am usually around 95 - 105! Ain't the band grand?!?

I've gotten it and mine actually came in small tablets, I've swallowed them whole about 4 hours ago and I don't have a weird taste or anything.

I haven't had that happen. You should call your doctor.

Happy Changes: Fitting better in airplane seats. Shedding 10 years from my face. My mom being proud that I am getting healthy. My daughter and her friends saying I'm pretty. My adult Grisly Bear snore has reduced to a bear cub. People who haven't seen me in a while say "DAYYUUMM" before "Hello" Ordering from the kids menu in restaurants and still having a doggie bag. Paying the kids price at a buffet. Controlling my portions in spite of how much food is around me. Great dreams that I remember when I wake up. Being admired. Feeling enthusiastic. Fitting in clothes I almost gave away. Being able to take hand-me-downs from the sexy and stylish girl at work. Not shopping at Lane Bryant, the Avenue, Strutt or any other "Big Girl" store. Shopping in the Junior's section and looking good in what I try on. No real cravings anymore. Being comfortable in a 2 person go-cart. Changes that require me to think: Is this my underwear or my 14 year old daughter's? Would this guy have been interested in me 6 months ago? Will what I am about to eat make me slime? It didn't yesterday... Things I miss / make me unhappy: chocolate makes me PB - chocolate milk, a hershey's kiss, ice cream. The casino buffet - I use to really put away the crab legs and lobster tails. Taking 30 minutes longer to eat than everyone else at the table. Being asked if I am losing too fast. Being asked if I am eating / what I ate. I could probably think of more, but this is my main list...as you see the ups far outweigh the downs.

It took a little bit of getting use to. Maybe try chopping it in a food processor a little bit before chewing it yourself.

Congratulations on your marriage! I've heard of people getting unfilled during pregancy and everything went well. How exciting for you! I wish you the best of luck on your new life, you have so much to look forward to!

I'm sorry for you disappointment and hope that you will get your band sooner than you think. Try to keep in mind that everything happens for a reason, you could have gotten a defective band or any number of things. Just trust the process, no matter how disheartening it might be right now.

I definitely can't eat first thing in the morning, that would be a disaster. I have coffee or hot tea and have something soft an hour or two later.