IMFine

Here's a link about the Isopure. This is whey protein, no carb, splenda-sweetened, CLEAR drink. The link is to a provider that is waaay too expensive! GNC has it at a better price, especially if you're a gold card member. It's worth the money to become a gold card member. If the link doesn't work, let me know.

Oh, and my surgery is in Austin, Texas, at the Central Park Surgery Suites. My surgeon is Dr. Mark Sherrod. He also did my cholecystectomy. FABULOUS surgeon! The surgical suites are a dream come true too.

Hi Ganas! Thanks for the b-day wishes. My sister says the doctors told her she stretched her pouch most likely through ignorance of the doctors who placed it five years ago in Dallas. Five years ago this was a relatively new procedure and they've learned so much since then. Here's what the doctors think: She's a HUGE diet Coke drinker--we now know that carbonated drinks are a no-no. She was a grazer, rather than the recommended three meals a day--her pouch stayed full and was able to stretch do to being "full" all of the time. From what she tells me, when she got on solids post-op, the grazing was because she didn't feel capable of eating three meals a day. It was easier for her to just eat a bit at a time over the course of a day. She's stopped doing carbonated drinks and eats her three meals a day. She knows that she'll probably have to go in for a revision at some point. She's an Air Force Brat rule-follower-to-the-extreme like me, so, if she'd had this info pre-surgery, even post-op, she would not be in the shape she's in now. Really, she's doing great, and since she's doing marathons it might be a good thing that her pouch is a bit stretched, so that she can get the nutrients she needs to have the energy and endurance for the races. I'm very proud of her. She's my big sis, and I've always looked up to her! I hope this info helps.

I'm very excited today. Today is my birthday (turned 43), and I'm on my third day of pre-op diet. I'm doing great and REALLY looking forward to my lap-band surgery on July 19. I had my gallbladder out on June 29, so this next (and BEST) surgery is coming quickly on the heels of my cholecystectomy. Thank all of you for all of the good information. I'm keeping a journal with weight, measurements, clothing sizes, etc. I need to get some pre-op pics taken today. My sister had lap-band surgery 5 years ago, and she's doing well--running marathons! She did stretch her pouch, and she cautioned me not to do the same. She said the post-op burps are the worst, but they get better and better, but burping when eating or drinking anything is pretty normal for her now and doesn't hurt at all. That's great news. I found some clear Protein drinks called Isopure. They come in yummy flavors and I'll have them around for post-op drinks and can make popsicles out of them too. They have no carbs and are made with splenda. I can't have aspartame, because of my Crohn's disease. I'm very excited about the new journey and my life is just going to keep getting better. I'll be in touch. All you post-op beauties, hang in there! IMFine:p

Thank you for the welcome, LosingJusMe. I appreciate your well-wishes!

Howdy! I went to a seminar last night with my hubby. The seminar is the first step on the road to my LB. I rushed home, completed the paperwork and faxed it in before I went to bed. I've already heard from my assigned patient advocate. She has assured me that we'll know something from the insurance company within the next 1-2 weeks. Fortunately, we've got good insurance. Whew! So, maybe we'll hear back REALLY soon. With a BMI of 43.3, plus a couple of comorbidities, I don't think approval will be a problem. I'm 42 and have been MO for 20 years. I also have Crohn's disease, but have had it under control for about 8 years now. All doctors, PCP and gastroenterologist, are all on the same page about me losing weight. I, like many of you have tried oh sooooo many diets. It seems WLS is my last ditch effort. I want to make sure I get the right one for me. My question to the "old-timers" is: Are you still happy with your LB, or do you wish you'd gone with one of the gastric bypass surgeries? Any and all responses are welcome. Thanks so much for your time.

Thanks, Edie. Wow! You look great. I'm so anxious to get this done so that I can get on with my life; my HEALTHIER life! I know I'm going to look and feel so much better. Have you had to have any plastic surgeries? I'm already getting concerned about any excess baggy skin...I'm not a spring chicken anymore, and know that my skin isn't going to snap back like it used to. Thanks again for the welcome and encouragement