luv2bingo07

Awww...thank you again Maureen. I am stronger than I think sometimes, and lose sight of the good that will come out of this struggle. I guess I am always afraid of looking too far into the future like next year at this time where I will be wearing new smaller clothes and enjoying a tad of the BBQ feast(although baby one). I will get off my pitty pot and deal with this because others are with me in thoughts and spirit and I need to be there for you too. I am not the first person to have this surgery, but ONE of thousands. Bless you all and have a great week! Judy

Thanks so much Maureen for lending me your shoulder. :drum: You are a special band sis to me. I live with my mom and brother and my brother eats alot of the foods I so loved before. He always stocks up on deserts like donuts and all. I am afraid if I say that you shouldn't have stuff like that out in the open to me like that, he might say well, you wanted this surgery and spent all that money, etc. My mom doesn't eat much, but when she does, it usually doesn't bother me, but it seems like every day especially in the afternoon, I feel so starved. I thought I was strong enough to handle this, but I guess I was really wrong. I started drinking the Protein shakes and the creamy Soups, but realized I wasn't supposed to have the soups until like day 11. Never had a problem with them though. I have had a healthy choice fudge bar a couple times, but only one a day. Those seems to be satisfying. I still can't find out when I can have the soupy cream of wheat though, and pudding. Maybe the same time as the soup phase? That would help me at work too. Well, I feel better and am going to tough it out. Thanks again for sharing your whine with me. Write anytime. :tea: Peace and hugs, Judy

Hi sad, I am sorry your doc is an idiot. Sorry for the harsh words, but I was taking Prevacid for about 8 years for GERD(acid reflux disease) before being banded and haven't needed it or miss it at any time since I was banded last Monday, May 21st. The band also prevents reflux from what I read before surgery. I understand that your doctor may mostly do RNY surgeries, but that is no excuse for him to brush you off because of a minor thing as a hiatal hernia. As a matter of fact, I went to Tijuana MX for my surgery with Dr. Ortiz and he repairs the hernias at no extra charge when he performs the band surgeries. I was with a gal that had one and it was no big deal. I truly hope you can straighten your doctor out about this and get the surgery you want and not have to settle for one that is so risky with your life. That is my two cents. Peace, Judy

Hey all, I know what you are talking about. I was banded 5/21/07. I forgot to Water down my apple juice yesterday and boom! I have had diarrhea all day today. I even started drinking yogurt smoothies which have been a little filling but I feel like I am still STARVING! But, tomorrow I can start with creamy Soups, Protein shakes, etc. It's all good! Peace, Judy

Ok...the pancake thing nearly made me go over the edge there.:faint: I LOVE pancakes. I am starving! Does that mean I have not been drinking enough or am ready to eat or rather drink something more filling? I soooo want to drink my protein shakes again. So, how are you doing other than what you posted? I got home from TJ last night and had an awesome time! It was so great! We were treated so well. I am soo hungry and my port hurts alot...meaning really sore, but sometimes it stings. :omg: Other than that, I am doing alright. Good to see you posting already. Take care and keep in touch. Peace, Judy

Hi Christy, I am not familiar with the med you have been taking so long. What exactly is it for? Have youseen a Neurosurgeon about your tumor, and if so, what does he/she say about whether or not surgery would be a definite plan for the future? Have you ever had any surgeries on it yet? Sorry, I don't recall alot of these things from your earlier post. I was starting the process for lap band surgery two years ago and then all came to a screeching halt because I first found out that my insurance has an exclusion through my employer for any kind of weight loss surgery, and second, my second tumor was found. I decided to get that surgery done and already knew that I would also be having the radiation treatment too later on. I am not sure if this surgery will help your weight gain, but for the most part, I believe it will because even though you are on meds that probably caused the weight gain by overeating or not processing fat like it should, the band should keep you in control over that. So, you are having surgery on Monday also? Cool! I will be thinking about you too hun. You take care and don't stress over the other. Concentrate on the surgery and how well it will help you in the long run. Take care, Judy

Kathy, I am so sorry about what you are going through. 45 lbs is alot to lose. If it helps at all, I was told to drink a Protein shake(Muscle Milk-choc.) for Breakfast and dinner, and a lean cuisine for lunch. Also, you can eat lots of fruits and veggies for snacking. I lost 15 lbs the first week and slowed way down after that, but I stuck to it, and after a few weeks was down about 24lbs. I have lymphedema swelling in my legs and feet that affect my weight especially when it gets warmer outside. Of course, my weight is fluctuating now because we are having warmer weather. I am self pay and having my surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, MX on Monday. I was told to lose as close to 36 lbs as possible before surgery because my BMI was over 50. Well, I am under 50 now and that should be good. Good luck and I hope and pray something will work for you. Judy

Hiya Maureen, Yes, I am getting excited and having some fear and doubts too. Weird how your mind works. LOL I will surely be thinking about you too my friend and band buddy. Hope all goes well and we get through it with flying colors. I have been thinking alot about how different life is really going to be. I will be off of work all next week so when I go back I should be on thicker liquids like the Protein shakes and cream Soups. Ahhh, that will be nice. Good luck and take care, Peace and hugs, Judy

Hello CAWalsh, I have had 2 pit tumors removed since 2001. I am now taking growth hormone shots which I can stop temporarily until after I get back from lap band surgery on Monday in Mexico. My surgery is monday and I will be coming home on Wednesday. I have low growth hormone which just was discovered after my last tumor surgery in 2005 and then gamma knife radiosurgery later that year. I have been taking the shots since last November. My weight gain has slowly increased after my first surgery, so I have been suffering more with physical pain and other things, so I really needed to do something about my weight even though I have been heavy all my life. Good luck to you and hope this answers some of your questions. If not, let me know. Peace, Judy

As far as I know she is available for aftercare and treats Mexico surgery patients. I believe that she doesn't take insurance because most patients that had their surgery in Mexico, had insurance that does not cover any kind of weight loss surgery or treatment. I am very sure that she deals with all aftercare problems and such. I hope that cleared up your question? Have a great day! Judy

Hi bethicle, I am in Oregon and also having surgery in Mexico, but with Dr. Ortiz. My surgery date is May 21st. I have been reading up alot about different issues regarding lapband and biggest one that every one is concerned about is aftercare. Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick has come highly recommended for fills and aftercare if you can't or don't want to go back to Mexico for fills. She is in Milwaukee. Her website is gastricbands.com. Hope this helps you! Peace, Judy

Hi all, I have been really thinking about being heavy and tall most of my life and going to be banded May 21st. I have seen alot of weight loss tickers that show what your main goal weight is, and I have been wondering about how do you know what your real weight should be? I am 6'1, and weigh 367, down from 375 since starting the pre-op diet a couple weeks ago. I am big boned and cannot see myself in any way (Thin). Thin to me sounds anorexic. Now Slim-n-Trim sounds better and healthier. How do you know what you really should weigh? And being realistic about it. Thanks for any replies. Judy

Wow! Thanks everyone for your replies. That's gonna be a challenge for me to realize I guess. Right now, I think I should weigh around 195, but between that and 210 would be good too. Good luck to all to reach your goal weight if you haven't already. Way to gooooo Edie!!! You look mauvelous! Peace, Judy

Hey mommalee, That's funny that you mentioned naming your band. I am a big fan of Stargate SG-1 and there is a character on there named Teal'C(spelling?), that has an alien called a Gua'uld in him that keeps him healthy and strong, as well as alive. Was thinking of naming my band Teal'c...LMBO! Or maybe something cuter...lol Best wishes on your banding surgery and success! Judy

Hi Crystal, I love Muscle Milk Protein shakes in the chocolate and banana. They have 22g protein and lots of Vitamins and minerals. I have gotten used to them and they are satisfying for now. They come in 17oz. RTD cartons or 11oz.(which I drink) 4-packs. I recently got a 6lb bag of EAS chocolate, but haven't tried it yet because I am not sure how best to mix it. With Water or milk? Good luck, Judy

I decided back at the beginning of the year that I wouldn't say anything to my co-workers other than a close one that we have shared weight loss stories before. My surgery is May 21st with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, MX. All anyone knows is I decided to take a vacation in Mexico for a few days and that's it. Certain details have come up about the flight plans and when I was called by the nutritionist and coordinator, but, as far as they know it is just because I want to lose some weight before my vacation, which isn't lying, it's necessary...lol My DM is going with me and I am taking a week off, so no worries. I have been thinking though about sending an email to several people in the office about what I actually did just to prepare them for any strange behaviors that might come up when I come back to work, like living on only liquids, or God forbid, a PB episode. Not sure if I will say anything, but probably should forewarn people. Take care all, Judy

Ok...Here I am going on 3rd week of 5 for pre-op diet. My surgery is May 21st with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, MX. I get rather bummed not being able to eat what I want to, but know it is for the best. I am supposed to lose as close to 36 lbs as possible by surgery. NOT FAIR!!! Anywho, I wanted to be part of this board May band days. Peace, Judy

Hey all, I have posted before about drinking the Muscle Milk Protein shakes as part of my pre-op diet. Well, I had to get some more at costco today and was thinking that it is kinda high calorie and expensive in the long run. I saw a bag of EAS Protein powder that I have read about people drinking and is lower in calories, higher in protein, etc. My question is if anyone is drinking this, if they like it, and what is the best way to mix it? With milk or Water? I am hoping I didn't buy the 6lb bag for $25.99 for nothing...lol Thanks for any suggestions. Judy

Thanks trizzy. I am struggling but holding up. It does scare me to take a taxi down there, but hopefully there will be some other bandsters there so we could all go together. Should we take our ID's or something with us when we shop? Don't want to get into any kind of trouble there. Take care, Judy

I have to lose as close to 36 lbs as possible before my surgery on May 21st. I fell in love with Muscle Milk that I bought at costco and also found at GNC nutrition stores. GNC is way more expensive. A case at Costco comes with 18 cartons ready to drink and has 23 grams of Protein, and only 5g of sugar. Also loaded with Vitamins and minerals, etc. GNC carries more of the flavors, but Costco only had the chocolate milk and Vanilla cream. The other flavors are Cookies and cream, chocolate mint, mocha, root beer, banana cream(yummy). They have kept me going and I have gotten used to them for replacing Breakfast and dinner and a lean cuisine for lunch. I snack on fruits and veggies in between. Good luck. Judy

Hi all, My surgery is scheduled for May 21st with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, MX. My pre-op diet from his nutritionist is a Protein shake for lunch and dinner(I love muscle milk shakes), and a lean cuisine for lunch. Also, all the fruits and veggies I want. I lost 15 lbs the first week, but slowed down the second...figures. I have been real good and the nutritionist wants me to lose as close to 36 lbs. as possible before surgery. Yeah...I don't see it, but will be close. I much on dry cheerios and enjoy a cracker or two here and there, plus got some flax seed healthy Cookies, but only have maybe one a day. Good luck to all. I am getting close to my band date...can't wait! Peace, Judy

Hey trizzy, Congrats on the weight loss! That is awesome in less than a year. Yes I am doing the 2 Protein shakes and a lean cuisine a day. Some times are good, some rough, but I am getting my fruits and veggies together to snack on. In three strict days, I have lost around 6lbs so far. Dr. Miranda told me to lose as close to 36lbs by my surgery date which is May 21st. I don't think that will happen, but i have a good start. That makes me feel better about the money situation. How far from the hotel was the shopping area? Can you walk or have to take a taxi? Thanks for all the info. Judy

That's great news Marv! Good Luck and full speed ahead! ; ) Peace, Judy

Hi Laura, I noticed you were being banded today 4/16, and I wanted to wish you good luck. I am being banded on May 21st with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico and I started my pre-op diet today. I was told to try and lose about 20-36 lbs by that date. So, the nutritionist said to drink a Protein shake for Breakfast and dinner and a Lean cuisine for lunch. I can munch on lots of veggies and drink all the diet drinks I want. So, far it has been ok, but rough. Take care, Judy

Ok...so I went to costco today hoping to find a good deal on the Glucerna shakes for my pre-op diet and the Lean cuisines for my lunches. No go on the Lean cuisines...they didn't have them. I got Muscle milk Protein shakes instead because they have more than twice the protein, and 2 grams less sugar than the Glucerna. They were also $6.00 cheaper. There was less cans of them, but they were bigger than the Glucerna. I got some veggies to snack on too. Is this ok for a pre-op diet? I'm am thinking I made it better. Has anyone had the muscle milk before? How is the taste? I haven't tried one yet. I got the chocolate of course...lol What about the South Beach diet meals instead of the Lean Cuisine? Are they allowed instead? Haven't priced those yet. I hope I can lose what they want me to. It's gonna be tough, but I know it will be worth it. Peace, Judy <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_10814--> <!-- THE POST -->