Margo

Way cool....I could not believe it!!! I was a little apprehensive when they first told me about this "program fee", but several people on this board said they had to pay a similiar fee....so, I figured O.K. I know I was told that is would not be covered in any way by my insurance??!! Either way I got $300.00 to save for new clothes (or pay off my co-pay!!!!). See you soon....

Janey....isn't someone noticing your weight loss the best feeling in the world!! Good for you..... Say, I have a question? What is the conversion from kg to lbs?

Pianoman....I know how you feel...including my pre-op diet, I have been on liquids for nearly 5 weeks now!!! I am allow to go to mushies on Wednesday...I am so dang' excited I am thinking about declaring it a national holiday and setting off fireworks!!!! I would talk to your doctor or dietain before moving on.....

Penni....Happy Birthday, girlfriend!! You are such an inspiration and positive spirit....I thank you for all you have done for me!

O.K., I am very excited about starting my mushies on Wednesday....went to the grocery store looking for mushie stuff and thinking about pureeing different foods to mushies.... Now, let's just take egg salad...a good high Protein mushie, right? But, can I put it on crackers? Now let's just take spinach dip.....can I use raw veggies to dip? I bet not, so how do you eat it then? Suggestions... Now let's take hummus....love it with pita chips, breads, veggies, etc..but, can't do that, right? So what do I put it on? Any and all suggestions are welcome.....thanks

Thanks everyone....I did try a Wheat Thin (reduced fat style) today and chew, chew, chew....no problem! But, I am not going to "test" it anymore especially since I didn't have a problem with them....you see, I could eat the whole box right about now!!! So, no more... And la madam, you are so right.....I can't wait to eat spinach dip and hummus...who needs crackers and bread!!! Thanks again...

My post-op instructions are as follows: 1 week clear liquids 2 weeks full liquids 1 week mushies then see the dietian for next step which I am assuming will be semi-solids one week then on to solids.

The liquid diets suck whether they are pre-op or post-op, BUT while I almost went "nuts" the first 4 days of my pre-op liquid diet I am now grateful I had to do it. I am glad for two main reasons: 1) I lost 20 pounds in 2 weeks, and 2) my post-op of 1 week Clear Liquids, and 2 week full liquids has not been as bad as I thought since my body kind of got use to the liquids only during my pre-op phase.I can tell you this I HATE those protien shakes/drinks...so, I found a way around them and it worked for me.....instead of the shakes, I used GNC's soy Protein powder, unflavored and unsweetned in soups which I pureed (using a Magic Bullet...it rocks!) or just chicken broth. It was better tasting than those drinks, that's for sure. I have been on liquids since August 3rd and finally get to go to pureed/mushies on Wednesday....I can tell this you...having been on this liquid diet for so long I have more "respect" for food and a better understanding of the healthier choices I will be making and really looking forward to these foods. Does that make sense? Plus, I have lost 33 pounds in 31 days....nice reward!!! So, good luck, hang in there, try the pureed soups with protien powder (call your doctor first to O.K. it) and realize that these few weeks of liquid will make you a stronger person (and they really do fly by).

Alexandra....my thoughts and prayers are with you. You have been such a wonderful support for me and continue to be. I know whatever comes your way you will attack it with a positive attitude.

I can't stand those protein drinks....so, I use a protein powder in my soups and this seems to help me. I figure it doesn't matter much whether it's a yucky chocolate protein drink or if it's protein powder in your soup!!

You rock, girl....you should be floating on cloud nine!!!

I am just so excited and smiling from ear to ear....I had to go to a funeral today where I saw someone who saw me last time in July (pre-band). She said I looked great and had I lost weight? OMG, I can't believe someone noticed already!!! Yes, my family has noticed which is wonderful, but when someone who doesn't see you much and all says something....WOW.... What a great feeling!!! And another wonderful feeling is getting dressed for the funeral (you know, can't just throw on anything)....I put on a skirt and top that was too small last month and it fit great today!!! I am jazzed....

Thanks so much....and thank you for the condolences....

O.K., August Bandsters......What a great month!!! We are all now official bandsters.....big losers!!!! I never thought being a loser would feel so dang' good! I am going to start a new thread under Support for all of us....sound good? So, best wishes to a great bunch of losers!!

Hey MollyMolly, Welcome to lap band world!!! And, yes, Gas-X works beautifully for "our type of gas"!!!

MollyMolly and DivaRenee.....tomorrow is your day.....good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!

Any suggestions to help me slow down my eating? I have never been a really fast eater, but as I heal I am finding I can eat faster than the recommended 30 minutes....

Anyone here subscribe to the ObestityHelp Magazine? Do they talk about lap banding and not just RNY?

O.K., you know how you have to look everywhere for a watch band that fits?! Well, my "extra links" watch just lost one of its links today!!!! I am so excited....

Thanks, j.s. See you then!

Thanks, j.s. I wouldn't mind taking a look at it! Are you planning on going to the next support meeting? If you are (and I hope so!), you could just bring it along then.

Aimze. divaliciousdee. and showboatgirl......tomorrow is the big day!!! Good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!!

Hang in there, MollyMolly....you will be banded before you know it!!! Right now is probably the hardest time....on the clear liquids, waiting, and being happy, but nervous! One way to look at it is this....next week this time you will be a bandster!!!

Personally, I think we should take la madam's post in this thread....print it and everyone should paste it to their favorite wall in the house so it could be read and re-read on a daily basis.....thank you, la madam!

Good luck and have fun experiencing one of the coolest things.....waking up and being banded!!!