Cota129

I must live a really sheltered life. I've never even heard of these places or their food! Eye-opening, nonetheless

I like Unjury which I add to Slender Soy instead of cow's milk. The vanilla and Chocolate are both good. I also like the Atkin's Advantage.

I take 2 Chewble kids vitamins everyday (store brand, similar to Flintstones) and also found a chewable calcium at the pharmacy, too.

I am a school based occupational therapist

Wow!! I'm able to start pureed and soft today, so my first choice was cottage cheese. I love cottage cheese. I learned that my idea of small, slow bites and my band's idea of small, slow bites are 2 different things. I've never had quite that feeling before! Now I have a better grasp of how eating has to be. What a learning experience!

Maybe it's not that she doesn't support you, but more she is not sure how a lap-band works, what lifestyle changes will be necessary for you to succeed and if you can follow through long term, risks, etc. My family has been supportive, however, the first question my sister asked me was, "Why do you think this will work when nothing else has?" It was a legitimate question. After years of watching me struggling and getting larger, it is hard for some people to believe that this will work. We don't have to prove anything to anyone, only ourselves. I know this will work. It's just the beginning for me, but I already know this is a life long journey that I have committed to. It won't always be easy, but it will be worth it. I have included my family in meetings, they have watched information films about lapband, and we talk about why I eat differently now and that it's ok. Include your wife in what you do. Let her know how she can support you. Some people don't know what they need to do unless it's given to them specifically. Good luck.

Patty, I had my first post-op visit today. The doctor told me the same thing about bumping up the calories a bit. Thanks for the heads up!!

Wilted, I am so sorry that your life took this turn. I don't know your husband, but he left because he was threatened by your new life decision. That's his problem, not yours. Believe me, life gets better. You are on your way to a new happiness.

I started taking the capsules a few days after surgery with no problem

I take Prozac for depression. The capsule goes down with no difficulty.

I had surgery 11/7/07. I was in surgery at 7:30 and home by 11. The first couple of day were kind of rough, primarily getting in and out of bed and changing position when sleeping. I never felt the pain was bad enough to use pain meds. I used Motrin. I was back to work 6 days later and feel great!

My cost was $18,600. That included the psych eval, all the pre-op testing, everything and everyone needed for surgery, fills for a year, doctor's visits for a year, and post-op testing.

We decided to go non-traditional this year. Usually, I cook a big dinner for the 5 of us, but since I am on pureed/soft, we decided to go to Chinatown, which we love. I can have egg drop soup and find something else soft, and the fam can have whatever they usually have. For Christmas, my mom makes a big traditional dinner, so they'll get it once this season, and by then, I can have some turkey that's not ground!

That I'm going to be a slow loser, too. I was banded 11/7/07 and have lost no weight since the surgery. I lost 19 lb. on the pre-op diet, have been taking in 600-800 cal. per day of proteins and good carbs and the scale has not moved! I know I am healing, however, I read about all the people that have surgery and lose all kinds of weight initially. I sure am not one of them! I'm glad to find this group.

I know a lot of people love Curves, but I'm not a big fan. The people who work there are not certified trainers and have no clue about musculature, body mechanics, or medical conditions. If you are having any physical issues related to exercise, they can give you rote answers and suggestions that they are taught to say, but no real advice that pertains only to you. Machine wise, fine. Music is good, People there are pleasant. It is a very non-threatening environment. Women of all shapes and sizes go there. It's a good place to check out. Some like it alot, some don't.

As of yesterday, I can begin soft/pureed food. I had a bit of cottage cheese yesterday, and 2 oz. of tuna today. Within an hour or so of eating, I start getting terrible gas pains. Is this normal? I've been on liquid for 4 weeks and these 2 things are my first foods. Also, and I know this is not what I should be worried about since it's only a week since surgery, my weight has completely stalled. I read about people that have lost 20-30 lb in the first 2 weeks after surgery and that kind of frustrates me. I lost 19 lb. before surgery and have stayed the same since surgery. Am I being too impatient? (I know the answer is yes, but it helps to have others kick me in the butt and tell me to cool my jets!):biggrin1:

I'm so glad to see this thread. I was banded a week ago and feel frustrated. I'm tired, gassy and have not lost one pound since surgery. My logical thinking, and my sister, are telling me that my body needs to heal and the weight will start coming off when I am healed and can start walking/exercise. My idealistic (and warped) thinking is saying "Girl, you just spent a boat load of money, why haven't you lost any weight yet. What's wrong with you? Dumb, I know, but true. I know the second thoughts and doubts will go when I start to feel a little better and can see results. I know I'll be successful, I just need to be patient.

My doctor told me that hair loss is not generally an issue because the lapband does not cause the malabsorption the bypass does. You will be getting all nutrients from your food. He recommended that I take a daily chewable vitamin and chewable calcium. I'm a week post and have not had any hair loss

I've had acid reflux for years, controlled by a daily Protonix. During surgery, a huge hiatal hernia was found and repaired. I haven't had to use my Protonix since surgery! I have never been able to go a day without it. I'm thrilled!

Didn't have one at all

$18,600. That covers all the pre-op testing and doctor's visits before hand, surgery, and a year of follow-up which includes fills, blood work, metabolic testing, etc. I'm very pleased with them.

I know Synchrony Health has been around in various parts of the country for a while and has a good rep. I am involved with the new branch in the Chicago area and am having surgery tomorrow. I am quite happy with then, but am just curious if anyone else is using them and what your opinions of the company are. Thanks in advance for any input.

I was banded a week ago. I was sleeping on my left side the night of surgery. I couldn't sleep on my right side or stomach for about 4 days, but I can now with no problem.

Wow!! Amazing transformation :whoo: Keep up the great work!

I like the new name!! I just have to figure out the Glitter Maker thing:rolleyes