~Trixie~

I am 29 years old (I still can't believe it!) and have been married to the love of my life for the past 4 years. He works as a software engineer and has been the most supportive and inspirational person in my life. I left my much abhorred job in August to concentrate on getting into grad school for literature (which I have let fall by the wayside) and also getting healthy. We live on Long Island in New York with our two adorable and entertaining kitties. I'm not completely sold on the idea of spawning at this point in my life, much to the chagrin of my mother and mother-in-law. I enjoy photography, the ocean, the moon and stars, animals, crafting, reading, music, and watching football in my underwear with my husband on Sundays. If all works out, my hot-hunk-of-man-meat and I will be moving to Hawaii some time next year. I hope that I am fit enough by then so I can finally learn how to surf!

I had no idea about the negative relationship between milk and protein in regards to Protein Drinks and hunger. I had decided to stay away from those types merely out of laziness; I didn't want to have to mix up shakes while healing! I have ordered the "Nature's Best Isopure Zero Carb" drinks. In a 20 oz. bottle there are: 40 grams of protein, 160 calories, 0 fat, 0 carbohydrates, 0 sugars, 55 mg of Calcium, 80 mg of sodium, and 45 mg of potassium. They come in an assortment of flavors and taste like crap. I figure that the benefits outweigh the momentary displeasure. They can be a bit pricey, but isn't one's health worth it? I ordered them online from GNC. They have special discounts for "Gold Card Members" (a membership you have to pay 15 bucks for, but seems cost effective when one takes into account the total amount saved) and offer free shipping for orders over $75. I paid $126.88 for 36 bottles and the membership, which works out roughly to $3.50 a day for a good chunk of one's protein intake for the day.

At my last appointment at the bariatric practice that I go to, I asked the nurse practitioner whether I should follow the post-op diet that they had prescribed or the one that was laid out by the dietitian that I had to see during the consult stage (the amount of time for each phase differed). She informed me that I should follow what the surgeon's, of course. The reason to follow his was so that if any problems arise during these stages, they know exactly where I am. The only allowances that she gave as far as straying from the time line are for what my body isn't tolerating. For instance, if I am phasing into mushies, but not tolerating them, I should remain on full liquids and CALL them. She said that it is OK to prolong a phase, but it is not alright by any means to jump ahead before the time laid out in the pre-op diet. Moral of the story: not only is the post-op diet designed in a way to let your body heal, it is also a way for the surgeon to keep tabs on your progress. Why question or attempt to theorize the reasons the trained professional that you entrusted your life with has for a diet that you only have to follow for four to six weeks out of the rest of your life?

candy8360, THANKS! I thought waiting for the surgery date was tough, but this is killer! Anyway, I forgot to include this link in the last post. It is a thread that someone started in order to put together a list of items that people will need pre and post-op...including the tongs, te he he. There is a printable version somewhere as well, but I forgot where I saw it! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f73/post-op-checklists-things-have-before-surgery-14814/

I agree with everything that you have posted regarding this issue. I haven't been banded yet, but this is something that I have griped about with my husband after attending only one support group meeting. I was floored by what I heard from some people. It seemed as though they were testing the power of the band, eating WHOLE bagels with cream cheese, sweets, potato chips, etc. And guess what, they were also the ones who were complaining that they had seen minimal weight loss. To make matters worse, there was one woman who just had the procedure done the week before who had already started to cheat. She wasn't even a full week out and had already started to incorporate eggs and tuna. Side note: the practice that I go to has a very strict and detailed post-op diet that they give to EVERY person in a binder along with other very pertinent information at the FIRST consultation visit with the surgeon. It is explained that it must be strictly followed in order for one to allow the stomach time to heal from the surgery before it digests solid food. Not only is this explained by the surgeon and mentioned in the literature, but it is also in the QUIZ that one must pass in order to have the procedure done. Granted, everyone is going to stray now and then from a diet, but come on? In the first week? Shouldn't that be the time when a person is the most motivated and the most likely to follow instructions to a T? This truly hits a sore spot when one thinks of all the people who are abusing this very special gift that countless people worldwide could be benefiting greatly from, but due to extraneous circumstances like insurance denial, lack of financing, and so on, are unable to have the procedure. Unfortunately, Wasa, you can't save everyone. If people continue to rebel like spoiled teenagers instead of accepting sound advice, they are only hurting themselves. If looking at the success that you as well as others have literally worked your asses off to achieve isn't enough proof of the validity of your experience, then they are lost causes and not worth the energy it takes to type to them. Please concentrate your effort where it is appreciated, by sharing your advice and experience with those of us who will take it to heart!

They are to make reaching one's nether regions easier when tidying up in the powder room.

Thank you all for your support and your kind words! The only results back from the lab show that my liver enzymes have lowered minimally. I saw the GI doctor on Wednesday and had a whole new set of blood work drawn for more specialized tests. He will not give the go ahead until he has received all of the test results, which will probably be on Monday or Tuesday. In turn, my PCP will not give her consent until the GI doctor gives his blessing. I explained the situation to my surgeon today and he couldn't believe that they were being so conservative. He said that it is probably Fatty Liver Disease, no big surprise there, and originally just wanted to push the surgery back to the last one for the day. Given that there are so many hands in the pot, so to speak, he rescinded that idea and thought it was best to cancel the surgery outright and to reschedule when I get the green light. It's all for the best I suppose, especially since my "monthly visitor" decided to pay a visit today! LOL! I just have to keep telling myself that it's in God's hands and it will happen when it is His time!...and He keeps reminding me in little ways! I will keep you guys posted and continue to read your wonderful stories and advice! Keep up the great work everyone!

My surgeon canceled my surgery for Monday. Looks like I won't be a "November Nymph" after all. :cry

Maybe you should step away from the scale for a few days, Elizabeth. Sometimes weight can fluctuate so much from one day to the next for a number of reasons. It could be a weight gain due to hormones or you could be retaining water. Are you close to that time of the month? Does the stew have a high amount of salt in it? Just be patient. That band is not going anywhere, but the weight will! Just concentrate on following all of your doctors orders. This time is about healing and learning all of the new, healthy eating habits that you will carry with you on your journey. If you have a local Lap-Band support group, try attending the next meeting. Maybe someone there has experienced the same thing and can help ease your mind. Whatever you do, don't get discouraged. You're doing great!

Hi Mike. You should probably call the doctor to ask if what you are experiencing is normal. I'm sure he/she would know better than anyone on here! I hope you feel better! Let us know what he/she says.

This may be somewhat uncomfortable for some people to talk about, but I'm curious. Since a good majority of you have lost a tremendous amount of weight, perhaps you can answer this. What happens, you know, down there? Do you lose weight there, too? Does it stay the same? Does it ever look like something out of a textbook or is it necessary to have PS to make it look that way?

Absolutely!

What about a section to discuss obesity counseling?...How to find a counselor, counselor recommendations, etc.? In the same vein, also adding a section for nutritionists; how to find a nutritionist, nutritionist recommendations, etc?

Please add to THIS list. 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 Teresajo 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW Hungryforchange wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 Melanie1972 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) carleah2 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 kickrmom 16th Laurieu sstaab 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) Mysie (Happy Birthday! ) 21st Bobp 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance HoneyB-Palomino & mom 26th kuchiegrl1 Tishbite2 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess candy8360 28th lukin puppy cagstorm 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty close 30th WorththeWeight

LMAO! You're so right, Jacqui! I've never had the pleasure of seeing my body as a pan-ultimate vision of the female form, as I've been a fatty since puberty. Not that I'd go around flashing my Wilhelmina around like some tartlet in Hollywood, but I would like to see my body as the most aesthetically pleasing that it could be, even by means of plastic surgery...'cause I sure as hell don't have the genetics to tighten up the "gunt!"

You're absolutely right! I think that I am so hard on myself because of the frustration of not getting my way when I want it, the fear of something possibly being seriously wrong with me, and of course the deeper, personal issues that come along with obesity. Thanks for talking me down. I was highly emotional earlier today, typing through the tears and sniffles. I've calmed down somewhat and your sobering advice really helped me to put things back into perspective, CoffeeWhench. Thank you! And thanks to everyone for all of your kind words and support. I have an appointment with a GI doctor tomorrow afternoon and I will keep you posted!

Lindata, I just got to your posts on this thread. I didn't know you were a fellow PCOS-er! Thanks for sharing your beauty regiment! I hadn't thought of the damage from wearing one's hair in a pony tail. Good call!

Do you know why dandruff shampoo was recommended? Just curious because I don't want to go bald or start losing hair (a paralyzing fear of mine living with PCOS), and I normally don't like buying products from companies that test on animals. Maybe there is some sort of ingredient in H&S that could be in an organic, animal-friendly product? If you don't know, do you remember which thread it was under? Thanks for your help, Sunshiny, and for the valuable info that you've shared!

Please add to THIS list...figured I'd give you a break, Longhorn! 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 Teresajo 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW Hungryforchange wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 Melanie1972 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 kickrmom 16th Laurieu sstaab 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) Mysie (Happy Birthday! ) 21st Bobp 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance HoneyB-Palomino & mom 26th kuchiegrl1 Tishbite2 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess candy8360 28th lukin puppy cagstorm 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty close 30th WorththeWeight

If all goes well, I will be banded on the same day. We'll have to compare "battle wounds!"

Thanks for sharing your husband's story, Faithmd. It's so scary when one expects a clean bill of health and the doctor just blurts out that there is the possibility of having a serious illness. I'm sure that you and your husband must have been relieved after all of the tests were completed, that it was FLD after all. Your story has given me a little piece of hope back that the surgery may still be a possibility. Thank you!

Thank you, Lori Ann. I truly appreciate the prayers and feel blessed to receive them! Thank you for sharing your info, it has helped to ease my stomach a little. From the results posted on your ticker, it looks like you're doing better than OK. You're doing fantastic! :clap2:

I really hope that everything works out for you. I know that it can be devastating to get your hopes up all for naught. Please keep us posted with updates.

Thanks for the support, Kat. Unfortunately, prescription medicine can't take the rap for this one since I don't take a single thing. I only have my own terrible eating habits to blame!

Her hypothesis was based on the lab results from yesterday, but ran a new panel of tests today. I should have those results tomorrow.