mrsjiggles

Yes, from what I understand it does basically the same thing that the other two products do. I didn't read anything about a heart monitor but for the price difference- it doesn't sound bad. There are different software programs to track your meals and prepare menus. I took the following from thier web site. I'm thinking about giving it a try after I go for my consult. Not sure about it yet but it is another option. I'll try to find some reviews. BioTrainer Weight Loss System - measure physical activity and caloric burn The BioTrainer is a REVOLUTIONARY patented medical technology developed through research supported by the National Institutes of Health and by studies conducted at Johns Hopkins Medical School, The American Psychiatric Association and The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research. It uses the same type of precision motion sensor that NASA uses to monitor the movements of astronauts during space flight. The BioTrainer is a sophisticated, yet simple to use device about the size of a pager with an LCD display. It measures the amount of calories you’ve burned and the amount of physical activity you’ve undergone in real-time. Typically worn on your waistband, it can also be worn on different body parts. In addition, computer software is available that gives you a detailed analysis of your results.

What about the Biotrainer? It doesn't seem to have alll of the same features but the cost is much more managable around 50.00. Has anyone heard of it? It will actually tell you if you have lost, gained or maintained your weight. I'm looking into investing in something like this but I can't afford hundreds of dollars on the device and then the online subscriptions.

Great to hear about your progress. I'm waiting on my first consult now. I asked that same question and the lady that works at my clinic said that if you are "self pay" she has seen people get a surgery date in as little as 2 weeks. I've also heard people talking about having to get on waiting lists. I would assume that this varies from clinic to hospital based on things like the amount of people they have to schedule, the number of operating rooms,and the particular surgeon. I'm not sure but that's what I would guess. Good luck on a quick date and safe surgery.

I have four. I really love body mod but my chosen prof. (nursing) wont allow me to have to mcu going on. I have 3 large custoem flowers with vines that moves from the upper left part of my chest to above my colar bone and then down to the upper part of my arm. ( I've lost 3 people that were close to me and I got a flower for each one of them). I have a crecent moon and the north star on the upper part of my right chest. I have an ankh with a rose wrapped around it on the outside of my left ankle and a stick cross on the inside that I did myself when I was 11. And numerous facial piercing taht I no longer can wear .

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Okay!! I'll admit it...I'm a youngin' lol. I'm 23 years old but I don't think I'm giving up to early. I have been over weight my whole life so I look at it as 23 years lost to the challenges and horror that over weight people face. It's sad that I couldn't do anything about this sooner. The sooner the better. I don't want to loose anymore time to thinking about things I will never be able to do. I want to be productive and have the next 60 years, at least, to do all the things I couldn't for the last 23. Does that make since? I ramble sometimes. :biggrin1: </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Try this site. At the bottom of the page it will give you examples for exchanges based on the calories you want to include in your day. Most of the exchange diets I have been able to find are for diabetics. Hope this helps. Good Luck! http://www.dietsite.com/dt/diets/diabetes/exchange_system.asp </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Sorry about all the "color blue color blue" things from above..I didn't know it would do that or how to fix it

IS this what you are looking for? Most of those exchange diets are for diabetics if I am not mistaken. I found this one - The American Diabetes Association and Dietetic Association have developed a system of food exchanges that work well in the treatment for diabetes. You can now find the food pyramid on most products you buy in your local grocery store. Usually found on the side or back panel. These guidelines are not to be substituted for your complete regime. Consult with a registered dietician as your physician instructs you to. meats. The exchange groups for meat and cheese are categorized by lean meat (55 cal) and low fat substitutes, medium-fat meat (75 cal) and substitutes, and high fat (100 cal). Exchange sizes on the meat list are generally one ounce and based on cooked meats (three oz of cooked meat equals 4 oz of raw meat) These Proteins are found in meats, fish poultry, cheese, eggs, milk, dried Beans, legumes and some nuts. Starches and Bread. Each exchange contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates; 3 grams of Protein, and a trace of fat for a total of 80 calories serving size may vary. A general rule is that 1/2 cup of cooked Cereal, grain, or Pasta equals one exchange and one ounce of a bread product is one serving. Vegetables. (25 cal) are 1/2 cup cooked, 1 cup raw, and 1/2-cup juice. Each group contains 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and between 2 to 3 grams of Fiber. Vegetables can be fresh or frozen, canned low sodium is also acceptable. Fruit has about 15 grams of carbohydrates for a total of 60 calories. The serving size varies. Example ½ of banana is one exchange, 1 small orange is 1 exchange.Milk is usually one cup or 8 oz. For those who are on weight-loss or low-cholesterol diets, the skim and very low-fat milk lists should be followed (90 cal). Fats store in the body for extra calories for in the future. A fat exchange is (45 cal) usually varies in serving size. Avoidance of saturated fats and choose polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats instead. Fats are found in margarine, butter, oils, nuts, meat fat, and dairy products. Free foods. Sugar free soda, black tea and coffee, sugar free Gelatin, and I cup of raw lettuce.It is very rarely recommended for anyone that is diabetic unless instructed by a physician to go on a 1200 cal ADA diet. The following is a list of how many exchanges from each group is needed for the calories listed above. Cal 1200 1500 1800 2000 2200 Bread 5 8 10 11 13 Meat 4 5 7 8 8 Veg 2 3 3 4 4 Fruits 3 3 3 3 3 Fats 2 3 3 4 5 Milk 2 2 2 2 2 Sample Daily Exchange for 1500 Calorie ADA (Diabetic Diet)Using common sense and the above exchange list you can figure out how many you need for each exchange. Never skip a meal or save up your exchanges for another meal. Example: 1 hamburger is 2 starches, 1 meat, 1 fat, 1 vegetable if with the works. (Based on a 3oz patty) 1500 Calories sample Break lunch dinner Snack Bread/ 2 2 2 1 Meat 0 2 3 0 Vege 0 1 2 0 Fruits 1 0 1 0 Fats 1 1 2 0 Milk 1 0 0 1 DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your health provider. It should be re-emphasized that nothing herein should be considered medical advice. Diabetic exchange diet Hope this helps!

I'm hoping that I will be banded by the first week of January. I'm self pay and I have to come up with the rest of the money. I know I'm probably going to have some pre-op testing but the lady I spoke to at the clinic told me that she has had self pay people have a surgery date 2 weeks after their consult.:clap2:(fingers crossed) If I have to wait later than that, it's likley I wont be getting the surgery until next summer. I'm a full time student. I AM really excited about the surgery. I'm not getting much support from my family so these boards have helped me to not be so fearful. I have a lot of questions to ask at that consultation but I pretty much have my heart set on it now. I'll be sure to let everyone know what I find out. I'm going to the South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center. Any suggestions from anyone on how to prepare for this surgery? Is it easier if I start an excersise plan now? Should I try to eat as if I already have the band? ANY suggestions would be helpful. Thanks again everyone..I lOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Hi! I am from the South so I know what you mean about your family being all about the food. If it's not deep fried or cooked in about 2 sticks of butter we don't eat it lol. I don't have much support from my family when it comes to ANY diet I try b/c of the number of times I have failed. I lost 80 pounds on my own and in a matter of months I put it right back on. I don't have my band yet but I keep thinking about how good I felt when I was smaller and how much I want that feeling again. Don't let it get you down..let it motivate you to do what you have to. This web site is a great motivator and most of the people here are really supportive. I wish you all the best. I know you can do it..after all ...you've already done it once. :clap2:

I'm really glad you asked that question! I was thinking about getting back on BCP because I think my hormones are a little out of whack but never thought about how it would or would not affect my surgery. I have my first consultation coming up in about 2 weeks and now I have something else to add to my list of questions. My mother has had some issues with blood clots in her legs and she is a gastric bypass patient. Knowing that causes some extra concern on my part. I'll post again when I find out what my doc has to say about the issue. Thank you!

Hello Everyone! I'm from The MS Gulf Coast. I'm not banded yet but I have my first consultation the 19th and I'm sooo excited! :whoo:I'll be self paid (no insurance here) and will more than likely go with the South Mississippi Surgical Weight loss center. I'm a bit nervous but hoping to be banded by the first week of January!

I havn't been banded yet but I love to go swimming. I wear boy's swim shorts over a one piece. You can keep your shirt on until you get in the water and your legs and everything stay covered up. They are really comfortable and come in some cute colors and designs.

Hello Everyone! I found this site as I was searching for information about Lap Band surgery. I read a few posts and everyone seems really nice and supportive so I joined. I havn't started the whole process yet but I am making my first appointment next week. I have used some BMI calculators and I'm at approx. 44. I have only gone under the knife once in my lifetime and am a little nervous. I am also a horrible speller so forgive me, please. I just wanted to introduce myself! I wish everyone much health and happiness.