Spydr

I too have that tight feeling. To me, it feels the same as you do after doing a bunch of crunches. It tends to loosen up during the day.

At what point do you notice REAL weight loss. I've lost almost 20 pounds and they are just numbers on a scale. My clothes still feel the same and I still feel the same. At what point do you really notice you are lossing weight?

Jini - You and I are only days apart and on the same rocky ride. I average about 200 calories a day and have to push to get that. I try not to look at calories right now as I need the other things more than I need to "diet". I force some kind of creamy soup down every day. Even if it's 1/4 of a cup, I feel like it's helping me get ready for the mushie stage. Also try the Frussion Smoothies from Dannon. Just a different taste to help keep you interested.

I did receive my first comment today. While walking up the sidewalk my boyfriend remarked, "Has your ass gotten smaller?" I thought it was sweet and covered him in kisses. Weird, huh?

I am a fan of Tomato Basil soup from La Madeline. I make it very thin and strain it before eating. I also like Campbell's Mexican Fiesta Cheese soup. These are options that make the liquid phase easier for me.

I had surgery last Wednesday and I guess things are okay. Still really sore and having trouble sleeping. The pain comes and goes. Can't wait to sleep on my side in comfort. I've lost about 18 lbs and I hope to see more gone by the time Yule rolls around.

I had surgery ont Wednesday and the strips on 2 of my cuts have fallen off. It's tempting to want to pull them off but I don't. I have a post op visit on Wednesday and I hope Dr Jay will take the others off so I know how things are healing.

I just heard from a lapband friend who has been ill due to malnutrition. That scared the hell out of me. I have not been taking in much since surgery but I'm going to do all I can to get my multi vitamin and protein down.

I feel like a cheater. I had surgery on Wednesday the 16th and went baclk to work that afternoon! I work from home for an answering service so I can work from bed. I have a laptop I use every once in a while. The only problem is when I had to go potty and couldn't get back to the phone fast enough!

Just got home from my band surgery. I'm surprised that I'm not in tons of pain. It comes and goes. The soreness from the cuts does hurt. I also hate not being to lay down in bed. Guess that's just one of the early trade offs. I donw even want anything to eat. I do like the smell of food though! Thanks to those who offered support and encourgaement to me over the past few months. The deed is now done and the healing has begun. Looking forward to the next phase. Who knows, tomorrow I may feel like crap and my posts won't be quite so upbeat.

Tin - Just know that you will hurt after the surgery. Also know that it will pass. I am 3 days out and still in pain but it comes and goes. I'm able to sleep, drink, walk and shower. I thought I wouldn't be able to do most of those things. It was a pleasant surprise. Just take a deep breath, close your eyes and take the leap. It will be worth it on the other side. I believe!

Getting up in the middle of the night was torture. I guess I forgot I was banded. I now know it's slow going when I get up. The pain comes and goes but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I just hope it isn't a train!

Dr Jay did my surgery yesterday morning. He was great. I felt safe and secure with him running the show. I had questions today and called his office and got all the answers I needed and then some. So far, I couldn't be happier with Dr Jay and his staff!

I had urgery yesterday morning. I think the most fear I had was when they put in the IV. It was like that moment you are on a roller coaster and it's about to take off. You think, "Do I really want to do this?" Then they wheeled me away and I remember bitching about the music in the operating room and then I was awake in post op. Weird huh? I won't lie, there is pain. It may not be as bad as you think it will be. Just think about what comes next. An active life awaits you in the future and I can't wait for that myself! Good luck.

I think the key to getting approved here in the states is the co-morbidities. I think Mexico could be a great resource if you have the money to go back and forth for aftercare and you find a good doctor. If you snore, have joint pain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, back pain, numbness in legs or arms, or asthma, it can help go a long way in getting you approved. Get a full physical and search for some of these problems. If a doc says you have them, it may help you along.

BTW: The diet info Shari posted is what I'm doing right now. Dr Jay will be doing my surgery in the morning.

I have searched high and low here in Dallas and cannot find liquid Gas X to save my life. I even checked online drugstores and found nothing. Is it a liqiud that the Gas X brand makes or is it just that type of thing. My surgery is on Wednesday and I would like to be prepared. I live in Dallas, Texas if anyone has any thoughts. Thanks!

Jini - I would still call the doctor and tell him. It's better to be safe than sorry. He may say it's okay but you really need him to say it. He is the one performing the surgery and he has his rules for a reason.

Thanks for the info gang. Everyone has been talking about the Liquid form and I never even thought about chewables. That will work for me!

Hey Starr, I'm on the 16th too!

Jini - If your diet was ordered by the doc, you do need to make a phone call and tell him happened. It may not be a big deal but you don't want to wait until surgery day and find out you have to reschedule. I am on day 6 of my Clear Liquids pre op so I'm not just blowing smoke. I know how hard it is. Today I think I've resigned myself to it and it is easier. Days 1-5 were a bitch! Good luck.

Although I hate everything that crossed my path in the last month, except for small children, I have not gained a pound! My weigh in on 9-29 and today are the same! What the hell? I swear I ate for all my future hunger and have nothing to show for it, except a REALLY BIG grocery bill. Started liquids today and can't believe you can live on less than 500 calories a day. That was today. Tomorrow you may find me on here pulling my hair out. Come on November 16th. I want some cream soup!!!

Anwyn - No I meant The Dixie Cups. They sang the song "Iko Iko" years and years ago. They also sang "Chapel of Love". Remember now?

My list is kinda all over the place: Ziggy Marley Julian Lennon CCCP Moby The Dixie Cups Harry Connick Jr (several times) Kenny Chesney (by accident) Steppenwolf Tears for Fears and my favorite: Mr Tony Bennett I have seen Tony 3 times and he just get better and better. Got to meet him last weekend in Houston outside my hotel room. Talk about magic!

Thanks guys. This is the kind of thread I need to see 6 days before my surgery.