ladybug3

Thanks everyone! The support band they gave me at the hospital is a lifesaver! It really makes getting up from the couch a lot easier.

Hi, Maybe this is somewhere else, but I was wondering what people's favorite brands are for broths and such while on Clear liquids. I'm having my band done tomorrow. I've been on clear liquids yesterday and today and I can tell this is going to be tough. I haven't liked any of the brands of chicken broth that I've bought so far. Swanson's was ok. They're all so high in sodium, too, and I'm on a low-sodium diet for heart stuff. They don't even taste good to me because they're so salty. Today all I've really wanted is Water and tea. I like the broth idea because I like warm drinks (I've had to give up my beloved coffee for now) and it's flavorfull, but so far, it's not working for me. I'm making some chicken Soup and was planning to just strain out the meat and veggies and feed my family with that. What about the seasonings? Is it ok to still have some pepper or dill in the broth? Maybe I should post this seperately, but I'm also wondering how people cope with being on the liquids (which I'll be on for a month - clear, then full) while still feeding one's family. I have three little kids and a husband and I'm the primary cook. My family might have to eat really boring food for a month! At least they'll be really excited about Christmas dinners at the grandparents' houses!

Hi. I just joined this board. I'm having lapband surgery on Nov. 16. I'm pretty nervous about it. I really want to do it, but it seems like there can be a lot of problems afterwards. Everyone I know who's had weight loss surgery is glad they did it, but it's still kinda scary. My doctor is very good and I'm sure it will be fine. I'm wondering if there's anyone on this board who has to take aspirin and/or Plavix? I have heart issues (which is partly why I'm having this surgery) and will need to be on both these medications after surgery. I stop the Plavix on Sunday, but I stay on the aspirin through surgery and afterwards (I have stents, so I need the asa to keep the stents open, I guess.). I'm just wondering how that's working for people. I'm also a little nervous about going through the holidays after just having had surgery and not being able to eat anything. I haven't really told my husband's side of the family that I'm doing this, but I'll have to have some explanation as to why I'm not eating anything for Thanksgiving and will still probably be on a restricted diet at Christmas time. I thought about waiting until Jan, but I'd gotten everything done and I didn't want to lose momentum. Plus, we'd already met the deductible for our insurance, so it would save us a lot of money. I should probably say something about myself, too. I'm 33 years old. I'm married and have three lovely children, ages 6, 4 and 2. I've always been somewhat overweight, but it has really become a problem in the last few years as I've had kids. I have a congenital heart defect, which affects my energy level and I had a heart attack last year (unrelated to the defect) which further lowered my heart function as well as requiring me to take medications which have increased my appetite. I've gained about 20 lbs in the last 18 months. I'm having this surgery to hopefully reduce the strain on my heart caused by the extra weight. I'd like to live to see my children grow up. Just as much, I'd like to enjoy the life I have right now. My mom was overweight when I was a kid and I remember how hard it was for all of us that she couldn't do things and I know that the way she felt about herself affected me a lot. I don't want that for my children. My mom had gastric bypass surgery four years ago. She has lost about 150 lbs and feels amazing. The bypass wasn't an option for me, what with the medications and the uncertainty of my future health. So, here I go! I know my life is going to change next week and I'm a little anxious! I've read quite a few posts by other members and it seems like this is really the way to go. But man, it's still a lot of work! I look forward to reading more posts and getting good support and help as I start this journey!

Thanks for the suggestions! I was planning on just saying that I wasn't feeling well and going with that, since I probably won't be feeling all that well! It will be the truth! I will probably tell everyone later on, after I've lost some weight and am more comfortable with the whole thing. But right now I'm kindof embarassed. Is that normal? Maybe it's because I've had so many people be amazed that I'm doing this since I'm not "that" overweight (I only qualify because of my co-morbidity of heart disease), although I feel awful with the extra weight. Thanks again for the responses. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go along!