Mcgraw-addict

Thanks for the reply guys, your support is amazing. I just feel like I am starving to death! The problem lies because I am not a big shake person. I have never really been. I like ice cream and shakes but not often, luckily not a big sweet tooth. So with the protien shakes being sweet, but they are good. I just have a horrible time at downing them. I know this part is all psychological but all I do is think about food! I know I will get past this, but damn it sucks! Your support is wonderful, what would I do without these boards. Does the protien intake have to be liquid?

http://www.gastricband.com/html/team.html Here is his website, there you will find contact information... Good luck!

Gee Did someone say FREE!!! WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO LOL I need free after the cost of my surgery! THANKS! Annie

Well I am exactly one month away from my surgery. Today, well this morning, I had to do alot of driving for work and I started thinking and getting scared. Being scared is a new feeling for me meaning during this entire process not one time have I been scared. Don't get me wrong I am in NO WAY considering not getting my band, I'm just scared. Scared of the surgery, scared I won't be successful, scared I am paying out SOO much money out of my pocket and it won't work, scared I am going to be fat forever. What I don't understand is where have these thoughts came from!!!???? Has anyone else experienced this? Am I over reacting? It is about that time of month and I do get moody and emotional so I am hoping thats it. I have read all of your post and you are all so amazing! I want this so bad and I want to succeed at this so much! Thanks for letting me vent!!! I am just freaking out, I am sure it will all pass! I simply cannot wait to get banded!! lol Patients isn't always one of my virtues!

I am glad someone started this post. I am not a big drinker but occassionally I do like to go out to a club with friends, do a little dancing and some drinking. If I had to give up alcohol completely then thats fine, its worth it, but if there are somethings I could have once in a great while then even better. I LOVE beer andd tomatoe juice! LOL But ya know what being healthy has got to taste way better than any beer or mixed drink! Sometimes its nice to let go as well! Thanks for all the tips guys!

Hi Guys Just a little question here. I have read throughout these boards and have heard people mention soy milk. I myself am not a big milk drinker, however I know I will be mixing protien drinks with milk. Is there a big difference between soy and regular? Also while doing Atkins they said to drink regular milk as it has lower sugar than skim??? I am not sure which way to turn on this. My surgery is scheduled for Oct. 20 and I have to be on a pre op diet. If Soy milk is better for you could someone please tell me some good brands to buy? THANKS guys!

I appreciate everyone's responses. I have bought some soy milk and actually love it! I am not a milk drinker at all. But I love this stuff. I worry though becuase there is like 11 carbs per 8 oz. thats kind of alot....

Hi! I am still pre banded, however I have read this boards like crazy these last few weeks. I have heard so many different views on soda. Most people cannot seem to handle it however some say if they let it set or shake it up and let some of the fizz out then its okay. As for McD's, everyone on here that has mentioned says no matter what their new stomachs do not handle McD's. If you look through the food posts there is one there on McDonalds. Myself, I love McDonalds but I think I will love my band much much more! Good Luck on your journey!

You guys are great! But you are telling me too many different things! LOL I don't know what kind of anything to try! LOL I appreciate reading all of your post though. Heck, until now I didn't even know there was soy protien and whey protien! Never even thought of trying soy milk, which I bought some tonight and its actually good. I am going shopping this weekend, trying to get some things stocked up for my pre op diet. I have no clue what kind of drink mixes to get! LOL Anyways, Thanks you guys! You are so much support for us pre banders!

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has a Magic Bullet? If so how do they work? Are they worht the money? Can you puree foods with it? Just curious Thanks Annie

LOL Funny you should say that! I thought that a long time ago when I first heard of it! Wonder where our minds are at! LOL

I truly appreciate your guys feedback. I am still not sure which to purchase. I have always wanted a magic bullet, but it is pricey. And if it truly does not chop. Either way I have to purchase via the net. I live in a po-dunk town, we have a Wal-mart but it never has anything. I think I might try the Hamilton first. Does either one puree foods? I don't know, for some reason I am in a indecisive mood! LOL Most the female in me! LOL I like the idea that with either one you can make and go. I am very very busy so I need something like that. Thanks for your help everyone and I CANNOT WAIT TO BE ON THE BANDSTER SIDE OF LIFE!! Annie

Thanks! I didn't realize that our bodies only absorbed 30 mg at a time! Good to know!

Hi! I am a little more than a month away from my surgery. Last night I went to GNC to check out somethings as I have to do a 10 day pre op diet. I bought a variety of things. Nice thing about GNC is that you can take it back if you try and don't like it. There are so many different things to choose from. The sales clerk was really helpful. Anyway, one of the brands I got was Isopure. I got the clear liquid Protein drink along with the powdered you mix. It was 50 grams of protein and zero carbs!!! I mixed it with light vanilla soy milk, and I have to admit it was pretty good. I was shocked. I must say I was not the least bit excited to try this. I bet it would really be good mixed with some fresh fruit or yogurt!! Anyway, just thought I would share this with everyone! Annie

I have heard that too about soda, which sucks, I love it! BUT its well worth it. Its not good for our bodies anyway. I too have to be on a liquid diet, protien liquid. GOOD LUCK!!!! annie

which brand do you use? BTW I really enjoy your posts and I loved hearing about the Vegas Bash!

Pre-op diet for 7 to 10 days. Thanks

Hi Barb I just wanted to let you know that there are places out there that will do financing. Also if you have any questions about Monterrey or Dr.. Rumbaut please feel free to ask me also I can forward to others that have used him. As well as his US coordinators, one who lives in KC. You would be fortunate to have a friend so close. I have an Uncle in Austin, I thought about driving but have decided to fly. I have been to Mexico but only boarder towns, and even though Mexican is my favorite food, I speak absolutely no spanish! LOL I know a couple of words but nothing I would want to say to them! LOL I am 100% confident in going there for my surgery. Good luck! Annie

Hi Leah! Thanks for the response. Here is the way to look at it... YOU DESERVE THIS! Have you been to any of the seminars? I really enjoyed the ones I went to when I was researching this procedure. They helped me to see I am not a bad person because I am fat. I have looked into WLS for a couple of years, like you, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to afford it. AND I wasn't prepared to have my intestines re-routed through by-pass. A friend told me about this lap band thing he heard on the news, so I started to look into it. First off, its alot cheaper then by-pass and I love the idea that its less invasive and adjustable. And the complications post op are much less. I am self pay as well. I don't have ins. and even when I did it didn't cover WLS. Even though I knew it was something I needed to have I wasn't prepared for a very long time to admit to myself none the less to anyone else. Being over weight is a constant struggle in every second of one's life. But you already know that. I decided on Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey for three reasons, first off, his experience, he has amazing credintials and tons of experience, along with alot experience in higher BMI patients, second was because he himself has the band, he knows how it feels to be us, he knows the day in and day out struggles, thirdly price. He was much cheaper than here in the US however I do know Tallgrass in Topeka is about the price of Dr. Rumbaut. For the first time in my entire life I don't feel ashamed to be me. I don't feel horrible from the mention of myself. I think I feel like this because of these boards, I no longer feel alone. I am so proud of myself and happy for myself to take on this new journey for me! There are several places out there that will finance this surgery, many programs that even offer it. I finally came to the decision I cannot nor will I deny myself this procedure, I cannot NOT afford to have this surgery. I want to live, and I want to be healthy. This is no longer an option. I had to come up with the money. And as you go through the process which I have, you will see that you deserve this more than anything. and you will find a way to pay for it. So hang in there, stay up to date on new information, talk with other etc... there are also some great chat sites on yahoo, one for Kansas lap band patients, I love the people there too! If ever you want to chat message me! hang in there and Good luck! ANNIE

Barb Hi neighbor! I am from Kansas as well. Hey there are some really great bandster sites on you that are from here in Kansas, I would love to give you the links. But on here you will find tons and tons of valuable information, I am rather new to this site as well, and I look forward to reading posts everyday for information as well as inspiration. I hope things pick up for you. I am going to Mexico for my surgery as I am self pay and its cheaper plus the dr. I am going to seems to have a great reputation. Anyways, welcome and good luck! Annie

Hey THANKS! I will check it out that way. I appreciate your help. I just feel with surgery and surgery in another country with my own money, ya just have to check everything out! Thanks again and God Bless!

Thanks you guys! I was completely sure on him until I kept reading things. I called Inamed and they didn't have him listed but not I am wondering if they misspelled his name. I will contact them again. I just want to be one hundred percent sure. I do have a surgery date for Oct. 20. I am so excited. BTW you guys are GREAT! I love reading your post. It is so nice to be able to talk to me that totally understand how I feel. Thanks a million! Annie

Thanks for all your information about Dr. Malley. I am probably going to have mine done by Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey. I just found this site today, and already it has been wonderful. Its so nice to be somewhere where you are not the minority and being starred at. Has anyone had thiers done in Monterrey? He does fills for free, but come on, look at the distance. I have been to a couple of seminars in KC area, and Mexico is so much cheaper, but it would be nice to have the support of a closer dr. I am all for a gathering? Or has there been one... if not, lets get one going!