Firework

Hello. I haven't posted here before, but I read often. Just wanted to let you know that the Starbucks in my area has protein powder that you can add to your drinks. I quite often have a skinny latte in the morning with protein powder added in. I'm sure it is better to eat meals, but I have a hard time eating in the morning. Let us know what your doctor says!

Happy New Year! I tried adding myself to the list, but it didn't turn out quite right. Sorry! I am glad to see everyone is hanging in there. I am moving along, slower than I had imagined, but progressing none the less. I am glad the holidays are behind us, even though it was a great holiday season. I like the idea of weighing in every week. We will be celebrating our bandaversaries before we know it. I have an appointment to see my doctor on Wednesday. I am hoping for another fill! Enjoy the weekend!

NAME *******START WEIGHT *******CURRENT WEIGHT GOAL LBS. Lost aJoneen............212............210............XXX............0 evelas5000 180 179 140 1 Fenton.............XXX............YYY...........220....4 weeks -8 HarleyGirl.........180............184............140............+4 Hopeinapril .......236............238............XXX............+2 Hungry4help........XXX............XXX............XXX............0 Lynn1215...........174.5..........175.3.........XXX............0 NurseNiki..........229.8..........227.6..........190............-2.2 Nycm00.............220............218............XXX...........-2 Potatie............229............224............XXX............-5. scrappy_friend.....170............172............150...........+1 SpecialK...........274............272.9..........255.........-1.1 Sugarbean..........200............199............150...........-1 Tess415............294............295............289...........+1 Thin2bme...........191.2..........190..........150............-1.2 WestCoastMom.......155............153.5..........140..........1.5 __________________

If I am remembering correctly, I think I had to wait about a month between my first consult and the surgery, give or take a week. During that time, I had to finish up the necessary appointments with Dr. Sabapathy. Congratulations to getting closer!

I had problems with nausea in the beginning as well. I had my doctor call in some stronger anti nausea medicine called zofran. It was a life saver. Just be careful and do not allow yourself to get dehydrated. If you think that may be the case, go to the ER for some IV fluids. Also checkin with your surgeon to update him on your status. Feel better soon.

I've had a change of plans as well. I found out that we have open house for my daughter at her school tonight. Unfortunately, it will overlap with the meeting. I will shoot for next month as well! I hope the meeting goes well. Have a great weekend! Erika

I have a shirt that is reddish-orangish. I'll wear it with jeans. Great idea!

Lisa, Congrats! I am glad you are doing well. I also remember feeling lucky right after my surgery with no gas pain. It took a couple days for my pain to settle in, but it never got too bad. I had some discomfort in my shoulder and did feel bloated for quite awhile. I am not sure why it didn't settle in sooner. Let us know how you continue to heal. I'll look forward to seeing you guys next week!

I just got my third fill. I am hoping this one makes a difference because my weight loss has really slowed. That's another reason to get a fill sooner rather than later, Fenton. It takes several before they make a difference. That is just my experience!

Thanks for the update. I am sorry I missed it. I look forward to next month's meeting. By the way, Lisa, how was New Orleans?

Hi Guys. I just realized that I have to miss tomorrow night's meeting. My kids have school function that overlaps with our meeting. Please let me know what I miss, and I will see you guys for the August meeting. Thanks, Erika

Great news, Lisa. I'm so happy for you. I'll look forward to catching up Thursday night!

I just got back from my 2nd fill, and boy did I need it. I was in Bermuda for a week and did not do so great eating wise. I am hoping this fill helps. I now have 3.5cc in my band. I wasn't looking forward to the fill because of how painful the first one was, but this one wasn't nearly as bad. So I'll be on liquids for 24 hours and then mushies. I hope the scale starts to move down again soon! Erika

The Magic Bullet is a mini blender. It is a wonderdully convenient and easy to use system. You can blend up an individual sized protein shake- blend it up and drink it from the same cup. It comes with 2 different syle blades- one better for ice and another one good for blending up just about anything. It also comes with different sized cups you can use for different occasions. I absolutely LOVE mine.

I buy Max Protein from GNC. Not all stores carry them because each store is individually owned and operated, but ask about it at your local GNC. I buy the chocolate and mix 1 scoop with 1 c. of soy milk and some peanut butter powder and ice cubes. It is truly delicious.

Depending what you like to do... Pat O'Briens(in the quarter) has a nice piano bar and patio area to hang out and have a drink. They are famous for their hurricane drinks. Be careful, as they sneak up on you! If you like jazz, check out preservation hall. Walk down Bourbon street for a feel of the music and people. If you like gambling, there is Harrah's. Inside Harrah's there is an open club called Mascarade right in the middle of the casino. As far as restaurants, Emeril is very famous for his restaurants. My favorite is called Delmonico's. Other good restaurants to try are: Muriel's, Bacco, RedFish Grill, Palace Cafe. Jackson Square is a fun place to hang out. They have palm/tarot card readers if you like that kind of thing. There is also a great farmer's market, if you enjoy those. Those are just a few ideas. New Orleans should be steamy and humid this time of year, so be prepared. Let me know if you have any questions, and if I think of anything else I'll let you know.

Well, I finally got my first fill. You guys must be stronger than me because I thought it hurt like h***. It was quick, but it was very uncomfortable. He only put in 2ccs, so we'll see how I do. On the up side, I weighed in at the doctor's office before my fill and I too have made it to onederland.

Teri- I really hope you make it. I am looking forward to catching up. I got my first fill today--ouch! It really hurt. 2ccs in. We'll see if it helps! Lisa- Enjoy New Orleans. Let me know what kind of info you want, i.e. activities, sights, hotels, restaurants, etc. Tell me where you will be staying and I'll give you some info. Erika

Teri- I hope you have a great trip. I too just found out that I will be taking a spur of the moment trip, but not until July 6. I will fill you guys in on what happens at the meeting. You have been doing a great job of balancing travel and weightloss. I hope I can be as good as you! I finally decided to get a fill. Tomorrow is the day. I am scared but ready! I'll let you know how it goes. Lisa, I would be happy to give you some pointers on sights, activities, hotels, restaurants, etc... Just give me an idea of what you will have time for and I will brainstorm some ideas for you. I hope you have a great trip! Erika

Have a great trip. I also found out that I am going on a surprise trip, but not until July 6. I will update you on what the meeting is all about. You seem to be doing really well with traveling and continuing to lose weight. I hope I can do as well as you. I am finally going for my first fill tomorrow and I really feel like I need it. I am scared but ready. Lisa- Let's touch base and I can give you tips on hotels, activities, sights, and restaurants. Tell me what you itinerary looks like and I can help you fill in your free time. Erika

Lisa- Enjoy New Orleans. I use to live there, so if you need any tips I'm happy to give you my opinion. We'll hopefully see you for the July meeting. I am planning on going this Thursday, so hopefully,Teri, I'll see you thee. Erika

I was self pay and went with Dr. Hoehn and the Bariatric Center of Kansas City. Their website is www.kcbariatric.com. I paid about 16k. I'm not sure how much the doctors that you are talking about charge.

Great news, Lisa! Your date will be here before you know it! Hopefully I'll see you guys at the meeting at the end of the month! Erika

By the way, I also wanted to share that I have found the ABSOLUTE best tasting protein powder on the planet. I am very picky and promise you that it is awesome tasting. I get mine at GNC and it is called Max Protein,but not all GNCs carry it. I guess each store is individually owned and operated,but ask your local store and if they don't carry it, they can make arrangements to get it. The have chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. I am all about the chocolate and make a shake every morning. If you want/need more info. I'd be happy to share. I don't endorse many things, but this is in a class all by itself!

Hi Everyone. I am glad to hear that everyone is doing well. I haven't been writing, but I have been reading. I, too, am doing well. I have managed to lose a total of about 30 pounds since March 25, and that includes weekends in both New York and New Orleans. I have no restriction, but I am trying to hold off on a first fill until I stop losing weight on my own. Am I the only one who hasn't gotten a fill yet? I keep going back and forth and would love to hear from others who have yet to be filled! Anyway, summer is in full swing, kids are in camp, and I am getting into a new excercise routine...no wii fit for me either,but I am tempted! Keep up all the good and hard work! Erika