NewYearNewMe

How often can you safetly take MOM? I drink at least 80 ounces of water a day and feel like all I eat is protein, unless I go light on the protein and have fresh green veggies. What flavor Activa is the best? Is is supersweetened with Splenda and aspertame? Thanks.

Oh dear! Another thing to think about in addition to my mother-in-law thinking I am getting shorter. I have measured myself a couple of times, and yep still 5'4". Thank goodness the scale is going in the downward direction. I agree, I would not mind looking like a lollipop!

Yes, I love rewards! The first 50 I purchased new clothes. I really did need them because I guess I wore my clothing too big to start with so it was all terribly baggy. When I get to 78 - which is a strange goal but it will be onederland, I plan to get a great facial at a skin center in town. Only 7 pounds to go!!

I had my second fill today. Like many have posted, I am to do full liquids all day today. Then two days of full liquids, two days of mushies, and then back to adding in with protein FIRST. I have a very conservative surgeon but he did tell me I "overanalyze" portion size and weights of foods and that I am doing great. Loved to hear it!!!

Yes, yes, yes. I noticed this excessively at the beach as they had a protein shake "bar". Today I had a Vivanno from Starbucks and I am very, very gassy. I don't think too fragrant - but I can never really tell about myself. When I make protein drinks with Unjury I don't get as gassy, just when I am lazy and buy one. Maybe there is a correlation, but I just can't come up with it right now.

Woot, woot! Way to go. I can't wait to get there myself. Only 12 pounds to go! CONGRATS!!!

Congratulations everyone! Greyhoundmom - I will be shopping at Avenue and Lane Bryant until their smallest size just hangs off of me. I have no clue where else I will shop, as I am not wanting to give my money to the stores that used to turn up their noses at me if I even dared to walk into their stores. I am open to suggestions. Thinking Kohls and Coldwater Creek. My NSV for today was 45 minutes on the elliptical at the gym, 6800 steps and 3.45 miles. The first time I ever even tried the elliptical I was only on for 3 minutes and simply gasping for breath. I can also run up the stairs to "inspect" my messy teenage daughters room. I think being in the dark about the condition of her room might have been better. Have a great rainy Saturday!

I love, love, love my band. I have not heard of such a high failure rate. I think all of the positives about the band completely overshadow the negatives. I just could not see having part of me removed, especially the part that absorbs the nutrients for your hair and skin. I work in a hospital and have seen many, many complications from bypass. There are a lot of risks when I get in my car to go back to work, which are probably greater than the lap band risks. All surgery carries risks, but I think lap band procedures are minimal. Continue to study before you decide.

I also felt like I was wasting money, but I have learned to like leftovers and now feel like I am saving money. Most meals that I buy in a resturaunt are enough for three meals. I have started to eat dinner foods for breakfast as they are usually protein rich. Now I feel like I am using money wisely and allowing my family to eat out at least once a week.

I had surgery Wednesday morning, spent the night in the hospital, and went back to work the following Monday. I missed three days of work. When I went back to my desk job, I worked for 10 hours each day due to a stressful, hands on project. Completely opposite of the other posters, I felt energized and not at all hungry on the post-op liquid diet. I think that the pre and post op liquid diet was easy to follow and I felt good. Everyone is different, but it was pretty much a breeze for me and the best thing I have done for myself! Good Luck!!

Wow, those are all great ones! Exactly what I wanted to do but did not even think about writing down. One my pre-op questionaire I put down "I want to fly somewhere and feel comfortable in the airplane seat and then go to a regular store and buy a regular sized pair of pants." Such simple wants!

This will be the best money you ever spent. Every morning I get up and one of my first thoughts is - yeah! I won't be hungry again today. The hunger tiger in the commercials is a mere house cat compared to how hungry I was all the time. Now none! I am sure your husband is aprehensive, but you will be just fine. I had no problems, not even any gas. I really believe in positive thoughts, so send some out there and you will get them back. GOOD LUCK!

Congrats on getting a surgery date. unjury was definitely the best tasting vanilla or chocolate I found. After surgery, in the mushy stage, the unflavored is great as an addition to Soups and oatmeal and mashed potatoes to boost the Protein. As stated above, Unjury has samples available, which I liked to taste before buying. 10 days goes fast!!

I am not a March Bandster, but close, 2/27/08. I have had one fill. I was talking to my program coordinator the other day because I have no idea what kind of band I have, how much it holds, or how much my fill was. My surgeon apparently does not think this is important information for me. I am not hunger between meals and am satisfied with my portion size. Maybe dumb question, but I don't really understand "restriction". Maybe I am there, but without a great definition, I don't really know. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mendy; I too am friendless. I am not too avid a poster, but find so much encouragement at this site. We are close to the same age, although I am older by 6, we live on different sides of the country; but the war is the same. I could use friends to battle the enemy hunger!

Great Job!! I needed inspiration to get past this plateau that I am on. Your phenomenal results are just what I needed today! Thanks and Happy Father's Day.

WOW! C-section was a lot worse, although not too bad for me. The lapband was very easy for me. I was more worried about the anesthesia, but I woke up at the calling of my name and was not sleepy again. I had NO gas pains and very little post-op pain. I did bruise pretty badly, but who sees that except me? Good luck and think positive. I think if you put all that fear and uncertainty out there it will come back at you.

I am getting banded on the 27th, is that close enough? I think it is great to have people who are close to the same day to be friends with. I met someone on the board, in the geographical section, who is having surgery right before me. Any and all support is greatly appreciated.

Joanna240; I am being banded by Dr. Cook's partner, Dr. Cox, on 2/27/08. I will be SO happy if my wild hunger beast just took a break. I have had some type of stomach bug these last three days and have eaten very little, but feel bad because of a fever. That is the only time the beast is quite. I am waiting patiently. I too am an incredible yo-yo'er, I can't wait that that to be over! Good luck.

Melinda; I am from Newton and am going to schedule with Dr. Cox this week. I am hoping for February 28. I think I can have my pick of dates since I am paying for the procedure. I have fought with my insurance company and am done fighting. I just had a birthday and am not willing to wait. I could not get to your my space page, but would like to wish you the best.