jnbwilds

Yes! I'm nervous about the fill! Mine is the first week in March. I'm not nervous about the needle part (I had gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy, and had to get over needles). But I am nervous about having restriction and the scary sounding stuff - PBing and sliming and foaming. Yikes - I'm not sure even what most of that stuff is! Luckily I haven't even been queasy, much less have any weird throwing up. My doctor isn't too strict on the carbs, but I'm trying to stay away from them myself. The only diet I was successful with before the band was South Beach. I actually did pretty well with it, and feel much better when I'm easy on the carbs. I'll have to try some of your grocery ideas! At the store, I had the deli slice turkey and havarti cheese super thin - next week when I'm off mushies I'll roll it up with lettuce - yum.

Thanks! I was struggling this morning as I stared at the scale and saw the same weight I've been at for 7 days. But I thought, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming" and it made me feel better. I'm glad too that I was banded in February - this is a great group to be part of and the support has been wonderful!

Now, this morning I was feeling sad because I've been stuck at the same weight for 7 days even though I'm eating about 600 calories a day of mushies and shakes. The INJUSTICE of it! So, I treated my poor self and went to Starbucks and ordered my old favorite (Venti Peppermint Mocha) but trimmed it by ordering a tall, non fat, 1 pump, no whip decaf. To my surprise, it tasted almost as good as the old version. Also, you can go on their website and enter your drink of choice, and it gives you the nutrition info. To my surprise, my new version is only 170 calories and has 10 grams of Protein. Yay! Now - Miss Gibson - where would one find these AchieveOne drinks? Since my life now seems to revolve around finding sources of protein - I'm intrigued!! And Karen - I'm all about International coffee - they're easy to make at work! I'll have to try out the light version!

Thank you for noting that - I needed it today! I'm in a nasty "bandster hell" plateau, but thank God - I'm at least NOT GAINING like I have for the past 10 years. And that is something to be excited about.

I have found that laying on my left side slightly inclined helps air bubble up through the band and out. (for burping kind of gas - can't help out with the other kind LOL) I think when you lay on your left, your liver doesn't squash your tummy and that lets the air get past the band. Good luck - that is rather uncomfortable!

Your story about the pants made me laugh out loud! What a great victory! I tried the tuna today - made it with light Miracle Whip & pickle relish. It was "yummo" as Rachel Ray says (that's one more addiction I have to get over - obsessive watching of the food Network). It amazes me how good food tastes now that I am really chewing and eating slowly. I'm sad to think about how much stuff I scarfed down without tasting over the last years! I have just a few steri-strips to go, I think I'll try a bath tonight and get the rest off - they are ugly little things. Since we're all in the same food stage mostly - here's a yummy I tried today. I mixed small curd cottage cheese and applesauce. Quite tasty and lots of Protein.

Gosh, I just can't tell you all how motivating it is to read all of your posts and feel like I have a sisterhood of friends who are going through the exact same things I am! (sorry if there are any boys around...just haven't seen any yet!) Stick to that pre-op diet!! I was on just shakes for 2 weeks also, and was tempted, but stuck to it without cheating, and also got compliments from my surgeon on the small size of my liver. Never thought I'd be motivated to see a photo of my liver, but when he offered, I said, "Of course!! I'd love to see it!" I also lost weight very, very fast during the pre-op diet - 8 lbs each week. Enjoy it now, because it will probably slow down after surgery (mine did!) Glad you are feeling better Lori! Good luck as you get closer to surgery! Be sure to let us know how it goes!!

Love the idea of this list. So far my hubby is getting an A+, so I'll share some of the things he and my family have done. 1. Pretends to ignore the fact that I am grumpy 2. Keeps the kids out of my hair & changes most of the dirty diapers 3. Threw away food I know he loves that he knew would be tempting 4. Runs me a nice bath and then cooks for the kids so that I'm far away from cooking smells 5. Working on cutting back / quitting smoking (his vice) so that we are both sacrificing together 6. Never asks if I've lost weight, but gives me big hugs if I tell him I have 7. Stayed right by me in the surgery center even though he hates hospitals 8. Pre-op, bought me a gorgeous hot pink bike (with nice big cushy seat) so that when it gets warm, the family can ride together 9. Every day, says, "Have I told you today how proud I am of you?" 10. And one here for my mother (who has nagged me about my weight in past) Has been quietly supportive and even made me about 30 little low sugar egg custards to eat during post op weeks. Gosh, now that I write these out, I feel like I should go give my hubby a kiss!

First, "cookielover" - I feel for you. I'm in bandster hell and have plateaued at around 500 calories / day. Tough to be hungry and not lose weight. Hang in there (and I agree on the carbs - maybe drop that am fruit salad and replace w/ scrambled eggs?) Second, "NOLaneBryant" - I LOVE your user name! LOL When my hubby and I made our lists of why I was having this surgery, first on his list was, "Never have to go shopping with you at Lane Bryant again." I'm in a size 20 now - and have about 40 lbs and 2 sizes to go before I might actually fit in a non-"Woman's" size.

PS, Your story is so familiar. I know it sounds crazy to think about only eating 800-1000 calories a day, but trust me... after the band you can totally do that! I'd bet that 2 months ago, I was happily munching down 3000 calories a day, and now I'm under 800 and not hungry. You mention that you want to be able to eat balanced meals. One thing I didn't expect was how much my life would revolve around trying to fit 50 grams of Protein into an 800 calorie diet! If you don't like fish, eggs, cheese, yogurt and milk - I'd start getting used to those things before you band! Also, I had to make the hard decision to self pay. We took it from our retirement account. But I reminded myself that if I kept going the way I was (fat, pre-diabetic, sleep apnea, joint problems) I might not make it to retirement. And if I did make it, would I be able to comfortably travel with my husband, or ski or go boating or any of the fun things we hope to do in retirement! It's a big decision, but as you'll read from others in this forum, it is rarely, if ever, regretted!

Congratulations! Welcome. Stay rested - days 2 & 3 after surgery were the most tiring for me. Gas tip - if you get big bubbles (pressure in your chest), try laying on your left side, slightly inclined and those bubbles should pop up through the band. I impressed my husband with my burbing abilities during the first week! For all who are nervously waiting their surgery - be encouraged - it's not bad at all!!

Oh, I'm so glad to hear this from all of you!! My nutritionist is very mean about coffee (he was probably never addicted to ANYTHING). This gives me comfort. I am happy to cut back and cut down on the caffiene, but seriously, I didn't see the need to cut it completely! Coffee wasn't the thing that made me 100 lbs overweight! And that FF Vanilla Creamer - yummo!

Hang in there! It gets better!! I had my surgery on 2/7, and after a few days I felt just like normal again!! If you have gas pain, try chewable Gax-X or Gas-X strips. Also, lay on your left side, slightly elevated, and that will help the bubbles get up through the band and out. Remember, you're tired and low on energy because you're not eating right now - and that affects how you feel. Just think positive thoughts about how brave you are for taking this step and how good you'll feel after the weight starts coming off!

Although....after seeing a diagram of where the surgeon stands while doing a lap band procedure - I did spring for a bikini wax prior to my surgery!

I went in on a table and woke up on a table. If they transferred me to a bean bag sometime while I was asleep - first of all, I didn't know it, and second, I'll bet most of the surgical assistants now have to go visit the chiropractor! LOL I agree - I think he was teasing.

FrancesMP, Yep - Dr. McEwen did my surgery last week. I did self pay and actually thought it was very reasonable compared to others I'd seen. Also, his office is literally within walking distance of my home (when it's above freezing anyway), so that made it all the more worth it to me. I highly recommend Dr. McEwen - he is friendly and laid back, his office staff is wonderful, his office is small and private (unlike the ZOO at St. Vincent's when I was looking into GB) and he does his surgeries at the Community Surgery Center right by his office - where the staff treats you like you came there for a spa treatment!! I'm a fan and am happy to answer any questions from Hoosier friends thinking about Dr. McEwen.

Karen, Thanks for the tuna fish idea! I'm still anxious about starting real food today - I've tried yogurt and baby food, but I'm trying tuna tonight. I'm also curious if you added mayo or other fixin's to it? And again - our stories are matching up! I took off most of my steri's today in a long glorious finally allowed bath. Congrats on the NSV - I've told my hubby about what an NSV is and he's being a doll about pointing mine out for me. I just took a pair of size 22 jeans (my skinny jeans unfortunately) out of the dryer and put them right on without even unbuttoning them. Yay for that!

I started at 287 (5'11'') and made it to 260 during the pre-op diet. I had surgery on February 7, and am currently at 254. I'd love to see my wedding weight of 175 again, but my doctor and I are hoping for anything that begins with the number 1. I hear that's referred to as ONEderland around here - very cute.

Wow. This is inspiring! TachaBaby505.................Natacha.......................9 January 2008 crystalcml...................Crystal..........................28 January 2008 DxMOM........................Jennifer........................1 Febuary 2008 CynthiaMcC ..................Cynthia......................1 February 2008 Sadie........................Sarah.............................2 February 2008 4jin02.......................Janis...............................4 February 2008 Neenco.......................Dineen..........................4 February 2008 Kittenquite..................Ko................................4 February 2008 slbindc......................Susanne.........................4 February 2008 Babedoe4......................Babe.........................4 February 2008 patticNJ....................Patti................................5 February 2008 petergriffin.................Russ..............................5 February 2008 Big marathoner...............Amy...........................5 February 2008 Michelle9003.................michelle.......................5 February 2008 Beachbum0519.................Alisa........................5 February 2008 girlsmack....................Shannon........................6 February 2008 Lily76............................Lily............................6 February 2008 Peabody......................Amanda........................6 February 2008 JaxBandster..................Karen..........................7 February 2008 EnchantedRuby................Ruby........................7 February 2008 jnbwilds........................Becca........................ 7 February 2008 Shinyhappymommy.........Melissa.....................8 February 2008 TinaBobina...................Tina...........................11 February 2008 LilMissBand-Aid..............Irene.......................11 February 2008 Baby Ruth....................Ruth..........................11 February 2008 MightyQ.......................Quinn........................11 February 2008 Angie4b1g....................Angie........................12 February 2008 aveamora.....................Staci.........................12 February 2008 sharon160....................Sharon.....................12 February 2008 GmaDebi...................... Debi ......................... 13 February 2008 Mac the Knife................Mac..........................13 February 2008 travel_anna..................Anna........................13 February 2008 Princess21...................Kimberly....................13 February 2008 Viridescence.................Viri............................14 February 2008 Nikki2001....................Nicole.........................14 February 2008 voxwatt......................Cristina.......................14 February 2008 Glynda.......................Glynda.........................15 February 2008 St Louis Gal.................Pat.............................15 February 2008 HappyOne....................Lesly..........................15 February 2008 Bluelion........................O...............................18 February 2008 DancingBelly.................Sherry.........................19 February 2008 MinPinMom ...........Wendy..................19 February 2008 Jlobyxmas.....................Megan.........................20 February 2008 TAISMOMMY..................TAMIKA..................20 FEBRUARY 2008 Rhapsody♥.................Lori........................... 21 February 2008 Rocket City Guy............Tre............................22 February 2008 Peek.........................Kylie (Aust)....................22 February 2008 teegee.......................Tracy...........................25 February 2008 Valvinnek....................Alyssa.........................25 February 2008 Coolcrystal.................Crystal.........................25 February 2008 Gibson........................Christy....................... 25 February 2008 jaunderwood................Joyce..........................26 February 2008 luv2smile.....................Nicole..........................26 February 2008 Amieru.......................Amie............................26 February 2008 Dana-k.......................Dana...........................26 February 2008 hijabigirl1973..........Stephanie.........................26 February 2008 Mel119.......................Melinda...................... 27 February 2008 fireleo.........................Jess..........................29 February 2008

One thing I'd recommend is chapstick - or some kind of lip balm. I had awful dry mouth right after surgery and even through day 3. Also, my 8 yr-old sent one of his favorite stuffed animals with me for moral support and it was much appreciated. :-)

Thank you! I appreciate the guidance on the ticker - hopefully it works now!

Hi all. How fun - support for people banded in the same month! I was banded on February 7 and so far I feel great! I'm new to the forum and am already addicted. But I suppose if I replace my food addiction with a forum addiction, that will help. And, my office is upstairs, far from the kitchen and it's yummy "kitcheny" smells. I'm loving reading all your stories and saying to myself, "Oh, me too!", or "Gosh, I hope THAT doesn't happen", or "Ooh, that's a good idea." So far, I've not entered the "bandster hell" as my appetite is just slowly returning. My biggest frustrations have been 1) burbs getting stuck under the band and then popping out when least expected, and 2) figuring out how to put the really cute weight loss ticker I made on my signature.

Hello all. I am new to the forums and am happy to have found a group of Christian friends! I know that God has been leading me through this journey and it will be nice to actually talk openly about that! I had my band placed 9 days ago, and including my pre-op diet, have lost 30 lbs so far. Praise the Lord! (still working on figuring out how to put the little weight loss ticker on my e-signature...) I actually work on staff at my church, and have been so blessed by the support by co-workers have given me. They have been complimenting my decision, they prayed over me the day before surgery, they sent flowers afterwards - I couldn't ask for better people to work and minister with. I feel sad about how many people have encountered lack of support or jealousy from their friends. Thank you all already for the motivation and support I have experienced just reading through this thread - although I only made it about 20 pages in (it's really a long thread!) God Bless,

I paid cash out of long term savings, but my husband and I made ourselves a 3 year repayment agreement by cutting some fun things out of our budget for the next few years. One benefit of paying myself was that I feel a huge sense of responsibility to do everything in my power to make this succeed. That money could have been for our sons' college funds or for our retirement or for vacation, but we used it for my health. I don't feel guilty, but I do feel responsible to control my diet and excercise so that the band can do its job. Don't get me wrong - I would have LOVED it if our insurance covered my band, but there is a silver lining of motivation in paying yourself.

This is my last day on full liquids - I start on mushies tomorrow. But I must say that my favorite thing on full liquids has been Campbell's Select Tomato Parmesan Soup. It is the only thing I can happily eat while my husband and sons enjoy the spaghetti I just cooked for them. I highly recommend it. And, by the way, did I hear that soft scrambled eggs are in the "mushy" category for some of you? My Dr. included cottage cheese, yogurt, cream of wheat, applesauce....but didn't mention eggs, which I love.