Long2BFree

If you don't like the Low Carb SF then you probably won't like the Atkins either. Both of them aren't sweet like regular SF and a similar in taste. It's an acquired taste. I like the chocolate and vanilla. I thought unjury was ok but I got hungry sooner than I did when I drank the SF. I'm glad I was able to get a couple of samples of it before buying it because I would've been disappointed otherwise. Many people like it tho.

I would switch to drinking the Low Carb Slim Fast or Atkins shakes 5X a day and a meal of no more than 400 calories. This was suggested by my nutritionist and it works. I only had to lose 14 pounds but would've lost more if I stuck to it. Since I know that's all I have to lose before surgery I've yo-yo'ed because of this, but know I could've lost more had I stuck to it.

I am so sorry but glad you found it. I remember reading an article in Weight Watchers a while back where a lady lost a large amount of weight and gives credit to losing weight saving her life because without losing, she would've never found the lump in her breast.

I've working diligently to get my appointments to have all of my testing done so that I could see the surgeon. I've had to do so many follow-ups to make sure everything is getting done and sent to the surgeon... I've even had to bug the surgeon's office staff to get paperwork to me. I finally was able to make my appointment about 3 weeks ago and received a call this afternoon at 2 p.m. letting me know that they had triple booked appointments and I could either keep my appointment to wegh in only and see the doctor later or reschedule the weigh in. Apparently the office staff weighs you and then if you've lost 5% of your weight they let you see the doctor right after. I had to reschedule because it's an hour and 20 minute drive each way for me to get to the doctor. I was promised that would get in next week. Here I sit telling myself not to get upset and eat over it but I'm eating. I had to rearrange my work schedule and now DH can't go to next week's appointment with me. I tried explaining to the staff that DH is in the military and can't make it next week do to deployments. Grrrr.... I'm so frustrated right now. :smile2:

Thank you everyone for being on my side and letting me vent. It's nice to know that others can relate to what I'm going through and being anxious to get this done and on my way.

Thanks for the well wishes.

Congrats on getting your approval. I've nothing but good things about Triwest approving LB surgery. I'm Triwest too and am just waiting to see the doc so I can get my surgery date for approval. I'm beginning to think he's jerking me around because they aren't wanting to take Tricare anymore but agreed to do so.

Just about any healthy plan you go on an stick to will help you shed the pounds in 30 days. My nutritionist/surgeon has me on 5 shakes (I use Atkins or Low Carb Slim Fast), one 300-400 calorie meal like Weight Watchers or Lean cuisine, and a salad. The more Protein the shakes have the longer I can go without getting hungry. Drink lots of Water and Crystal Light too. Staying disciplined is hard but knowing that the doctor won't do surgery until you lose makes it easier. It also prepares you to your new way of eating. Good luck!

Congrats on getting your band and feeling well. I would think that it wouldn't be unusual to feel the band considering where your stomach is located in relation to your ribs.

I agree that you should be speaking with someone about your eating habits or lack of eating food. Your body needs food to stay healthy, you just don't need an over abundance of it. Honestly I don't see where someone who has struggled with her weight to feel like she is superior over food. For myself, I have always felt powerless over it and it has controlled me. When I can get to the point that I can control the food then I will feel superior to it. ...Just my thought...

My friend had gastric bypass and had a card but would forget to show it. She usually just took a few bites of her husband's meal when eating out. Now that she's at goal and can eat more she orders her own meal.

Have you tried eating SF popscicles to get some extra hydration? Add unflavored protein powder to your foods to get more protein.

Hello. I've seen Glucerna for sale but am not really familiar with it. You might see if they have a website that you can get info from or call if there is a number on the can to find out the info you need.

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. Depression is not a fun thing to go through. Has your doctor redone all of your blood work to make sure something isn't out of wack? Are you taking your Vitamins and other supplements? I hope you start feeling better soon.

Congrats on being banded! It does sound like you need a fill but as far as your weightloss it sounds like you've done great. Though many lose fast in the first few months, you shouldn't be discouraged if you only lose 1 - 2 pounds per week which is supposed to be the norm. Adding exercise will also help you lose faster if that is what you are aiming for.

I'm sorry to hear that the doctors still don't have any answers and that your mom isn't doing any better. Has her lapband surgeon been notified of her problems to give his input?

You might be able to find that info by doing a search if you don't get any respones here. I was given the info for a MTF in Northern CA but it's a 6 hour drive away from me. I wanted to stay local.

:thumbup: Because the weather isn't too pleasant there this time of year.

I can't drink coffee because it nauseates me because of the acid but was a heavy Diet Coke drinker. I quit cold turkey when I found out I wouldn't be able to have it once banded. To get off of it I drank Water and Crystal Light like crazy the first week. I haven't had any in about 10 weeks.

It's nice to see someone from Greece. My surgeon forbids us from drinking carbonated drinks once banded because he feels it stretches the band. He also asks us not to drink anything with caffeine because it can irritate the stomach and cause ulceration.

Welcome to the message boards Sweet Diva. I too have hypothyroidism and hypertension along with other medical problems. I'm in the final stages of the process before I get banded. I am beyond excited because I know this tool will really help me with getting my weight issues under control and getting back my life. Two of my cousins have been banded for a few years and have done beautifully so it gives me hope. There are also many success stories here and other message boards. You have a great day too!

You are brave going to SA this time of year. Its a bummer that you will have to be on a liquid diet while on vacation but at least you are one step closer to getting banded.

My surgeon has received all of my pre-op medical tests so I am now scheduled to get a weigh-in and see the surgeon to get a band date. Woohoo! I'm so excited that I'm finally in the last stages. It seems like it has been a long ride.

My doctors sell it so I would check with him first or you can buy it online.

I've gotten nothing but outstanding help, both through calling the 800 number and in person at my base hospital when talking with the Tricare reps. I have Tricare Standard. My surgeon is a preferred provider but I'm one of the last Tricare patients he is accepting. Apparently they don't pay enough for him to continue accepting TC patients. I was told that if the anesthesiologist isn't a prefered provider then I would be responsible for a certain percentage beyond what Tricare pays which could be up to 15% of the total cost. That scares me but I know it's a must.