Shontel

I am in liquid phase, but had heard of these drinks through this board, I love grape frost. Definitely good but pricey. So worth it though.

Well, Wall Mart or Albertsons dont have em..any ideas?

Well I DID make it. Not without some quick thinking and shuffling, but I did it. I got to Mexico and was informed that I'd have to have the surgery that same day! I was a little nervous, had to mentally prepare myself (thought I'd at least get a good last meal in...) but I came to get banded so lets get on with it! The process was as good as I've ever been through in a US hospital. Very comforting nurses and procedures were identical to those in U.S. I was glad to get back home a couple of days later though, nothing like your own bed. I'm almost a week post-op and am starting thick liquids. This has been MUCH more satisfying to me. I'm not that hungry (mainly 'head' hunger) I am taking each day as a learning experience. I look forward to the day that my band and I will become good friends :confused: We are learning each other right now, and I am an open book, willing to learn and make new chapters in my life, with its help.

Well I DID make it. Not without some quick thinking and shuffling, but I did it. I got to Mexico and was informed that I'd have to have the surgery that same day! I was a little nervous, had to mentally prepare myself (thought I'd at least get a good last meal in...) but I came to get banded so lets get on with it! The process was as good as I've ever been through in a US hospital. Very comforting nurses and procedures were identical to those in U.S. I was glad to get back home a couple of days later though, nothing like your own bed. I'm almost a week post-op and am starting thick liquids. This has been MUCH more satisfying to me. I'm not that hungry (mainly 'head' hunger) I am taking each day as a learning experience. I look forward to the day that my band and I will become good friends :Banane59: We are learning each other right now, and I am an open book, willing to learn and make new chapters in my life, with its help.

I have just had the band with Dr. Sanchez. What would you like to know? PM (private message) me with any questions.

Alexandra, what supermarkets are you seeing them in? We don't have a Trader Joes, here are the ones in our area: Kroger, Albertsons, Market Basket...

I just got banded this past weekend, when I awoke, I swallowed fine, a little thirsty, but not bad.

I did feel a certain amount of guilt (am a self pay also) but Isn't guilt a big part of our lives in general? I mean, we feel guilty if we eat, or over what we say to others...we always seem to put ourselves last, which is why it is so hard to say, I'm worth it! I know for myself, I put this off b/c I always kept finding 'more important' things to do with the money. But I finally realized that material things will come and go, this is the only life I have and the only body I have. It had to come first. Dont feel guilt, YOU ARE WORTH IT! WE ARE ALL WORTH IT.

Back from Mexico and Banded! Had my Surgery a day earlier than expected, the 28th instead of the 29th. I'm doing pretty good, soreness...gas pains seem to have subsided. Just glad to be 'on the other side!!'

Girl, CONGRATS!! I hope I will be posting the same thing 6 months from now :bananadoggywow:

Purely Financial. When you own your own business, sometimes your cash flow is bumped, so as of now, I'm unsure about Friday. Won't know until Tomorrow. I have NO IDEA HOW I WILL NOT GO INSANE BEFORE THEN. Its definitely Nyquil tonight. Haven't slept (really slept) in 3 days. I have been praying for a favor. (Not that I'm that spiritual, b/c im SO not) but its funny how I think sometimes God tests you. Today as I grabbed a shopping cart to go into my local grocery store, someone had left their billfold in it. I felt such guilt, but wanted to look in it. I didn't. I brought it to Customer Service. (this once happend to me, except it was my entire purse: ie wallet, cell phone, ect) and someone was kind enough to turn it in. So I did the same (I would have anyway) I think maybe God was testing me. Hopefully my funds will come through, and I will be able to make my trip. Here's Hoping! TBC...

Purely Financial. When you own your own business, sometimes your cash flow is bumped, so as of now, I'm unsure about Friday. Won't know until Tomorrow. I have NO IDEA HOW I WILL NOT GO INSANE BEFORE THEN. Its definitely Nyquil tonight. Haven't slept (really slept) in 3 days. I have been praying for a favor. (Not that I'm that spiritual, b/c im SO not) but its funny how I think sometimes God tests you. Today as I grabbed a shopping cart to go into my local grocery store, someone had left their billfold in it. I felt such guilt, but wanted to look in it. I didn't. I brought it to Customer Service. (this once happend to me, except it was my entire purse: ie wallet, cell phone, ect) and someone was kind enough to turn it in. So I did the same (I would have anyway) I think maybe God was testing me. Hopefully my funds will come through, and I will be able to make my trip. Here's Hoping! TBC...

Well, I hate to admit it, but I am worried about this same thing. I often socially drink and usually have a couple of beers or drinks to 'wind down' at the end of the day. It DOES add up. I wonder if I start looking at this as calories rather than a nice relaxation thingie would that make a difference. Truthfully, I can't see myself giving up my nightcap, but I know with alcohol, like food, I will have to make adjustments to my life and figure out what is working and what is not. Cashley-that is too funny...let me go through my cabinet and see what 'alcohol substitues' I can fine....(kidding yall)

Alright, I admit it, I'm a southern girl, the most I know about fish is fried catfish when my family has a 'fish fry' I know fish is a good choice but I am fish deficient...any ideas or recipes to help me become fish 'pro-ficient' On a side note, Sams Club has tons of frozen fish (like individually wrapped blackend salmon, mahi mahi, talipia) anyone tried these?

My scale for so long has been my enemy (go figure, not the person on the scale...lol) I seriously can't weigh myself that often. Measurements work very well for me also. My greatest tell tale sign that I am losing is jeans. (the non stretchy kind) they will tell no lies...I have my size 12's starin at me in my closet (hang in there precious Levis...moma's comin...no more collectin dust!!) OK, I'm just giddy today....lol..pre-op goofiness.

DonnaB - can you draw me a diagram of your postition? I might need to be in it this weekend!

Perhaps you have a bug? Some of those bugs take a while to manifest...good luck girl, were rootin for ya...

I have to get away from this computer screen and GO DO SOMETHING!! I will definitely go crazy if I don't. I have so much to do before I go...Today I think my quest will be....Go get some Bean w/ Bacon Soup....I'm seriously losing it...lol. OK, going do some yard work....I...just....haaave....to.....:confused:

I have to get away from this computer screen and GO DO SOMETHING!! I will definitely go crazy if I don't. I have so much to do before I go...Today I think my quest will be....Go get some Bean w/ Bacon Soup....I'm seriously losing it...lol. OK, going do some yard work....I...just....haaave....to.....:confused:

Hang in there! I am a little nervous after hearing your words...cause I'm leaving on Friday for Mexico, and my most important mission is to find a good restaurant for my last meal!! Am I doomed? LOL....You did SO SO good pre-op to lose 16#'s!! I'm not even that close. Good luck and CHIN UP!! You'll get there.

To everyone who responded {{{{{{BIG HUG}}}}}} I keep thinking of reasons to get discouraged, but everytime I post for help yall are ALWAYS 100% HERE FOR ME...[tearing up] you guys are the bestest!! (end of hoakey moment) THANKS EVERYONE!!!

Paula - You are the best girl...I bought some mahi mahi at Sam's but haven't tried it yet. I'm going to go back and get the talapia also. I better get busy expermenting...I leave for MX next Friday...yikes Thanks so much girl, we just have to get together sometimes!

lildarlin - Thanks, I just love my food binder! I also have one for other things like fill docs, Mexico trip, ect...I'm a maniac!!! LOL Glad this idea was helpful to you.

OK, so I admit it, I'm an 'organization' freak. I got this idea from a magazine. (did I mention I'm a magazine-readin' fool?) Buy a 3 ring binder, section it off, buy those clear pouch-type sheets. When you see a good recipe, cut it out, slide it in the clear protective sheet! I copy and paste TONS of ideas from here. I have sections for every aspect of my diet, beverages, meats, veggies, fruits ect...I even put a section for emails so I can keep track of everyone I chat with (ok that might be going overboard..lol) But you get the idea. There is so much you could do with it. Hope this inspires!!

Next Saturday I will be in Band-land (and la-la land) [grinning] I am seriously getting excited. I have this daily ritual, come here, read for an enormously long time...post sometimes..then, I'll get my work done (work, what the heck is that....) I am self employed so I have to REMIND myself to do so. Then I begin thinking about what I still need to get..amoung the many things I have begun to collect for my life changing surgery. I think today I will go to GNC and get some more ISOPURE drinks. Maybe some Gas X...I am secretly laughing at myself. I'm like this giddy little child knowing I'm going to get a nice big present for my birthday (or I should say band-day) No one really knows about this, but people are now saying, what's wrong with you lately? You seem so 'perky' I just smile and say, its good to be alive! (ok, am I THAT hoakey?) I'll be flying to Mexico, so I am a little anxious about that, but overall I'm SO SO SO READY!!! To be continued :confused: