hawki14

Cream of Wheat is also awesome with the Splenda/brown sugar blend and a little bit of milk blended into it. Cream of potato Soup with No Salt, pepper, and minced green onion, thinned with a lot of milk and blended in the blender is excellent. Find a good chocolate Protein shake mix and add a couple tablespoons of cheesecake flavored sugar/fat free pudding mix. I blend it with ice, so it's like a smoothie. I also get the vanilla shake mix and add 2 tbsp of pistachio flavored sugar/fat free pudding mix - yum...that's my fave! When you get to the mushy stage, fat free refried Beans with cheddar cheese, taco sauce and low fat sour cream is delicious...also my fave! Hope you like the ideas - they've saved the day for me many times. Good luck and God bless!!

Well, I had a rotten day and this post made me laugh! Thanks!! Anyone who's had any experience(s) with Alli knows what happens...especially the first time after taking one of those bad boys and you think you're just going to pass a little gas. Yikes! :tt2: Anyway, what I want to know is: how would you take an Alli capsule? Wouldn't it get stuck in the band? Just curious...I'm finding pill-taking to be frustrating because of all the crushing. Thanks!

Hey, Thanks for the info. Yikes, that's a scary thought...I had my surgery done in colorado, but my fills will be done in Grinnell and they'll be pricey. I hope it goes smoothly and I don't have the same issues! I live an hour south of Iowa City. There's no place like home! Except for those icy, snowy roads...ugh! Just around the corner, I'm afraid. Good luck to you!

I'm new to all of this...why did you have to have your band unfilled? That's a scary thought to me; paying all of that money for fills and then having it undone? why? Thanks

I'm sorry to do this, but I have to comment. I think your number one problem is your attitude. If you continue to say it was a mistake, it's not going to work, then it's not. You've got to believe in yourself and stop the pity party. Are you saying you owe $177? Or even $1700? I'll trade you debt for this surgery - I paid $9950 and drove over 12 hours for the surgery because it was so much cheaper in Colorado than anywhere else (except for Mexico). I was willing to do that because I want to be healthy and happy and see my son grow up and prosper. Get your chin up and find either a counselor or a nutritionist or both to talk to about your issues. If you keep telling yourself and everyone else that you can't do it, then you won't. It also serves as a real downer for everyone else who is on this life changing journey. Good luck!

I felt exactly the same way. I was so depressed the first two days - I was sure I'd made a huge mistake. Now, 6 days after surgery, my pain has subsided for the most part. Plus, I'm looking so forward to the future. So, yes...that rotten feeling does pass. It just takes time. Good luck and congratulations!!

OK, I have to defend Dr. K. He is NOT reactive, he is quite PROACTIVE. I went for my pre-op appt and had two scripts for ANTI-NAUSEA meds and pain meds. Those were filled before I left the hospital. It is clearly stated in his literature he provides well before surgery to help prevent nausea. It is listed in the orders as well. A patch was placed behind my ear and numerous stomach upset and nausea meds were pushed through my iv. This is Dr. K's protocol. The first two days post op were pure HELL for me. I don't do pain well and I was depressed with the realization that my love affair with food was pretty much over. Now, a couple days later, I feel a lot better and very positive. Everyone reacts differently - from what I read before the surgery, I thought this would be a piece of cake. Not true and quite a shock. But I'm different than the other people I read about. Dr. K was one of the most caring, gentle people I've ever met. And he was very, very proactive about nausea and vomiting. In fact he mentioned more than once how important it is NOT to vomit. Thanks - I just had to defend such a good man.

Hi Michelle, I'm getting banded by Dr. Kirschenbaum on Sept. 25th. I'm making the trip from SE Iowa. I am so excited - it seems like Sept's never going to get here! Good luck! Cindy

LOL - non-elastic WITH A BELT!! Gosh, I miss wearing belts and seeing my beautifully matching shoes or boots...*sigh* Come on September!! Good luck everyone!!!!

My surgery date is Sept. 25. It seems like it's NEVER going to get here!! I'm so excited!!!

Thank you all for these posts! I know now that I've made the right choice w/the banding. I am scheduled the end of Sept. and CAN'T wait! In the back of my mind, I kept thinking maybe I should just have a bypass. However, I've known people who've gained all their weight back after the GB. It just made me sick. I also knew one person who ate all the time and then passed gas in front of everyone and anyone - at work and public...everywhere! It was rank too - she essentially has a reputation for it and has become a horrible poster child for the procedure. No, I'm not exaggerating, unfortunately... I've also heard of a couple of people who almost died from the procedure. On the other hand I know more people who have lost a lot of weight, kept it off and look great! I told myself the band would be better because it's more healthy...but you guys pointed out additional facts that I was oblivious to and never thought about. I feel even more excited and can't wait to begin my new life! You guys just made my day! Thanks so much again, I will sleep well tonight knowing I really have made the right decision! :wink2: God bless you all!!

Hi, I'm getting banded in Sept and I would love a buddy or two or a few to help me through this journey. I have so many questions and it would be nice to have a little support group to turn to. I am 38, work in Information Services, have a 2 year old son and two cats who are also my kids. I gained lots of weight with my pregnancy that I just can't seem to shed. Thus, my decision for the lap band. This is my last resort and I can't wait to begin my new life! I live in Fairfield. I look forward to talking to you soon! Cindy

Hi, During my phone consultation, I asked Dr. K about the mini fill during the surgery and he said he doesn't do that. I have my surgery on Sept 25th - I don't think it will EVER get here! Congrats and good luck!!

I'd like to hear experiences from anyone who's had fills done in Grinnell, IA. I am going to have surgery in Colorado and fills in Grinnell. I would love to have all my fills done in CO, but can't afford the numerous trips. Any info would be greatly appreciated. THANKS in advance!!

Yes, I have a similar bmi & they accepted me w/no problem. Good luck!

Hey...let me know how your consult goes tomorrow. I will do the same. Mine is scheduled for 4:45 Central Time. I can't wait to talk to the famous Dr. K! God's blessings!

I just found out that they will do fills in Grinnell, no matter if they did the original surgery or not. I think it's approx $150. Good luck!

Hi, I'm traveling from Iowa to Colorado for surgery in Oct. I am so excited, but nervous too. I'd love to hear more about Dr. K as well. I am so grateful for this site. I kept joking to my husband that I was going to get a lapband because I'd had it with this post-baby weight that I can't seem to shed - after 2 years. We knew it wasn't possible because of the cost. Then I discovered the $9950 cost via Dr. K. - and his consults over the phone to keep travel to a minimum. Where's the catch? This seems too good to be true!! More details please! I am so excited - just so, so nervous!! Thanks everyone for the info and inspiration!!