Lanakila

The thing that makes your XR slow release is that the coating on the inside parts are different so they break down at different rates. If you cannot swallow the capsule, (I wouldn't try it for the first week or so, because of the swelling) just open it and mix the stuff into applesauce or some other food. You can pour out the capsule on your tongue if you like, then just wash it down. There shouldn't be any flavor because the balls are coated.

Congratulations!!!!! You must have been thrilled...after all the hassle...that you really do look like a new you! I cannot wait to get a new license next year...I cannot believe that I'm actually looking forward to subjecting myself to the DMV!

Red Jell-o? The only thing that shows up on a quick Google is a warning not to eat it the day before surgery since the doc will have difficulty differentiating between jello gurk from an injury to your stomach and blood. I cannot imagine that jello isn't out of your stomach within the 12 hours you are fasting pre-op, but who knows. It may just all be an urban myth.

My dietician told me that I will have to do a week of liquids and then a week of mushies again after each fill. Maybe your stomach is still adjusting to the new restriction?

I know that it wasn't the least bit funny when it happened, but reading about it just tickled me. Isn't it amazing how our brain can put together the most bizarre dreams. We can always trace parts back to things that happened in the day before, or in the process as a whole, but to think that our minds can make up such a wacky story is pretty neat, I think. Don't fret. I'm still a month away from sx but I'm sure that the jitters will be creeping in on me too as time gets closer. Keep hanging out here on the boards and you'll feel alot better. We're all band buddies here and we're here for each other!

As I understand it, the fill during the surgery is not actually intended to start your restriction. It is supposed to be used to check for leaks, and to get your port line full so that they won't have to pump so much into you on your first actual fill. If you are feeling some restriction it is likely to be due more to swelling than any saline put in during installation.

Hang in there Mike! This is exactly the kind of binge that your new "mechanical willpower" will be able to help you fight better. Don't worry about any effects on your pre-op condition. If you get back up tomorrow and get back on the wagon there shouldn't be any lasting effects. If you get the drive again, hang out here on the boards, or in one of the chat communities, to keep yourself distracted.

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I'm with Kristen on the smell thing :mad2: I actually keep a travel mug in the fridge and drink the shakes supercold while the lid keeps me from smelling the stuff. My mom hunted high and low and found me the old-fashioned kind of sippie cup that has a top like a travel mug for when I will be drinking waaaaaayyyyy smaller portions at a time. How come all of the cups today have knobs that kids seem to suck on instead of flow control inset lids like they did back when. How does this teach them to drink from a cup and not get a nose full? Seems like the kind they have these days is pretty much a bottle with a hard nipple, no? Someone with little ones please explain p.s. Don't get too attached to that straw. It's a super no-no once you have a band.

Just say that you had gas, barfing, something else not too serious sounding, and then explain the scars as where the docs took a "looky-lou" to try to figure it out.

Nina, Something is definitely going on here lately. The roster no longer shows up in my post either. I've resized it a zillion ways and finally resorted to just putting it on a webpage. I hope that you can figure out what the deal-i-o is. If you can reach a mod, will you ask them to Sticky the roster too?

Yaaaaaaayyyy Nina! I know that you've really been given the run-around and I'm so happy for you! I'll get the roster updated on Monday.

Hmmm...too funny that I happened upon this conversation today. Just this morning someone did the whole "lean in and chuckle" about some completely inappropriate comment. My nice gene was out sunbathing at the pool but, alas, work does pay the bills so I had to be nice. "Nice" this morning was "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I actually disagree with that. I don't really think that we should speak on this again." I think the whole "proper southern woman movieness" of the second line threw him off guard.

Judie, If you get in a pinch and simply cannot find something that works for you, Slimfast has a low-carb shake that is "legal." The chocolate is much more tolerable than the powders I've tried. You might also want to get a few fruitier powders, like the nectar stuff, and mix it in with crystal light. I've found that to work better than a shake too. Make sure you invest in a good shaker bottle! I have a Blender Bottle (brand) and it's super! You can buy just samples of things at www.vitalady.com. The samples might seem a more expensive way to go, but it's worth it to not spend a slew of money on an entire tub of something that you end up hating! I really enjoyed the ProBlend 55 Chocolate in skim milk, but not so much the vanilla. I've discovered that pretty much all vanillas for me have to be "hidden" in something like oats or applesauce. Good luck!

Artsy, There are loads of wonderful recipes and suggestions on the food and Nutrition boards. Choose "Home" from the menu just under the lady at the top of the page. One the left menu, scroll down and choose "Food and Nutrition". Enjoy!

I'm no longer in the Islands, but you can't take the local girl outta me! Try visit the Hawai'i local board at Hawaii Local Lap-Band Support - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

Hi Heft! It's been just over an hour since your surgery time, so I'm hoping that you are visiting la-la land in recovery. I'm thinking about you and sending well-wishes your way! :biggrin:

I'm a complete diet soda addict so I was really worried about giving up both the carbonation and caffeine. I thought, "ok, I'll just switch to coffee and learn to live without the carbonation." She said nope. She said that the real reason is that caffeine is an irritant to the stomach and that since you will have only a very little bit of food in you at any one time it will be bad for the lining of your stomach. :biggrin:

My hubby, too, is planning to do it the traditional way...but right alongside me. He doesn't want to do the band, but does want to lose weight with me. We weigh the same and he only has 4" height on me, so clearly he needs to shed some too! I applaud you for being willing to go on this adventure alongside your wife. I think that my hubby and I will find this a good bonding experience, especially as we get more physically able to enjoy life, and because we can change our eating attitudes at the same time too. It would be very, very, very hard for me if he weren't going to change his eating habits too. Granted, he won't be doing liquids, mushies, or Protein supplements ever...but those small, healthy meals will become the norm in our home. Best wishes to both of you!

Tonni, I'm glad that you made it through ok. I don't start any kind of pre-op until mid-August so I don't know first-hand what you are going through, but know that I am thinking about you!

Fee, that is a giant bummer! I'm glad that you are going to give it another go and we're glad that you are here with us. I hope that you'll be able to give us some good advice as we all get going on the 1st!

It's so exciting when things finally start moving along! Have a great day!

Please visit the August 2008 Banders board! You'll be able to meet lots of others being banded next month, including those being done on the very same day. August 2008 Bandsters - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

I'm with Stephanie on the "gaining muscle" theory! The studies that have shown that Splenda and other artificial sweetners can actually increase hunger have involved absolutely stuffing mice with the stuff. For me, walking past someone elses lunch increases my appetite...so I think the effect of the Splenda is pretty much not a factor unless you are sucking down a whole box a day My doc said to drink as much as I want 'cause dehydration is bad, bad, bad.

I am sending loads of good thoughts your way! I was really worried about that 6 month thing too. My insurance policy didn't come right out and say it, but my surgeon said that it's about 30% of the time that they require it. He said that it was mostly for folks with borderline low BMIs and nearly controlled co-morbidities (like pre-diabetes instead of diabetes.) I am on 5 different blood pressure meds, have sleep apnea, and a BMI of just barely under 50. They approved me without the diet thing. I also had documentation of where I had joined a hospital diet counseling program in February...so I was hoping that would have been a good backup if I needed it. I would think that if they asked for it that your doctor supervised adipex approach would be enough. I hope that the entire issue is moot and that they approve you super fast!!!