hokeepokee

I have struggled with maintaining low carb status. But, low carb liquids that I have found that taste good are crystal light to go packs that I put in a bottled water, no sugar added popsicles, chicken boullion cubes (2) for 16 oz. of H20 in a large mug in the microwave for 3 mins., and then I also ordered products from bariatriceating.com... they have some potent protein drinks (3oz. fluid with 42 g protein / low carb)... I don't like these as much but they pack a great protein punch with very low or no carbs. The website has other items that I do like but they are for when you can have more than just clear liquids. I actually made up a protein shake in the blender yesterday that tasted gooood. It was one pack of the to go crystal light packs (classic orange), about 6-8 ice cubes, 1/2c of skim milk, a frozen banana, and 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder from GNC (40g protein). I think next time I will try to decrease the carb content more by trying to use kroger carbmaster plain yogurt and a pack of splenda or carbmaster vanilla yogurt instead of the banana and milk. Best of luck...

Sounds like a wonderful trick... thanks for sharing. I also have read on this site that pineapple juice will dissolve stuck things.

I have talked to a nurse anesthestist that used to work with a plastic surgeon. He said the only effective way to get rid of lower eye fat pads is plastic surgery. He said it takes about 30 mins. and costs about $2500. He said the doc makes a small incision inside the lower eyelid and pulls out the fat.

Grrrrr..... I'm hungry. I had my one week follow-up appt. today and the dietician told me it will only get worse until I get my fill (in 3 weeks). She also told me not to get discouraged if I gain a couple of pounds before my fill. Does anyone out there have any suggestions to satisfy hunger before getting the first fill? It's soooo frustrating... help.

My dietician at my MD's office gave me parameters for carb, Protein, and fat intake. She didn't give any calorie parameters. Protein 60-80 mg/day Carb 45-60 mg/day Fat <25 mg/day

Jannine, Sorry to hear about the trouble that you are having. Please don't not seek medical treatment out of feeling shame. I work with doctors all the time and doctors go into their field to help people. No doctor that I know would want you suffering in silence and possibly becoming more unhealthly in the name of being too shy to seek treatment. Even though some doctors can be a bit standoffish they really do mean us well and want us to get treatment to help us be healthy. They are aware that we are all humans with emotions that stear us off track sometimes. Please seek medical care to determine the status of your band so you can utilize it properly. This is a reachout for help that you can be proud of. Best of luck... may the force be with you.

Hi Maribelle, Sorry to hear that you are having pain problems. I took the liquid Loratab that Dr. Curry gave me every 4 hours beginning just after surgery on Tues. until I slowly got better with my pain and everntually ran out of it. I also started taking Aleve as soon as I got home from the surgery and am continuing to take it every 12 hours. My pain has been tolerable so I am not limited in my activity except not lifting over 20 lbs. as our pre-op instructions. I do experience some sharp pains at times, when I move certain ways... like bending over or twisting. These pains occur occasionally where my left side puncture site is but mainly where my biggest puncture site is, in the middle upper abdomen. I remember asking Dr. Curry how people did with pain post-op and he said everyone is different... some people don't use their prescription meds at all and some people need 2 refills. I suggest if you are continuing to feel pain that keeps you from normal activity I would take my meds scheduled every 4 hours and Aleve every 12 hours and then gradually stop the 4 hour med as you can tolerate... that is what worked for me and is what Jeff (the nurse anesthesist) recommended to me. I wish you the best and hope that this difficult time passes quickly for you.

Welcome... I am also new to this site and have found alot of interesting posts. There seems to be a vast amt. of knowledge here. Sometimes it's comforting to just read and know that so many other people are struggling through the same thing. I don't have any doubts that I can use this site as a resource, if needed, for any questions or concerns that arise. I wish you well with your journey.

Welcome Joy. I just joined this site yesterday and have really enjoyed both writing and reading here. My band is scheduled day after tomorrow... yippee. Best of luck.

Hi Katie, Sorry to hear about your headaches. I am currently doing the medifast as well, certainly not my idea of a good time. I have had a couple of headaches for which I take... 2 excedrin and 1 advil sinus... it works like a charm. This regimen has also worked for me in the past for migraines. I highly recommend it to anyone that is having headache problems. You can actually take 2 advil sinus if needed, instead of just 1. I wish you well. Anna

I am having a band placed in 2 days. I wasn't a candidate for the sleeve but would have opted for the band anyway because it doesn't permanently change me physically. I think it is always important to leave myself an 'out' in life, whenever feasible. I think it helps the stress of a situation become easier to tolerate and, in the end, results in better success. Also, I am a nurse in surgery. The thought of altering my body's organs, when there is an alternate option that is effective, just seems to be a bit creepy and an unneeded hazard for other complications. I'd say start with the least invasive and then if for some reason it doesn't give the needed results go for the next least invasive.. i.e. the sleeve. I wish you well with whichever procedure you decide to have. 208.5/203.5/135 Anna

Well, I have finally gotten to a lap band just around the corner. I have my surgery scheduled on 8-26-08. I am a bit nervous, as well as excited. I have been consuming Medifast for the past 5 days and have 2 more days to go... I've had just about enough reconstituted powder 'food' to last a lifetime :smile:. Of course I've had all the sugar-free popsicles, chicken broth, and flavored water that a girl could dream of.... oh boy :biggrin:. So, just as the dietician said, I AM looking forward to pureed food :thumbup:. I feel as though my doc's office has prepared me well with alot of pre-op education. I am seeing Dr. Trace Curry in Cincinnati. Luckily, I work in surgery, so I know what to expect :biggrin2:......and........Unluckily, I work in surgery, so I know what to expect :crying:. I have been browsing for a website to help me get through this process of losing my excess weight without the weightloss including my mind. I'm glad I have found this one and look forward to reading and writing as I go this life changing decision. I do have a question... how do you guys have those weight/BMI trackers at the bottom of your postings, I like 'em and wanna get me one :thumbup:.

Wow.... mine is scheduled at 8:30am. I expect we will see one another. My name is Anna. I'm looking forward to it more and more as each moment passes. I wish you the best and look forward to probably seeing you.