HelloPenny

Well... for anyone that had problems right at the beginning it was probably due to the pain pills. Narcotics are notorious for making people have terrible constipation. I broke my arm and had to have surgery, and I got myself into a world of trouble! If you know what I mean.... So, when I had a c-section and was taking loratab left and right... I was doubling up on the benefiber and eating some prunes. Lots of Water helps too.

This is a great place to get information and motivation. I like it a lot here so far. Welcome to the Smashing Pumpkins!

I go shopping in the Dallas Whole Foods, HEB, Central Market, and Sprouts. They all have Greek yogurt. Do they have Sprouts in Austin? LOVE LOVE LOVE Sprouts!

Welcome to the 21 club! Ditto on the excited & nervous part!

Good Luck Guys!

Thank you. I hope your appeal goes well for you too. They did say 100+ lbs and a co-morbidity. My Doctor said that Sleep Apnea was one. Which I have and Tricare dishes out $$$ every month for my CPAP and supplies.

WoW! I can't believe some people had issues with Tricare! I was approved in less than 48 hours! But, I met the 200% of ideal body weight requirement. Maybe that is why I got an approval so quickly.

WOW! Lots of people getting their surgery today!!! October 13-myturn0421; lindatatu; vandih; fabnatsdiva; msk1968; travelinsorkel; missundastood; clv811; wifepilot; longhornmom; ctoyooka; suzanna; myturn; DC Girl Good Luck Guys!

I am obsessed with Food, so much so I went to college for it! I think I am going to mourn food too. But, I am hoping that one day with the proper measures taken, that I can enjoy most things in moderation or with some serious chewing. LOL Anyway... About eating healthier. I started a healthy lifestyle back in August. I hate to call it a diet... because it is not. It's a lifestyle choice. But, let me turn you all on to "South Beach Diet" or a low glycemic index diet. It's all about healthy choices and avoiding bad carbs. (NOT NO OR LOW CARB .... BAD CARBS It has been SO easy! I mean like "Why in the world, haven't I been doing this before?" Easy! I recommend reading the book. There are also some groups on yahoo to join. This is how I will eat the rest of my life. It's not about restriction or low fat or no fat, or no carb or low carb. Just healthy, smart choices. My Mother has lost 30 lbs on it, My Father has lost 14 lbs and he is not following the diet when he is away from home. I have lost 31 lbs since August! If anyone is interested I can share recipes and what we are eating at my house. It's yummy, easy, and filling.

Do you feel OK? I have a RL friend who was banded in Mexico and she was drinking Full Liquids a few days after her banding. I think you will be OK, but you might want to make sure and call tomorrow morning and speak to your Doctor's office staff.

I feel EXACTLY the same way. I hate being home alone, because I am a closet eater! I like to eat alone and have little will power! But, I can do it! You are right about fighting and wanting this so bad, and then it's in your face and wondering how did it happen so fast?

I totally understand how you all feel. About the food. And being stalled. I have been eating really healthy for about 2 months and have lost 31 lbs. Since I started the pre-op diet I have not lost anything. I have a Culinary degree and since I am living with my parents while my Husband is deployed... I am my Mother's personal Chef. Well, My approval was really fast and my pre-op surgery snuck up on me, without even realizing it. The day before I went to the store and bought a beautiful Tri-Tip Roast. I spent like $20 on it!! Not even realizing I was not going to get to eat it! So, Guess who has the nerve to ask me to prepare the roast to be smoked today?!? AND asked me to make Whole Wheat Nut pancakes this morning?!?! I said Hell NO... to the pancakes... and asked if they all wanted some Protein shake with their coffee? But, I did prepare the roast and watched them eat it tonight! It smelled define. A few wishful pangs but I was OK with my shake and salad. Scrambled eggs about killed me the other day, though.

I don't know why I am giving this advice, as I step on my scale every time I walk past it. BUT! You could wait to weigh yourself till your post-op checkup! Then you would be super shocked and happy?! Ya the wii is crazy if you don't stand SUPER still or balanced.

I'm pretty worried about this! I was horrible when they took out my tonsils! I didn't want to drink or eat anything..so I just didn't! Which is TERRIBLE!

I had to read that twice. I thought you woke up "IN" the wet snow!! LoL

I think there is a lot of debate on coffee and tea and caffeine in general. I felt a lot better a few years ago after I read this article in Time. I dug it up for you all to read too. Green Tea, Black Coffee - TIME

Good Luck!

I use to use this one religiously... Healthy Weight Loss : Motivation, Support and Weight Loss Blogs at Extrapounds.com

Good Luck!

Sorry to high-jack the thread! LOL! But yes, he IS! I totally got the vibe he was gay. All the good ones... sigh!

We have the same Doctor! I am getting banded by Dr. Cribbins on 10/21! It is the papain enzyme! That is what is in pineapple juice (which a lot of people have recommended for when you get stuck) and meat tenderizer. Breaks stuff down! Several people have said that sleeping in a recliner helps or buying a wedge pillow for your bed. You can get wedge pillows at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Most of the time I have one of those 20% off coupons lurking around my house somewhere.

I agree! Your story is inspiring! Someone who used their band as a tool and "partnered" with it! I am expecting so very little from my band. It is going to be all me and the choices I make from here on out. YOU LOOK AMAZING! You are so beautiful. I only hope to be as successful as you are.

I know how you feel! I am overwhelmed too! I go the day before you. You've worked so hard to get to this point. Fought tooth and nail to get your approval. And, now the reality of what you have to look forward to sets in. Will I ever get to eat "xyz" again? Will I feel terrible? Will I be able to do "xyz"? Trust me Sister! I am there!! You are not alone. I just keep thinking about how this is all going to help me get to where I want to be. I want to be thin. I want to be healthy. I don't want to be a fat Mom. I don't want to impart my bad eating habits on my Daughter. I don't want my Daughter to eat bad things. I never want her to have to do this. I just keep reading the message boards and learning little bits here and there. Making a list of things to remember, things to take with me to the hospital, things to buy at the grocery store. Just trying to be as prepared for every curve they can throw me. And, as prepared as I want to be... it may not be enough. And, in the end, it will probably most definitely be JUST FINE! We are all here for you too. Best wishes.

Greek is GREAT! A little trick.... If you can't find Greek or don't like it but would like your Yoplait a little thicker. Get a large bowl and some cheese cloth. You can strain regular yogurt to be a thicker stouter version of itself!