franny7365

I'm definitely not a big protein powder, shake, etc. fan. I can't stand slimfast, for example. But I really do like the EAS Carb Smart chocolate fudge shake - and I'm not a big chocolate fan, either. Because it is a little too rich for me, I add a half cup 1% milk and a packet of Equal to it. It's what I have for breakfast just about every day. I haven't tried their vanilla, but I've made do with the rich dark chocolate when Walmart was out of the chocolate fudge. But it's even richer.

Dr. Moran did my lap band surgery in February of this year, and I have been extremely impressed with him and his office staff. Since my surgery date a little over 4 months go, I've lost 40 pounds and he encourages me every time I see him. I actually met him 3 years ago when he was also doing general surgery in Louisburg. My dad needed emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction, and Dr. Moran was the surgeon. My dad was very high risk for any type of surgery because of severe emphysema, but you don't have a choice with a bowel obstruction. I remember the ICU nurses at Franklin Regional telling me that Dr. Moran was the surgeon they'd want if it was their dad who was sick. The surgery was successful, and Dr. Moran was competent and kind to us. My dad died a year and a half later from his emphysema, but Dr. Moran was a big part of us having that last 18 months. About a year after my dad's death, I asked my PCP in Wake Forest if she'd support me as a lap band candidate. She said she would - and imagine my surprise when she recommended Dr. Moran as the surgeon I should contact! This may sound weird, but I couldn't help thinking it was a sign. And from the beginning I had a real peace about my decision, and it was almost like a blessing from my dad, too. I'll agree that Dr. Moran might not be the most personable seeming doctor at the beginning, but he's been very kind and supportive to me - and I like him more every time I see him.

I have used the Atkins and the EAS Carb Control. I was banded 3 months ago, so only drink them occasionally now, but have completely switched to the EAS. Cheaper, more protein, less calories. I like the strawberry and the chocolate fudge. I add about 4 oz. of 1% milk and a couple of Equal packets, and it's delicious. Something about the protein drink alone was too strong for me. Good luck!!

Hi Jennifer! My birthday is also July 3 (I'll be 44 - yikes!). I had surgery on Feb. 12 and have gone from 245 to 218. Don't think I can set a goal of 175 by then, but I have told myself that getting under 200 by then would be the best birthday present ever! We've got about 9 1/2 weeks to go until then. Let's see what we can do! Frances

Hi everyone! I had my surgery on February 12, and am down about 22 pounds so far. Still not exercising yet, but that's another thread. . . . I had my second fill last week. Including the 4 ccs my doc put in at surgery, I've had a total of 2.25 more added (I have a standard AP band). Almost every time I start eating now, the first few bites seem to get stuck in my esophagus. If I wait a few minutes, it might go down - or I might have to go throw up - but that's usually more mucus than solid food (sorry for the gross visual!). Once I get over the hump, I can usually get the rest of my meal down. The problem seems to be less at night. Does this happen to anyone else? I really don't want to have to go in for an un-fill and risk losing all restriction, because I'm not likely to succeed on sheer willpower alone. I wonder if I'm just not taking small enough bites or if I'm eating those first few bites too quickly. Thanks in advance for your help!

When I got my pre-op lab results pack, my Vit D was also low. The nurse said it's like that for almost all of their female patients. Who knows if I was experiencing any symptoms? Anyway, they prescribed Vit D for 6 weeks (one pill a week), and now I'm supposed to take 2 Caltrate 600 +D every day. This is calcium and Vitamin D combined.

Hi Shane, I live in Louisburg, too. And I'm scheduled to have the lap band done by Dr. Moran next Thursday, Feb. 12. Small world, huh? He actually performed abdominal surgery on my dad at Franklin Regional a couple of years ago. Imagine my surprise when I asked my dr. who she'd recommend for a lapband and she said Joseph Moran! I'll have the surgery at Rex, which I think is the only place he does them. Good luck to you. Maybe since we're neighbors, we can keep each other out of trouble.

I'm in Louisburg (a little north of Raleigh). Assuming Blue Cross approves, Dr. Joseph Moran will be doing my surgery at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. Do you have your approval and your date set yet? Frances

Thanks, Jodi. It looks like you've done really well. Can you tell me what your experience has been? When you got banded, how your weight loss has progressed, your biggest challenges, etc? I'm not sure if I'll have a pre-op diet - it's the post-op diet I'm most worried about! Frances

Hi everyone! I've gone through all the appointments, etc. and my lapband paperwork is being submitted to my insurance company today. Should have their answer within a week, and my surgery is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 12! I'm excited and worried all at the same time. I'm 43 yo, been overweight most of my life, and finally want to invest in ME for better health, self-confidence, etc. I'm a little worried because I know it's still going to be hard to resist overeating - and the first 2 weeks of liquids don't appeal to me too much. But I think I can do it, especially if I use forums like this for moral support.