auntbrat

Definitely the Enell bra. It's not pretty but it is awesome. I've always been well endowed and am an expert when it comes to this subject. Enell is the best.

I am in the same boat. I was gagging on all the protein drinks. Someone suggested that I get a few of the extracts to add different flavor so I got some vanilla, cherry, almond and banana. They are really helping me. Today I made a shake with vanilla Unjury, vanilla yogurt, a tiny bit of cherry extract and some skim milk and it was delicious! I bought some Syntrax Nectar in the Caribbean Cooler flavor and added sugar free pineapple juice to it and it's pretty good too. Also, someone suggested drinking them in "sippy" type cups (travel coffee mug) so you can't smell it and it makes a HUGE difference for me. I hope some of this helps. I was just banded on the 14th so I'm learning as I go along just like you.

Hi Vicky, I got banded on Tuesday too. Congratulations to you on taking this huge step! I am having a hard time getting in all the Protein my doc wants me to get. I have developed a strong dislike for most of the drinks and I can hardly drink them. I just need to force myself to do it. As for the Water, I have been able to get it in without too many problems. I still feel like a bloated whale and still having issues with gas which is very annoying. I am returning to work on Monday and I'm very nervous about it. I am afraid I won't have the strength to keep up. How long are you going to be on liquids? Brandi

Same for me. I drove 3 days after surgery and I was fine. As long as I'm not taking the narcotic painkillers, then my doc said I'm ok to drive.

Isabella hang in there! My friend told me today to keep in mind the big picture. This difficult stage is temporary. I am miserable too and feel so weak. On top of that, I have purchased every Protein drink and powder out there and all of it is grossing me out. Good for you on losing weight! Just remember you will be feeling and looking great in no time at all. I keep telling myself this is temporary. Someday I will be able to enjoy some of my favorite foods again, in moderation, but this isn't the end of all the good tasting food. Please hang in there. Let's help each other through this. Scoobydoo and Bee from Calie, I am glad your experiences were good. I would be thrilled to stay in touch via Private Messages to help each other get through this. We can do it!

I'm so glad you brought this topic up because I'm having the same issue and was getting worried too. I hope you feel better soon!

I'm glad to hear that everything has gone smoothly for everyone this month. I had my surgery on Tuesday the 14th and stayed overnight in the hospital. The main thing I'm having difficulty with is getting in all the Protein I need. I found some of the nectar stuff and am now drinking it. It is tolerable but not the greatest. I'm on liquids until I see the doc next Thursday. Anyone else having trouble with that? I'm not particularly hungry but food was my hobby and it's weird to lose that so suddenly. The bloating seems to be improving somewhat although it's still there. I am nervous about returning to work. Anyone else have that fear? I am afraid I won't be able to think clearly enough to get my job done. I guess I shouldn't worry about that now. Take it one step at a time. Thank you for listening. I wish all the April bandsters the best going through this life changing event. Take care.

I'm so excited to hear all this positive feedback and to know I'm not doing this alone. My surgery is scheduled on April 14th and I'm a nervous but happy wreck. I wish the best to all that are recovering!

April 14th:thumbup:

Thank you for all your comments. It is very helpful to know I'm not alone in this and to see ones who have this same issue who are making this a success. I'm still scared and probably always will be but I'm ready to work hard to get thru it. Take care!

I am probably going to have the surgery mid-April and I'm still struggling with the thought of losing my relationship with food. I have dealt with all the issues with my emotional eating in therapy over the past few years. I know my triggers. I know why I do it. I don't want to live this way anymore, but somehow I still feel afraid of losing it. I guess it's been such a big part of my life for so long that the thought of it being gone is scary. I know it's killing me and I know the dependence on food has been a bad thing, but it's still hard to face the fact that it will no longer be an option. Plus I am so afraid of failing! Has anyone else felt this way? If anyone has any thoughts on this, I would be very appreciative if you would share them with me.

I couldn't have said it better. It is scary to lose that comfort. I've relied on it for so long. I am a self-pay too and I'm scared it won't be enough. The reason to abstain and to not use food is to take care of myself. I am gonna have to let myself be uncomfortable and feel all the feelings I've been stuffing down with food. That is pretty terrifying just to think of that way. I feel just the way you do - so excited and yet so scared. I know we can do this - we have to for our health.

I recently bought a really good book called Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies and it really explains both procedures very thoroughly. It helps you figure out which one would best be suited for you. I highly recommend it.

Thank you so much for your comments and support. It really helps to know I'm not doing this alone. Michelle, I'm so glad to hear you're happy with your decision. I can only imagine how difficult this must be with such a tough schedule. It's encouraging to know you can do it and succeed. Laya, you're right I need to figure out a hobby now. Try something different. Let's keep in touch to get through this. Slim-n-thin, thank you for your thoughts. I think therapy is a good route to go to get through this hectic time. Footballmom, I know that it's there lurking too and it scares the heck out of me. But I figure I know that the new lifestyle will be hard but living an obese life is hard too. I just gotta prepare for the tough times the way you are. And I gotta figure out a different way to reward myself too! I appreciate the feedback from everyone and I wish you well on your journeys.

I'm right there with you. Since I am self-pay this whole process has gone incredibly fast. I've been considering it for a long time and just started all the appointments at the beginning of the month. I will probably have surgery in April. I'm so excited and scared all at once! I would love to keep in touch with everyone here as we go through this at the same stages. As Sherri said, best wishes to everyone as we get closer and closer!

Does anyone have any suggestions as far as books they have read that helped them through the whole process? I appreciate any input.

Thank you to all of you for your helpful responses!

Thank you for the suggestion. I really appreciate it.

Hi, No, the evaluation is free but I am a self-pay. My insurance says the weight loss surgery is specifically excluded from my policy. I was so upset when I heard that but I have family members who are going to pitch in and help me pay for it. The surgeon's office said that first I will go in for the evaluation then they can schedule me to meet with their nutritionist and then after that I meet the surgeon. I am sure that when I go for my evaluation or soon thereafter they will let me know when I need to pay them. I am very fortunate to have family that will help me otherwise I couldn't do this. Rangergirl, I understand what you mean about waiting for someone else to make such a big decision for you. I sure do hope they will approve you. Snowball, I'm so glad to find someone at this same stage. I think right now it's all the unknowns that have me scared. I am anxious to just get a date set for it and to find out when the pre-op diet begins.

I have my evaluation on Monday and I'm very nervous too. I can hardly concentrate at work. I am a very impatient person and I know that this is all about being patient so I'm trying to learn that. I hope all goes well with your evaluation on Tuesday. We can do this.