mandyfsc

Hi guys! Happy HUMP day! Updates: My pre-op diet is going well. Not too hungry until nighttime- which is when I was doing my overeating! So my fix to that is- GO TO BED! I bought a bunch of fun new gear to get me excited about my exercise program. I bought the Shape-Up shoes by Sketchers and will start walking daily in those. I also bought some fun Wii games- I kinda over bought..... hehehe.... I'm gonna try them all out over the next few days and see what's best. I jumped on the scale this morning- I wanted to wait, but I have ZERO patience. I weighed 224. That would put me down by 6 pounds in only about 2-3 days. I'm sure that's all Water weight. But it's still nice to see. Regadless of water weight or not, it's always a good feeling to see the scale go DOWN, not UP!

Thanks for your input! That's so encouraging to here. I went with Dr Ariel Ortiz. I read about him for months and months before I made my decision. I am getting very excited. Who did yours? So you've lost 15 lbs so far? Great! That's wonderful. Keep up the great work!

Hey Celia! Thanks for it tip! I'm making a list of all the things I'll be needing. That certainly helps. I never would have thought of the chapstick and lotion...

Welcome Cowgirl! Congrats on a successful surgery. Thanks for the tip on the Gas-X. Anything else you can think of?? Since I'm traveling for surgery, I want to make sure I have EVERYTHING I need. Any tips??

HI EVERYONE! I am a fellow January Bandster and have a huge favor to ask. I've been posting for several weeks on this thread and am so excited to go through this journey with you. However.... I am being banded January 15th in Tijuana, MX. I am 28 and 230 starting with a goal of 130. I know it is frowned upon, but as of now, I have decided not to tell anyone about this surgery. Because of that, I was wondering if there would be someone who would be willing to check on my throughout the travel and surgical process. I know we are pretty anonymous right now but I'd really appreciate it so I can have a little piece on mind. I promise to eventually tell my sister but I'm just worried she will be upset with me so I want to tell her afterward. Is there anyone willing to swap numbers and actually TALK and promise to stay in touch with me throughout the process? Yes, I will be in Mexico, but I will have my cell phone so it won't cost YOU anything, just me. Any takers??

I literally haven't told a single person. And my surgery is scheduled for January 15th. And it's going to be in Tijuana, MX. So I really should tell someone as a "just in case." But I'm a super secretive person when it comes to my weight. I can talk about anything, ANYTHING with my best friend. But I could never tell her this. I know I need to tell someone. And I will. I just don't know who, or when. I plan on going to support groups and possibly telling people afterward once i see success. But I'm just worried about the judgment ahead of time. Is that silly??

HELLO! I'm super excited for us!! It's coming up sooo fast! I am using the pre-made ones. I didn't know which to choose so I bought Walmart brand in the plastic container and the Special K ones in the plastic container to see what i like better. My doc just said to keep it 225 cal or less. I noticed after I bought Walmart ones that those are 250 but the Special K is only 190 so I will just drink one of each per day. I wanted the pre-made because I think if I made my own I would end up going over the 225. I was a slacker and was supposed to start on the 2nd but I started on the 4th (yesterday) I am actually surprised that I'm not real hungry. I'm suffering more of the "head hunger" than anything else. How are you feeling? I also just bought a Wii Balance Board and several different fitness games. I should be receiving them by mail tomorrow. I'm excited to start a fitness routine as well. From what I've read, that is a HUGE part of your success.

Hi guys! I am scheduled for my surgery on the 15th but no one replied to my post, so may I join yours?? :smile2: I started my pre-op diet yesterday. And I can't believe how great I feel. The SLIGHT hunger pains are nothing compared to how crappy I would feel previously when I overate. It's crazy what we do to our bodies. I am learning to ignore the "head hunger" which previously ruled my life. Here's my pre-op diet: I am drinking a Protein shake for Breakfast and dinner and a lean cuisine for lunch. I can have a green salad with only the spray dressing if I get hungry and a SF popsicle for dessert. I had the salad yesterday but didn't even need the popsicle. My shakes are pretty yummy and satisfy my need for "sweet." I am having surgery in Tijuana, MX. Anyone else going there? Have you all stocked up on clear broths yet? I am going out today to do that...

Oh my goodness! Well I just read your whole thread and am glad to see a happy result. I'm worried I will have the same problem that you faced. I am having my surgery in Tijuana, MX Jan 15th and he gives fills/aftercare for free, but the cost to fly would be more than if I paid a local doctor. I am looking for an aftercare physician in my area that has unlimited fills/visits. How did you find yours? Thanks!

Any suggestions on protein shakes? Since I'm going to be mainly running on shakes for 2 weeks, I want the best ones. Any suggestions?? Thanks!

Wow! That's a really rough pre-op diet! I'm getting ready to start mine January 1st- no coincidence there.... I wanted my last Christmas holiday including left overs! Anyway, I'm trying to psych myself up. But mine is not strictly liquids. I am to have a protein shake for breakfast and one for lunch and a lean cuisine for dinner. If I get hungry I can have salad greens (no dressing) and/or a sugar free popsicle. Good luck on that liquid pre-op diet. Try to keep to it as much as possible- but if you slip up, don't beat yourself up. One thing I know for sure is that (me personally) if I slipped up on a diet, I would basically just say "well this day is shot" and eat what I wanted and constantly say "I'll make up for it tomorrow." Be stronger than that! You can do it!! On that note.... anyone on a pre-op diet similar to mine??? I'd like some suggestions on protein shakes. I've never been a big fan and there are tons of options so any suggestions would be awesome. Thanks!

CONFESSION- My newest guilty pleasure is online "window shopping" for the clothes I will be buying when I start to lose. I know this is jumping the gun, but it is super exciting to think that 2010 will be the year I can finally wear that silky sexy backless dress from Victoria's Secret. Anyone else have a guilty pleasure they want to confess?? Vacation to plan, Sport to play, Swimsuit to wear, guy/girl to ask out, anyone else?? I'd love to hear it!

I'm unfortunately going to be self-pay for my surgery. I'm basically maxing out the good 'ol credit cards. I'm OK with that because I think it's a worthy reason. BUT I'm worried about fill costs. I live in Charlotte, NC and am wondering if anyone has an idea of what a typical fill costs. In my area or not. I'm having my surgery in Tijuana, MX so I obviously can't continue to go back and forth for the fills. Any tips would be awesome, thanks! And also, how often do people typically need fills. Monthly, Quarterly? How would I know??

That obviously sounds awesome, but do those doctors accept outside patients? I would imagine that deals like that are only for patients who used that same doctor, right?? What about outside patients?

Thanks for the help, guys. I keep seeing prices of around $300 and I think that is ridiculous! I'd like to find an unlimited plan that is reasonable.... maybe that's asking too much. I'll keep looking around. Thanks for the info!

Where are you getting your fills? Where is your Dr located?

Well my surgery is exactly one month from today. January 15th. And I couldn't be more excited! In one month I will be sitting by the pool, relaxing, sipping clear broths and recovering and getting ready for the beginning of a new life. I've been waiting so long for this.

BRIDESMAID TERRORS! So I am super excited because one of my best friends just asked me to be in her wedding! I'm so excited and honored. However, as any fat girl knows.... I am TERRIFIED of the dress. I doubt they make this gorgeous fancy dress is a size 18. And even if they did, I'd be too embarrassed to let my friend's know that's the size I needed. Anyway, the wedding is in June. I'm hoping to drop as much as possible by then. Even if I can get into a 12, I'll be thrilled! Think that's possible?? The other girls in the wedding and the bride are all a size 4 AT THE MOST, so I'm kinda stressed about it. But it is certainly a great goal.

Arthukd & Anul - Sounds like we have the same struggles. Drink a little too much and get the munchies at night. And I'm getting banded the same weekend as you. Can't wait to see how well we do together. What are your stats again? Start & goal weight?? I'm 230/130. You?

Come join us on the January 2010 thread! We are all in this together. From the beginning and through our successes. Find the thread and read read read. :eek: Welcome.

Hello! I had tons of questions also. I am self pay too so the Mexico thing was looking better and better. You must do tons and tons of research. I decided on Dr Ortiz in Tijuana Mexico at the Obesity Control Center. The only complaint I found was that the driver that picked her up drove like a crazy person. I can handle that. :eek: Anyway, he gave me several different doctors in my area for fills. He was adamant that if I have any concerns or questions to call him though. He said that if/when there are complications there are many signs before it gets serious. But should I have an emergency, he gave me doctors in my area also. Anyway, as long as you get all your questions answered before hand and have a plan for once you get back, go for it. I couldn't be more sure about my decision and I am super excited!

HI JILL! I'm using Dr Ortiz too! I am scheduled for the weekend after you though. How great would it be to do it at the same time?!?! I can't wait to hear ALL about it! I'm super excited for you! :thumbup:

I am sooo excited for you! I am also having surgery in Mexico. Who is your surgeon? I can't wait to hear all about it. Good luck!

NEW SURVEY: Since this is such a huge life change for all of us, tell me... what is the 1st thing you want to do when you reach your goal weight?? I'll start- I'm 28 and have never been on a cruise because I'm terrified to spend that much time in a bathing suit in public. When I hit my goal weight I would LOVE to go on a Mediteranean cruise in a cute bathing suit as my reward for hitting my goal weight. Now your turn...