NYSparklegirl

Hi Good luck tomorrow...Im also being banded tomorrow at 7AM.

Finding me..so glad you found a solution after going through the whole process and to be stuck at the end...I was going to suggest you check out Mexico as a last resort.....their are alot of people who have been having their surgeries there and they have had alot of success...however..you dont need that anylonger and March 25th is right around the corner! So happy for you! well...Ive been so buisy getting ready for surgery tomorrow that Ive been reading all the posts but havent had time to post myself! To all those who had surgery last week......im so glad things went well and you are all feeling good!!! YOu GUYS ARE GREAT!!! Thanks for all the updates...its been really helpful for me.....so thank you. You guys have made me alot less nurvous relaying your experiences. Ive spent the week getting all my bills and paperwork in order. Buying everything that I need for the post-surgery diet and stacking the fridge and cupboards so that I wont have to go shopping for the house any time soon. This weekend.....I spent one day.....getting waxed, haircut, highlights, manicure/ped. All the things that needed to get done that I never have time for and do them in dribs and crabs....but did it all in what I called the marathon beuty day! Cant go to the hospital with hairy legs!! (or anything else) Ill be exposed in who knows what way during surgery lol Today....im getting my bag together dropping off paperwork...going to bed bath beyond....for the "Bullet" and filling my scripts that wil be needed post surgery...... worst..thing I think I have a cold...or my allegies are really bothering me!!! Like alot. Crossing my fingers!!! well....just wanted to say to all those who had surgery last week....glad you are all doing well.....and for those who are having surgery along with me this week...... Good Luck and my prayers and thoughts are with all of you! Jodi

Thank you all for your wishes!!!! Yes. Tomorrow is the day.... Today...I need to still do a few things. Like.... buy some SF ice pops lol (far as food goes) Drop off all owed paperwork...there was so much! Buy the bullet at Bed Bath Beyond..that everyone has given me their 20% coupons for....(20 at least) Get a small bag together with everything I need for the hospital. Must put my clothes away that are sitting on a chair in my room....Cant leave that for Mom or she will start organizing drawers and closets while im in the hospital overnight. lol Shop for the week for Dassi...poor thing thinks shes going to be drinking those protein shakes as their is nothing in the fridge or cupboards. oh and to top everything off.....I might have a slight cold or allergies?? not sure what it is but hoping its gone by tomorrow. I hope everyone is well..... again Karen....Im so sorry for your loss. Talk to you guys after surgery!!! Wednesday or Thursday!!!!

Karen, May you be comforted with prayers and friends at this time. Im so sorry for your loss. Hugs and kisses to you and your whole family.

Hi all...just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello. Ive been spending all week getting ready for my surgery on Tuesday! yea, thanks for all the posts remembering and having me in their thoughts much appreciated. Im pretty well prepared I guess...have everything I need...I guess. Have all the nec. arrangements..I guess. and by this time....well if I dont .....too bad...I guess....lol As my daughter was at my moms this shabbos....it gave me some time to get me ready for surgery...after all Ive spent last two weeks making sure the daughter, the house and the bills paid..and the will reviewed, the pre/post diet ready and what is left was..... time for "me" to get ready.... meaning who wants to operate on a hairy woman?? sooo I had the works done. lol Waxing, Waxing and Waxing! Legs, bikini, underarms, eyebrows, lip and chin. lol Hair....highlited and cut and mani/pedi I spent a fortune!!!! and god is going strike me soon as I did all this on shabbat. but.,,,I really couldnt see doing it any other time...I think hel understand. I rested while it was all being done?? (jewish guilt 101) Preop testing was complete and med clearance....done! And guess what??? NOO BLOOD GAS!!!! They were like wha??? Blood GAS...no not here! The lab work and that was all good...and then the patient education class was really helpful This class. was a three hour class explaining every step of the hospital process..from the pre-op to when you leave.....without leaving a detail out. From what would happen, how we would feel etc etc etc. VERY HELPFUL...not scared any longer. (well a little less) Good to know that ill have a morphine drip..self innitiated for 28 hours if needed. lol In any case....just wanted to give an update...its been a while..but been sooo busy. Hope everyone is well and doing good.... Have a good night and good weekend!

Stevie...I hope that your husband will surpise you then by having the house cleaned? lol Glad you had a great day regardless. Yes...March here we are....good luck on Tuesday all you March 2nd Bandsters!! FindingMe....thats great that your daughter made the team and good luck on the preop diet! Welcome "IwillSucceed" keep us posted and good luck!! Okay.....so the weekend is over....for me anyways...tomorrow there is a carnival all day at school but I dont have to be there yea!! Today..was actually alot of fun. We ran around giving and receiving but I have to say....the choc covered friut...the bestest idea...lol. Everyone loved it. Im glad... The partys and dinner was really nice....and it just so happened that at dinner.....at our table...which was a family and Dassi and myself.....sat down this man.....who was single and good looking and well...I guess my age range...and he was very nice!!! Unfortunately he left before the end of the dinner....but it was nice to meet someone new for a change...Im just wondering why that happened is this a sign...to say...you know...your on your way to a new you....maybe its time to start socializing and meeting some new people. Who knows. In any case..I have a new question. Shooting it out hoping someone can tell me the diff and if there is any or not!!! lol Ive been researching the protein shakes, drinks, shots and powders oh and isolates. Stevie...Ive checked out the site that you suggested and there were several others that sounded really good. There are several different types of protein...however on most of the sites that Ive veiwed they offer "WHEY" protein. I remembered that when my daughter was a baby..the sensory O.T recommended that we give her "RICE" protein. so....when looking at the differences...I find that there are several different sources. "WHEY" from Dairy...."SOY" vegetarian, "EGG", and "RICE". "Whey being the most popular and should not be in concentrate. SO... Question one....is the recommended popular...being "WHEY" because its the most easily digested? Question two....does it matter whether its "WHEY" or "RICE" as "RICE" seems to me the best second choice as to quality and nutritionally and most available....Ive never seen "egg" and "SOY" seems problamatic these days as far as genetically engeneered seeds and the Increase on hormones causing poss cancer in woman. So was wondering what the difference is and does it make a difference and why?? Do I really need this....does everyone supplement with all the above...and what about the Vitamins?? Ive been looking at the differences between the vitamins that I have...which are high quality so I think...and the vitamins from all these sites...do they really make a difference and if I dont use the brands for bariatric patients...will I really loose my hair?? etc etc? oy......Im stuck on the "Stuff" I see....but want to be as prepared as possible for after surgery. I dont want to go out and start looking and researching after the fact...not a good thing...Also as I wont be able to send someone out to go and do this for me...except me...so might as well do it this week. Its funny....my freinds..are concerned with my preperation of me....before surgery as I might never again be able to go out.;....lol like making sure to get a hair cut, manicure/pedicure, haircut, waxing done....highlights//etc etc and im like whattt?????? do you think I care about all the above?? who is going to see me???? I cant just shave??? whats wrong with my hair? I cant have nail polish. I have enough PJs and they will be clean. Im thinking...of foods for me....and food prep for Dassi and setting up the cleaning girl, the dog walker, who is going to take Dassi to the bus off the bus and to all her activities and help her do homework? all the above?? Did I ever have time for those luxuries ever???? lol Im allready thinking I best start going shopping for passover. I dont even have time to shower for more then 10 min. at a time...I think..maybe Ill allow myself a few more min for a quick shave....the night before and Ill be READY! well....okay enough....its late and tomorrow is another day for preperation. Thanks so much for all of your input and responses....I truly believe its because of you all....that I will be prepared...and not worried and...in the end successful. Of course you all might need prozac at the end of the next two weeks but....I thank you in advance...(silly me) Have a great night all.. and a wonderful week!!! Jodi

crzytchr; You are a saint. I would have said...uh no. no no no. Yes, It is so stressful for the whole class to get a new student at any time no matter what their individual concerns might be. It disrupts the whole routine of the day and the environment of the classroom itself...until everyone adjusts its stressfull for students and teachers! You seem to be doing all that you can given the situation and are fully aware of the difficulties for all invovled this..in itself is a gift. Sometimes I see teachers...havent got a clue as to what is going on in their classrooms, with themselves, the students and the environment that is created by both. Each child ads a different dynamic and to have a new child in March?? wow thats got to be tough...and a child who is emotionally challenged well...that is even tougher on Autistic children esp...as it is hard for them to navigate through any environment ..and this being a so called emotionally insecure child sets them off in ways that are uninmanigable and soo unmanagaeble, so unfair for you and your partner teacher. This is why I dont work in the classroom anymore...you know what they say....those who cant teach direct? thats me..and proud of it...have done my 15 yrs with both emotionally disturbed and autistic population. Burned out after 10. So, I dont know how you do it!!! Hugs and kisses...and lots of support> I hope they give you lots of support and frequent breaks to regroup through the day. I used to go into the sensory gym to decompress. lol I needed that input as well after a few hours. um...if all else fails theres always prozac...lol that is a standard joke amongst NY special ed teachers. When I thought seriously about the possibility ...I knew it was time to get out the classroom. What really urks me is the "inclusion" class. How it has become a dumping ground in some casses....where as in what youve described...no where else left to put a child...and so you have a class with all different classifications grouped together. It takes a very special teacher and human being to be able to handle the emotional stress and the management of such special needs of these special needs students. You must be one of these special ones!!!! Take pride in what you do and know that you are making a difference in the lives of a child. you so deserve it. Good luck with all your students...and hopefully one day this boy will come back and say....because of you I became.........someone who believed I can be and do whatever it is I wanted and I did both! Jodi

well...that would be great however...I need to have an OU on it. Im looking at all the different ones now..and gosh..hardly anyone has...lol what a pain..worse comes to worse...Ill have my own blender. Havent heard of Benprotein as of yet. Let me know if it does...have that symbol. Thanks....

Hi all.....Hi Megg..Welcome to the thread...Keep us posted with your journey...Good Luck.... Well.....its been an interesting weekend all.....Been reading and reserching all the information that you all have given me and well.....Ive learned some more things. I decided yesturday to make chicken soup for shabbat dinner.....but made a big vat with lots of vegggies and chicken..after we ate about two bowls each lol took out all the veggies and the chicken seperately...after shabbat blended them each seperately...put them in a freezer snack bags and Im ready for blended foods stage ala chicken and veggies. I blended some together to have protein as well in each. As for the Soup...that proved to be slightely harder! lol I needed to cool it down...then I skimmed it tonight....but its not clear....sooo want to clear it so Ill have to do that tomorrow as I never cleared a soup before...however my "Settlement cookbook" tells you exactly how to do this!! Whod have thought that an egg shell can do all this! This week I will make a beef and vegetable broth the same way as above so I will be set with at least liquids for the first week. Monday I will go to the Health food market and Trader Joes..to check out the Protein powders, drinks, and shakes...and compare to the sites that you also have all suggested and get a few diff samples and see which I like best....fun...lol. Meanwhile...the marathon holiday weekend will be continuing.....Today we went to synaguage...havent really gone for the longest time due to the inclement weather lol..(I sound like the school closing site....due to inclement weather school will be closed today. Ive heard that one to many times this year.....but I digress). anyways...havent gone as the weather every sat....was so bad and we have to walk. Today....wasnt too bad and its one of those days where we are recquired to hear the torah reading for the week...there are three such saturdays in the year...two are in winter...why??? I ask??? why??? of course If I lived elsewhere and it was middle of summer id ask the same. After services....the youth group was having their yearly lunch with the Rabbi and his wife..and the youth leaders. This is where they tell stories, sing and eat. So..we had to go to services regardless as she very much wanted to go to this lunch with her friends....so yea..me I got to sleep for an hour and read for an hour?? wow that was nice. Needed it as after I had to pick her up and found the after party was at our house....hmmgrh. so much for resting. lol Tonight was so much fun...it is Purim....that holiday for kids. and so Dassi and I...as I will always be a kid....dressed up...she as Medussa...and me...well I put on a bandana, dungaree skirt and jacket....and a few beaded necklaces and wallah....60's costume for me.... We went to two parties and one carnival...after hearing the Story of Esther....that was fun.. all the kids are dressed up in their costumes...of course I thing Dassis was best..but im biased...of course. Tommorrow,....we are going to a party at the Rabbi from my daughters school. That should be interesting. hmm. After we hear the story of Esther for the second time..not really sure why we need to hear it twice.. but we do and then....after its party time where we go to the Rabbi...and then deliver our edible arrangements...treats and then we will go to dinner at one of the big synaguages....to eat a big meal...and Im calling it my last meal! I hope I get through the day.....Allready my daughters complaining about her costume...the hem fell....the headress is hurting....the shoes are to tight...this ones better etc etc etc....by the end of the day...shel be in reg clothes...and ya know what?? who cares! As long as everyone is having fun. So.....I must get some rest..its allready Two AM and need to wake early. Hah Have a great weekend all Jodi

Good evening all...hope you are all having a great day...It seems like everyone is busy this weekend....Hope everyone is well! Laura, Glad to hear the party was a success for those who came...dont ya just hate those who dont come after RSVPing yes....you are too good..id have gone and called them right then and there..tracked them all down....and said...well we are waiting!!! Just plain rude. (things cost money today...not to mention our emotional expense) Glad you guys had a great time regardless!!! The pics were great..sounds to me like a perfect party. Good luck with your parents tomorrow.

Hi. just wanted to touch base before the busy weekend. Hi. CJPOI, Browneyes, and Countrychick... Welcome glad to see all the posts. Good luck and keep us posted with your journeys. Whitney..so sorry to hear about your ankle that really sucks...but maybe by next week if you can stay off it ...it will get better. Eileen. Hi. I also have a CPAP machine that I was given six weeks ago. I deal with it everynight as well. Its okay. Im learning to deal, not loving it but its part of this whole process so...im doing it all the way. I will have to bring my mask to the surgery as well...as it is overnight stay. At first I was really bummed out about it but now..well whatever...hopefully we will both not need it much longer after we have the surgery. Stevie...im feeling soo old. lol I was trying to figure out what BC meant for the longest moment...then it hit me. at 44 and no husband or bf at this time..I guess the doctors didnt even ask as I didnt list BC as a medication on the "what meds are you taking list" Glad to see that there are people still having sex however...lol The ring thingys...that totally lost on me...so wont even ask but I hope you guys get what you are looking for to keep the holes open during surgery. I grew up in Bayside Queens. The girl Stevie that I heard of was my friend Karens.BFF when we were like 12. lol I remembered it then and thought that...I would really like that if I ever have a girl for a child. Unfortunately my Husband at the time.....his mother passed away 8 months before my daughter was born..and well she was going to be a "Hadassah" whether I liked it or not...as that is what his mothers name was....Lucky I was able to make it short...to Dassi which was at least cute to me and tollerable...funny thing however...the name has grown and I love it as much as I love her. Well have a great weekend all.... those on the east coast stay dry and warm!!! Jodi

Hey guys. I found this post really helpful from Indigo girl in the support thread. Im reposting it for all to see...as she answered some questions about the post-diet. Clear liquids - just that - chick broth (home made is the best - so make a batch pre-surgery - freeze it) sf popsicles - juice low sugar - preferably sf - flavor sf jello - and I am not sure what else - I didn't have to to clear liquids one I got home from the hospital Full liquids include clear liquids and - cream soups (again homemade the best - I would make a pot of beans - scoop the beans out - pureed them added them back to the bean broth - cream of bean soup)- sf/low fat yogurt (dannon lite in fit or yoplia sf - or some greek yogurt flagu or something like that - i have never found it) - sf fudgesicles - protein shakes- sf jello flavored not plain ;0) - sf puddings Mushie/Pureed - Refried bean - oatmeal (weight control as it has more pt and less sugar) - cream of wheat - scrambled eggs - anything pureed - baby food ;0) - well baby food fruit is ok plum & peaches Soft - anythng you can cut with a fork Regular There is a food thread on the home page which will give you ideas My doc said 60 grms pt - 1 oz of meat = 7 grms of pt (rule of thumb 64 oz of liquid Banders don't dump - that's bypass Slime - when food gets stuck your body produces thick saliva to try and get food to go down - and it will bubble back up and come out your mouth.. PB - productive burp - when you get stuck - food doesn't go down - you will bring it back up - it's not like throwing up - no stomach acid - like a burp with food - but really it's a little more but not as bad as throwing up Stuck feels like a golf ball in your chest/stomach - its uncomfortable - no it's not like a stomach virus at all for me once it comes up I am find Protein - Bariatric Choice is a site where I get my protein supplements & vitamins (LAP-BAND®) they sell Proti which is what my doc office sells - it's really a matter of personal taste and I don't know the diff between whey & soya or egg white (jay robb makes a good one like i said) to me it's all the same - but i'm not super technical on things like that.. They also have the clear liquid protein crystal lite drinks - I love the grape & peach mango - and tropical fruit.. When you go to your pre op visit your doc should cover all these things with you- I got a 3 ring binder with my diet for each stage and list of foods. The rule is low fat - sugar free - high protein - limited carbs eat slowly - chew very well and tiny bite (eraser size) I basically follow a WW type eating plan - I can't do atkins - I have to have some starches - and veggies and fruit - I consider all those things (veggie & fruit) as healthy.. when I say carbs - I really am refering to starches (white) Ok that's a quick version - you other banders - please put your 2 cents in cuz it's be 2 yr 7months since I was banded - I forget things that I did in the beginning. Oh ya - what I think is the most important - logging your food - counting calories & pt grams - .. Well it's 10 - I gotta hit the hay - will chat w/you all in the a.m. before I leave

This has been so helpful. I really appreciate the in depth details and the time that you spent to rehash all the above even when you are wayyyy past this stage!!! One thing however what is SF??? lol Some flavoring? NF im assuming is no flavoring? hmm. trying to figure this out. Im reading Becks diet solution now as well. I can do proteins and im a happy camper..and weve all but cut out the "whites" in what we make at home by this time anyways.. SF?? some flavoring? whats could be the diff with some or flavored. lol This is gonna have me wondering all darn day! (obsessive can you tell? lol) I hope your right about the 3 ring binder and all the food stages listed. I think I might be in liquids straight away as well....not clear...at the second consult they did say liquids and then to blended and on when feel ready...no prescribed time table for anything just...clear liquid the day before. so we shall see this Thursday. Thank you thank you, thank you....

Oh you are going to have a fabulous time!! You are going to some of my favorite places. I once spent a week camping in a tent off off the Kineret in Tiberias. Overlooking the galilee. I loved to go there..and just chill...whenever I needed to rethink. The Northern part of Israel has so much beuty and history. I have a request actually. Since you are going to be in Jerusalem next week and my pre.surgery is on Thursday and Tuesday is the surgery....can I ask if you can say a prayer or put a note in the Western Wall for me and all of us who are being or have been banded?? That we should all be safe, successful and healthy? If you have time...and are there but please dont go out of your way or disrupt the routine and trip if you cant.... Thanks for all the tips...for liquid Im going to check out GNC today....when I get the courage to face the after storm! lol Have a safe trip.....a great weekend.

Wow you must be so excited! Yes. you are right if you leave Sunday and you get there Monday it will be over...but...Im sure there will still be partying as Jerusalem and Tsfat are walled cities they celebrate Purim on two days so you might see the kids all dressed up still. You are going to love Jerusalem. The church where Jesus was said to have had the last supper...the church of the holy seplica I believe? Im not sure of the name..but the biblical holy church on the old city is a very special and beutiful church. Actually all the churches are really beutiful as they are very old and have such deep roots. I stayed in the old city between the christian and armenian quarters one summer and learned about the all the beutiful biblical sites and went on several tours of where Jesus lived and walked. Bethlehem and Tiberias were my favorite places...You arent going there to the North at all?? The dead sea of course...dont forget to bring back lots of mudd and any cuts or scrapes...forget about the water. No shaving before is right!! Well you have an amazing meaningful trip!!! go and come back safely!!

Guess what??? I got moved up. March 9th!! Someone cancelled or didnt get clearance but got the phone call today that the insurance approved me totally and if I want to move my date up to the 9th I can...and boy do I ever!! Ive told you all that how many times??? lol so..now im a March 9th bandsters....Yea!! Laura, I love these ideas this sounds so romantic and just so English? Thanks for sharing ..when I have a garden I will be a calling! Laura, I agree that your parents probably will be so happy to be with you guys for the vacation and bday party they wont even notice the little one thing is out of place. I do understand how you feel. You want it all to be perfect. Just remember to take care of you as well its so easy to get lost for a week or so and so hard to get back to yourself after... [ QUOTE=Apples2;1422299]Jodi...love your interesting posts! You are too funny...you must be having such a great time!!! How exciting...I was in Vancouver back about 15 years ago..it is such a gorgeous place. I had friends who I lived with in Israel from there and I went to visit them several times...even was engaged for about um a month to someone who lived there lol, that didnt last long. I ate at this fabulous Sushi place as Vancouver apparently has the best sushi....I guess from the seas there...and the Salmon. that was the best Sushi I ever had in my life. I had my favorite raw quail egg on top of salmon roe sushi. Sounds not so good but the salt of the salmon roe and the sweetness of the qual egg....um yuuuumy now whenver I go for sushi...I have to have one. You have to have sushi there have you? I guess after next week I wont be having that any longer or it will be a long long time till then! It will be worth not having it any longer. Well you have a great time and enjoy the rest of the vacation. Cheri...Ouch, how horrid for you. Im so sorry about the fall. I hope you are feeling better....Iowas...oh I remember them. Ive administered evals for the BOE for the longest time...Its been such a long time since I heard of that test! Now I just use the Brigance and the HELP lol. SOOO much easier. Feel better. Take it easy. Joyce, Im so excited for you...sounds like you are doing great!! keep up the good work...of recouping!!!

Guess what??? I got moved up. March 9th!! Someone cancelled or didnt get clearance but got the phone call today rhat the insurance approved me allready and if I want to move my date up to the 9th I can...and boy did I ever!! so..now im a March 9th bandsters....Yea! Hey Jodi, My name is Stevie by the way. You dont have to write StevieVieth. Just call me stevie. I am excited but the weather however has me all arggg. Its snowing this morning and I am not the person to be driving in the snow. But I have to make my appt at the hosp. im not sure about everything with boot camp. Where in Ny are you? My sister lives in Staten Island and she didnt have to do the whole pre admissions testing at the hospital. Well off I go. Ill update when I get back~ Stevie thats great!!! SIm so excited for you about the surgery on the March 2nd and you are good to go!! You must be so relieved. Do you have to stay over night at all or are you going outpatient? I am staying one night..protocol. So, now you can get on with planning for your first weeks. My mother god bless her....she went out and bought me five days worth of new PJS and socks...lol of course it was appreciated as I really needed them in any case. I had a friend once who who had a friend named Stevie she was a girl as well. I always really liked that name. Im not really sure why I had to go through the hoops. Not sure wether it is the surgeons, hospitals or insurance company. Nobody seems to know lol but no one has the exact same protocol no matter what city or state they live in. Im just hoping for no blood gas~! That scared me more then the surgery itself! You said your sister lives in SI? Are you from NY orriginally? Im in Cedarhurst LI. I work in Brooklyn. OMG...me too...in fact I gained 5 llbs. in the last month..because its all about that last hoorah? I dont think I ate so much or anything additional..however I guess that psychologically its easy to think like this. I think that if I was on supervised diet for a certain amount of time before surgery and demonstrate some weight loss or noooo surgery...then maybe I would have..but I didnt need to be on any pre-surgery diet at all. The day before needs to be liquid and thats it. so...I guess...itl take a little longer but Im ready for it and I know afterwards...thats it!! lol So you arent the only one...and im sure there are others who feel the same. Well hope all is well with everyone. Would love to know what everyone is doing to get ready for their surgery and the first week afterwhich. Are people buying containers of broth or making their own and if they are buying how much sodium is considered okay per serving:? If I make broth on my own..the chances of sodium and fat is higher for sure lol so, clear liquids such as apple juice..low sugar and cranberry juice I was told..but that doesnt sound like it will feel good after another endoscopy and skin milk and clear jello. hmmm that and broth and hot water with hmm what? any other ideas that people have heard? would love to start buying a few staples for the week. any suggestions will be welcomed. Have a great night! Jodi

HI ALL, Hope everyone is doing well. My week isnt slowing down any but..such as the story of my life. lol My daughter....she is a trouper however... if she has even the slightest bit of pain..well then she isnt going to school. So, for the last three days shes been home..meaning ive been home with her until today. I had to go to work. So, Grandma to the rescue. It was good....I got "out" and she got to be with Grandma what can be better....School?? Tomorrow she is going....thats it. Shes got to go to school. She isnt in pain anymore. I will not feel guilty, I will not feel guilty, I wil not, I will not. Since this week isnt working out like I planned...I actually came to some conclusions. One....I am not going to bake for Purim which is this sunday and Im not going to buy all sorts of stuff to make baskets...because If I do all the above..I will eat as I do....and my daughter will do the same. sooo, instead I am going to buy about 6 baskets allready done. Yes, they cost more then if I would have made them myself... however between the time, the effort and eating of all the baked goods and candies, junk...It just isnt worth it. Bottom line....so im a horrible jewish mother lol. I didnt spend hours kneading my dough....and baking Hamentashen from scratch....stand on long lines at costco to buy junk foods in bulk and buy baskets and baskets to decorate to give out to freinds and family. no....im going to be that modern jewish divorced/widowed woman..who is taking the short cut and if my daughter doesnt realize that Im not grandma bubby from poland allready then maybe this will enlighten her. Im sorry. oh and if anyone who recieves a store bought basket from me and thinks...hmmm well so theyl think it. there...I feel better allready. Lori...you are going to Israel? What a fantastik time to go...a fun time...When I lived in Jerusalem..Purim which is this weekend....was soo much fun. I remember having a party in my house that we ended up having at least a 100 people....unfortunately I apparently drank two many drinks before the party started and did not remember a thing from the party as I was sooo sick that I spent night in my room....sick. This was the only time I ever was sick or drunk or whatever it was....in my life. But...I do remember this time...because it was so beutiful there and we were able to go outside with just a light jacket. Fun....ENJOY!!! well....I cant wait to go to work and play with all the wonderful things that we got from "Make a wish"....The party was amazing and I have to say that in all the years Ive worked in the field....this day was the most special for the family..and I was able to be a part of it...now I can retire. lol well not exactly as I need to play with all the great things that were brought and not alone..but with my little guy!!!! Alone would be boring...no, I cant wait to see him play and watch him...for those ahhs and oohs and little giggles that im going to hear...then I can retire. lol Im getting nurvous about the pre-surgery date...apparently some of the March bandsters were saying how they needed to get lots of tests on that day...as well as have a blood gas taken?? what?? one woman relayed her experience throught the day...and after this....I think im going to have nightmares about this day....the surgery im not concerned...im going to be sleeping...but that day????? HELP. Im a big chicken and dont like needles. The endoscopy was a really big deal...scared my more then the idea of the surgery itself. I did it but heck was not happy about it..now this?? Blood gases hurt like hell....I hear....did you all have to get them or is it just some people...at some hospitals? so starting to get a little ansty. Joyce....Congrats!! You did it...so glad you are doing great. Nice to hear....thanks for letting us in on your exp. really!!! Okay...must go to sleep... Have a great night and rest of the week! Jodi

now..you are talking....sometimes its all about the teachers and the school. I find if you have a child that is what I call....the I can fit anywhere kid...it doesnt matter where they go..they will thrive..but when you have a child with a special need or needs a little something extra...thats where the school philosophy and the teachers of the classroom and the supports...are cruciall. Good for you for realizing that he needed a change for the better! uh oh..I feel like the special educator is speaking through me again. I hope no offense is taken...But im happy for you...ive read now for about two months and damn...you are so busy doing for everyone.. that Im glad you are doing for you as well you deserve it and just in case..you werent getting praise enough ...I wanted to add to it ..hope you dont mind my professional butt in.

Hi all. Hope you all had a great day' I actually was able to go to work today. My daughter was still not up to par..so she stayed home wih my mother. lol They apparently had a great day....because they cooked and baked....hmmm Tomorrow is school!! I spent alot of time last night printing out recipes from a site that "Stevievieth" recommended. Now..that I hadnt gone to work for about a week it feels...I am real tired! So...I think im going to call it a night....just am going to answer some posts...welcome new bandsters and thank some for their....great ideas...oh and of course...I will also thank some for their experiences with the presurgery date.....ouch! Hi Scott!! Another lucky day...bandster! St. Patricks day seems to be a popular day. Several on the thread will also be banded on the same day! Where from? How have your experiences been so far? Hi Marcia....Welcome...we will be banded the same week. Im March 15th. Good Luck! Where from? Glad you decided to post instead of just lurking more!! Mitamia. Happy dancing is a good thing....glad that you posted!!. Monica...Its great that your pre-surgery testing is over! Im so excited for you! yes, I hear the visit for final clearance is to your reg primary to say you are not sick...you dont have a fever, cold or not getting one. lol You are home free!!! Yea you! The 12th is right arounf the corner to the new you. What a great site this is... I spent the whole evening pretty much going over it and im like wow....this is really great. I printed out the recipes for the soups. I will start cooking and freezing the soups...lol. Preparing for the liquids and then blendeds lol. Thank you so much. I was also looking at all the protein shakes and vitamins. They all look so good! I just wonder how true it is to make sure to drink the protein shakes and vitamins made for bariatric patients are really important or can we just get them at a really good health store..or company.. If its true about what they say...how we should only use what is made for us...or we will not get enough and end up sick? Do you think this is true? Ive been talking to the nutrtionist and Dr..and they think not however....Im thinking that maybe they do have good points. I just dont know...and really would not like to depend on one company to rely on for the rest of my life to have to use these products. Im currently a shaklee fan...but only because I was able to try out all the products first and did find them superior...and they are cheaper for me as I have friends who are distributors, and I dont rely totally on them there are other comp that have superior vitamins..so im told. Have you heard anything..... or anyone else about the importance of the vitamins etc? omg...you are scaring the bejegas out of me...now im more scared of the pre-surgery then the actual surgery and post diet. They had to do a blood gas?? I hate that...I have that when my asthma is so bad that I need to be hospitalized..hasnt happened in years but I remember that test.; ouch. so this is bootcamp hmm?? Im going to have nightmares tonight. How are you however?? Are you okay?? How are you feeling? excited im sure but...sheesh. Does NY do all those tests as well?? Can you tell that im a big scardycat?? I didnt think so..but im beginning to. Thanks for the above..its always good to be prepared though as to what needs to happen..as we were all wondering what this long six to eight hour day was about right? Okay...im gonna suck it up tomorrow...tonight Im going to cry lol.

Im not sure who it was that asked about the pre- and post LAP-BAND® diet...and this is a great site that I found. This is the article along with several others about how much time to eat...liquids, broth going on to ground, blended etc...over about a 4-6 month period. This is the site... http://www.lapbanddiary.com/support-post-surgery-lap-band-patients/ this is the article..... how much Food and Protein does one require after having LAP-BAND® Surgery? | LAP-BAND® Diary They have several great articles explaining what and how much and when....I found it pretty interesting. Several things that were not explained to me with the nutritional consult that lasted the 1/2 hour. lol okay.....here is another post-op diet that gives you options and exact amounts for the clear liquid diet and the pureed diet. This diet also gives you the amount pf daily dietary allowances for protein and suggests that after surgery we try to eat 25-30 grams of protein each day. It then gives suggested proteins that are soft or can be pureed. This diet can be found at: http:www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/diet.html

And I was not looking forward to the pre-surgery date!! Now Im actually getting excited about it! Thanks for the explanation and your experience!! Thanks. I hope for all the rest of us will be simular!!

Wow...so many new posts and new names to remember!!! I think ive caught up with all the posts ive missed over the last week and well....there are just so many posts Id like to respond to but...its taken hours to go through all the posts and still have missed some..and didnt want to respond to someone and not another so...this week I think I will not respond but just give an update about my week and continue from herein..... I will try to check more frequently so I dont miss so many posts that I would like to respond to when they are posted!!! Soooo its been a real hectic week for me and its kind of looking like this week might be just as hectic but for different reasons. I have been working with the "Make a Wish" foundation. I work with one little boy who was being granted a wish and they came to grant it this past week. I was working so hard all week to get his house ready. The Foundation was making him a sensory/snoozelin room as he is medically fragile and he cannot go out of his house...outside of hospitals and doctor offices. Cant wait till tomorrow to use all the wonderful materials and activities they brought for him. Its been months of working with all the wonderful people and putting all this together! This week...well it started out all good...until last night lol When my daughters ear started bothering her. This morning I took her to the pediatrician and well...that led to visit to the dentist and then the oral surgeon. It was not a lovely day to say the least. Antibiotics, muscle relaxer and pain killers. From what I thought was an ear infection to removing an cyst in the gum.....whd have thought? Next week is a holiday that....involve lots of junk food and candy...not a good thing for me....its like Holloween for the whole family with lots of parties and eating! HELP!!! Id like to get away from it all however, I have this 10 year old girl who is just dying for all the hoopla...as it is the holiday for kids, and carnivals and parties including costume wearing. I have lots of cooking and baking because we have lots of baskets we have to give out. It will be just peachy! NOT. I got my pre-surgery March 4th. Im so excited...but this month is so busy I wont have time to think about the surgery it will be here before I know it! Have a great week all. Jodi

OMG....this is such a great idea..about the hair color kit!! Thanks a bunch. We ended up getting pipe cleaners and wrapped them around fake boa strips and then glued googly eyes in each. I just couldnt think of how to get em all attached to her head. lol Ive been thinking about your post about the peepers..lol This sunday is Purim and every damn store is filled with all sorts of baskets with candies, baked goodies and loads of chocolates and nuts!!. Im going nuts especially when the thought is...well, i havent had the surgery yet....one or two wont hurt now....hmmmm Sunday...will be worse as all those baskets im seeing will be delivered by various families...and ill just be dumping them out as soon as I close the door in a big bag.....to donate to the first homeless person I see! OMG....this really sucks. Are you sure there is nothing that can be done? 60-70 days seem such an awfully long time to have to wait...are they recquiring a 3 month supervised weight loss plan? I know how this feels I was pushed off three months for me as well...I was ready in January and if it wasnt for the Sleep Apnea...I would have allready been banded. We will also begin to see other dates being changed as we come closer to those weve had set before for various reasons. Even as close to two weeks before.....Sometimes there are just things out of our control. What ever date you get we will be here with you!!! Big hugs coming to you. StevieVieth, Interesting description for the day everyone seems to be spending hours at the hospital about a week before surgery. lol I think every surgeon has its own special name for certain procedures lol. Mine is called "pre-surgery/ Patient education day". Im not sure I like "bootcamp" as I was never much into beeing pushed to do things....that I might not want lol. Im assuming that "Bootcamp" means the same as what my presurgery day..is......how about a poll??? What other creative names have the surgeons come up with for procedures that seem funny, or unusual? Anyone else?? Yup....I agree the clearance phase is what I find the hardest of this whole process!! Its a wonder that I actually made it to the end. I olmost lost my nerve as well...but, am so glad I didnt....we will push you if you need pushing!! Just post lol. Perhaps there is another bandster that you can go to apts together or a support group in your area where you can meet people that are also being banded the same time and arrange some times together.....its a thought nto sure if logistics would allow it...but hey ya never know. I am assuming from your post that you are past this stage now and have a date very soon!!! Good luck! Yea you!!!! You are first!!! Lead the way.... St, Patricks day...how lucky can you get??? If I had a choice of days in the month of March...I would have chosen the 17th and used a the clover leaf and a pot of gold for a ticketeer. lol <EM>!3C/EM> hey, you never know....I always look at this way....what ever day.....a day here or there....like me...I wish it was next week...but its not...must be for a reason. It will be here soon enough! You just did!! Jump in at any time...ask, answer, vent, support, recieve.....thats what we are all here for together!!! Glad you joined...another St. Patricks lucky Bandster. LaQuita....third times the charm? isnt that what they say?? and since March is that lucky month...well you are surely going to make it this time!!! Just...relax and forget about the past experience and focus on the new ones your about to embark on. Surely you will succeed as nothing has stopped you from continuing on your journey to becoming healthy. Remember we are all made differently and our experiences will be different..some will have an easier time then others...just keep going dont stop and dont look back!!! Good Luck!!! Good luck!! Welcome...March 9th just around the corner!! Okay. you have given me that push I needed...I was planning on joining "Curves" but havent gotten a chance...heck what am I waiting for after the surgery??!!! Thanks... Yes, thanks for the tip about the ticksters....I did it and it worked....but only for that one post,. lol. Ill figure it out but that was a start!