beversman

You need to check out Matrix chocolate (Protein powder). You can get it online. Ebay (or a few other web sites) It comes in a purple 5 lb. bag. It is the best tasting product out there. You just have to be sure to mix it correctly. (for hot chocolate) You use one scoop in the bottom of your cup. Add 1/3 cup of COLD Water Mix until smooth THEN add the hot water That way it comes out perfect everytime (with no lumps). Another great way to get protein is ANY whey Protein. You can it get at GNC (or online). It is a tasteless powder that can go in your Soups, coffee, anything semi solid (mashed potatoes) -- depending on what stage of the diet your at. It adds 17 grams of protein with no change in flavor or texture. You can even add it to Matrix for a huge protein boost. Saw one of your posts asking about slim fast... and that stuff tastes like crap. Thought I would share this since it acutally tastes like something that can be enjoyed, not just tolerated. Have a good day!

(Dr. Trace Curry) That's my doc too. I'm to be banded on December 22nd. I have to say so far I've been nothing but impressed.

stick with it girl... you've done an incredible job so far

I'm from Indiana, and Dr. C is doing my surgery on December 12th. He seems to really know his stuff.

So far Dr. Curry has been great. I got my surgery date for 12/22/06 -- I go to see the nutritionist on the 4th of Dec... Then I have a two week liquid diet (to shrink my liver before surgery). He has a ton of experience as well. He is on this web-site all the time answering posts. If you want to speak with him here, his name is DrC. Indiana Farm girls rock if i do say so myself.

I've met people on here that have my same surgeon. One individual just had her surgery on the 10th. So, I have a pretty good gauge of how things will be, and what a good surgeon I have. I have people around, but I don't really want anyone else except my family knowing about my surgery. Well, them and all of you :-) I think it will make me stronger having to go at it alone. I will just have to be that much more determined, and I would really like to show all of them just how great this is going to be. I found another thread that explained alot. People around us get used to having us "big girls" around to make them all look better (or should i just say "smaller"). Many times even though they love us, or call us friends... they always know when we are around, "at least they aren't the fat one." I don't think they are thinking these things deviously, but they do. So, almost subconciously... i think they want to sabatoge things. If we can get skinny and happy, then they will be the odd one out. They get jealous... LORD knows why! It is not as if this is easy in ANY way. We are having surgery! Well, I look at it this way: It is ALL my money... and ALL my hard work, and damn it I deserve it.

I'd just let her know mommy is getting her tummy fixed. Then answer any questions she has about how it works or how you'll feel. That way you don't say too much that would confuse her, or tell her more than she needs to know. She will feel satisfied because you've answered all of her questions, and she also won't be afraid to ask you later if another question comes up. But it will probably be best to tell her so she understand why you will be acting and feeling a bit differently. You probably won't hear anything else about it either. Kids usually take all of this in better than adults and are content with the first explanation.

Welcome!! Check out all of our posts and join on in :-)

I have no support person... my grandma told me today that she would be there to take care of me after the surgery, but that she didnt want me to have it. They all think i can lose it all on my own. It makes me feel so weak. Like I should be able to do it without surgery, and I feel guilty for having to get help. I know I have to, but they are making it so hard. I know Im an adult as well, but I wish someone would show some faith in me. It was very hard to make this decision, to admit I needed the help. I will be ok though.

yeah, i replied to him as well (which is really all he wanted... attention.) "I feel sorry for you. You are much worse off than the people you judge. That said… I also know you are not an empathetic person and will not be able to understand that. It must be hard living a life where you have to degrade and taunt others just to amuse yourself. It says a lot about who you are and what a small life you lead. You just couldn’t wait to have people comment on what you wrote. That is why you were so melodramatic and long-winded. You wanted a reaction. You wanted someone to talk to. So, you wrote something inflammatory. Else, you would have kept it to yourself. I feel bad for you… so full of hate." He's a sad person...

Being banded December 22nd Dr. Trace Curry Cincinnati, OH

My family just came down on me yet again. They were screaming at me.. "why cant you just lose weight like normal people!" "You've lost 40 pounds before then you stop" "There is no reason for you to have surgery" "I think your rushing into something you really don't want to do" "think about all the food you won't be able to eat" (sigh) i am so defeated right now. I feel so alone making this decision. I feel like I have to do it all myself with no help. No one is saying, "great idea... i know you can do it" That are saying, "what happens when this doesnt work either" Why do they want me to fail? I try to be honest with them and they dont listen to a single thing I say. I give them all the answers, and it is like they dont hear a word.

We can wear santa hats and strategically placed bows!! haha

Char, Thanks girl :-) and good luck with your insurance I am a self pay. So, I know how big of a help (or hurt) insurance can be. Yeah, that was one of the first thing that I thought... "wow, no stuffing and turkey this year!" :hungry: THEN i thought "WOW, no wonder I need this band!!" :peep: ha

good for you!! im glad you went ahead and told him. I am also excited for you that he is being supportive. He may really suprise you and actually be your biggest cheering section. It is the people that you least expect who sometimes are the most helpful. In my case, it was the people I DID expect to be supportive that are being the least so... The worlds messed up :-) BUT I am very happy for you. I am glad it worked out!! We are only a few days apart on the surgery... so let me know how things are going.

i understand completely, i just figured if he is going to tell everyone... he will probably do it in a month too (ya know?) If he would be that insenstive to spread it around, he will probably do it whenever to you tell him... now, then... If people find out now at least you will have it out of the way by surgery time. Good luck with whatever you choose. I am sure it will work out for the best, and congratulations with your surgery (and new beginning!)

Here was my rationale Will it be any easier to tell him a month from now? Or will it just be MORE uncomfortable because he will know you've been evading the issue for the last month?<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p In my case, I figured the longer I waited to tell the family... The more hurt and unsupportive they would be. They would think it was an irrational choice that I was rushing into... instead of seeing it was something I was set on and determined to do.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p I told them yesterday (the day I found out my surgery date) because I think they will respect me more for being honest and hopefully, it would make them more confident to see that I was 100% dedicated to this.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p If I wasn’t afraid to tell, then (to me) that shows my confidence that I know I’ve made the right decision.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p People are going to figure it out sooner or later. If you KNOW this is what you’re going to do, I think it is easier to just tell them. If they aren't happy about it now, I guarantee they won't be happy to find out in a month (when you having surgery in a week).<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p You might as well just let him know so he can get used to the idea.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p I’ve found waiting to tell people something (especially parents) usually back-fires.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p But, ultimately, the decision is up to you. J<O:p</O:p

I broke it to my family last night. They seemed none to happy to hear that my plans acutally had a DATE. They asked two questions. "Are you sure?" and "Can you change your mind?" Everyone looked down and avoided eye contact and hoped that I would change my mind between now and then. The date was begrudgingly recorded on the calendar and nothing more was said. They all think it is a bad time for me to do this, but I know its right. When is the "right" time? I don't think there is such a thing. For me waiting for the "right" time is just putting it off. What better Christmas gift to give myself? A new beginning.

Alcohol... I am a young person. I don't go out very much anymore (once a month if i am lucky), but in my day, I was quite the party animal. I have searched this site over and have not seen many posts on this. It is probably a bit of a taboo subject. I know alcohol is empty calories and suger. So, it is not good... but i'm not thinking 2 or 3 months from now... I am thinking months and months (if not a year) from now. Once I am well on my way and have accomplished some goals. I would like to be able to go out, Celebrate, and enjoy myself again. (once a month or every two months) If I go out with my friends and want to drink a few (since it is liquid)... and if I go no carbonation... would it hurt anything? Does your body metabolize alcohol quicker? Do you get tipsy easily after the surgery?:faint: I just want to be careful if I ever do decide to enjoy a drink with my friends. I know other people have had to think about this... and somebody has to ask. I'll be brave. I guess it gets to be me! Just be gentle (ha) Thanks!

I am already to that stage where it doesn't amount to much, but I still want to be able to go out every once in a while. I figured it was pretty much off limits... so i am happy to hear that I will allowed to indulge sometimes.

I noticed single or married... there are only a few men on this site. I think for the most part this is a "female thing" right now. I don't see why. I think it is great for both sexes, but all the sites i've gone too are mostly women. Either that or we just like to talk and type more.

yeah!! I knew you were all out there. good news for the future nights out!

I think it should be! We all need to encourage and support each other until the big day arrives. :-) I know I broke it to my family a few hours ago, and needless to say... they did not look happy about it. They begruggingly wrote down the date and said no more about it. So, I definitley would like to see what all my December guys and girls are doing to keep their focus and keep their spirits up.

My husband left me three months ago. I came home from work and he was just gone. so i understand the loss. ive decided to make it through by focusing on me... and giving all the attention I usually give everyone else... to myself Ive always been the mothering type... i take care of everyone. I will give someone else my last dollar, but I wont spend that dollar on me. I've decided that it is my turn becuase the only person that I can garuntee won't give up on me... is me.

I found a great doctor to do the surgery over in Cincinnati. I am waiting for the phone call right now to get my surgery date. I am really nervous. I am doing it with no support from the family. They said they will be there if I decide to do it, but they are not supporting me to make the decision. (if that makes sense). I am sure they will be there to take care of me. They just don't want it to happen. That's my family though. I know what is best for me. Your success is an inspiration.