susantunanoodle

I just got back from GNC. I was kind of disappointed. Everything is geared for bodybuilders and is very expensive. I ended up buying a vitamin powder instead of the liquid because it looked like a better deal. So I guess I'll just mix it with other things. Everything is a learning curve with this. I bought some protein powder, protein drinks, aloe vera water and a shake cup. Then I went to the grocery store and bought some Slimfast Optima and boullion. I just want this preop phase to be over. I wish it wasn't a week away. Cheers, Susan :hurt :hurt :hurt Seems like forever.

Hi January bansterbabes! I am starting my preop diet today, the same one as Audree. I'm on my way over to GNC for supplies. This mrning I had a Slimfast Optima. It wasn't too bad but I can see it getting monotonous. Oh well, wanta shrink that ole liver so the surgery goes easier. Any favorite protein drinks out there? It's too late to order online so I'll have to make do with Slimfast I guess. Well, off the the GNC! Cheers, Susan

In my case, at my age, it was all about health. I used to run, be active and had a good BMI but a series of events (and my own food issues) led me to gain a ton of weight and now I can't climb stairs without getting winded, I feel sluggish, no energy and have lots of wierd musculoskeletal pains. I HATE being like this. I also have hypertension, bad cholesterol and mild/moderate osteoporosis. Im staring at diabetes. So, it's definitely a health thing for me. I gotta get serious about my body at my age if I want to have any quality years left.:sick Cheers, Susan

Jaw pain is referred pain from stimulation of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve innervates the stomach, (and many other organs) and when there is a resolution of the problem causing the vagal stimulation the jaw pain should go away. "Golfballing" could certainly cause jaw pain! Sorry to hear you get this, but judging from reading your other posts, you take good care of your band and are in fit condition, so no need to worry. Cheers, Susan

Susan and Audree, I think that is an excellent idea to do something like WW for maintenance. I did well on WW but then the old problem of feeling deprived kicked in, and I gained all of it back. Oh the shame and embarrassment. But, with the band's help, maybe I can just stay on the WW plan, since it's nutritionally sound (except for using margarine). I always used olive oil or butter instead. Audree, I was thinking about using the pool at the Lucerna the evening before my surgery but I wonder if the water's clean. Plus, I look ridiculous in a bathing suit. Anyway, have you gotten any info about how cellphones work there? Will we have access to a phone to call home? Talk to ya later! Susan

Rehi Audrey! I just might meet you coming or going, I sure hope so. I am 5'3" and weigh about 195lbs. The BMI is a fraction under 35. I could have gone the insurance route but I didn't want to wait, and, after researching the docs, felt comfortable with Dr. Ortiz. My only concern is post-op pain. I have to fly back to the east coast, with a stop in between, then I'll get there at about 10:30 PM and then drive the hour and a half home. Yuck, not looking forward to that! But then I'll be off work for the rest of that week so I'll just DO it! I enjoy your posts and your enthusiasm and I hope we can keep in touch afterwards too. ps, I have already scheduled my first fill with Dr. Ortiz on Feb. 19th! Wopuldn't it be cool if we ended up getting that first fill on the same day! Cheers, Susan:)

Hi y'all, I am going to be banded by Dr. Ortiz three days after you BabyGot Back. I sure wish I could have met you. Wow, every morning I wake up and think, "what, am I CRAZY?" The reason is that now I know how many issues I have with food. Just the thought of not being able to eat much is scary. But that said, I am excited about it all and I know I'm doing the right thing. The 8th is coming up so fast! wowowwoooo!!!!!! Cheers, Susan

The statistic is actually : 95% of those who lose significant weight fail to keep it off more than one year. A pretty grim stat, but true. I recently read an article describing a study done of those 5% who had managed to keep their weight off greater than 2 years. They concluded that almost without exception, these folks were either "exercise addicts" ie, working in gyms or spas and working out excessively, or they had developed eating disorders and were obsessive about food intake. It was on the basis of this study that I decided to research the band for myself. Almost all of us have lost and regained over and over. Some day there may be an alternative to the band but until then, It represents the only hope of a healthy life for me. Susan

ok, sorry Carlene. Didn't realize I had entered the rant thread cuz I just clicked on the latest message at the top of the screen on the first page. On a rant page, you rant! That said, I still think Bush is a FAR better prez than Clinton or Carter. Actually, Reagan is my all-time hero but men like him are few are far between. The liberals always want to "dialogue" with folks who only want to kill us. They are so naive. At heart they WANT us to be a third-world country. And sadly, they are getting their way.

I think GW Bush is a fine president, a man of integrity. I don't know why somebody had to go and start something political but since everyone has chimed in so will I. GO BUSH!!!!!!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Hi everyone! I am a self-pay January bandster. My surgical date is January 8th. Oh boy oh boy OH BOY!!!!! Dr. Ortiz will be doing mine. I am older than most (age 57) and am doing this for my health. It will be a whole different way of approaching food and eating for me as it has been for all of you already-banded folks. My biggest concern is the post-op period of liquids and mushies with no restriction. Almost wish I could sleep for 2 weeks instead! :-) Cheers! Susan

My prayers are with you. If you are having lots of pain that is almost certainly stones and not CA. Aren't kidney stones the pits? Susan

where did you hear that?:omg:

Maybe I'm not looking at the right spot? Please help.:cry :help:

A few noodles in chicken broth will cause all that? I am scheduled for January but I wonder how or what can you eat of not that even?:paranoid Susan to be banded by Dr. Ortiz 1/8/07

jULES, THANKS FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT. i NEED IT! :-)

Oh my..... I just sent in my deposit for surgery with Dr. Ortiz in TJ and now I'm a little worried about where I'd go if I had complications. I have confidence in him as a surgeon but he has a clinic and no ICU. Does anyone know what his arrangements are for unforseen complications? Susan to be banded 1/8/07

Hi R2HT4U and MDLITCHICK, Thanks for the info about Susan Brinkley. I live in Boonsboro, a little town east of Hagerstown. Northe Hagerstown is very nice. Maybe we can meet sometime! Susan

Another question along the same lines---can the hiccups cause a slippage? Anyone know? Susan surgery date 1/8/07 in TJ with Dr. Ortiz

My surgery date is January 8th in Mexico. I hope it all works out. I don't have anyone yet here for aftercare. I live near Hagerstown. Susan

I have been lurking for awhile but now I'm ready to "take the plunge".I am so impressed with the level of posting about the band experience and the overall knowledge and intelligence of this group. I learned about the lap band only a week ago because of the TV commercials. Since then it's been non-stop research! I am hoping to have the surgery in early January in Monterrey if all goes well. I am self-pay but the big draw is the experience of the Mexican surgeons. I do have a question: How can you be sure that the surgeon you are paying is the one who is doing the procedure? Once you're out, how would you know? This actually happened to me when I had my hysterectomy. I went to great lengths to get a particular surgeon and it turned out he only stuck his head in the OR once or twice. I had a training resident! Sheesh! Anyway, I'm so excited about the possibility of getting to be more healthy. Thanks. Susan