1rod47

If your ready and you are self paying it won't take long at all. You will be on a pre op diet for a couple weeks anyway. Go for it you won't regret it and you could be 30 lbs lighter for you vacation. won't that be good :lb11: :lb9:

Your Dr will be glad that you are going to end your weight problem Once & For All. They might be unsuportive about going out of the country so don't mention it. They think that US Dr and Facilities are the only safe places to go to. The OCC is a fantastic facility with a great staff. You will love it there.

LIsa, hang in there 2 more days. it will pass quickly. You will probaby not have problems w/ any foods untill after the 2nd or 3rd fill. Now is the time to practice your eating habits, Small Bites, Eat slowly and chew chew chew. I just had my first fill and I can eat just about anything I could pre op. The problems come when your fill is just right and you have restriction. You have to watch what you eat and use Will Power for just a little while longer. First fill is between 6 & 8 weeks post op. Best of luck to ya. congrats on your life changing decision =D> =D>

My surgery was with Dr Martinez because Dr O was out of town and i got a $300 discount. Dr M was great as was the whole staff. u might ask if dr M would be there at the time you prefer. Rod

Ramona, your site looks fantastic. Pet owners that have lost their pets will eat this up. To some their pet are their kids. You might try marketing these on Craigslist.com or ebay also. both sites have go anything and everthing imaginable on them and you have a unique product. Good Luck with your new venture. :hi: Rod

Your almost there Trav. hang in there, i know it seems like forever but it won't be long and you will be eating like a normal person again. :lb13:

Dana, wow, thanks for checking that out. I Blended everything. I misunderstood about what not to use the blender on. This is why this Forum is SO Important. WE ARE NEVER ALONE. There is always someone on here that has Been There Done That. Thanks Team for all the advise and wisdom =D>

yeh shelby, Just a note about your list. be sure to take w/you to tj, Gas-x and boulion of some sort. The airlines and airports have nothing for you to eat on the way home. Now the hotel resturant does have bouilion you can order but when you leave for home you are pretty much on you own, so be prepared. I found a bouilion in a small packet that is powder and it disolves in water real quick. Nice and handy, and very convienant. Tell your stomach , Flip flop is not nesesary, It will be just fine LOL :lb18: :lb18:

Creamy soups, what a treat. :good3: Don't forget the rule is, you must be able to drink it with a staw But you CANNOT drink it that way you must drink it from a cup or a bowl. I mention this because with the help of a blender you can make just about anything go through a straw. Any store bought or home made soup can be put in a blender. I have done this with chili, chunky clam chowed, Bean and ham soup and pea and ham soup. The rule is " IF YOU CAN'T DRINK IT , DON'T EAT IT." Don't be afraid to get creative. You deserve some flavor now. :-? :-?

OMG You have 2 long weeks of this. Get Something That Tastes Good. I did 2 shakes a day and one LEAN CUISINE ( OCC option 2) is that what diet your on? My Shakes where Glusera or Ensure, High Proten. Either one Tastes Great. The Ensure has 5 more calories than recomended but I Lost weight quickly and didn't have the hunger issues. I also took a Cromium Pecolanate for the Hunger Panges. I'm going to miss the shakes, I'm suppose to get protein from solid food now. If your sick, take whatever it takes for you to get to feeling better. You need to be on top of your game for the next month for an smooth transition into the next stage of your life. Good Luck and study the posts on this forum. IT IS YOUR HOMEWORK. YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS ADVENTURE. You have a team now :lb11:

WOW Lance, Where have you been! Good job. =D> We do need more men on this forum. It would be great hear from you once and a while for the male outlook on the Bandster way of life.

stormy, thanks for this post. =D> Yes we all have all read about eating slow and chewing well but not really understood. I am starting solid foods here in a couple days and sooooo looking forward to this day. But man, it sounds like it wasn't as an enjoyable event as you antisipated it to be. thanks for sharing this with us all. This post may help me when solids come my way, If I can only remember, SMALL BITS too. Rod

You look Great =D> :cheerleader: :cheerleader: ask your fill dr. and read the other current posts. This is not uncommon and as you know there is pleanty of help here

Sounds like you are doing every thing right. Don't quit now you are just about to a break through. Remember , the 1/2 cup rule is because that is all the pouch will hold, any more volume will streach the pouch. do that often enough and it will enlarge and you then have defeated the band. Stick with the rules, they are there cause they work. You have done great so far =D> =D>

Hey Sandra, Welcome aboard. There are lots of friends here and tons of info from them. Take your time, look around and just make yourself at home. Everyone has been banded, thinking about getting banded or waiting to be banded. As for me, I was banded in mexico 09/26/08. Doing good but can't wait to get on regular food again. Rod