Shanny

You definately need to think about this. I have to say that I don't think about food the same way. I am working hard at it and it is much much easier because I am not constatly hungry. I am happier and heathier. It is not the easier way at all. You have to work at it!! There are tricks I have learned in the process and it has worked for me. I still have a ways to go, but I would do it all over again. I still love food, but I love myself more. Good luck to you, Shannon

I say hang in there. Don't fret, but you can always get a bit more. Just go slow and you will find the right spot. I was like you at the first fill. I seemed to not have much difference. I eventually got about 3 fills before I found the right amount. I have been slowly losing. However, I have to really watch what I eat now. Just take your time and don't fret. I don't regret my decidion in the least. I feel better and move easier.

I was really scared about all the prep work. And it was work. You end up drinking protein and eatting Lean Q. You need to prep your body for the surgery. It will help decrease the digestive / stomach areas to make it easy for the surgery. The complications decrease as well if everything is preped. I did it, and found the Lean Q dinners yummy. It is all very worth the effort. I am amazed how well everything is working out. My advise is to buy things ahead. Get all your supplies and get your head in the game. Good luck to you. I am sure you will do fine. If I can do it, so can you. Shannon

The surgery went fine. The people were friendly and sweet, from the nurses down to the cleaning crew. Everything was wonderful and I was extremely pleased; the hotel and everything. The doctors were personal and friendly, although not everyone could speak English. There were 4 of us there for surgery and others there for fills. Although I did not know it, I stayed the night on Friday. It was a nice enough room with my own TV. My friend Patti endured most of the day on the little couch reading a John Gresham book, without food, watching me sleep. Finally after I going on a small walk, I sent her on the way to get some well deserved dinner. The worst part was the trip back. It seemed at every connection, we managed to barely slide into place. (That is so like me!) It was bumpy and hardly a moment went by with a comedy of errors. People were so funny…or at least it was funny to watch. I am sore and bruised, but really doing fine. I am really beginning to hate soup. Oh, well. And yes, I have been hungry. I have really only drank broth….and added vitamin water. Tomorrow I get to add a few other things. Mostly I am eating clear liquids, a few mushy stuff like cottage cheese, and apple sauce. Oh, such excitement. Thanksgiving will be a treat with a blended version. I am very comfortable with my decision, totally at peace. It was a good decision and the right one for me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have lots to be thankful for!! Shanny

Hey Chrissy- I just got banned in TJ. I am reading along about the people in Arlington. You mention that they are having problems finding the port. So, where is Dr. Neal? I live in Monroe and don't like needles. Can you let me know how to get ahold of this doctor? That would really be great. Thanks! A fellow bandR Shanny

Call the doctor's office. That is my advice.

I just got back!~ It was a beautiful place and everyone was so nice! What I didn't know, that I wished I had, was the fact that you do stay the first night in the hospital. Not a big deal, just that I wished i had known. The rooms are nice and you have your own which is nice. Expect to do some walking after the surgery. It really does help. I had very little problems. I didn't need anything special, but if you want to be extra prepared, the gas -x and liquid pain meds really helps. But then the doctor also gave a few pills on the way out to help with the swelling and pain. Enjoy the senery and TJ. Dr. Ortiz is a kick. Both doctors came in and visited before sugery. Good luck to you. Shanny :-h

Thank you so much for you support!!! You have no idea how much this helps. I am continuing with my drinks, LC, and taking metamucle. I feel good about what I have lost, and my only concern was that I would get down there and they would send me home. I was just playing drama queen. Part of it was panic, but the other was frustration. I am just going to finish out the week and call it good. Thank you again for your support. Shanny

Hello out there, I started the pre-surgery diet. I am drinking protein shakes for breakfast and dinner, and Lean Cusiene for lunch. My one and only thing i am eatting extra is the pria bar. I have done this since the start. They are heavy on the protein and little sugar. It was the only way I could make it into the later afternoon since I eat lunch early- 11:30AM. At first I lost. I did really well. Then I flubbed, but went right back on. I had a piece of cake. and that is all.... That was more than a week ago. I have only lost 11 lbs. So for the last couple of days I have yo yo.ed with no loss. I am concerned they will deny me the sugery. I am putting out a lot of money and more than that, I am starving. I am hungry and the tummy is a rumbling. So I know I am doing right. Any encouragment would be good. They wanted me to loose 20 lbs, but I have less than 5 days till I leave. I am not cheating. Any encouragment would be greatly appreciated. I am hungry. I am hungry. I am hungry. ( Shanny

Ladies~ So glad to know this gals are good. I am getting band in 2 weeks...Nov. 16th. I saw that they are close to me....I live in Monroe. Anyway, I know that I needed to set up with someone to do fills since I am going to Tijuana for the surgery. I know that I am lucky to be living so close to where I can get my fills. I hope you get your wish. Shanny

Dear Vicky R I am on the other end....I am the child. Not a young one, but a child of a mother who has always struggled with her weight issues. Now I am not going to put the blame on her, but I can say that I have more issues than she does. I weight 100 lbs more than she does. Anyway, I am also a teacher of Jr. High kids. I can relate to an certain extent and my only advise is to allow dialog between the two of you. Keep talking and involving her in the topic but only when she brings it up. She needs to feel okay about it, but at the same time she is not the only one struggling. YOU are important and as many people have said, she is afraid of being left behind. There is something about mothers and daughters and wanting to relate to each other. I for one still do not understand even at 43. I hope you make the choice based on your own needs, not your child. She is apart of your life, not your life. Someday very soon, she too will fly the coop and hopefully she can make her own decisions about her body. It is just like parents (I would want) to expect their child to wait on sex, but it is their body. We cannot control that either. When they do, they do. Yikes, not the easiest thing, but maybe it might be a way she could understand it. Its a touchy subject, but I think she is just scared. I wish you luck and your daughter as well. Shanny

I am sorry for your pain Benny. I will be praying it goes away soon. I will be there in just a few more days. This makes me realize that I should expect some discomfort. Take care and hang in there. Shanny

KBomb A great deal of this is up to you. You need to look into the materials and think long and hard about the decision. I know that the Lap Band has less side effects and it doesn't have near the amount of concerrns physically as a gastric bypass. Between the two, it would be a Lap band hands down. I go in just 2 weeks. I am willing to give up pop, and any type of drinking for the rest of my life. I plan to be healthy more than anything. Remember it is your body and you need to make the decision on what is right for you. I have been overweight since I was about 20 years old, and now at age 43 I am obese. However, I took this last year and did lots of research and made my decision this Fall to go ahead and do the Lap Band. Good luck to you. Shanny

Will you remind me of this when I get here?? This is good to know...... Shanny

Very well said, Snowbird. =D>

Dear Suzie, It doesn't matter where you got the lapband. What matters is that you made a choice to get healthy. You did do ithe procedure? When? I know the "where." This is a great support group, although I have a great group of girl friends that are supporting me. Anyway, it was because of this website that I was able to decide that it could be safe outside the country. I still feel like I am taking a chance. BUt it is work it. So I suppose you have that nice southern accent. I have a friend from there....anyway, are you feeling better? I have a friend who is both diabetc and has High blood pressure. Yikes! I am so thankful not to be there, but that is the reason I am going to get this done. November 16th. I want to avoid the health problems. I have started the liquid protein diet and lost 5 lbs so far. I am paying for the surgery myself, insurance won't pay. I am worth it and lucky for me, I have a loan already and just enough for the surgery. Take care, Shanny

Hi Sassy, I sent all my paper work in this week and my deposite. I am scheduled November 16th in TJ. When is your daite? I too am scared. I have started the lliquids and doing okay. I am trying to focus on what this tool will bring, not how hard it is. So far I have lost 5 lbs. Not a great deal but it is a start. I so want to change my health and that is my motivation. I have also bought my ticket down south. Yikes. That means I am really going. I won't be too anxious until I have to leave and so thankful to have a friend come along. I hope you have a support group. Do you? I have several friends I have confided in but keeping my co-workers out of the loop. I will wait until they start asking or commenting. I don't want to feel I am being "WATCHED" and just want to enjoy the ride. When I decided, I started eating all my favorites. As I have gotten closer to November 1st, I have eatten less and less. Now I am on the liquid protein. I have about 3 weeks. I am sure I can make it. I will endure this because I am worth it!1 Good luck to you. Let me know if you are going at the same time and same place. Shanny

Dear Donton, I can't help you with the idea of what to do on the vacation, but I am going to get my band Nov. 16th. I am starting my pre diet this weekend using protien drinks and Lean Q. meals. I will let you know how I do after the first week. I am in Monroe. I am also hoping to find a support group. I know there is one in Everett. Anyway, I wish you luck. Shanny

I am going to be band Nov. 16th. Shanny

Dear Dear Francis, I should be coming either before or after you. I too am worried about the "diet" but realize that although I am tried of the really hard work, I am willing to give it my LAST best effort. However, the band will make it easier, I am willing to give the best effort possible for this 2 week period of time. The whole purpose of the diet is to prepare the liver NOT to actually loose the weight. So that helps me to focus my energy. Do you have other friends that can help encourage you through this process? You can always contact me. We can help each other through it. I will be working at the same time.... Do you find yourself wanting to eat your favorites before you have to start the diet? Boy I sure have. Although I am not overeatting but I am trying all my favorites. Just keep your eye on the goal. Shannon

Thank you so much for your comments. They do make me feel more confident and at peace that i am making not only a good decision, but the best.

I plan to be just ahead of you....does that help? I am anxious about it, but ready for the challenge. I am so thrilled about the possiblity of loosing, I am almost scared. Anyway, Good luck to you. I may be passing you on flights.

Hi I plan to get this done in November...probably before Thanksgiving. I too am concerned about little to no food before the surgery. I understand the need to so that will help. If you keep the real reason why, maybe that will help. I am going to have to put up the cookie jar and my soda and several other of my favorites....but more than anything I want to get on with the living. Shanny

Hi, I am considering doing this. My BMI is 50 so you know where I am. Since Mexico is such a cheaper route, I am anxious about going down to another country without insurance and such....what was this experience like? Can you please reaasure me? Shan