JGirl

Very Normal, not to worry-and it may take 3 more weeks or so to see it shift, then BOOM! Once you are on solids and higher calories, and the swelling can go down, that is! We were all there!!!!!Patience!

Janet

Weigh to go *snicker*

Thanks for continuing to give others some of your positive attitude and STRENGTH!

Janet

Your the second person that has told me that the optifast doesn't taste good. I am currently using herbalife, which is okay. The only real complaint is that it is powder does not mix well. The taste is fine, minus the clumps in there. I used to put it in the blender with some frozen strawberries and bananas and make it like a smoothie. But I can't do that for this pre-op diet. But I think I would take some clumps over what you are describing. Thanks for your help

Jessica

I think Unjury has the best flavor, 80-100 calories depending on the flavor and 20gr protein, really good!

janet (unjury.com)

Vix-

Poor thing, I am sorry you have this dilemma-if your husband is dead set on having it done in the USA, tell him you will-then tell him the price difference, and ask him to pay the difference if it means so much to him. I myself was banded in Cal. and love my Dr-more expensive than Mexico, but it includes all my fills, and he is right around the corner-

Best of luck, and keep us informed!

Jaent

Woo-Hoo! Yabba dabba do!!!!!

Congrats!

Jaent

I know I am a person who likes things in order so I am not happy right now. I called the bank to see if the financing was ok. mymedicalloans. He told me that they go in order by the surgery date, so there is no rush. I explained to him, I need to get the tickets in advance, because they are cheaper that way. He told me it could be two weeks or so before I know if I am ok to go, maybe even a month. I told him that seems very strange to wait until the last minute to tell someone they are approved or denied financing. I am so frustrated. what is the deal? All I wanted was to get the ok to get my tickets so I know we are set to go I feel so stupid. Ok so my anxiety is getting the best of me right now. I am so afraid this is not going to happen. Just give me the money. Never have I ever had to go through something like this, this is horrible.

How frustrating! Why not order your airline tickets and pay the $15 travel insurance fee so if you have to cancel, you can get reimbursed....probably cheaper than the fares short notice. good luck, it will all turn out OK!

Janet

That is wonderful news! Congratulations!!!

Janet

Poor thing, how we beat ourselves up, myself included! Look at your success overall instead of day to day (Janet, listen to your own advice!!!!) Your first fill will help, but we still need the desire, and if you've gone this far you DO have it! We are human, and emotions can get to us, time of month, too much salt...look at where you were, and never feel ashamed to talk to the group-I promise, we have ALL been there!

Keep positive and keep talking!

Janet

Please let me know how you cope with this:

I have gained 2 lbs over the weekend-I didn't increase my calorie intake, but didn't exercise, so...I know in my head this is no big deal, but I have given the scale all of my power and can't seem to take it back. When the scale goes up, my entire mood for the day is altered, no matter what my common sense says. How do you deal with this? Any ideas besides don't weigh yourself everyday? That doesn't really get to the root of the problem...how do I make it 'OK'?

Janet

I only got 1cc for my first fill! My dr actually put in 1.26, but as i was drinking water, I could feel it go down so he removed the .26 and it feels great!

Janet

I had my first fill a few days ago, and just laid down and got the injection-no big deal, and works great!!

janet

For those of you who are considering plastic surgery or think with future weight loss, might need plastic surgery, here's a slideshow I found on the net:

http://www.shaping-futures.com/content/bac...our_surgery.pdf

Thanks for the info-kinda scary, seeing how much our skin doesn't bounce back! Hope with continuous exercise, I can have some re contouring without the surgery, not to mention the expense!

Janet

OK, here is some uplifting info! 1 month post surgery, down 10 lbs, and i got 1cc fluid in a fill (it was supposed to just be a check up appointment!) today! My Dr wants me to get a head start on the restriction feeling since i will be traveling alot soon. Feel GREAT! BTW, I asked him about protein because of all the info I have been reading. He said 60 grams/protein a day, so what I have been doing is 2 scoops of injury protein (200 calories, 40 grams protein) in a 160z bottle that I nurse all day long as my water source. All Drs seem to vary some on this....anyway, no negatives here, banding was the best thing to happen to me in years and years!!!!

Thanks for all this forewarning! I see the Dr today (banded 6/16) to decide when to get my first fill. I know now I stop because i should, not because it stops me-I will try to prep myself for the fill mentally now!

Janet

I am so proud of you! I too would have eaten, almost to the point of being sick (go figure!) , but to have 1 or 2 pieces and stop is very 'normal'!!! Good for you-if we totally deprive ourselves, we could begin to resent the band-you did great, don't feel guilty. Now send the rest to work!

janet

I have been lurking and reading here for quite a while, but just haven't joined in. There doesn't seem to be alot of guys on the board. I am scheduled for banding Aug. 14th. I have to drop 30 lbs. first and I am down 15 this morning, so the dieting is at least going in the right direction. I still feel lik I am 250 lbs of twisted steel and sex appeal, but just happen to have another 100 lbs covering it all up. I would like to get rid of the extra baggage.

Great info to be found here, and I have been taking notes. Looking forward to my trip to TJ.

Welcome and GOOD LUCK! You'll get tons of good ideas and support, even if we are mostly women! Lucky you!!!

Janet

My Dr suggested Unjury (Unjury.com) I love it! Here is the nutritional content, and some are only 80 calories instead of 100. I take a 160z bottle of water every morning, add 2 scoops and shake, then nurse it from late morning thru lunch-helps me get to dinner with few caolries and no hunger.

Protein 20 grams per scoop

Carb 4 grams

Soduim 35 mg

no Cholesterol or Fat or Lactose

You can get a discount by signing up for auto delivery and can cancel or postpone. They also have travel size packages for my plane trips (Though they have foil, you must put them thru X-ray)

Janet

I wqas banded June 16, lost 7lbs pre-op and have lost 10 lbs as of today-almost a full month-the cool thing is, no one has noticed my weight loss, but I am being told how good and happy I look=yea! Maybe my self-esteem is returning! You can't weigh that!!!!

Janet

I was banded June 16, and after I went to solids (even before) there was no movement, but about 4 days ago it jump-started-fear not! You just need the adjustment time, and then it will work in your favor. This is not as immediate as gastric bypass, and I know I get frustrated with it too!

Janet

I put a scoop of Whey protein (vanilla or chocolate) into my morning coffee instead of creamer. That way I don't have a "shake", but I am also getting my protein in. I use EAS Whey protein from Walmart, it is cheap about $12 for a huge canister of the stuff. I have also added the powder to yogurt for a meal. I am not a huge fan of the shakes and was told to avoid them as they are liquid and go right through the band. Hope this helps a little.

The best one I found and recommended by my Dr is Unjury, purchased online. 100 calories, 0 carbs, 20 grams protein, and delicious! They also have an unflavored one that you can mix with juice or food.

Janet

I am an opera singer, and I was able to exert alot of pressure singing 2 weeks after surgery, and believe me, I worked my diaghram and abs, if that is anything like a harness (personally, I think its more!)

Janet

I am scared to death of the liquid phase. I had a colonoscopy a few months ago and had to be on clear liquids for 24 hours. I thought I would never make it. I drank over 2000 calories that day and was still hungry. I need all the suggestions you guys can give me. Surgery isn't for another 3 weeks but I think if I just think it through I will find a way to survive it. Let me know what worked for you.

Thanks in advance, you guys are great!

You know what? It is tough, no doubt, but you can do it! I had surgery June 16, and tomorrow is my first day of food, YEA! I would log on and complain about being hungry, and all the bandsters would rally to support me-that got me through more than the chicken broth, so here goes:

YOU CAN DO IT!!!! Check off the days of the calendar, and let us know how you are doing!!!!

Janet

Hey guys, I love reading all your posts, and sometimes when a question is asked many times, it makes us all remember simple things we take for granted. I am a newbie, and reading all of your support and info has helped me thru these first 3 weeks-thanks to everyone, and to Cry: I hope all your goals are met soon and you find happiness!

Janet

You guys are good! OK, I am feeling guilty, I will get one and catch up !!! (though i do ride my bike daily!)

Janet

I've had my band for 13 months. I have loved having the band and have lost 125 lbs. I have had no problems until this last few weeks. I've been suffering with terrible heartburn at night. When I go to sleep, my supper backs up my throat. Almost like I'm vomiting in my sleep. It wakes me out of a dead sleep, and has a terrible burning. I've tried not eatting 3 hours before bed time. Didn't really help. At first, it was happening just once in a while. For the past 10 days it been every night. I've had to sleep in the recliner becauce I can't lay down or the food will come up my throat. I read on a post once that a Dr had advised going back on liquids for 2 weeks to calm the band down, and let it slip back into place. Has anyone every heard that? Yesterday I went on all liquids for the day. I slept in my bed and had no problems.

I've only had one fill since the surgery. I am pretty happy with the amount of restriction. I've always considered myself very lucky that the surgery worked so well for me. I'm going to try and call OCC today and talk with Dr. Ortiz. But was wondering if anyone else has had this problem.

Beth

One of the things I have had great success with is called Aloe Cure, its liquid, at any CVS,about $6/ for bottle, is is natural aloe juice for acid reflux of a serious nature. I cap full morn and night ( my ENT advised it and itr has helped me tremendously)

Hope it helps. I had a hiatle hernia, and they repaired it when they added my band, so I understand the pain!

Best of luck

Janet