desertgal

BE THANKFUL!! IT'S NOT A GOOD THING! Keep up the good work sticking to the food plan & be patient.

Erica, I booked my appt and sent payment, then told my husband. He knows I've struggled with this issue for YEARS - (we've been married 29!) He was concerned especially when I told him I wanted to go alone - which I suggest, since you are in great hands getting over the border & throughout the whole process. You are there to recover and rest after your banding, so what is the person who goes with you going to do? I didn't want to impose on anyone in any way. You have a phone in your room. I called my hubby 3 times surgery day. All went well. If you are for sure you are doing this, I suggest you think about the way I did it - I didn't want anything to get in my way of postponing my decision once I finally made up my mind. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. This is a hard decision but if you decide to go through with it, it will change your life and how you feel about yourself. Good Luck to you.

Hi everyone, Thanks for the suggestion on the SOBE water. I'm heading out to the store and have it on my list. I've got a GREAT FIND. It's a Low Glycemic FAT BURNING coffee that tastes amazing. It uses a special patented buffered caffeine that is not the same as regular caffeine (which they have proven stores fat) You can order a free sample (that makes a full pot of the coffee) at this site www.OrganicCoffeeForWeightLoss.com (there's also a free sample available of their green tea) The other GREAT FIND that I think is most important is a 100% Natural, Low Glycemic, Sugar Replacement made from the Acai Berry. It's earned the kid friendly, diabetic friendly & low glycemic seals from the Glycemic Research Institute. It tastes, feels and bakes just like sugar (no artificial anything in it) We've got to get our kids off sugar! Make it a great week.

I would be interested in this answer as well...anyone know??

Nicole, OMG girl!!....what a great attitude you have. Can you give us some insight as to what happened? my thoughts/prayers are with you Please reply thanks Cyndi

My girlfriend actually used childrens utensils to succeed at this...she's a lapband spokesperson now- she's lost 120lbs! (You gotta find what works for you.) I had a struggle with this at first also. You will get it with time.

Thank you Shelby...that makes so much sense to me! I really want my coffee, but this helps with the alcohol issue...I think the band has forced me to be careful, so that is another great health advantage!!

I will call OCC and ask so I can put this to rest.

There seems to be alot of confusion on this subject. I wish one of the doctors would reply!!

I drink tons of water since I live in the desert...my water intake is probably one of the highest of most people. I dont drink soda, tea or any other type of drink other than water...every once in awhile I will drink a diet snapple. I totally understand all the "empty calorie" issues...what I am concerned about is DAMAGEto the band. Does anyone have any facts about this? thanks

I like both coffee every morning and alcohol socially. Is there a threat to your band if you drink either of these? I read something a long time ago that said these are both big no-nos. Does anyone out there have any facts on this? thanks

meant to say, The ORAC value of 3000 is PER SERVING

Hi all, I've been taking a wonderful liquid vitamin for the past 2 years. It tastes like peach nectar. it has 17 calories per serving. Whatever you find out there, check its orac value. This vitamin has a 3000 ORAC value (ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Researchers at the National Institute of Aging developed ORAC testing as a way to measure the level of antioxidant protection capacity of a product or food. If a product has a high ORAC value, it has the ability to neutralize many free radicals.Diets that are plentiful in high ORAC foods are associated with decreased disease risks,2 and more recent studies are trying to clarify which compounds are responsible for those benefits.) It's only $20 per month! You cant buy it in the stores. If you want more info send me a private message.

Hi, Your situation sounds serious with the pain over the band area did you have to have band removed? I hope not but if yes, how long were you at the OCC? what was the cost? how are you now?? so many that worry this could happen have these questions.

Can someone explain the benefits of drinking pineapple juice. ??? Does this help you if you're stuck? if so, how?? any liquid makes it come up when you eat + It seems it would be irritating (too acidic) I saw it in an earlier post & now can't find it to reply and get more details. so great to have this board.... thanks

I am a stomach sleeper....I was on my side for 2 weeks, then back to my tummy due to my wonderful bed. Buy a SLEEP number bed like I did...it's awesome!!

The best thing you can do is pick up the phone and call doc. good luck

Thanks for the reply....please let me know what doc says...it happened again tonight...I took 3-4 small bites of some awesome tender chicken and that stuck feeling, so i stopped...what a bummer. I hope all is ok Good Luck to you. Cyndi

I think there's a lighthouse tour in point loma shelter island is nice...great restaurants on the water you might go to tripadvisor and check out what others are saying have fun and good luck with your surgery. doc is a real doll, all the way around-you are in great hands & won't want to leave the nice facility.

Hi all, I had my banding last february....this has been a challenging journey. I still have many days that my food gets stuck. Yes, I am eating small bites. Have any of you experienced prolonged days when your food seems to stick meal after meal? I feel like I need to take extra vitamins when this happens, as there would be no way I am getting good nutrition. I wonder if I should revert back to the liquids for a few days until whatever has happened settles? I've had only 2 fills..the last one was in July 08. What are your secrets when you have this happen? Call me a "slow learner" - still struggling with this I have appt with doc march 1...will be disussing this issue. I sure hope all is ok I look forward to reading any of your replies - hoping someone has an answer to this. thanks for sharing

HI you won't want to leave the OCC...they are awesome and treat you like GOLD!! what a great way to start 2009!!

Hi all, I've had my band for 10 months and realize the importance of regular intake of vitamins once you have this procedure done. I can't take capsules or pills, so I took my time looking for a quality liquid vitamin. (most are expensive!!) I have used this vitamin (Epic Ultra) for 4 months now and love it. It tastes like peach nectar. If you want more info, go here http://www.nhrproducts.com/260 its VERY affordable ($19.95) - you can check out the supplement details on the link...they have a money back guarantee too. If you don't choose this one, be SURE to get your vitamins somewhere!!

same here....i park in parking lot...walk across...catch cab...it's super easy...show cab driver name/address of dr ortiz and most of them know where it is...during the week is the BEST option so you don't have the long lines good luck!

Yes, Stevia is the "herb" to switch too..healthy and very sweet.....I have been using it for about 18 months...it's getting expensive since it's becoming popular...(and since coca cola decided to use it!) I buy mine through website at iherb.com Studies have shown that stevia extract effectively regulates blood sugar. Stevia Rebaudiana is an herb in the Chrysanthemum family which grows wild as a small shrub in parts of Paraguay and Brazil. The glycosides in its leaves, including up to 10% Stevioside, account for its incredible sweetness, making it unique among the nearly 300 species of Stevia plant

glad you are quitting with the diet coke now....NO carbonated drinks for 6 months post op. Good Luck and enjoy that last one!