calicat

Dr. Miranda suggests 1/4 cup at a time - one sitting. Check out her guidelines - someone posted them on here if you don't have a copy.

Oh boy - I can't wait to meet everyone poolside on Friday night!

We're heading to revolution in the afternoon, and then dinner in town somewhere - none of us got to do this together last time!

We'll do it early so there will be plenty of time to meet each of you when we get back - can't wait!!!

Our group of 5 (4 bandsters) is all getting filled on Saturday so that will be our only chance to see you all!! Watch out for us >

I got your voicemail - dont' worry. I'm glad you got it out of your system now....Saturday is our first fill and WON'T be able to do that anymore.

So enjoy the no restriction while it lasts sweetie!! And remember how gross your tummy feels now - remind yourself of that feeling next time you pick your slice - it will help you pick a smaller slice next time >

i chew my son's chewable flintstones with extra boost of something - i get them at costco!

I live in Olympia, where there is a doctor who does fluoro fills, but I'm choosing to go back to OCC for my first fill. After that, we'll just have to wait and see. With all the fuel surcharges on airline tickets coming up, I may go here for 375 with fluoro, or make the drive to Arlington for 125-150. They only use fluoro though in Arlington to find the port, not to measure liquid going thru. I've heard alot of good things about both. Check them out on the web - they are great about emailing back too.

There is rarely a time when you need an urgent doctor for your band - and even then, OCC asks you have your doctor call them. Some doctors unfamiliar with bands can make mistakes - like take it out! My doctor at Group Health said he would treat me for anything - obviously, life or death.

Make sure you tell your regular doctor you have the band and says as much in your file.

Did you have just one piece or more???

My port area hurts when I overdo something - shoveling bark into flower beds - ya know, silly things like that!

I had my surgery on a Friday, and went back to work on Monday. I did best when I got up and walked around every hour, on the hour. I worked about 4 hours on Monday working up to 7 by Friday. Make sure your posture is straight! It's easy to slump over to overcompensate for the incisions and such, but I was feeling sore, and Dr. Martinez told me that was why. The next day - I was fine

yes - i had cramping, grumbling, gurgling - all that! I thought it was all gas pains until I tried to drink half a milkshake. All that went away for 4-5 blissful hours!!! I think I was hungry!!!

I too tried creamy soups on the early side - and it was nothing but gas and trouble for me.

Take it easy, baby steps. I've been there - you'll be onto solids before you know it!!!

I live in WA state, and if you can - take the non-stop flights! They are less than 3 hours. Alaska Air offers them several times daily.

I upgraded to first class on the way home - just in case I needed the restroom, or I was uncomfortable. I still was uncomfortable, but it was better than being scrunched in the coach seats.

Will you make it? Of course, just depends on what you want to tolerate. You're recovering from surgery, so if you can swing it, treat yourself and upgrade.

Jet Blue is also flying non-stops to San Diego now from Seattle.

Hope that helps!!

someone just made a very good point -

1. pre-op is much easier than post-op. you can cheat on pre-op and not cause any direct harm. if you cheat on post-op, you can cause great harm.

2. dr. miranda is one of those pre-op appointments you have to pass to qualify for surgery. she's not going to tell you any different on the phone though than what she's already told you. she doesn't bend the rules.

and i don't think it's your starting weight in pounds that matters, rather, your bmi that makes all the difference. i weigh more in pounds than others, actually, everyone there on my band date, but it's you bmi number that they look at and is important.

i reached my 15 pd. pre-op goal, but I did start a week early and i did modify it and "cheat" towards the end. do what is right for you - but remember, you are doing it for reasons other than just losing weight - like detoxing, losing fat around the organs, and i think your stomach does shrink making the post-op, in theory, a little easier.

between now and then - drink tons of water!!! i had protein shakes for breakfast and lunch, and a modified dinner - but drank tons and tons of water. i also, not by choice, fasted the day before which I'm sure helped - i was supposed to arrive by noon for pre-ops but my flights were almost 3 hours delayed. i refused all drink services on the plane since i didn't know until i landed they wouldn't do pre-ops late...and only then, was i in baggage claim - where there wasn't any good food! ate room service at lucerna, and fasted after midnight.

you can do it!!!

Day 7: 6 mile bike ride (with my son) over an hour!!!

Day 8: 7.75 mile bike ride - to the game store, with my son...over an hour!! He's not slow, he just likes to take breaks, so I ride circles around him

Your surgery wouldn't be cancelled for the 6 pounds weight loss alone. There are other pre-op tests to follow.

Try hard from now until Thursday to do liquids only - it will be good for your organs and help with a quicker recovery.

I grew up in Seattle, and with JP Patches!! I totally recognize him!! Good for you - you look great

I agree - a lap band convention in Vegas would be fun. But I think this is more of an appreciation for OCC isn't it? I mean, alot of us couldn't have done it without Claudia, Lori, Carolyn, the nurses and of course - the sexy doctors!!! I think if we want to show appreciation for our new lives - we should do it in honor of those who helped make it - and have it in San Diego. I'll attend the bigger lap band convention in Vegas - but I don't feel I'll get to thank OCC there.

Maybe Claudia can actually help schedule the date - she is the master planner after all!!

I did it and gained 13 pounds - so be careful!! I started getting fidgety after I signed the paperwork. I was feeling desperate to enjoy the foods I thought I'd no longer be able to have anymore. Funny thing is....now, after my surgery, I really don't miss those foods that I gorged out on!! Enjoy the tastes, but try not to have too much!!!

Walking helped me out. I made me thirsty too which helped me drink more.

I'm so in!!! I'll help organize if you need help.

Great idea =D>

You got me all excited - I thought maybe you were going to suggest putting protien powder in sugar-free pudding - which isn't a bad idea!!!

Wow - let us know. You're doing everything just as I would - getting fluoro, etc. I hope everything works out for you - please let us know your results!

I had the same sharp pain for about 2 or 3 days, about a week or so ago - so it sounds like around the same time.

I go for my fill next Saturday. OCC told me by email and phone to fast for two hours prior to the fill - no eating or drinking - not even water.

I've heard 6 hours from many forum members on here, but again, I've callled Claudia, Lori and Dr. Saul - they all say 2 hours.

Hope this helps

I would call your doctor - you're not doing anything wrong, but there may be something up with your band.

I'm falling behind on posting - I'm sorry. But I am doing it!!!

Day 3: 14.5 mile bike ride, 80 minutes

Day 4: Tried Bandgroupies Step Program - not only did I love it, but I added in some old step aerobic moves!!! 30 mins

Day 5: Walked 30 mins.

Day 6: Gym - 20 min treadmill, 20 min weights

Today I'm going on a big bike ride - I'll post the info later

Thanks Michelle for doing all this >

Okay, so it would appear there are more than a couple of us going back to OCC and TJ on 5/16 or 5/17 for our first fill - yeah!!

Our group will be flying in 5/16 and getting fills 5/17. We're staying at Lucerna - anyone else??? You won't miss us - we'll be laughing and loud I'm sure

Can't wait to meet you >

I was up 5 when I got home from OCC - it's just post-op swelling. It will go away - no worries