Holly

I have made the drive from Oklahoma from Arizona many times(my family lives in Ponca City and Tulsa)...it IS long...but I honestly think you would be fine...as long as you can stop and stretch and walk around. You will I am sure not want to drive straight through...maybe spend the night in Albuquerque or Tucumcari. I think it would be fine though.

Yay!!! How exciting! We will all be thinking of you...write us when you are back!

Has anyone ever used the protein puddings? Like Stallone or Muscle Milk (maybe milk muscle??)

Just thinking once I can have more firm foods that this would stay in the pouch longer???

LeaLove

I am not sure what stage you are at... but Greek yogurt has a lot of protein...that's what I eat because I hate the shakes. I get fat free plain greek yogurt at Fresh-n-Easy and it has 23 g of protein. Trader Joe's has some like it too...not quite as much protein but still good.

I love this video!!!! Everyone looks so great. I can't wait to have my own before/after!

Holly, I was filled 2 weeks ago and have very little restriction, I'm going back this weekend to get more of a fill. If you can go back anytime and get more fill. I don't know where you went Occ or somewhere else? Occ charges only 30 for the needle the re-fill is free.....

Best of luck to you!!

Donna

I am totally confused. I did go to OCC...but when I called to schedule a fill...they said it was going to be the same price as the first time. Is there a time limit on when you can go back and have more put in?

Hi everyone. I was banded Feb 8th...had my first fill 6 weeks later...4 cc's. My problem is that I am still not losing any more weight...and I can eat way too much. Last night I had half of a steak and some potatoes...I know I am having wayyyy too much. I do have some restriction...because I can tell if I haven't chewed enough...but I feel like I shouldn't be able to eat this much. Is that crazy to think that I need another fill when my first one was so much?? HELP!

Hi

I'm new sceduled for surgery March 21st, has anyone gone alone and would anyone recomend it?

I am flying in that night...I have my first fill on Sautrday...so I will see you when you are getting ready to leave! I think going alone would have been fine. Everyone is so nice...and you aren't there very long anyways!

I already have arranged for the van...I am getting to the San Diego airport around 8pm.

Not ONE personi s going to be there March 21st or 22nd AM??? lol

Okay folks... I want to add more bandster friends on MYSPACE but have a hard time finding them here on the forum, so here's a location for us to easily locate it. I'll start.

WAgal's is: www.myspace.com/hlapband

Thanks.. I'll see you on MySpace if not here.

Hi Mine is http://www.myspace.com/pohiwildcatfan

When I first had the surgery they said for me to not eat more than 1/2 c----I am now more hungry...and have just gone to mushies...but was wondering if I am still supposed to be adhering to the 1/2 c instructions??? Anyone?

We talked to the guy at the hotel...in front-the one that is standing there when you walk in(not behind the counter, but at the door)...and he arranged a taxi for us. We went to Rosarita...my parents ate lunch and I had my broth...we shopped around for a little bit...then went to the beach. The taxi driver stayed the whole time. We met him after the shopping and he drove us closer to the beach...then he waited again while we walked around and then drove us back to the hotel. It was $60 for 3-4 hours...totally worth it. It was very fun.

By the way...I am feeling great now...incisions are mostly healed. Now I am looking forward to the first fill because I am already not full like I was in the beginning. I am being good and still following the plan that Dr. Miranda gave me...but it is harder than at first.

The guys name at the hotel was Alonso.

Good Luck I hope you are feeling well soon. Also how did you go to beach? Did you take a bus or rent a car or walk. I just wondered I am having my surgery on March 27 and my husband has never seen the ocean. Thanks for any help. Queenie :-h

We talked to the guy at the hotel...in front-the one that is standing there when you walk in(not behind the counter, but at the door)...and he arranged a taxi for us. We went to Rosarita...my parents ate lunch and I had my broth...we shopped around for a little bit...then went to the beach. The taxi driver stayed the whole time. We met him after the shopping and he drove us closer to the beach...then he waited again while we walked around and then drove us back to the hotel. It was $60 for 3-4 hours...totally worth it. It was very fun.

By the way...I am feeling great now...incisions are mostly healed. Now I am looking forward to the first fill because I am already not full like I was in the beginning. I am being good and still following the plan that Dr. Miranda gave me...but it is harder than at first.

try adding a little pomegranete juice to it

excellent! Thank yoU!

I thought I would go ahead and take before pictures, my surgery is next Thursday, the 28th. It was very sickening, they are going to have to put 2 bands on me I think, lol. I hope the day I decide to do after pictures are 100% difference. I knew I had gained some major weight this last year, but "OH MY GOSH", I should be slapped! I'll tell you this it will be a long time before I post them on here. I would like to call Dr. Ortiz and say, "let's do it today", guess I can't do that because I already have my airline tickets. I think I will use these pictures for anytime I want to cheat, I will just look at these. I would like to put them by the snack cabinet or fridge, but there is know way I want anyone to see them. I took the pictures with my underwear and bra, the ones that made me really sick. But I did take ones that I have all of my clothes on to post on here in the future, way future.

"I AM READY FOR MY BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

hahahahaha...omgsh...it is so funny that we all think the same things! That's exactly what I said to myself too!

Congrats on your weight loss!! I can't wait!!! How soon back to work? I'm having surgery on Fri. and going to work on tues. think i can make it?

Donna

I had mine on Friday and went back to work on Wednesday...I was fine except from being uncomfortable wearing my bra! It kept rubbing against my incisions. Next day was better...I wore a tank with a thing sewn in...like a bathing suit...under my shirt instead.

Well, I guess and early HAPPY NEW YEAR (and new life) is in order. You will not be sorry. I was banded last November 30th. I started at 255 lbs. before my pre op diet and 9 1/2 months later I am at my goal weight of 150 lbs and am wearing a size 6. For me it was an early Christmas present and if I never get another Christmas present again, just looking at my closet full of stylish clothes and seeing who is looking back at me in the mirror is enough. the way I was going I probably wouldn't have lived to see my grandangel grow up - now I feel confident I'll dance at her wedding.

OMGSH! That is awesome!!! You have done so great!!

Also try the Special K water...that is what I have been doing and it works great!

Stacy

I tried that water...I thought it had the worst after taste! Are you drinking the ready made or the drop ins? Mine was the ready made...maybe the others are better.

Hey everyone- I was wondering what everyone was doing for that extra protein since lapband people have to have 50-60 grams of protein everyday. Are shakes with a scoop of whey protein the only option to get that much protein daily? #-o Any ideas would be great!!! Thanks!! Sofi

I just found some rice protein powder at Wild Oats today...and it has no taste...you can add it to anything. It has 12g per tablespoon...and 55 calories.

So this may be a stupid question..however you can tell how confident I am in Dr. Ortiz if Im wondering if I can wear nail polish or not! Nail polish? Toe nail polish? Whats the scoop?! Thanks

I didn't have finger nail polish on...but I did have toe ail polish on and nothing ws ever said to me.

HEY SIS!!

I actually weighed myself yesterday and I lost another 10 lbs so 30 total since the pre op diet.. I have not weighed this amout for 3 years I am sooo excited. And to finally be able to have creamy soup...YUMMM

Try not to worry your will pick up again...

And the 51 before surgery is AwEsOmE!!!

Stacy

I was happier today Now since surgery I have lost 5. I know it is about healing right now...but I like the weight loss too!

I was pretty nervous but very excited before the surgery. I was totally at ease though once I got there and met all of the wonderful people that would be caring for me. Everyone was so nice. The Dr.'s are very cute...like soap opera doc...hahaha...so that was even better! I was not in that much pain when I woke up and was able to walk the halls with a couple of the other girls. I went to the beach and walked around in Rosarita the next day and had a blast! I never had the gas pains very bad...I was very thankful. So far...everything has been GREAT! I have scheduled my first fill for March 22nd...so now, I am looking forward to that!

I already have arranged for the van...I am getting to the San Diego airport around 8pm.

Yay!!! Others in Arizona! I was hoping I wasn't the only one on here! i just got banded Feb 8th. =D>

Ok, once again, your focus post surgery should be healing. You have no saline in your bands so they won't be working for you one bit. Being on liquids is like going on a crash diet and your body has gone into starvation mode and is holding on to every calorie it can. Getting upset with yourself at this point is unreasonable. Just worry about getting better. Once you get your first fill then the work will begin.

I totally get what you are saying...I am sure you know how it is though...you are just so excited to see change! I am not "upset" with myself...just anxious.

I will be getting my surgery feb 8th and they said I was the last spot so it sounds like a full house =D>

Stacy

How is my twin sister?? hahaha I finally got on here. I thought I was already registered...but when I tried to sign in it wouldn't let me. I had to do it again. But anywho...here I am! Have you gotten brave and weighed yet? I did...and I will say I am kinda disappointed. I have only lost like 1 1/2 pounds! I did lose the 51 before surgery...but I would have thought with only liquids...I would still be losing like crazy!