Jacklynrae

I think either one is just as good. Both can keep us on track and help us realize that we are changing our bodies and being successful. I was told by my trainer to measure once or twice a month to prove that even tho I may have only lost 2 lbs I lost 10 inches, or vice versa. But at 13 lbs you are well on your way to changing your body. Congrats and I bet those pants will be way too loose very very soon!

Nope nothing! No water is def the hardest part. But even when they give you the pre op meds u have to stick them under your tongue and let them dissolve YUCK! haha!

Yes I have been thinking about rewards.....some examples or ideas would be great though!!!! I have heard that 21 days makes a habit so maybe that will help to see that goal and pass it. Thanks!

For those of you experienced bandsters or even those who like to exercise I am looking for new ways to motivate and keep me on my exercise routine. I have a wonderful friend who happens to be a personal trainer making workouts for me, another great friend who has agreed to do the work outs with me a couple of days, but I know for health and weight loss purposes that I need to exercise at least 5-6 days. I am wondering what thoughts, rewards, ideas that any of ya'll use to keep your exercising consistent and honest. HELP ME!! haha

I too had my labs and stuff done the day of my surgery and had nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before. I found this much easier because I don't know if I would have been any fun at all if I would have been forced to fast 2 days. So if I had to do it all over again I would def choose the pre-op labs and surgery the same day. But as far as I know for pre-ops it is 8 hours so just keep that in mind and do your best.

I too was a nervous nelly beforehand mostly freaking out esp a couple of days prior to surgery. But I am just 2 days away from solids and I don't regret a second of it. I am so happy for both of you and it will be one of the best choices you have ever made for yourself. Honestly! Congrats and I can't wait for all of you to join the club!

I personally have not had an encounter with diabetes, but my aunt was banded a year ago and to date her diabetes is completely under control. I can't tell you the specifics as to why or how but as she lost weight the less and less medication she was on and the better and better she felt. She has lost over 100 lbs and looks and feels great. I would seriously consider this avenue if diabetes is a concern of your husbands, I have yet to hear of a diabetic it didn't help. Good luck!!

I guess so because I also tip driver $5 both ways. Maybe instead of paying for fills we could just ask to drive the van for a couple of days haha! Just kidding I would get everybody lost! But I am sure it would make a lot of money for those that know where they are going.

Thats good to know! So DonnaK did you have to go through a special route or did you just call up there to ask about a fill appt?

Yes I agree Michelle you look hott!! All of your hard work is paying off you should be very very proud of yourself. And yet again you have made a very very valid point that we are all going to have to learn to take compliments now. Girls get ready!!!

Yes about $1 a bag but since my hubby and I only had 1 we gave him 2 or 3 whatever we could grab. Take several ones and just tip as you go. Don't worry everybody is so nice down there and the exchange rate is about 10 to one so at least our dollar is worth more there!!

Dollars. Everybody uses dollars, my husband ate at the Burger King on Revolution Blvd and they even took American money. So don't worry about that. All cab rides are $5 don't pay any more because they are trying to rip you off. But as far as shopping and paying for things they bargain. I got a knock off Burberry bag and was able to barter him down from 75 to 40. Don't worry most people speak English and use American money....its a border town so you will be fine!

Ok here is my predicament....I manage a pool and it is getting so close to that time of year. Because I train my own guards and am the only person at the pool the guards and cleaning and preparation to open Memorial Day weekend are all on me. I am 6 weeks out on the 15 but there is no way this is a good time for me. I was wondering if the OCC would give somebody a fill at 5 weeks or if it absolutely had to be at 6. I have had no PBing so vomiting absolutely no problems. I have been moving and cleaning and decorating a new house so been very active. Who would I contact to ask if they would consider such a thing. Thanks for all of your help.

Mackenzie you are sooo right. I am already amazed just going from pre-op to my liquid phase about how little I need. And I totally agree with you about how crazy it is that all of my friends can eat what they want and not gain an ounce so this forum is a huge comfort to me. All of you know how hard it is to go up and down up and down and still be bigger and bigger and feel less and less confidant. I am so glad I have met other young people that have the same problems and decided to go this way. Good luck Mackenzie can't wait to see you lbs drop!! Diet coke was also a huge vice of mine, it was so easy to go a couple of blocks for the 44 oz one at sonic at least once mostly twice a day. But I have replaced it with lots of decaffeinated tea, crystal light, and even a little bit of fresh lime or lemon juice in my water. Stick with it though I was surprised that I didn't want just lick the can to get close but it hasn't been terrible at all. You can do it!!

Congrats! Can't wait to read all about it. I am looking forward to seeing more wight fall off of you! Good Job!

I LOVE hearing about the success others are having. I am stuck in a rut right now end of the liquid diet so I am sure I have entered the starvation mode and will start exercising Monday to speed things up. But knowing that at one point that will be me inching ever so closer to the onderland (Go MammaMichelle I am so excited for you) makes me want to encourage and congratulate those who are doing so well right now. So for those who are losing and those who aren't I am sure everybody is working hard and by this time next year we will be hundreds of pounds lighter and that much stronger.

Yes puree is fine. I made all my creamy soups at home so I pout some chicken or turkey in the food processor to make the consistency acceptable and the protein option much better than a shake. But I would be careful you don't want to slip the band but it sounds like you are doing great and being able to tolerate all these things is awesome congrats on the 20 lbs!!! And MammaMichelle thank you so much for not making me feel like I was being naughty for "eating" a little more than half a cup. My swelling went down so fast and while it was only about a 3/4 of a cup I was worried so glad to know you are still doing amazing and I am not doing any major damage!

It is so interesting to read about so many points of views and stories. I can see why many of you would wish to tell all the people to gain support and help through your journey and I totally identify with those of you have kept yours only to yourself and close family and friends. I have kept mine band to my hubby and parents and couldn't be happier they are all very supportive. Since I am so young I feel most people don't understand or don't feel they even need to know that much about me. It is awkward to keep something so exciting from people I have known for years, but I think it was a very good decision and don't regret it for a second. All of you have your reasons and I respect every single one of those. For those of you who have told I find your courage exciting and I can't wait to hear how all of your friends and family react on your journey.

Thats a good idea, IWantBanded. I have read some very interesting things about Splenda as well, arsenic anyone? Now of course we are at a hypersensitive level with our liquid diets or even eating very small portions change our body chemistry and flow. None of these artificial sweeteners come without a price and I have learned to cut way down on how much I use. If you must have a zero calorie sweetener try the natural road of Stevia. It can be found in some grocery stores or many vitamin stores. But I would say if the extreme thirst does continue you must contact your doctor just to be on the safe side.

Everybody has already said it so well, but Wendy I will say it again. CONGRATULATIONS you have started controlling a very addictive substance in order to gain control of your life. You are going to do great and having to overcome all of these challenges will make the results feel that much more amazing. Keep your head up you are doing wonderfully. And yes that is what we are all here for to make everybody feel they have somewhere to turn. Good luck sweetie you can do it!

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I am feeling the same way and wish it would stop. I have even been moving into a new house and can't stop thinking about food. I think you have the right idea tho, keep busy stick with it. Good luck and remember what doesn't kill us makes us stronger! You can do it and when you get past the head hunger you can tell me all your secrets!

Don't forget to exercise. At least 30 minutes of walking could make a world of difference. I know it is hard to keep up with an exercise regimen but I think if we could support each other it would be great (I need to get on the exercise bandwagon too haha) It could all just be adjustment for you also, don't get discouraged you are doing great. I bet in no time you will get the hang of it and the lbs will start falling off! Good luck!!

You do not need to stop your bc you can even take it the day of your surgery. The benefits of bc are greater than the risks and I had no problems with mine.

Fill USA has two centers in GA one in Roswell and one in Moultrie. But try to get in contact with some GA members on the forum because they might be able to tell you if there is a better choice for you. The cost is $8,000 plus the plane trip, you can also bring one guest for no extra charge. I am also self employed with no insurance but found the fill options, even going to TJ for my fills will be cheaper than settling on a USA doc. But Dr. Ortiz is amazing and he trains many US doctors so he is an excellent choice for an excellent price!

Thank you so much MammaMichelle you always are so helpful. I have on week to go and can't wait so this will help me stay on track before my fill!