2mara

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Yep.. I really bought all that! I also bought a CASE (12 packs of 24 tablets) of Mylanta Gas chewable tablets AND a case of Gas-X strips. And, dang it, I've been blessed with very little gas! I've only used 4 strips total... and one was because I felt obligated! I wish you all lived next door so I could share my hoard with you!!! ~Tanya

Hello all, I am 2 weeks post op and have really done a lot of discovery these last two weeks. For example, I discovered that I don't know how to drive a car without a large soda in one hand and a cheeseburger in the other. (Laf! I haven't really tried it... I've been a good girl, but it just feels bizarre to have both hands available to drive!) During my discovery, I have also assembled a list of the top three clues that you (okay, I) might have issues with portion control: 1. I stocked the pantry during pre-op to be ready for the clear liquid 4 to 7 days with 5 cartons of chicken broth, 4 cans of chicken broth, 12 boxes of Special K Protien water mix, 24 boxes of Crystal lite mix, and a jar of bullion. 2. To get ready for creamy soup phase (something like 10 to 14 days) I bought 5 cases of Campbell's Soup at Hand, (2)12-packs of SlimFast Optima, 6 (4) packs of EAS Protein shakes, and a whole lot of drinkable yogurt. 3. Every day I pack my food in a little cooler -- a couple of shakes, a couple of soups, a couple of yogurts, a bunch of water. Everyday, I bring about 75% of that food back home untouched and half to throw out at least one yogurt. HA! I have actually been a very good girl (except for one tablespoon of lime sherbert during a weak moment) but this new awareness which just arrived today that I have a disconnect between how much food a person should eat and how much I buy, pack, and used to eat has been enlightening! What have you learned on your journey? ~Tanya P.S. I have also learned that 1 box of sugar free fudgesicles is NOT enough. With kids, kid's friends, and dear husband around I only got 1 of the 12 popsicles and some litte twerp put the empty box back in the freezer. I think I'm going to make them all eat creamy soup for a punishment!

Carrie, Just my opinionm but I doubt you stretched your pouch with one little sidetrack. I think it would more of a repeated or continued pressure to strecth out. I think the real danger is causing yourself to PB and slip your band while it hasn't been healed in place. Please be careful! As for the chewing... I am feeling your pain! I actually had a dream last night about Wheat Thins and I chewed them for 20 minutes (in my dream) before I swallowed. I will tell you what I did today that helped a little. I tried Campbell's Velvety Potato Soup at Hand. It did have little hunks of potato in it, so I chewed my soup! It was probably a little bit of a cheat from "creamy soup" but it really helped. Also - if you're like me, weekends are a little tougher. I'm looking forward to going to work on Monday where I know I'll have a very busy day and will have less time to think about Wheat Thins! Summary -- Don't worry. I doubt you did any damage. Hop back on the wagon -- you can do it. Just a few more days. (Okay, 11, but who is counting!) ~Tanya

Carrie, I'm sorry you are still uncomfortable. I feel it a couple of times a day, but not all the time. I did read from someone that a little tylenol or ibuprofen helps, even with the gas pain. As for not losing yet, don't get discouraged! You just went through surgery and had so much flying to get back, you could very easily be bloated/holding water. I know my feet still feel a little puffy from the flying. All these liquids aren't producing regular daily BM's like I used to have. I read that lap-band patients sometimes only "go" every 3 days or so. So, there are lots of reasons that the scale may not be moving -- yet. BUT IT WILL! Congratulate yourself for staying on liquids instead of worrying about the scale. Plus, weightloss is so fickle. The scale doesn't seem to corespond with what you are doing on a daily basis. I know in the pre-op diet that I would be working my tail off (counting calories, eating proteins/avoiding fats, exercising) and the scale wouldn't move for 3 or 4 days at a time. And then, it would. And then, it wouldn't. Hope you feel 100% better soon! Hugs, ~Tanya

Hello All- I posted Tuesday evening about my horrible headaches on Day 4-post op. Thank you all for great advice, support, and just for listening! Day 5 I finished up my meetings in Atlanta. I made sure I got my caffeine via Crystal Lite focus first thing and that I sipped on juice/water during the meeting. I got up and walked a lot and instead of drinking water while everyone else in the meeting munched on fajitas, I asked the admin if I could use the kitchen and made myself some soup broth. Meeting got out early and I home in Nashville, in bed, for much needed rest by 7:30 PM. Today, Day 6, I continued to take your advice and slept in. I weighed this morning for the first time since surgery and my total loss (including pre-op is now 20 lbs!) I rolled into work around 10 and took it easy just catching up on emails and took off early at 3 pm -- with the intent to go home for a nap. HOWEVER, I was driving past The Avenue (clothes for people my size) and thought I'd pop in for one outfit. As usual, I picked up a bunch of random outfits - casual, beach, work, going out, even the dreaded swimsuit...except I got them in A SIZE SMALLER than I have been wearing. For the first time in my entire life, EVERYTHING I brought into the dressing room FIT - except for one pair of drawstring pants that were actually too big. I couldn't believe it. So, I went back into the store and tried it again. Well, the second time everything except for one dress fit and it fit in the waist -- just no hope of holding in "my bodacious girls". SO, I did what any red blooded American woman that has lost 20 pounds and had a good day in the dressing room did. I BOUGHT IT ALL! $600!!!! OMG! I came home and tried on my new found wardrobe for my husband. He was tres impressed. He did ask, "what about all those clothes in your closet. Do we need to throw those out?" I said, "No. Actually only about 5 of the outfits in my closet fit. The rest are too small. [Then the lightbulb came on] Or are they??!?!?!?!" I tried on EVERYTHING in my closet. Clothes that have never been worn and still have the tag on them. I discovered 4 new outfits in my closet that I can wear NOW. And, I found at least 3 that are "close." Maybe 10 lbs away! TODAY, TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY! Hope everyone else is enjoying their journey. ~Tanya

I'm not a coffee drinker and I gave up soda in February in preparation for my band. HOWEVER, I do usually have one Crystal Lite "Focus" every morning. It's a flavor pack that has a little caffiene in it. I had one this morning, but my days have been so long that maybe one wasn't enough. I think I will try a little more caffiene to get me through tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!

Hi all, I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz on Friday (May 30). Like others have said -- wonderful staff, experience, etc., etc. I highly recommend.... I flew home to Nashville on Sunday, June 1. It was a long day. I did a good job of drinking water, water wit juice, or protein water on the flights and felt like I stayed hydrated. I was exhausted when I got home and slept a good 8 hours. (Way more than my typical 5 hours... hmmm, could it be that not taking care of myself is how I got overweight in the first place! HA) I went to work Monday and tried very hard to take it easy, but it was a super long day. Worked from 8 am to 3 pm, then drove an hour north of town to unload items for an upcoming work related event. I was able to get help with the lifting, but still it was a little strenuous. Headed home, packed, and then had to drive 5 hours to Atlanta for a meeting. I arrived at 1 am Tuesday morning. The drive was grueling. I sipped on protein water and found an orange juice smoothy at one of the gas stations that gave me much needed energy to make it to the hotel. Another good night of sleep (almost 8 hours) and then I've been in meetings all day. The gas pains have been bad because I haven't had the opportunity to walk around through out the day. A vitamin water for breakfast, protein water throughout the day, and tortilla soup broth for dinner. Many, many, many questions... This meeting is with my peer group from across the country that I only see about once a quarter so I have not felt the need to tell them that I was banded on Friday. They are taking bets that I must be pregnant because I'm "eating funny." Anyway, I'm back in the hotel now and dreading another 6 hours of meetings tomorrow before a 5 hour drive home. My head has been pounding for most of the day. I am pretty sure I am in ketosis (from the old Atkins diet days) because my mouth tastes crappy and my tongue is sort of coated. I know I'm not taking it as easy as I need to but I've just got to make it through tomorrow and the drive home then I can rest. I took a 800 mg ibuprofen this afternoon (crushed up in a couple of sips of water) but I'm afraid to take too much more pain killer... isn't motrin on an empty stomach rough on you? I brought a couple of protein shakes in a cooler as a security blanket, but I haven't drank them yet because I'm not supposed to go to shakes until Friday at the earliest. I don't feel hungry... just a killer headache! There was more than once that my boss (who I also don't see but about once a quarter) stopped the meeting to say "Tanya, by the look on your face I can tell you aren't on board with this or that." No -- actually, this look means "OMG My head is going to explode!!!! And it when it does, I think my left shoulder will go with it!" Anyway, sorry so long. Thanks for letting me vent and if you have any thoughts/tricks for the headache I'd appreciate it! ~ Tanya

Hi Carrie... My husband and I were the ones in the van with you on the way back to the airport. I'm glad you made it home safely. I know you had a lot of flying to do and that couldn't have been comfortable. I think you were heading back to work on Monday, too. I hope that is going well for you as well. I wish you a speedy surgery recovering and a smooth post-op diet. ~Tanya

Hmmm.... I read somewhere that the Camino does not have internet service available. I had planned to just "go with the flow" and take whatever hotel I was assigned to; but I've got to have internet. Both my husband and I will want to stay in touch with work. I've emailed Carolyn and will see what she says. (Surgery date 5/30) Tanya

Donna, I am still pre-op so I haven't "been there." But, I have hit a plateau and know how frustrating it can be to feel like you are giving it all and your body is not giving it back! 13 days and down just 7 pounds -- most in the first few days --- where I've been averaging 800 calories, high protein, low fat, plenty of veggies. At times I do wonder why am I putting myself through this. I've ordered an exercise bike that will get here tomorrow... if that doesn't move pounds then I have to wonder if I'll be immune to the lap band. Anyway -- point is, vent away! Sometimes you just gotta let out the frustration so you can find the willpower to start again tomorrow, remembering that this is a long process that will be worth the hard work and long wait. Let me say CONGRATULATIONS! You are 55 pounds lighter than you were in the past. Do you realize how much weight that is??? That is more than 25% of your current weight! Imagine going to the grocery store and putting a 50 lb. bag of dog food on your back and walking around like that all day. You've done a great job! You are doing the right things and heading in the right direction. Keep your chin up! Tanya

Lafoon, I'll see you in TJ on May 30! I arrive late on the 29th so I'll do my pre-op stuff Friday morning. I saw you are from Roswell, GA. I'm in Nashville, TN. Are you planning to do your fills at Fill Center USA? I think they have an office in Roswell or Norcross. That's what I think I'll do. I can drive down there in about 3 1/2 hours. Tanya

I've told my husband, my sister (who is an RN), and one co-worker. I really hadn't planned on telling anyone except my husband, but after a lot of thought found that it is good to have allies. Even on the pre-opt diet at work, having someone at work that isn't constantly commenting on how much or how little I am eating is helpful. I don't plan to share with anyone else. However, I put in for vacation several weeks ago and was approved. There is a regional meeting being planned and we were all told to email the dates that we are available. I emailed that I can not and underlined can not travel for work on May 29 or 30th because I'll be on vacation. Sure 'nuff, my boss emails out the dates... May 28-29! (He works in a different state and we don't talk often). I immediately emailed him that I have something on the 29th that I can not move and he hasn't responded. It's been a week now! I honestly considered rescheduling the surgery and then realized that never taking care of myself is what got me in this big ole body to start with! SO, my thought is I may throw it out there and tell him that I am not going to the meeting because I am having surgery.

My scale is CRAZY! I'm working on my pre-op diet (down 5 lbs plus the 2 that I gained after I gave the OCC my starting weight!). My surgery date is May 30 so I still have 23 days to loose 7 lbs. I'm feeling very confident that I'll exceed that. I have a nice scale. (If there is such a thing! Ha!) It measures to the .2 pounds. One of it's crazy habits is that it taunts me. When I step on the scale, the numbers start climbing up, up, up. In fact, they always go a few pounds higher than my actual weight and then roll back down. That's just cruel! There are milliseconds everymorning that I think I gained weight and all that lettuce was for nothing! Well, today, Crazy Scale started a new cruel trick. I admit, everyday I weigh myself twice in a row...just to make sure. And every morning, the number is exactly the same both times. Until today. Today, I weighed 10 times and never got the same number twice in a row. AAAAAAHHHHHHHH! I haven't named my future band yet, but I think I have some names that I'd like to give my scale!

For those of you that are recommending Phazyme for the gas... can you swallow the soft-gel tabs during the post-op diet? Thanks, Tanya

Hello! My name is Tanya. I live in Nasville, TN and I am a 36 year old mother of two. My son is 7 and my daughter is 6. While I've always been heavy, the 2 babies back to back didn't help! Now that they are both in school (finishing Kindergarten and 2nd Grade this month), I think it's about time I lose the pregnancy weight for good.... and while I'm at it, I need to loose the 20 pounds I've gained IN ADDITION to my 9 month prego weight! HA! I work for a national home builder. Right now I am responsible for our Operational Marketing and Neighborhood Openings. HOWEVER, as part of my management training, I'm probably going to spend a year in sales. I'm a little nervous -- as an engineer I'm not exactly the most social person! I think sales people are expected to remember the names of their customers! hehehe My surgery is scheduled for May 30. I can't wait to start this journey. Can you imagine in December at the Sales Holiday Party -- I can either be in the photos wearing a goreous new gown or I can be the old me and 3 sales agents would be lost behind me in the photo. I'm voting new dress! This forum has been a great resource during my decision phase and I can tell already that ya'll are going to be a great support system during this life change.

Hi All! This is a pre-op diet question so I hope I have it posted in the right area. My surgery dates is 5/30 and I started my pre-op diet yesterday. I need to lose 12 pounds so I thought I better start early instead of later. I seem to do very well during the day but from 8 pm to 10 pm I find myself walking to the fridge and pantry every 5 minutes looking for something to eat! I think a huge part of my weight problem is that I have always eaten dinner late, between 8 and 10. What I'm just now realizing is that I ate dinner the entire 2 hours between 8 & 10!!!! Back in the B.C. years (Before Children) I could imagine using this time to walk on the treadmill to take my mind off the munchies. But that just isn't possible right now -- 8 to 10 means baths, packing lunches & backpacks, laundry, mail/bills, laying out clothes for tomorrow, answering work emails, etc. etc. My husband travels most weeknights so I don't have help with running the household / kids during the week and I work a solid 60+ hours a week (and I'm taking real estate classes on-line in the evenings.) It's just a crazy period of the day for me and I must be stress eating. It's definitely my witching hour(s)! Any suggestions? Should I just chomp on celery untill I turn green or go to bed hungry? ~Tanya

Cathy, My surgery date is 5/30 -- so no personal experience. However, I have a friend that has been banded about 4 months says an occasional Cola-slushie is her personal treat. She has tried letting soda go flat by leaving it out for a long time before drinking it and says that it is still painful. But, a Coke slushie does work for her. Everyone is probably different. I agree with with BandGroupie... Try to give up the Dt. Coke now. I think it will be worth it later. You can do it!

Hi! I am new the the forum and will post my introduction later this evening. I just wanted to talk about the soda. I actually post-poned making my decision to have the surgery for over a year because I heard that the fizz from Diet Coke would be a problem. Dt. Coke was practically my best friend! I probably drank a 12 pack a day... but I never counted because I didn't want to know how bad it was! On January 1st this year, I started thinking about my goals for the year, and decided that it is time to do something about this weight I've been fighting for 20 years. And I knew if I didn't conquer the Dt. Coke, I would be stuck. BUT, I didn't want to make a New Year's Resolution since so many of those are destined to fail. I started "lurking" on this forum, reading all the posts and getting inspired by all of you guys! You folks are so inspirational and supportive of each other!!!! On Leap Day I decided it was time to give up my security blanket called Diet Coke! What better use of an extra day than to make a change! I bought cases of water and probably $50 worth of Crystal Lite flavor packs and $20 worth of spicy gum! The first couple of weeks was tough. I was drinking at least 12 bottles of flavored water a day and still had a feeling like something was missing -- the fizz! Slowly I started drinking one "clear" water in between each flavored water until now I drink mostly clear water with just 2 or 3 flavor packs a day. (They do have a Crystal Lite Focus with 40 mg of caffiene if you need one of those a day to ween off the caffiene from soda!) I had the most surreal experience exactly one month after I gave up soda. It was an overcast, drizzly morning after a night of hard rains. The endless supply of Pop Tarts at my house finally ran out (and will never be replaced), but I was hungry and knew I had a marathon of meetings planned for the day. I pulled into the Publix on the way to work and was one of only 4 or 5 cars in the wet parking lot. I ran in and found a Bolthouse Perfectly Protein drink thinking it was time to try a protein replacement. I ran out to the car with my little bag. As I was sitting in the car, shaking up my shake, a man passed in front of the car and waved. He didn't smile -- in fact he looked pretty sad. I thought, "Maybe he thought he knew me and then realized he didn't so I got a wave and an "oops" frown." I waved back. He shuffled through the raindrops and jumped into a white car. As he pulled out of the parking lot and passed in front of me, I saw the big red COKE logo painted on his car. It was the Coca-Cola sales rep for my Publix. Frowning, waving, and driving away in the rain! I guess he missed me! I waved again, and I swear to goodness, I shed a tear as I said good-bye to my friend Dt. Coke for good! So today -- 2 months of soda-free, I scheduled my Lap Band Surgery with Dr. Ortiz for May 30! Yeah!!!! One month of pre-op diet and now I know I have the will power to make life long changes! So...very long story short, if I can give up soda, I know you can do it!!!! Start making changes today! You can do it! ~Tanya in Nashville 275/275/195 Highest/Current/Goal