Cujo

I bet if you increase the water intake the pounds will drop off. You need to flush the system before you go into starvation mode and shut down completely. Also are you eating the green veggies as suggested? It keeps you full and help shrink/detox the liver which is the purpose of the pre-op diet.

Been there, done that. Licked some salt and vinegar potato chips the other day. Last night, I was chewing on a pork chop and spitting in the sink. It stopped the urge to eat real food so I'm not going to beat myself up about it. Friday is my day 22, so I have been imagining what I should eat. Stay strong and you will get through this stage. Remember that there is potential for long term damage if you swallow something too big, keep to liquids for a few more days.

OCC's diet is much simpler: following the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Silly week one clear liquids juices, broth etc week two full liquids - add your cream soups add a drinkable yogurt week three add one protein shake a day Day 22: Solid foods No "mushies" phase Listen to the man himself:

I don't know if I could have handled getting banded at the same time as my wife. We were both pretty cranky on the pre-op diet, had we done it together, I think I'd be buried in the backyard now. Now I get to sit, sipping my broth, watching her mow the lawn. ...No wait, I did that before I was banded too! Nevermind.

Also remember that the outcomes even out in about 18 months. So consider the band a slower but safer procedure.

Hi Kevin; Have you considered the effect of lapbanding on your diet? The restriction of the band will affect what you can eat and from my wife and my experience, lots of fruit and veg were not consumable after banding. Anything with a skin like grapes and plums get stuck. Anthing too fiberous, like celery, asparagus, rhubarb bananas etc gets stuck. The diet won't bother me as I'm basically a carnivour and the key there is to chew, chew, chew. A vegetarian might find it much more limiting.

Hi Joanne I don't think you'll find Optifast locally but you can order it from Dr Ortiz's website. I used Slimfast and weider protein drinks and that worked okay. cujo

We travelled back yesterday, I don't think they remembered to add water to that chicken noodle soup. It was like eating the concentrate directly from the can. (not that I've ever done that...recently) I struggled through but figured we should have got two cups split the soup and added water ourselves. The soup at Salt lake Airport was just as thick. I ended up drinking juice. Hopefully, I haven't done too much damage and can get back on track with just broth today and tomorrow. Anyway, I think people flying back after surgery need to carry their own food, airports do not appear to be 'clear' friendly.

My mom worked as a nurse in Emerg for many years. it was common for people to arrive at emergency with vague stomach problems, aches, pains, appendix maybe or an ulcer. The diagnosis was commonly FOS........Full Of Shit! LOL You need to get things moving or someone in a rubber glove is going to do it for you.

Adjusted Gross Income AGI is "total income", as defined by the tax code, less "statutory adjustments".

The Canadian Twist Remember that even though Canadians do not need a passport to enter Mexico, you do need a passport to fly into San Diego. Make sure you get your passport before booking the procedure or you are in for a long drive.

I guess I'm just wired differently. If two choices cost the same and one is 500 calories and one is 1,000, I'll take the 1,000. Its a better value!

thanks for the warm welcome.

Hi all; Just wanted to introduce myself. I am scheduled for lap band with Dr Ortiz August 15th and have just started my pre-op diet. I have gained weight pretty slowly since finishing university and getting a sedentary job - I'm an accountant. I am medicated for BP and chlorestral and on my way to being diabetic. Excercise has been non-existent for me. The pivot point for me (literally) to decide to have the procedure was last weekend. I went golfing with my son on sunday and sprained my ankle on tee - off. My ankle couldn't support the weight on my backswing. Yikes! If I can survive the pre-op diet, I think I will be successful but eating that horrible stuff is tuff, what's it called again...oh yeah, vegetables. Also, I'm nicolek's husband. Cheers,

You mean I got a full body wax for no reason?

I guess that was meant for me. I am new to the board but have followed my wifes postings for a few months now. I am having my surgery August 15, 2008.

Had to google map to find out where you are: drive to the middle of no where, turn left and drive some more. lol Have you tried Grande Prairie? I think someone there does fills at the hospital.