BandDiva

Sabrina- I have been totally shocked lately at what i can eat. I had a roll this week! The thin crust pizza has never been a problem, we order it crispy. Same thing a piece and I am done. I have been really excited that I can eat bread things in small portions. This is what Dr. Ortiz says, we should be eating everything in small portions. The last week I have eaten veggies, fruits, everything! Just in tiny portions eating super slow and really chewing it up! YAY!

I havent lost any. I take bariatric advantage mixed berry vitamins. They are made especially for lapband paitients. I also eat about 80-90 grams of protein a day. Haven't had any issues. I have lost about 47 lbs.

Sounds like a good idea. My tightness has only lasted a couple days but if yours is a couple weeks, sounds like you are making the right decision. Feel better.

I love protein shakes! I drank them before my surgery! I use a couple brands that are REALLY like milkshakes. I enjoy them and I am getting the protein I need. I have learned how to feel if I am tight, on those days, I have one for breakfast. Otherwise I eat eggs or oatmeal for breakfast. I have a shake in the afternoon instead of snacking. I do eat more protein than what is suggested. I can eat rice, but the only kind I eat is brown rice. Anything like this that can get gummy, you really have to eat super slow. Keep in mind, it will depend on your fill.

I don't remember being bloated. I had minimal gas after surgery. It is the CO2 leaving your body. Sometimes it will be in your shoulder etc. But, I didn't have any of this. I believe alot of it has to do with getting up as soon as you can after surgery. I was walking 15 minutes after I woke up. I got a bra from lanebryant, that looks like a sports bra but really isnt. It was very comfortable the next day.

Yes, the Gas X strips are correct. Also, they will give you pain pills at the OCC & an option to buy more. BUY MORE! Liquid tylenol does nothing for my pain, unless its a headache, thats about it. lol Might want to take a heating pad if you have room. Also, I would have pj's that open in the front (button) unless you just stay in the gown they give you. I stripped it off 15 minutes after I woke up and put on my pj's. Much more comfy! The button up top is easier dealing with an IV, etc.

I lost my aunt too. My Dads sister had gastric bypass and died in the hospital days later from toxic shock. SOO SOO sad. I miss her all the time & wish they would have had lapband back then. She died in 1998.

I hope you are feeling better, I know this is the next morning. I did that before, drinking really doesn't help. The food has to leave your pouch and one of the reasons we don't drink is because it sometimes wont go through the food, it pushes it way back up. Mostly likely you would only PB your drink. (it happened to me). I tried drinking, it just makes sense that it would help things go down. Not always the case with your lapband. So, stay away from liquids right after you eat. What I did when I felt that pain is get my heating pad and sit there before going to bed. Let us know how you are doing!

That is crazy! I am 6 months out and I am not planning to ever pick up a soda again. I feel If I can give it up a month before surgery, and still haven't drank it..l can do without it. It is SOOO bad for you anyway, even without the band! Did you post anything?

You have a great attitude! Good for you, you don't need the cigarettes! Yes, the band is a great tool in helping you break life long habits! I love my band & you will too!

I wrote down questions that I had and I called and asked them. Keep in mind that is why they have this forum. I understand what you are saying, but I guess they figure people come here to get info. If it bothers you, call them and let them know. Did you get all the info that they email?

Jude....Which Turbo Jam do you have?

The only thing they talk to you about is getting ready for your surgery. Once you get there, you meet with Dr. Miranda and she goes over everything, the day before my surgery I went in for all the pre-op stuff and my meeting with Dr. Miranda. This is when she told me, not over the phone. Not sure if you are doing all that the day before, or the day of. It is your choice but call Rene and go over your plans with him. If you want to talk to Dr. Miranda, call her. She is really good about emailing and returning calls.

I dont think she had plastic surgery. (her body is not perfect) She only lost what, 40-50 lbs. I think she worked out like crazy tough.

Not sure how it is determined by the OCC. Dr. Miranda told me my target weight was 180. I want to get down to atleast 160. (I think) I have never been that weight so, who knows. lol It depends on your height and body frame. Check out this site. http://www.healthchecksystems.com/heightweightchart.htm

Not only would I totally do it again, but I tell everyone about Dr. Ortiz!! I am proud to say I am his patient. I always felt safe in TJ because his clinic is so close to the San Diego border. I would go there tomorrow if I needed to. Feel free to read my blog, here is the Dr. Ortiz section. http://danasbandnewlife.wordpress.com/cate...dr-ariel-ortiz/

LOL LOVE IT!

Smiley.... I highly recommend Bariatric Advantage, Vitaband in mixed berry flavor. These vitamins are chewable & made especially for people who have had WLS. Ofcourse it is up to you, but I attended a 2 hour meeting about this company and I really believe they have what we need. They are loaded with good stuff for us! I also take their calcium tablet, it dissolves in your mouth.

We would love to have a WII, but we just can't make that investment right now. Maybe one day.....(if they don't come out with something else before then! lol)

Hey everyone! So, my weight is starting to drop again, but not as quick as I want. I work out with my trainer 2 times a week so I can't afford a gym membership. So, just wondering what all of you are doing. NO, I don't have Wii, so Wii fit is out. Are any of you using a DVD series? What are all of you doing at home? I feel I am getting enough weight training but I need some cardio ideas. I also have an elliptical here at the house (maybe I need to increase doing that too). Anyway, I used to have some exercise VHS tapes and I enjoyed it. I want to buy something to pop in and do before my hubby gets home from work. Thanks to all of you, yall are great!

Denise, You are an inspiration to many! You are dedicated to this new lifestyle & it shows! You look incredible!!! Love ya, Lady!

I think 10CM is probably the most common, there is a larger one, it depends on the size of the stomach. I believe there are just the 2 different sizes and they dont know until they get in there to see what is needed.

I told my Dr. here in Dallas I was Dr. Ortiz patient, and his exact words (with a smile on his face). "Dr. Ortiz? He is a Hollywood Dr. I am just a nerd. Dr. Ortiz is a great Dr." I was so relieved! Dr. Ortiz also new of my Fill Dr. here in Dallas, he is one of the best surgeons around here. I feel that I am in great hands with both of them!!!!

Yes, 10CM band holds 4cc's.

PB means productive burp. Sometimes you can get lucky and it will come up with just one. Other times, it might last an hour. It is nasty.