Taz

That's a good point. I have been looking at the calorie and protein content for some of the shakes... they are higher than what the pre-op diet allows for. Gotta be careful what you buy! Taz

You do eh? I am on my pre-op diet right now and I am using Ensure. I hate it. It tastes "tinny" to me. I bought the flat with the 6 different flavours, and so far only the Chocolate didn't have the weird taste. The Butter-Pecan came in a close second... but not enough to make it worth doing long term. This weekend I am going to buy the "Boost" as they ar ein plastic bottles to see if that's any better. Taz

Ya? You guys like the Wii? Our household has a Playstation 2 and an XBox already, so I wasn't interested in yet another gaming console in the house. But the "Wii Fit" angle might change that. Taz

Congrats!!! Taz

Thanks for the info Allcdngirl. Sounds like there is enough of us to make the Belligham office a reality. Even if its only a few days a month. ;-) Taz.

Thanks for the info Musiclover. I think I will head down to Northwest Fills as they do do fluoroscopy. Still trying to decide if I want to fly back down to see Dr. Ortiz for the first fill. I think it might be good just for the check up.... and then use more local fills. Just not sure yet. Anyone else want to chime in on that part? Did you go back to TJ for the first fill? Taz

LOL. You first! I think we can all agree that we would all rather revisit wearing hot paper thongs in a year from now. Taz

Isn't that interesting. Great tip on eating soup properly. Thanks! Taz

Hey Kittykat, What is the brand of your B12 strips, and where are you buying them from? Taz

Hey Dolittle, Let us know how it goes. I'd like to know what it costs us guys for a lower body lift after we reach our weight loss target, and what the procedure is like. Taz

This is "YOU" time. Your responsibility is to yourself. Your family will have to learn to cope if they are not being supportive. Don't fret. Take yourself. BE THERE. The rest will take care of itself. To help you out, here is the travel checklist I put together for myself from experiences of others on the board: Travel CheckList ================ * Gas-X strips * Boullion Cubes / Ramen noodle flavour packets (Meals for travel home) * Children's Meltaway Tylenol (for pain) * Liquid Tylenol PM (To sleep... apparently the hotel is loud sometimes) * Medication * US currency in small bills (1's and 5's to buy bottled water etc) * Herbal Tea bags (warm liquid for fluids) * Crystal Lite packets * Toothbrush * Toothpaste * Shaving cream * Razor * Comb * Deoderant * Slippers * Comfy sweat shorts for trip home (must not require a belt) * Baggy tshirts * Underwear * Passport * Contact Sheet with Phone Numbers (OCC, Cab company, Canadian Embassy) * iPhone (with a few new movies downloaded) Of course, substitute as required. I am sure there are other items you may need. But this should help you out if you forgot anything. Good luck with the surgery. You'll do great. We'll see you on the other side!! Taz

Thanks for the best wishes. Ribbit, ribbit. Taz

I got what you meant. That flavouring is tasty... because of the salt. There is so much, it isn't funny. Tastier than bullion cubes though... thats for sure. Just nowhere as healthy. Taz

I don't know if thats a down side ;-) I'm actually counting on that after seeing the amazing success many of you ladies have had! Taz

Tell him congrats on making the decision. And let him know he is welcome to come share his experiences on the forums. More testosterone around here might be a good idea ;-) Taz

In Delta eh? How much is the fill there, and who is performing it? Do they do fluoroscopy? Taz

Point Roberts is close. Only about an hours drive! I'm pleased to hear your son lost 100lbs. Does he visit these forums? Living on lean cuisines is interesting. I actually really like them. Have one every lunch at work! Looking forward to being banded. Kinda worried about PBing, as I REALLY hate to vomit. The thought of PBing has actually been the root cause of me not moving forward over the last year. However, I realized I am missing too much of my life to worry about something that MIGHT be an issue. NW Fills has been recommended to me as well. I will definitely be checking them out. Thanks for the tip! Taz

Congratulations! Now for the dumb question. What does it mean to have your teeth zoomed?? Taz

See you there! Taz

This is a great list. Had to look up what Phazyme was though. Thanks for sharing! Taz

Hmm, now thats interesting. That can't be that healthy for ya though. Ramen noodles taste way too good... that stuff HAS to be bad for ya. ;-) Taz

Thanks for sharing your story. Its great to see such success in such a short period of time!!

I wonder if the appeal is eating MORE, or if you are craving more flavour. I can't speak from experience as I am not banded yet, but I am looking forward to the idea of eating less food, and instead finding ways to keep it interesting and more flavourful. I used to enjoy dining with my wife in fancy restaurants where very little food came, but it was amazing in taste. I would be hungry afterwards, and we would stop off somewhere... but I can see how now I will be content after such a meal. Am I expecting too much? Maybe. But the thought of PBing is so vile to me (and the main reason I have held off on the surgury for over a year) I don't want too much food. I just want to feel full with my taste buds tingling. The mind's eye will hopefully do the rest. I wonder how many of us associate(d) food as a form of entertainment. That is probably how many of us got in trouble to begin with. Food for nourishment is completely different than the experience of food. Hopefully (with guidance from many bandsters such as yourself) I will be able to find the right balance over the coming months. Taz

Hey Cujo, Great point with the belt. Didn't even think about that. I always wear a belt, and can see how that would be uncomfortable with the incisions. Flat screen and a remote. I think that might be an assistant to what got me this big. Too much TV, not enough excerise like I used to do. But ya, that will make for a more enjoyable stay at the clinic. Long as I don't watch Aliens or something and start wondering if that's what is making my stomach feel funny ;-) Taz

Ahh, I can see it now. Mexician "Frogger" with the fat guy as I try to cross the street. Thanks for the info. Taz