labella

Just wondering if anyone has experienced the barium emptying too slow from esophagas via floro

If so, what causes this?

I do not have any reflux or burning ...... jst slow emptying resulting in no fill #3.

Advised to take pepto to sooth the esophagas and revisit next month.

thank you for your help.

Labella

Hoping some of the older bandsters can answer a few questions.

Recently I went to have my 3rd fill and Dr. So said my esophagas was swollen ...and wanted me to wait for another fill.

What causes this??and How are you losing the mid section subcutaneous fat??

I have lost inches but not too much in lbs in 9 months.

Can someone share a typical day menu please.

Thanks for you help...

Labella

Stayed at the Lucerna twice and both times we were pleased and we are particular. Everyone there was very accommodating, the computers were easily accessible and the food in the restaurant was excellent. I was not able to eat other than the creamed spinach soup which was awesome. The food and the cappuccinos were excellent as my husband and some friends enjoyed!

There is also an excellent taco stand just down the street on the same side as the Lucerna. The broth there is delicious served with chopped cilantro. They know the stand at th e front desk...no crossing the street just around the corner....go out and turn right then right again. Close ...convenient....and nice.

Actually I will be at tthe OCC tomorrow for a fill.

All the best with your surgery and stay. The OCC is exceptional.

Labella

There are two computers in the lobby of the Lucerna and you can log on to email and stay in touch with home. I don't see the need to bring yours at all.

There is also one at the OCC in the recovery area near the nurses station you can use as well.

Less is best and the Lucerna is excellent.

Best to you ..the OCC is exeptional!

Labella

Louisem

San diego is a lovely place to stay. We prefer to stay away from the Gaslamp are as it is not out cup of tea. The Hilton Hotel by the Hyatt and the convention center is always a good choice.

We were just there on the 12th floor and found the public transportation a plus. Seaport village is close and the buses are reliable and easy.

The trolly takes you right to the border and then a $5.00 cab ride to OCC and back. Write the address down for the cabbie.

We googled hotwire and for $100.00 plus you are in a great location. The weather was perfect. Good Luck.

Labella

Faith

My empathy with your agony and expectations and can say that it will" pass in time." I too, an very sensitive to pain and the like and had ahoulder pain for months which I treated with massage and cold compresses.

I took 800 ml ibiuprofen daily crushed mixed with tylenol for many weeks until the pain finally subsided.

I experienced the gas issue since my surgery in Dec. It is now getting better and less active but still there. Hopefully with digestive enzymes this too will pass.

My port is high but tolerable for me.

I, too, thought the pain would never cease, however it did. I am so pleased that mine has healed those sensitive symptoms and my body has responded quite well to everything.

My weight and inches loss has been so wonderful and the restriction is perfect. I have had two fills at the OCC.

The doctors and the staff are exceptional and time has a way of healing us.

The doctors are there for you and unless you have an infection or the like, I trust you will in time be pleased with your decision.

This was not a breeze for me, however, I pampered and slowly but surely I feel like mysef these days.

Wishing you patience and feeling better with "baby steps"

Labella

I am hoping others on here will be brutally honest with their thoughts. So much of what is written on here is positive and that is great, it is one of the reasons I decided to have this done, but now I am feeling completely alone with regrets. I have researched the forum and have only seen a few people who have voiced how I am feeling. I am also hoping that my entry will not be deleted.

I was banded about 2 weeks ago (yes I know it wasn't long ago). I did not have the gassy feeling right after the procedure, but incredible port pain. My port and laproscopic sites seem to be higher than most people and I had lots of bruising. My port feels like it sits right on the edge of my ribs, so leaning forward can be a killer. I called several days after my surgery and Dr So said that extreme port pain is not that common but that it should get less. It has decreased somewhat, but now several times a day, I still get a heartbeat pain at the port site that makes me stop what I am doing. At 8 days post/op, I also started getting this horrible sharp shoulder pain right in my left scapula that literally takes my breath away (worse than a gallstone). It comes and goes for no apparent reason, but when it comes I immediately start sweating and have to do deep breathing to get through it. About a week after the surgery I also became extremely bloated and gassy all the time.

Let me say that I am a physical therapist and very familiar with the stages of healing. I understand scar tissue and know the physiology of what is happening to me. I completely understand the CO2 in my body and the fact that it takes a while to get out . Let me also mention that I am doing everything under the sun to help this. I am walking 3 miles a day everday, using heat, putting pressure/massage and taking tons of simethicone/gas x to no avail, anti-inflammaories etc... I am also taking 10mg vicodin at night which barely helps me but takes the edge off. Because of my desperation, it was very difficult to find reputable studies on the symptoms I am having. I found the Australian article regarding shoulder pain and it says

"Shoulder pain following LAGB surgery is common, usually affects the left shoulder, and can

in some cases last 5 weeks or more. Avoiding injury to the crura during the procedure may prevent more

prolonged pain."

So I found out that some people apparently do not have the shoulder pain immediately but one or more weeks later and they may have the shoulder pain for months/years, some continue to have port sensitivity years later and many people are just bloated and gassy for the rest of their lives.

My goodness, I cannot imagine 3 more weeks of this port pain and shoulder pain and the possibility that I will forever have bloating and be gassy.... and yes I do understand those of you who believe the bloating and gas for the rest of your lives isn't a bad trade off for weight loss.

I am not a complainer and typically think of myself as a pretty tough cookie, but these side effects are affecting my day to day function and I am mad at myself for doing this to myself. Obviously my body is more sensitive than most, but I have yet to see someone else on the current forum implying they were going crazy with the side effects after surgery and feeling depression and regret. I know that I could not have anticipated this but the only thing that is making me feel better is the thought of removing this band in a few months when the scar tissue slows down. I swear if I could do surgery on myself, I would have done it already. I know healing and everything takes time ("this too shall pass"), I tell that to my patients all the time, but if I am so unusual to have such extreme symptoms, I cannot know for sure if and when it will pass.

Anyway, I do not want to discourage anyone who is reading this. I believe the lap band has changed many peoples' lives and has been a blessing to them. My best friend also had lap band surgery 6 months ago, had little to no symptoms and is doing fantastic. Therefore, she cannot relate to my situation at all.

I am just talking about my own individual case which apparently is in no way the "norm". I am scared, I am worried, I am seriously depressed and I am on the verge of tears most of the time. I just wanted to be brutally honest on this forum in the hopes that there is someone out there who can relate so I would not feel so alone and scared.

Thanks for listening.

Hello Faith,

I too was very frustrated with this site immediately post op, as I had the "everything that could go wrong seemed to" situation with my band too. I was banded over the Christmas Holidays with a few other women that just sailed through everything and I was in extreme pain. I too am a health care professional and am very familiar with wound healing and surgical experiences. I was really not prepared for what I went though, because as you say, most don't have a negative experience and report "how easy it all is"

The one truth that you can take to the bank, is that, if in fact everything has gone as normal with your surgery and you aren't having some weird rejection reaction, then you WILL start to feel better with time.......how long is hard to predict......and how completely normal you feel again will be the other unknown.

I was stuck in California for a week before returning home to Canada, thinking I would vacation with friends and relatives over the holidays, I was so convinced by everything I heard on this site that I would be "just fine" .......wow! I was desperate for stronger pain meds and had no way of getting any and of course did not buy any before leaving Mexico, thinking I would be ok in a few days. Dr. Martinez even ordered a Floro to check the band before I left, I was having so much pain and discomfort.......the said everything looked normal, but it took weeks! for me to start feeling better. I guess like you say, some of us are just more sensitive and the way we heal is different.

I am hoping and praying that by the third week ( which is when things started to turn around for me) that you will start experiencing less pain and be able to cope better. Please call the doctors and make sure they are aware of your issues.......just the assurance that everything looks good will hopefully help. I didn't like the sound of the "heartbeat" type pain that you mentioned your are having.....that can sometimes indicate infection......keep us posted of your progress, and hang in there

Rhonda

Sounds like you are doing quite excellent. Such a nice report. It is encouraging to know you are not in too much discomfort.

I had my boobs done 2 decades ago and I love them still.

Just curious as to what kind of implants you had and how were they inserted. Over the muscle or under.

I am amazed at your comments as well as your non discomfort levels.

The procedures have changed over the years and your sounds perfect!

Enjoy them!

Labella

Thank you for sharing your "Secrets to Success" and Congratulations to you.

This is indeed quite a journey which I have much respect for.

Would you be kind enough to share what is precisely really small portions that you consume? and possibly a typical day menu?

I have just had my second fill and feel I am at my sweet spot. I do not have a lot of weight to loose, however,

I believe in your motto.

The spicy chocolate to start the day sounds like a winner to me.

To your success!

Labella

I've gotten a lot of emails asking me how I was so successful with my band. I admit that some of my philosophies are not within typical 'band rules' but FOR

ME, they work. I was HUNGRY before I got my band. I didn't have a psychological'need' to drown my sorrows in Bon-Bons, I just had a hunger valve that nevershut off. The band FIXED THAT for me.

I just sent the following email out toanother newly banded person, and thought it might be good to share with thegroup. I wanted to share MY WAY and put the disclaimer out there that I AM NOT SAYING it is the 'right way.' This way just worked for me, considering my circumstances. That being said, I've found my success on a bit of a different road, and wanted to share, and also would like to hear others successstories and the path they took to get there... Here goes...

"...Are you sure you want to hear my philosophy? I get pretty passionate about it, and a lot of the people on the board think I am smoking a little bit of the

"wacky tabackey!" Here goes... I agree with you WHOLEHEARTEDLY about this being a lifestyle change. A lot of bandsters think this is a new diet. This is NOT

another diet. Some bandsters think they have a lap-band, but they still should be counting calories, protein, etc. I got the band because I wanted to FREE

MYSELF from that mindset. I wanted to live my life, and not be concerned with food anymore. So, in my banded life, I have adopted that very philosophy. I DO NOT COUNT ANYTHING. I eat healthy foods, try to stay away from the processed junk as much as possible, and eat small portions. Very small portions. There is nothing that I consider 'off limits' and I don't set a goal for protein or carbs on a daily basis. I know this flies in the face of most bandsters and their

doctors, but I think all that dieting does, is transfer one obsession to another. If you look some REALLY successful banders, the ones who have lost all of their weight (and not just gotten to their 'goal' of a certain size or something, I am going based on a HEALTHY BMI, not overweight), most of them practice some semblance of this philosophy. And a VERY LARGE MAJORITY of them are from Australia. In Australia, they have had the band longer than in the US.

And in Australia, their statistics are MUCH MUCH better than the US statistics. I am sure there are many reasons for that. One is a patient's access to

follow-up afterwards. In the US, patients have to pay SOMETHING for their fills (even if it is just a co-pay) and they find that cost-prohibitive. Another is in the US, I REALLY don't believe doctors emphasize the importance of fills nearly enough. YOU MUST make the band work for you. YOU MUST get your fills until you are in a 'sweet spot' where your life no longer revolves around food anymore. I have quite a 'revelation' or 'epiphany' when that happened to me. I simply realized I was no longer waking up in the morning thinking of what was for breakfast, and planning 4 hours (or more!) in advance what dinner was going to be... I was no longer living my life for the next meal. Another reason Aussies are so successful is because they eat like normal people. Their doctors tell them to eat whatever, just in small portions.

Here are mantras I have for my diet. And when I say diet, I mean what I eat, not what I am doing to lose/maintain my weight.

1) Whole foods are best. Keep processed to a minimum. in our house, we eat a TON of veggies. We eat vegetable laden meals and have lots of beans on a weekly basis. My kids (ages 6 and 4) LOVE veggies and I never have to tell them to eat them. They love veggies more than junk food, so I am blessed.

2) I do not watch my fat intake. That being said, I am not this crazy consumer of fat, but if the label says low-fat, I am probably not going to buy it. Low

fat often means it has other 'fake' fillers and sugars to make it still taste good. If I want meat, I buy what I like. We drink whole milk, we eat whole yogurt, we eat whole cheeses, and if I am going to eat ice cream, I am not going to waste my time with some low-fat ice cream. I eat Haagen Dazs. And get this...

I start EVERY DAY with one piece of chocolate. Not Hershey's or some other 'cheap chocolate.' I eat Lindt, Toblerone, something like that. My current favorite is Lindt Chili Chocolate. If you can stand a little heat, I HIGHLY suggest you run yourself to Target and buy a bar from the specialty chocolate

bar section. I eat one square from the bar a day, so the bar lasts over a week. This is not a bar that ANYONE would want to consume in a sitting, it is very

special, and a DELIGHT to your tastebuds!

3) I DO watch my slider foods. Foods like Ice Cream, Chocolate, Cheetos, Chips, cookies, popcorn, etc. go through the band very easily and do not leave you filled up. Also, they are NOT good sources of nutrition... So, I make sure I limit myself on these, but like I said, NOTHING is off limits. I just eat in VERY small portions.

4) I DO NOT believe artificial sweeteners are good for you. I believe that they are worse for you than regular sugar. They slow your metabolism down, they make it so your body does not heat up to metabolize your food. I am also not sold on that "truvia" stuff that Coke and Pepsi are rolling out. They can claim it is 'natural' but it is an ENGINEERED substance, that has been sprayed BIG TIME with pesticides, etc and I am not thinking that it is any better for you than sugar. See the following article: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,...1711763,00.html And something to think about: Why is it that ALL FAT PEOPLE drink Diet Coke/Pepsi? And often in large quantities? I think there is a very big connection that the general public does not seem to 'get.'

5) I try to eat organic as much as I can, where it is not cost prohibitive. Pesticides are AWFUL...

6) I do not drink soda. I used to be an 8 Diet Cokes/day girl. I REALLY BELIEVE that those fake sugars made me even hungrier. I don't miss it. If I want

caffeine, and I do on a daily basis, I drink coffee or tea.

7) I do not believe that vitamins are necessary for most banded people that eat a varied diet. That being said, if you get into a period of super tightness

where all you're consuming is liquids until you get an unfill, I don't think a multi-vitamin is a bad idea. BUT NOT on a daily basis. More and more science is

proving that multi-vitamins don't do ANYTHING for your health, and sometimes make it worse. HOWEVER, I do supplement with two supplements. I take 2000 IUs of Vitamin D daily. Vitamin D is not something we can 'overdose on' and it is a vitamin that has CLEARLY shown major health benefits. When it is nice outside, I also make sure to get some sunshine to get 'real' Vitamin D. It is just really important. The other supplement I take is Fish Oil. I take 2 1000 mg Fish Oil capsules, this equates to 600 mg Omega 3's. We are ALL highly deficient in Omega 3's and I HONESTLY believe that my taking fish oil is going to give me BIG TIME health advantages down the road. It helps with cholesterol, inflammation, heart issues, etc. If you buy these supplements, buy them from somewhere very reputable. I often order supplements from Puritan's Pride because their pricesare pretty good, and they have VERY high standards for quality. I buy my fish oil from Costco, because A) the price is good and their quality standards arethe best out there.

I work a part time retail job, so I am on my feet a lot for that. My exercise has not been what I'd like it to be, but plan on upping it this spring/summer with my husband and kids. Lots of outdoor time, bike rides, etc. I am also planning to do the Couch to 5K. I need to be active for ME. I've just been kinda lax in that department.

There are two books that I HIGHLY recommend.

1) Rethinking Thin: The New Scienceof Weight Loss---and the Myths and Realities of Dieting and

2)In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto

#1 will help you appreciate who you are TODAY. WHY you are the way you are...

#2 will teach you some cornerstones to implement for eating. It also teaches you about the food industry, the FDA, etc, and how warped they all are...

Until I got to my sweet spot, with real restriction, I DID count my calories. I did not want to be the person who got farther behind post-surgery just cause I

had no restriction. I did not consider that a license to eat. So, I swore off the 'good stuff' till I got to a decent restriction. Thinking back, I would eat 'regularly' if I had to do it all over, but again count the calories. I wouldn't limit my 'fat' or whatever. and protein IS important, but 80 grams of protein is a bit much, and very hard to get in via natural sources. You're going to hit lots of plateaus and get super frustrated, but keep the faith and keep doing the

right things. And GET YOUR FILLS no matter WHAT. The fills are the key to your success. I am so tired of hearing people cry about how unsuccessful they are, or say how they can't afford their copay for their fills, so they are putting the appointment off. Would you buy a car without being able to afford gas? You MUST invest in yourself to get return. You must invest in your band to get the results you are looking for.

I may seem 'passionate' in my email to you. I just want others to have my success... The band is a great tool for that!"

**I hope this helps some of the banded people out there see there are many roads to success. I'd love to hear the philosophies of other successful banded folks. I love comparing notes!***

You will be "very well" taken care of at the OCC.

The doctors and staff are "concerned professionals" and treat you right.

They were there for my every sigh.....

From the moment you arrive at the airport....the clinic...the Lucerna.....all outstanding!

Wishing you all the best.

Labella

I sure will! I can't wait to start seeing the results. It's silly, but I'm sort of looking forward to baffling all the people I work with

Tibbie

Enjoy the Journey. The staff at OCC is the "Ultimate."

You are in the best of hands and will be very well taken care of.

I visited them today for my second fill.

Keep us informed. Awesome as ever!

Labella

I'am 15 days since I was Banded and I read everything on here and I see everyone saying no pain feel great I feel great but I still have some discomfort when I bend and or sit to long does any one else have this or should I contact OCC Thanks for all the great help this forum has given me. but would like some feed back on this.

I hear your concern. I was banned on 12 11 and it took me 4weeks to feel better and that was at 75-80%. The discomfort is different for all of us and it took me much longer than most to feel even 85% where I am today. Bending not good and sitting for any length and sleeping on the port side is still sensitive and I cannot do that still.

I took ibuprofen 400 mg every day 2-3X until a week ago, now just once a day at night. Hope you feel much better soon.

It is a healing process and it does take time.

Labella

This was posted by someone and I have found it to be quite helpful. I am still learning. Banned 12 11 08 OCC

Good Luck on the awesome journey! Hope this helps.

Labella

In order to fuel your body for fat burning... you need to eat a healthy protein breakfast. Planning ahead gives us one less thing to have to figure out. Eat the same thing every morning for this week.

This is a key to success... if you have set meals that you always make, you don't have to make the good choices off the top of your head. For example, if I know that every morning will be a yogurt with Kay's Apple Cinnamon Protein Cereal blended in and I have 7 cartons of Dannon Light and Fit in the fridge... there is NO room for straying.

This is how we do it.

Breakfast...250 calories and 15-20 grams protein...choose one and do it everyday this coming week!

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• Protein drink, protein shake, ready to drink protein

• Egg and Morningstar Farm sausage patty or a regular Brown & Serve sausage link

• Ricotta, cottage cheese, yogurt and fruit with a spoonful of Whey Gourmet tasty protein powder swirled in there (maybe a few sliced almonds)

• Two cheese sticks

• Muscle Milk Protein Chocolate Pudding cup

• Breakfast Vitamins: 1 Bariatric Advantage Chewable Multi Formula plus 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge with food

Mid morning protein supplement... a 100 calorie, 15-20 gram protein boost

• AchievONE protein latte, Nectar fruity protein drink, Worldwide Pure Protein ready-to-drink shake, Extreme Smoothie ready-to-drink shake

• Mozarella stick

• Dannon Light and Fit yogurt

• 1/2 Power Crunch protein wafer bar, or 1/2 Revival Peanut Butter Paradise protein bar

• Coffee with Labrada ready-to-drink Vanilla Cream protein and DaVinci sugar free Caramel syrup

• Muscle Milk Chocolate Protein Pudding Cup

• bag of Revival Oh My Apple Pie Protein Crisps

Lunch...300-350 calories and 15-20 grams of protein consisting of food you prepare for and take to the office. Don't leave what you eat at your desk to chance. PLAN YOUR LUNCH. You'll burn more calories digesting your midday meal because protein is more difficult to break down than carbohydrates or fat and it will stay with you longer into your day.

• Roast deli turkey rolled up. Use a little salsa or ranch for dipping sauce, or roll up with hummus or whole grain mustard, or wasabi mustard. (MAYO is 100 calories per TEASPOON as are all fats, so measure and use as little as possible or substitute mustard or salsa-based moistening agents)

• 1/2 cup tuna salad or ricotta or cottage cheese on top of a slice of tomato

• Shredded salmon or deli meat blended with shredded lettuce, baby tomatoes, and lower fat dressing

• NO crackers, no rolls, no chips, no tortillas, no low carb wraps

• Lunch Vitamins: 1 Bariatric Advantage B-12 plus 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge with food

Mid-afternoon protein supplement...a 100 calorie, 15-20 gram protein boost

• AchievONE protein latte, Nectar fruity protein drink, Worldwide Pure Protein ready-to-drink shake, Extreme Smoothie ready-to-drink shake

• Mozarella stick

• Dannon Light and Fit yogurt

• 1/2 Power Crunch protein wafer bar, or 1/2 Revival Peanut Butter Paradise protein bar

• Coffee with Labrada ready-to-drink Vanilla Cream protein and DaVinci sugar free Caramel syrup

• Muscle Milk Chocolate Protein Pudding Cup

Supper...a target of 300-400 calories and 20 grams of protein consisting of lean protein and a small salad or lower carb vegetable.

Make this a standard meal comprised of grilled, pan sauteed, or baked protein such as fish, chicken, or egg... with different bottled sauces or jar salsas to moisten and a small salad.

• Pan sauteed shrimp, with a little bottled salsa to moisten

• Grilled or pan sauteed turkey burger

• Baked salmon

• Broiled tilapia filet

• Two egg omelet - saute a few mushrooms, red peppers, spinach, onion, and add cheese

• All protein served with a tossed chopped salad of romaine lettuce, sliced grape tomatoes, cucumber cubes, and tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. (1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon balsamic... toss in a big bowl to coat entire salad. If you make a bigger salad, use 3 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon vinegar... be sure to season with salt and pepper!) You can use different salad ingredients for variety... sliced olives, cubed cukes, sliced grape tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts. Sometimes, I just have sliced grape tomatoes and red onion... or tomato and avocado and spoon it on to pan sauteed shrimp with salt and pepper... easy and fast.

• Supper Vitamins: 1 Bariatric Advantage Chewable Multi Formula plus 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge with food

No bread, no potato, no rice, no pasta, no tortilla, no wraps, no low carb bread, no crackers.

If you are an evening snacker as I am... use either your mid morning or mid afternoon supplement as an 8-9pm supplement so you will not mindlessly snack. Give yourself permission to have one of the 100 calorie supplement foods listed as a planned eating event.

Bedtime: 1 Bariatric Advantage Passion Fruit Chewable Iron

Hi Ckiki,

I love popcorn as well and I can eat it. I was banded on 11-14-09 and received my first fill on 01-09-09. I can eat anything except Bread, it feels gummy. I was a BIG bread eater and now I do not even want it. I have 1.5cc in my band and I think bread is the ONLY thing that I cant eat. I am back to weighing my food and watch what I eat. I hope maybe my second fill will be a better fill for me. Good Luck!

Carrie

Carrie,

Congratulations to you I noticed you lost a lot of wieight from your post op to your first fill which is really awesome!

How did you do that? so well?

I am 4 wks post op and do not eat pop corn.

Merci

Labella

yup - those drinkable yogurts saved me....and then creamy soups came at a great time - I lived off soup at hand soups well creamy chicken, tomato and mushroom - though I didnt like how the mushroom had tiny pieces so I even strained that.

I followed the instructions to a tea. I remember day 7-11 creamy soup was a pleasure and progressed slowly from there.

I did not even want much creamy soup after day seven but knowing I could have it if I wanted.

Enjoy!

Labella

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Testing Merci

http://www.visitmonaco.com/_images/uploads/aboutmonaco_area1.jpg

[http://www.lapbandforum.com/style_images/7_logo_new.jpg]

I have received a few PM's about this so I am actually going to post this as a topic so others can post their before and after pictures or images of whatever they want INSIDE of a post like this one.

The first thing to know is that you cannot link to pictures stored on your own PC nor images stored behind authentication mechanisms, e.g. hotmail or yahoo mailboxes, password protected sites, etc. If you want to use pictures from your PC or digital camera you first have to upload them to a website that offers image hosting, the most popular are ImageShack & PhotoBucket I use myspace. Once you register for free with them, those photos hosts allow you to upload images from your computer to them then give you the links to post safely in your forums entries. They even give you links wrapped with bbCode tags so that you have only to copy & paste into your posts.

If you want to find the link for an image already published on the web it takes and extra step. Let's use the OCC Image/Logo from the top right corner of this page as an example, it looks like this:

To get the address of this image right-click on the Logo.. A box will pop up the very LAST option will be PROPERTIES click that and in the box that will popup it will have the ADDRESS of the link for the Logo that you'll have to copy, in the OCC logo example, the link would say this:

http://www.lapbandforum.com/style_images/7_logo_new.jpg

Once you have copied the link open a new post or reply to a post and you can just add the tags icon (it is on the bottom row and is the 2nd button to the right of the smiley face button). This will give you a pop up box where you will paste the address using "Ctrl + v" then click OK and it will automatically be put into your message. I always suggest clicking PREVIEW POST to make sure it shows up before submitting a new topic!!

I hope that's not too confusing... Feel free to use this thread to practice posting pics of whatever you'd like you can use the OCC image above or whatever!!

Testing Merci

http://www.visitmonaco.com/_images/uploads/aboutmonaco_area1.jpg

Hey Christy, I am glad you are doing better today. That was so nice of Dr. Martinez to call you and talk to you. He really is nice, I think I remember him coming in before my surgery (or it might have been after) and talking with me, and he was just so nice. He also spoke to me first thing Friday am when he came in as I was waiting to leave, and asked how I was doing.

Take care

Glad you are feeling a little better. That was a long journey. You do need to pamper and the only thing that saved me from the pain was ibuprofen 800 which I had. I crushed it and mixed 1/2 at a time with liquid tylenol and drank that whenever I needed it which was often. I am 4.5 weeks post op and still take it at night occasionally. Walk and rest and sip, sip soothing warm drinks.

The doctors are awesome and there for you!

Feel better.

Labella

Banned 12 11 OCC

Hey guys!

I was reading through this thread and found it very informative, great info Cara!. I would love to know if the ones that were coming up on their "first meal" how it went and what did they eat, I think Shelby was one of them. My 21 days is Friday and I have two parties, one at work and one after to go to. Just want to be careful being I am going to be around alot of people.

Thanks,

Carrie

I am 3.5 weeks post op and the only bread I can tolerate is delicious corn bread and croissant and this is occasionally.

I crave tuna on croissant and it is a rare treat to have this upon occasion for lunch.

My only issue has been when the food, salmon, tuna, is too dry so I add tomato and onion salad or crimini mushrooms and cannot eat just fish first, it must have some liquid too......in order to swallow and stay down.

I also make chai tea and mix with low fat soy milk and one splenda which is quite delicious and provides protein too.

My first fill is Feb 3.

Good Luck on your Journey.

Labella

I just got my first fill and Sunday is my first official day of eating solids again.

I'm quite broke right now unfortunately - what are the cheapest, healthiest foods you would recommend? My old low-budget standby (tuna casserole) is probably a no-no now because of the pasta and broccoli, but it was healthy in small portions and high in protein.

Would love to hear some suggestions.... keep in mind I'm cooking for one, I'm sick of soup and I don't own a crock pot!

thanks!

Amanda,

This was posted some time ago and requires no crockpot! Perhaps this can help you.

Best,

Labella

In order to fuel your body for fat burning... you need to eat a healthy protein breakfast. Planning ahead gives us one less thing to have to figure out. Eat the same thing every morning for this week.

This is a key to success... if you have set meals that you always make, you don't have to make the good choices off the top of your head. For example, if I know that every morning will be a yogurt with Kay's Apple Cinnamon Protein Cereal blended in and I have 7 cartons of Dannon Light and Fit in the fridge... there is NO room for straying.

This is how we do it.

Breakfast...250 calories and 15-20 grams protein...choose one and do it everyday this coming week!

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* Protein drink, protein shake, ready to drink protein

* Egg and Morningstar Farm sausage patty or a regular Brown & Serve sausage link

* Ricotta, cottage cheese, yogurt and fruit with a spoonful of Whey Gourmet tasty protein powder swirled in there (maybe a few sliced almonds)

* Two cheese sticks

* Muscle Milk Protein Chocolate Pudding cup

* Breakfast Vitamins: 1 Bariatric Advantage Chewable Multi Formula plus 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge with food

Mid morning protein supplement... a 100 calorie, 15-20 gram protein boost

* AchievONE protein latte, Nectar fruity protein drink, Worldwide Pure Protein ready-to-drink shake, Extreme Smoothie ready-to-drink shake

* Mozarella stick

* Dannon Light and Fit yogurt

* 1/2 Power Crunch protein wafer bar, or 1/2 Revival Peanut Butter Paradise protein bar

* Coffee with Labrada ready-to-drink Vanilla Cream protein and DaVinci sugar free Caramel syrup

* Muscle Milk Chocolate Protein Pudding Cup

* bag of Revival Oh My Apple Pie Protein Crisps

Lunch...300-350 calories and 15-20 grams of protein consisting of food you prepare for and take to the office. Don't leave what you eat at your desk to chance. PLAN YOUR LUNCH. You'll burn more calories digesting your midday meal because protein is more difficult to break down than carbohydrates or fat and it will stay with you longer into your day.

* Roast deli turkey rolled up. Use a little salsa or ranch for dipping sauce, or roll up with hummus or whole grain mustard, or wasabi mustard. (MAYO is 100 calories per TEASPOON as are all fats, so measure and use as little as possible or substitute mustard or salsa-based moistening agents)

* 1/2 cup tuna salad or ricotta or cottage cheese on top of a slice of tomato

* Shredded salmon or deli meat blended with shredded lettuce, baby tomatoes, and lower fat dressing

* NO crackers, no rolls, no chips, no tortillas, no low carb wraps

* Lunch Vitamins: 1 Bariatric Advantage B-12 plus 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge with food

Mid-afternoon protein supplement...a 100 calorie, 15-20 gram protein boost

* AchievONE protein latte, Nectar fruity protein drink, Worldwide Pure Protein ready-to-drink shake, Extreme Smoothie ready-to-drink shake

* Mozarella stick

* Dannon Light and Fit yogurt

* 1/2 Power Crunch protein wafer bar, or 1/2 Revival Peanut Butter Paradise protein bar

* Coffee with Labrada ready-to-drink Vanilla Cream protein and DaVinci sugar free Caramel syrup

* Muscle Milk Chocolate Protein Pudding Cup

Supper...a target of 300-400 calories and 20 grams of protein consisting of lean protein and a small salad or lower carb vegetable.

Make this a standard meal comprised of grilled, pan sauteed, or baked protein such as fish, chicken, or egg... with different bottled sauces or jar salsas to moisten and a small salad.

* Pan sauteed shrimp, with a little bottled salsa to moisten

* Grilled or pan sauteed turkey burger

* Baked salmon

* Broiled tilapia filet

* Two egg omelet - saute a few mushrooms, red peppers, spinach, onion, and add cheese

* All protein served with a tossed chopped salad of romaine lettuce, sliced grape tomatoes, cucumber cubes, and tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. (1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon balsamic... toss in a big bowl to coat entire salad. If you make a bigger salad, use 3 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon vinegar... be sure to season with salt and pepper!) You can use different salad ingredients for variety... sliced olives, cubed cukes, sliced grape tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts. Sometimes, I just have sliced grape tomatoes and red onion... or tomato and avocado and spoon it on to pan sauteed shrimp with salt and pepper... easy and fast.

* Supper Vitamins: 1 Bariatric Advantage Chewable Multi Formula plus 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge with food

No bread, no potato, no rice, no pasta, no tortilla, no wraps, no low carb bread, no crackers.

If you are an evening snacker as I am... use either your mid morning or mid afternoon supplement as an 8-9pm supplement so you will not mindlessly snack. Give yourself permission to have one of the 100 calorie supplement foods listed as a planned eating event.

Bedtime: 1 Bariatric Advantage Passion Fruit Chewable Iron

I would go out and enjoy the evening with your husband! If people ask, just tell them it is the New Year & you are watching your diet. Order fish, or a chopped steak, or something soft with mashed potatoes. Treat yourself and this night, don't worry about your servings! Dr. O says you can eat 1/3 of what you used to eat and without a fill that should not be a problem if you eat slow. I say go & enjoy yourself! You can always get a doggy bag.

Enjoy your evening out..you are really the only one who knows other than your husband. Fish and a nice vegetable or salad is always a perfect choice...provided the fish is moist. ...and many times I have ordered my favorite appetizer as my entree I usually order a dessert as well and take one bite and pass it . You will be fine. Enjoy!

Labella

Banned OCC Dec 11

Just so you all know, Muscle Milk Light, makes a decent ready made. I get the chocolate. I bought a whole case at Costco. I am on liquids for a week after a fil. So, they come in handy.

It is 8.5 oz and it doesn't taste bad at all, infact I enjoy them!

160 calories

5 grams fat

9 grams carbs

20 grams protein

3 grams sugar

Dana,

Sounds like you are doing quite well. Just wondering why you are on liquids after your fill ..and for one week?

Is that the protocol for just you?

I get my first fill February3.

Labella