tuesdaythecat

That is a liter of water every hour. The same amount as was in the IV bags we got at the clinic. Most people that experience water intoxication are taking lithum for schizophrenia, that I have seen.

Greg, My sister had a couple of girls at her work do nutri-system, she said they thought the food was not that great. I have done Jenny Craig foods myself and they were pretty tasty, they have good pancakes with berries for breakfast. With my band I am not doing any of those. I just buy a lean cuisine usually for work, for the convienence. Being single and not liking to cook a lot for just me I have found other alternatives. Tyson sells frozen chicken breasts that are plain or with barbeque sauce on them that are real easy to cook (2 minutes in the nuke machine). Frozen vegetables heat up nicely in the microwave (4 minutes). Or a quick grilled ham and cheese sandwich works well. If you wander around the frozen food section long enough you can find all kinds of things that can reheat quickly. I have even seen beef stew in a bag. My only reservation about trying the "diet foods" of nutri-system and Jenny Craig is that your mind may feel you are dieting. That has been one thing I have been elated about with the band, I have not felt for once that I am dieting. And yes I do allow myself indulgences, but have consistently lost weight (almost effortlessly). My not staying on diets has been the mental issues of always feeling like you are depriving yourself. But each their own, good luck.

I think everyone's experience is different. Myself I was a quick healer. After about 10 days I went to soft, chewable foods and chewed them really well. As long as I chewed well, I didn't have any issues. At 2 weeks I was eatting "normal" food. But not everyone has the same experience and it isn't always recommended. My first real solid food was a baked potatoe and it went down okay, but if you chew really well it is not far from a mashed potatoe. But at least it was satisfying.

Yes, I am also doing the centrum chewable. They come in berry flavored too. Viactiv calcium chew would probably be best to get that extra calcium us women need.

Linda, After my first fill I seemed to only have issues with nuts and califlower, felt like someone had stabbed me in the chest with a knife. I haven't thrown up yet though. Most people it seems like a common occurance, but not for me. I try to be really conscious about chewing. Not sure how things are going to be after my second fill, I am staying on soups for a couple of days.

Hmm, things I wish I had known before surgery. I wish I would have known that it was going to take several fills before reaching the right fill. And how much extra time and energy it takes out of your life to coordinate fills. Fortunately my job allows me to travel and I am in Arizona right now, so I can make a run to TJ via car. But still my first fill I was up at 3am drove 7 hours to TJ, bought insurance to cross the border in my own vehicle (US insurance is no good in Mexico), got lost trying to find the clinic, found the clinic, got my fill, waited 2 hours to cross back over the border, and drove 7 hours back to my apartment. Second piece of insight my next trip to TJ I think I am going to walk accross the border and catch a cab. But I don't regret my decission although weight loss is slow (the standard 2lbs per week), since I am not one of the high BMI people.

My concern is that you are vomiting. That doesn't seem normal, after my surgery I felt great asside from the air getting worked out of my system (shoulder pain). I would highly recommend seeing a doctor if you are not able to keep any clear fluids down. Don't let what could be a good experience go bad. As far as keeping it from you husband, I don't know how you could drop that kind of cash for the surgery and hide it from him???

Good to hear a positive fill experience. Good luck

I don't remember getting a massage, but the whole experience was kinda fuzzy from the drugs. Yes, being a nurse in the U.S. I was very impressed with how personable all the physicians (Dr. Ortiz) were. This is not something I see too much from U.S. physicians; however, I know there are good ones out there. I did end up getting a hot rock massage after surgery at the motel down the street and it was very affordable and superb!!!

I don't know about other people, but the 1/3 of preop amount doesn't give me much frame of reference. Mainly because, I could undertake some serious pigout sessions. Such as, a whole medium pizza and large slice of cheesecake for a chaser. I just had my first fill on the 8th, did my 3 days of liquids, and just started eatting solid foods yesterday. I did a lean cuisine dinner of beef tips and green beans, seemed to fill me up. For supper I had 1 meatball, 1/2 cup mixed vegetables, and 1/4 baked potatoe; filled me up. I was beginning to wonder how much I could eat before I felt discomfort. I know probably not a good idea to test the band, but curiosity. For lunch today I had 3 chicken tenders, 1/2 cup vegetables, and 1 slice of bread. The bread was definately too much, felt uncomfortable after eatting it; but did not throw up. But it is nice to know I have restriction.

By the time your skin turgor (pulling up skin) is bad, your dehydration would be really severe. So don't look at that as an adequate indicator. You could still be dehydrated. Fat cells contain a lot of water, so sometimes overweight people need more water. Also to be considered is are you taking a vitamin supplement? Your electrolytes could be out of wack, hence the recommendation to drink gatorade or I like propel fitness water (10 calories).

Calkev, Glad to hear everything went so well for you. Gives the rest of us hope and encouragement. Can't believe my plane leaves out tomorrow. Oh my the day is near.

The time is coming near, I hope we can all give each other the support and kindness we need that day and after. The preop diet has been hard just drinking slimfast shakes, I broke down and had a salad yesterday. My God bless us all and keep us strong to make this life changing journey.

Hayley, Thanks for sharing your experiences. It has been helpful reading your posts. I am yet to be banded on the 23rd of this month. I have much anxiety, for fear that it won't work. Positive results are definately great to hear.

I can relate on being scared. I hate reading the posts on lap fill failures, it doesn't give me much hope. It is a lot of money to invest to have things not work out. One of the positive things has been watching another girl at work have such success with her first fill. She didn't have a high BMI and has lost 29 pounds with only 19 more to go to reach her goal weight. She is looking great and she doesn't have a regret one. I have been following her eatting habits and what she is able to tolerate.

Maybe if you try putting some chicken broth or clear liquid soup into a bowl, take the time to sit down and focus solely on eatting the soup it will ease the emotional comfort you are seeking.

Always best to call a medical professional over this chat board.

I understand. I did the same thing for the few weeks before surgery. I ate everything I thought I might not be able to have again, or at least not in the same way (same quantity). It was stupid. Right now, before the first fill, I can still eat anything I want, but I really do need less to be satisfied. I wish I had made better choices in the weeks before surgery, as 5 pounds is so easy to gain, but much harder to lose. I will be in Tijuana on the 23rd with my aunt for her surgery, and my first fill. I'm sure I will see you there. Good luck. Becki I know it may not be the smartest thing to do, but at least it is making me feel as though I am so ready for the lap band. Each person has to go through their unique way of presurgery prep. Glad I am not the only one that has done this.

I don't know about you, but it seems like forever away. Once you make the decission the waiting is hard. I am scheduled for the 23rd.

hi just testing this one out Okay this was just a cute ticker, I had to comment. I like the blackboard writing. LOL.

Lynn, Wow!! I am from Iowa too. I am residing in Cincinnati right now for job assignment until November. October 24th is my birthday and the banding is a present to myself for a healthier life. Barbara

Thanks! My fears are starting to slowly get washed away with feelings of empowerment and actually taking charge of my life in a good way.

Becki, Hey maybe I will see you there. I am still working on getting details ironed out. And ofcourse my nerve built up. I keep feeling like I am going to miss food. Your aunt must be impressed with your progress if she is willing to go do it herself. Barbara