determination

Good Morning to You Cindy,

I have been seriously considering going back to OCC for my fills also. Let me know when you are booking since we are only a few days apart with our surgeries. Can't wait to start losing. Anne

Hello Cindy,

What a coincidence that you posted your message on day 4. Today is day 4 for me. Luckily I have been so busy that I haven't had time to feel hunger. I was so blessed in the fact that I never did feel any gas pain. On my flight home I started wondering if I really did have this foreign object in me. If it wasn't for the incision marks, I would seriously wonder, (hope that that there was a distraction that made them forget where they were in the process) Ha, Ha, Seriously though, I am glad that this step is over and now I can start on the process of learning.

By the way, for anyone out there considering this procedure, please listen to everyone else here on the forum. There were telling the truth when they said there wasn't anything to be afraid of. My airplane journey was even a breeze. Other than my airplane having to be de-iced wherever my connection was.

PS. Hi Louise, I hope you are doing great!

Oh yeah, I can't remember how to update my tracker. I will have to work on it tomorrow. Good night bandsters

Hi, when are you having your surgery? I have a four hour flight home. I had asked the same questions as you and hopefully some of those that answered mine will reply to yours. I am being banded Monday, Yay. From what I have been told it will be uncomfortable but doable.

I guess we are given some pain meds when we go back to the motel. One person said that we can get more across the street at a pharmacy for the ride home.

We are able to get the water at the airport from one of the vendors after we go through check in. My layover is only 29 min. so I won't have much time to walk and stretch out. It may help you having the layover to be able to do a little walking.

Knowing the wonderful ladies on this sight, I am sure that you will get some experienced advice soon.

Good Luck! Let us know what is going on. Anne

I was going to start my pre-op diet today, too, but I keep putting it off. I still have 4 weeks until my surgery, so I am still ok. I wanted to start early, because I already know I am allowing myself a cheat day for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. However, I am having a hard time getting started. I pretty much have to rely on pre made drinks, because of work, but the only ones I like are slim fast. I bought some protein powder at Henry's Market, so I am hoping to be able to make my own drink while home this weekend.

I am dreading this pre-op diet more so then the 21 post-op liquid diet. I can do liquids, I did it for several weeks after having my tonsils out, it's just this damn protein drinks *sigh*

Hi, I started my pre-op on November 29th. My surgery isn't until Dec. 15th. Dr. Miranda suggested that I do #2. She told me to do 2 shakes and a Lean Cuisine at night. I wasn't crazy about it but after the 3rd or 4th day, the shakes got easier and easier to drink. I drink the Atkins, and have actually started to enjoy them. I just think you have to tough it thru. I find it easier to just do what I am told. Anyway, by doing it the way I was told I have been very successful. Like Jazzy has said it is a mindset, we have to relearn and take it from the experts on how to do it. I wish you luck, the hard part for me is I feel like I don't know enough. I like things in black and white, written down so that I can keep going back to refresh my memory. That is one of the reasons I like this forum. There is a lot of input and advice here. I just have to keep reading and rereading everyone's comments. Anne

Okay, this must be the column for "true confessions". Today at work (I am on my lunch break) Clients come bearing gifts of kindness, you know. SUGAR. My addiction - chocolate in the form of fudge. I have been super good with this pre-op diet. Haven't gone off of it once. BUT...........I just had a piece of fudge, not little either. I told myself I better eat it now, because I won't be seeing it for awhile. I also plan to go to Red Lobster the night before I fly out. I am flying out of Idaho, that is the nearest airport. They also have wonderful restaurants. So here is to a fond (ugh) farewell. Cheers to losing! Anne

Hi Anne,

I mentioned this once before, but worth mentioning again (I hope). You said you also favor Atkins protein shakes, the response I had on this board was they were as good as any. Right now GNC.com has buy 1 get 1 free. And if you spend $75 you get free shipping. I ended up paying .87 cents each (usually they are $2 in the grocery store.

Yes, you live quite a ways out there.....I live in Oregon and had to google Enterprise. If you go to Portland to see Dr Fitzpatrick, let me know when( I have my first fill on 1/23 with her). I travel to Portland a couple times a month (friends and family live there), we can meet for a cup of coffee....or broth!

I will be flying out of Bend tonight at 7pm, change plans in Las Vegas (and to pick up my mom), we will arrive in San Diego tonight at 10:45pm for surgery tomorrow . Mom and I are both super excited to start our new journey together!

I'll keep you all posted this weekend!

All my best!

Cindy

How exciting to be leaving tonight. That would be extra special to be doing at the same time as your mother. Have a sage trip and thanks for telling about the GNC special. Meeting over a cup of broth in Portland sounds like a good idea. Let me know how it goes for you. Take Care, Anne

Get this. I live in a place where it is very difficult to buy a milkshake! Let alone fast food. We have a Subway and that is it. So avoiding the "Milkshake guilt" won't be problem, it will be the chocolate in the grocery store.

The selection here for any protein powder or drinks is very slim here. That is why I really appreciate it when some of you name brand names. I go hunting for specific items knowing that they have work for others.

Just for example: I am leaving Saturday to go 2 1/2 hours to the nearest Costco. I am hoping to pick up some items there. Sunday morning I fly out to TJ. Yeah!!!!

Anne

Kristy, I love your enthusiasm! I appreciate you posting what you ate. It does give me a good idea for a daily menu. By the way thank you for starting the "Roll Call".

How fun, to see who we are and what we are all about. Thanks Kristy

PS Keep up the good work. (you know I am following you to glean more ideas.)

Keep the good ideas going. Sometimes it is like everyone runs out of things to say.

Lisa, Denise, Jazzy Jude, Kim, and many more, it would be great if you could post an exact menu for one day just to give us newbies a good example of what it is all about.

Anne

1. Name: Anne

2. Location: Enterprise, Oregon

3. Age: 55

4. Band Date: December 15, 2008

5. Married: Yes, 37yrs

6. Children of the human or furry kind: Human - 1 30yr son, 1 35yr daughter = 7 beautiful grandchildren! Furry - cat Gusse, dog Mimi (I didn't name her!)

7. Hobby(ies): Quilting, reading, & many more

8. Work: Deputy Clerk

9. What was the deciding factor(s) on getting banded: gain, lose, gain, lose, gain, I want to end up on the lose. HEALTH BENEFITS!!!

10. Interesting factoid: ?

Hello All, I emailed OCC about follow-up care. They replied right away with a list of recommended doctors for what they thought was in my area. Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick was at the top of the list, and in capital letters they wrote highly recommend.

Dr. Fitzpatrick also works out of Eugene, she must travel back forth to Portland. For me to go to Portland is a 5 1/2 hour drive. But just so most of you know, and obviously her work speaks for itself. She was the most recommended from OCC.

Cindy, even though it is quite a distance. I seriously am thinking of going to her. The other closest one that they sent me is in Richland, WA., which is 3 1/2 hours away. So what is a couple more to have the best.

Anne

P.S. 4 days till my surgery

Today is the last day of just clear liquids Yeah!!The vitamin water and fiber packets that you add to your water have been a life saver. I also have enjoyed the yogurt smoothies. I am one of the smaller gals here and I have heard mixed reviews from people as to why we would want this surgery. I am doing this to help me maintain when I get to my goal. I can always lose but cannot keep it off. I am excited about my new tool. My weight the day before surgery was 166 and this morning I am 156, at the start I was 175, so I am down 21 pounds!!!Cannot beleive it. Been doing better on my water intake and that has helped with the dizziness. Tomorrow is creamy soups, which one to have first, hmm? They all sound fabulous. My feet and fingers are shrinking as well as my boobs! Might have to put the water inserts back in until I can get a new bra. My mom is now thinking about doing this surgery as well. Just an update in case anyone was interested. Saba how are you doing?

When I here you and others talk about vitamin water, what exactly is that? Do you have any brand names that could help me?

Good Morning, I too have been using the atkins shakes. And like you have not really heard of anyone else using them. I agree with you when you say that they are good. I tried an "EAS" drink and could barely get it down. Maybe it was just the wrong flavor. Anne

It's normal to be nervous and have lots of emotions running through you. I almost canceled my appointment because of how nervous I was, but now 84 pounds lighter it's the best decision I ever made for myself.

I'm soon to be a bandster. I was figuring out your weight loss and it is fantastic! May I ask you, what you ate or eat to have such a great weight loss? So you actually stay around the 1200 calorie mark or do you eat a lot less when it comes to calories? When I was just dieting non-pre-op. I always went for 900 - 1000. I am really curious. Thanks Anne

Hi Christy,

I am also new to this lap band thing. Just ask any of those that blog on this forum. It put a smile on my face to read what you wrote! I think we need to help, encourage, or whatever, to get Jazzy Jude to write a beginner's pamphlet on all of this lingo She is great in answering so many of our questions. As are many of the others. This is like a new language to me. We should call it "bandsters lingo". When are you getting banded? I am so happy to read your questions. Anne

I will know more tomorrow after I fly home. But, I went ahead an upgraded to a first-class seat on the way home. And, I will be checking my bag the entire trip. My last leg is on a itsy-bitsy-teeny-tiny plane, so that may not make for the most pleasant last hour of my flight home. But, I'll let you know.

Kristy

Kristy, How are you doing? Are any of your experiences reflecting what we have been reading? Take advice from Amanda and check you itinerary LOL. Here is to a better flight home. Anne

Are you doing any better this morning? I am sorry that you are having such pain! Is there anyone around that could help you or take you to a doctors to get you some pain medication? I sure hope you are feeling better. Maybe a warm soak in the bathtub could temporarily help you feel better.

Hi Cindy, What time are you and your mom checking out? I thought that possibly we could meet. I am not arriving in San Diego until 10:36am. The idea of meeting in Portland sounds like fun. It will all decide where I decide to go to get my fills. Well, Good Luck on your surgery. At least you are going into this with your eyes wide open, what with your son and all. Have a great day. Anne

Hey Vangirl, I love the massage thing. Okay, do you mind if I ask you the price? That just sounds so wonderful!! Sounds like you are doing O.K. all things considered. Anne

So you are home Vangirl. Way to go. I can't believe you drove home from your mothers. I have really enjoyed reading your experiences. PLEASE keep them up. Anne

Yes, I used it during and after surgery, so it went with me.

There's no security issue really, they are going to take it from you and do a drug swab test on it is all, so you don't need a prescription for it. They are going to do that no matter what you say, it's just protocol I guess. I just want to watch them in case they drop it again so they can pay for it.

I never sleep without mine either. Ever since I got it. I don't like it, but if I don't use it I feel horrible so I always wear it.

Me too! May we be lucky enough in the future to be able to do without it.

Mona-camille, Did you take it with you to the clinic? I seriously cannot go a night without it. I also just called the place where I got the machine (they are out of town) and they said they would fax over a copy of the prescription. Maybe that will help with the security issue.

Anne

It is so encouraging to hear of everyones' success stories and down to earth struggles. Msdetermine, I love your user name. HaHa. I tried for that one! You do have a way with words, continue to use them to encourage those of us who are just beginning the new us.

I have eleven days to go. Anne

Thank you for putting that matter to rest. I too will also check in my bag. I am on a c-pap machine so I would carry that on with me to avoid any damage that may happen. Anne

I am very interested in how everyone did on their ride home. Are there any tips out there or suggestions of what to do? Was it difficult to be in the sitting position for so long? etc.. Those of you who traveled alone, how did you handle luggage, or was everything carry on?

Thanks for responding, Anne

Did they have the surgery at OCC?