determination

How beautiful. You have worked so hard for this and what a reward. This will be another growth in your marriage. Anne

Vangirl, We will have to communicate with each other. I am having mine on the 15th. Do you think this is normal to not lose weight the first week? I was wondering how soon we start to lose weight. Anne

Is this the powder proteins that you are adding to Star Buck's coffees? Anne

Hello, The plane ride home was brutal for me!!! It was worse then labor ! Don't forget the GasX

Salena, thanks for the honest answer. I actually asked the question about the plane ride home earlier today, but I can't remember what blog I was in.

I have a very hard time remembering which one is which. This is also a learning experience for me. Anne

Hi Sue,

I am to banded 12/15 so I will be joining you shortly on this lifelong journey. The forums are great! There fellow banders on here that have so much advice and great help.

Anne

Did any of you fly home after your surgery? I am wondering how it goes on the airplane. Can any of you let me know of your experience and what you did? I appreciate it. Anne

My husband and I were discussing the protein last night. Saying that I was going to have to find something that listed the amount of protein in everything. What great timing! I have already printed it off to add to my collection of things to come, to expectand, and what to do. What a learning experience. Anne (12 days and counting)

I absolutely LOVE this forum. I learn so much and get so many laughs! I share a lot with my 2 co-workers, just so they know what to expect after I get my lapband. I so appreciate all of you and enjoy every little thing that you have to share. I CAN"T wait for my LB. (wow I actually used the abbreviation)

I still am having a little bit of trouble (a lot) getting back & forth to the subjects.

Anyway thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of you bandsters out there and the soon to be.

Anne

Thank you Vangirl, You have no idea how much I appreciate your response. I have a tendency to take too much of anything anywhere I go. I never know what I am going to feel like wearing. When you get to your room. Is there some sort of communication to let you know what time they pick you up the next morning? I am flying in on a Sunday and having everything done on Monday. But I have no idea when to be ready to be picked up in the morning. There are so many things that I still have questions about.

I am so happy for you. This is like the biggest Christmas present ever. Anne

Well I'm back in town, and have made it home in one piece. Even drove myself home from my mom's place 45 minutes away, where I'd parked my car. Thankfully the pain lessened from yesterday night. I almost called the clinic because I was so concerned about the pain I was having. I had a reasonably good sleep and was able to move around more easily today, although I did get winded easily with overexertion. The long walk from the plane through Customs and Immigration and to the parking lot nearly wiped me out! Sometimes it's hard to know when to push myself with the walking and when to take it easy. Honestly, it feels like having a brand new body and getting to know it from scratch. Sitting stationary there's little to no pain. I mostly feel gas bubbles and a pressure in my chest and mid-back. Getting up from a seated position or sitting down and various maneuvers can trigger the pain, much like recovering from a car accident. But it has gotten better, so that is good. I made the mistake of getting on the scale and saw I had gained seven pounds in three days! Wah! But logically I know I haven't put on any fat. I mean, how can you with little sips of liquid here and there? Anyway, just chilling at home now and getting to know my new body and life with the band. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed!

Thank you to everyone for your replies. It REALLY helps to know that I'm not alone in my experiences.

Sabrina, thanks for the pm! I'll try and get some of that broth. And don't worry, you'll be fine. I had a really good experience at the OCC, and would recommend them to anyone.

Vangirl, it looks like we are all following in each others footsteps. I am now 17 days out and so excited I want it now!! Did you share a room with anyone at the clinic? What else was it like? What did you take to the clinic the day of? I am so curious about the experience and what to expect. You have begun your journey, can't wait till I start mine. Anne

I too am a little nervous. Not about the surgery, but about seeing my doctor. I have an appointment with him on 12/09. I know he'll be supportive. It is just when he asks me where, is when there will probably silence.

Thank you so........much! I just talked to Dr. Miranda on the phone this morning, and have started my pre-op phase. December 15th, here I come. Thank you also for explaining what "PB" means. I had no clue when bandsters kept referring to it. Now my next question is - what is LBL? I understand LB, just not the added L. Thanks Anne

Happy Thanksgiving!

One of the things I love about this forum, is all of the discussions of so many experiences. I too have not yet had my surgery. There are so many questions to ask and I think I have better write these down so that I don't forget to ask the many Doctors. I am 55yrs old and 5' 4'. I imagine that my suggested weight will probably also be around 160-170lbs.

To all of you younger gals. You are so lucky to have this chance now and to not have to wait till you are my age. No matter our ages we all seem to have the same desires, challenges and goals. Here is to all of us, to weight loss and a healthier and newer you.

How incredible it was to sit down to a wonderful dinner and not eat myself to sickness. I can't believe how great I feel. Not only was I able to say no, but I really had no desire to overeat. I had one plate and on each corner was a little bit of my little meals. Each from each food group. It was wonderful. I know now that when I get my fill and get more restriction that I am even going to be better. This was the best Thanksgiving I have ever had. I never realized what I was doing to my body. The band is so wonderful. Even my husband said that he liked the way he ate and was satisfied without making a pig of himself. I was happy to watch my son pig out. He was happy as a clam, it was cute. I just had to take a moment and speak out for this wonderful day and the wonderful things that the band is doing for our lives. I hope you too are having a great day. Take care.

Congratulations on doing so well on this holiday. I am having my surgery on Dec. 15th, I will be challenged by Christmas.

Hello Everyone,

As I am reading these blogs, I keep seeing PB, and LBL. I understand LB, but what is LBL & PB?

None the less, I really enjoy reading all of this information. And thank you Dolittle for list of advice. I am not getting banded until the 15th of Dec., so I am trying to educate myself as much as possible before the big event. Anne

I am again seeking help. Since my fill is due around the holidays I would like to have my fill done near my area. Has anyone heard about Dr. Kelly in Portland or a doctor who does fills in the Lewiston ID area ? Also how important is the flourascope. I see many patients do not have one. Those of you who have had it "done blind" I would like to hear about you experience. Thanks

Hi, I live in Enterprise, OR. I have been searching for a place to get a fill also. Dr. Ortiz's office sent me a list of doctors that he recommends.

One of them is in Richland, WA. His number one on my list is Eugene, OR. (too far to go)

I was searching some more when I was on my lunch hour and found an "USA Fill Center" in Meredian, Idaho. I know OCC approves those, because Dr. O has a recording on there. Anne

P.S. Let me know where you decide to go.

Good Morning,

Lisa I hope you remain on this site for awhile even though you are maintaining. The tidbits and encouragement you give are so helpful. Your example of perseverance helps to strengthen us, (I think I speak for most of us). I am so excited to get this done and move on to the new beginning. Thank you for sharing some of your personal surgeries with us. Those are also in my future plans. For me it is just one step at a time.

Do you receive more information when you have your surgery? I read that we might want to measure our food to see what the exact amount should be. But as of today, I do not know what that amount is. Again thank you. Anne

Hi Louise, Well I would rather go shopping, hanging around the pool maybe will happen later. Okay, now for the "whatever you want to call it news". I am old enough to be your mother. I hope you're not discouraged by this. I have a great sense of humor. I also have a great time with my daughter and daughter in law.

My co-worker is laughing at me right now because I have been trying to think of ways to describe myself. By the way, she is 13 yrs. younger than me. I tried to post a picture of myself last night, but it kept saying that my pictures were too big. Well, I'll see you there. I fly in the 14th at 10:36am and leave at 4:26pm on the 17th.

Anne

Hi Anne,

Yes I am flying in on the 14th and will be travelling on my own. This is a birthday/christmas present/investment to myself. I am sure I will see you there.

Louise

Hi Louise,

What time are you flying in? My flight is suppose to land at 10:36am. Can't wait. I leave to come home on the 17th. Anne

Okay, I am like ckiki. What is PHAZYME? It is like everyone has this lingo that I have no clue what they are talking about. Curious minds would like to know. Anne

It sounds like you are doing great! I have been making my flight plans today. I wish the waiting wasn't so long. I am so ready right now.

Another question that I have, is the $500 deposit deducted or included in the total fee. Or is the $500 added to the figure?

Glad to know there is another northwest person! From what I read there are several of us. I am definitely looking forward to the health benefits.

I do realize that I can't worry about what my sisters say, I am doing this for me and I feel that where I am going is the top of the line.

Anne

Hi there Louisem, I am glad to finally hear of someone else having surgery on Dec. 15th. I am flying in, are you? Are you coming by yourself? I am.

I also feel that this is the best time to get this done. Christmas is usually at my house and with the busyness I won't have to worry about eating, instead I will be able to enjoy waiting on everyone. I love my kids and family and I will take joy in that this Christmas. The lapband is a huge Christmas gift from my husband and myself. He is my biggest supporter. He knows how much I have struggled with my weight. I hope we meet up. Anne

One more question answered. Thank you Jazzy Jude. I have read some of your other blogs. Very informative. Anne

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I have been asking a gillion questions on a different topic sight, and I am probably driving everyone crazy. Did everyone spend a night in the hospital? How many nights in the motel room? If someone goes with me (which my husband can't) do they go to the hospital with me for the pre-op and surgery? Are they then stuck there or how do they get back to the motel room? I have been thinking of seeing if two of my grandchildren would want to go with me. Would it be safe? The oldest is 15 and the other 14, they are very cautious good kids. I am so not sure. I am thinking that it would probably be better for me to fly down by myself. Is there any problem in that?

I am going to look into those protein bullets. I will definitely have to order online. I do not live close to any shopping areas. Even the closest Wal-mart is 75 miles away. Anne

Well, I remember a few more questions that I have right after I posted the other blog. How do the doctors decide on what size of band you get? I've notice on several of the different topics that I have read, that many seem to have different sizes. Does it depend on your size?

Anne