FurEllie

Someone told me either here or on another board that the Slimfast drinks had too much carbs in them and they were't good for pre-op. They ARE loaded with carbs - much more than the protein drinks I'm mixing. But they sure do taste a LOT better My email from Dr. Miranda said "protein shake". I wish we had a smoothie type place. I live so far out, we don't even have a Starbucks, lol.

So there's a chance I might be sold as a sex slave? AWESOME Thanks for the updates, Pamela. I've got 1.5 more weeks to go and I'm SO excited. I'm going by myself also - did you have trouble getting around the SD airport on your way back? How did the boullion cubes/Crystal light go? I KNOW I'll be sitting next to someone who's eating and I'll need something mentally to get me through the 4 hour flight.

No - right now I'm going through samplers so I can order next week and have it ready for when I get back. So far my favs are ICS and Unjury. I add no fat milk, which I probably shouldn't be doing.......but I TRIED with just water and it didn't even keep me semi-full for half an hour I *think* some of the samples are partial servings too. I know the envelopes make more than the "scoops" they have put into little baggies. I was talking to a friend who uses Isopure who said he mixes with 1.5 cups of liquid and my sample said mix with 4 oz so there's no way it was a full "serving". Thankfully I threw out or gave away all the bad food or I'd be hitting on some Valentine's Day chocolate right now!!!!

LMK how this "in a day" works for you. That's what I'd like to do too.

If I could be happy eating protein drinks all day, I wouldn't be getting a LAP BAND, lol. NASTY stuff. Why can't they make one that tastes like filet mignon?

My regular doctor (internal medicine) knows I'm doing this. I figure if I need to, I can call him in case of emergency.

Oh thank goodness - someone who's going to be there when I am I get in on Sun - you too? Hopefully we'll be on the same shuttle. Not sure how often they run them. I'm only supposed to be on the protein drink diet for a week, but I've been TRYING to do it for 2 weeks. Yuck. And of course, now my family, who doesn't know, has decided to plan a family dinner on the 3rd

I know this sounds crazy (and gross) but I had a can of the Slimfast cappuchina ultima stuff yesterday morning and I swear my pee smelled like coffee all day, lol. I'm getting ready to have one for dinner tonight - I guess I'll be smelling coffee all day tomorrow too

I was originally going to TJ for the price, but now that I've been reading this forum and another lap band forum, unless my insurance was going to cover a VAST majority of it, I'd be going to Dr. Ortiz any way. On "another forum" there's complaints about US doctors and I've yet to see any complaints about Dr. Ortiz, his staff or his center. The interaction I've had has been AWESOME. March 5!!!!!!!

You'll probably still be there when I get in on Sunday. I might track you down and see how it went

Wow. What's your fill schedule been?

March 5th for me. I swear I wish it was tomorrow - I am SO ready for this!!!

Good point. I'm hoping Greg's right - I'd love to get some "filling" (i.e. high protein) drinks in that first week.

I'm headed to the GNC outlet today and hoping to score some Isopure RTD protein drinks. Judging by the pictures, they seem to be clear. Are these OK for the clear liquid portion of the post operative diet? Boost for diabetics (can't remember the extact name) tastes GREAT for pre-op dieting. I bought it at the grocery store. It's heavy in calories but it filled me up for a meal. Shelf stable.

Ugh, awful stuff. Don't buy it

Thanks for the info on the hotel - I FIGURED as much seeing as they probably have a lot of OCC patients, but just wanted to make sure I'm going alone, but I'll need to be walking, so going to the store will be good

Since I'm guess the Hotel Dr. Ortiz uses is used to "our kind of guests", do they have clear liquid options to get at the hotel? Are there any stores w/in walking distance?

I haven't tried them yet but I bought some shelf stable "Mighty Milk" that's lactose free. After buying it, I found it's high in calories/sugar/fat though. I'm trying to find and taste test as many powder and RTD protein drinks as I can before I get the band. Proactive drinking

This was a question I had planned on asking my accountant. The answers here give me hope he'll say "It's OK"

I admit I'm petrified. I haven't told my family yet (and may not ever, lol) and I'll be going alone. I've had surgeries before, even putting foreign objects in (leg surgery several years ago) but in the back of my head I keep thinking "Why can't you do this YOURSELF?!!". But I know I can't or I would have already. I've been yo-yo'ing with my weight all my life which I've heard is worse that being overweight for a long period of time. My doctor keeps telling me I'm healthy, but with 200 pounds on a 5'0" body, I know it's a only a matter of time. We don't have any history of diabetes in my family, but everyone who's died naturally has done so as a result of heart attack, albeit in their 80's. I'm just tired of not being full - ever I can remember my mother using those Ayds (sp) chewies that were supposed to help you lose weight in the early 70's. I tried them. Problem was, I'd eat them literally like candy! I even remember eating chewable vitamins on Saturday mornings because it was the only food I could reach. I was 4 at the time. How I didn't OD on something is beyond me Personally, I know in my heart I'm doing the right thing for ME. As long as YOU feel that way, at least most of the time, you're good to go It also might not hurt to see a therapist and see if there's something else "eating" at you.

I have to say I've been very impressed by the comments made about Dr. Ortiz on this board and another. If I go to TJ for 2-3 fills, I'll be paying close to what I could get the surgery for locally. But Dr. Ortiz just seems like a better doctor, not just a less expensive one (Lori, put in a good word for me so nothing hurts, OK? ) Elise

I haven't heard about people going to Mexico, but Thailand seems to have a booming plastic surgery business for Americans. I figured I'm going to need a tummy tuck, boob lift and breast reduction if I lose the weight I want to lose. I'm going to have to look at prices in both the US and abroad since I'll be paying out of pocket for it.