JusCallMeE

I kept mine pretty much under wraps too, (at least I thought, anyway). I told a trusted friend at work--for support...she had Gastric Bypass and really helped me decide mentally. I told my fiance...I needed someone to go with me...hahahaaaaaaa! Then I told my mom and my daughter...I mean, what if something happened and NO ONE knew...even a car accident. Then I told my aunt...she lost her husband to suicide in January and if something DID happen, I wanted to spare her not knowing. That was it...before surgery at least. Well then my fiance told our roommate, who told his girlfriend. Then my fiance told his co-workers-two of them had Lap-Band in November. Then, when I came back, I told my boss...I mean, what if something happened at work...she'd need to know, right? And I've told my sister, who told her boyfriend. And my best friend. So it's still a secret, right? 13 people...oh what the heck...I may as well post a newspaper ad now... CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK! E >

Same here, Judy...I totally second Clynn...Just banded 03/16/07 by Dr. Ortiz

Hey there, My mom is going to have her surgery on the 11th...she decided to have the lapband surgery after my PHENOMENAL experience...I'll be accompanying her because I'll have my first fill that day as well. I'll keep an eye on your posts...can't wait to meet you! E >

Today is Day 16. I've lost 0.5 lbs in the last 4 days. My first fill is scheduled for May 11th...the same day my mom will have her surgery. She started at 334lbs with a BMI of like 61.1. I'm so jazzed for her and I'm praying this will be the end of morbid obesity for her and the beginning of a healthier new life. She is doing the South Beach diet for the 6 weeks prior to her surgery...she lost 11 lbs the first week! I'm so proud of her. Yesterday we went to a casino and I ran into my first real challenge...we were having breakfast around 8:30am and they wouldn't start serving ANY soup until after 11am...yikes! So, I improvised and got oatmeal (which luckily was verrrrry runny) and got it down fine. No problems whatsover. -whew- Next Saturday I start solid foods, so we'll see how that goes. E >

Hey Stacy...Dr. Acosta told me the same thing, except he said it was ok to walk only for the first 3 weeks and then I could add in the elliptical, but no crunches or anything like that for 3 months. Maybe you could e-mail them just to check. E >

Tracey, If Doctor Ortiz did your surgery, they want you drinking 1/2 cup at a time at first. I drink 1/2 the can, then the other half about an hour later. 2 cans of the slim fast optima give you the 30 grams you need for the day. Hope that helps! E >

I'm glad you liked it! I had the Baked Potato one...it was great!

Today is day 12. All is going very well. 23 pounds down, so I can tell that the weight loss is tapering off as I've added creamy soups (usually higher in fat and calories) to the routine. However this feels a little healthier anyway. My scars are looking good...I'm using Mederma...a little pricey, but you get double the amount for the same price if you go to Costco. Vons soups are good from the Signature Deli section. And I just found out you can get them cold to store at home too...yeah! I haven't had ANY problems keeping anything down. My first fill won't be till May 11 (my mom is having surgery that day), so I'm hoping I don't get to the point where I have NO restriction before then. I've learned and implemented and followed through on some good habits since pre-op though, so I'm thinking I can continue those positive changes to be successful if I'm not feeling restriction. No more air inside, so all that chest pressure is gone. I'm finding it hard to burp...I usually hiccup...that's weird to me. Get at me if you have questions! :-h E >

I had surgery on 03/16...there are 5 post op rooms, so I think that's the limit for how many they do in a day. Also, your S.O. won't be allowed to stay overnight at the clinic with you...it was a bummer for us to find that out at the last minute. You and your surgery buddies will have to hold down the fort and walk the tile away together that night. E >

Yo...it's E... Vons has cream soups in their "signature soups" deli area that eat like a meal...YUM! >

Hey Judy...I'm like you and prone to them too...I didn't get one, but you can have yogurt as early as day 4, so try not to worry too much. E <' />

Cool...Mitchell says Dr. Miranda said ok for creamy soups as early as day 8, so I'm going for it tomorrow. I've been missing out! I've lost 11 since surgery...so when I add in the soups, it will probably slow down a little. It's really good hearing from the both of you. I wonder about the other girl, Ana, and the lady that had the yellow shirt on...any word from them? E >

Wow, fellow March 16th bandsters...I haven't even moved into the creamy soups phase...still on protein shakes, liquid yogurt, and clear liquids. You aren't scared to jump ahead? How did you make the decision to move into creamy soups and the other stuff? I'm always so scared to break the rules. E >

Hey Stacy, it's E. I took copious notes when Dr. Miranda was talking (because she talks a little fast for my taste)...she said I could start protein shakes as early as Day 6 (which was yesterday for me & you ). How's everything going? How's your partner handling all the changes? E >

Linda, have you called your doctor? My doctor's post-op instructions very specifically said "if you feel lethargic, call us immediately". Don't know why, but that's what it said. I was tired when I went back to work, but in general I have more energy...except at the END of the day when I've worn myself out. I never felt tired enough to lay down all the time. I'd call if I were you...maybe they have suggestions. E >