LindaSusan

Hello everyone. I'd like to know what protein supplement you like to use for your protein shakes. I will be banded in 3 days and am going out to buy my supplies for when I come home. I was told to get whey protein with at least 20 grams of protein per serving. Any suggestions? I dont want to waste my money on all kinds of products that taste like chalk. Is there a particular one you liked the best? Thanks for your help!

Hello, everyone! I will be going shopping today and tomorrow for my supplies. I will be banded in 3 days....gawd, typing that made me shake! Your lists have been very helpful. Can someone please tell me what the best tasting protein supplement is? There are so many....my surgeon's list says it has to have at least 20 grams of whey protein per serving and low, low in sugar. Please help? I dont know what to get. Thank you!

Good luck on your upcoming surgery, ronik! I had my last weigh-in yesterday....Ive lost a total of 32 lbs. The assistant nurse scared me....she said to go back on Phase one of the diet which really limits the carbs...so that the liver can shrink a bit more. Then she went on to say that when the Dr. uses that instrument to slide the liver out of the way, if its too swollen, she can slice into it or nick it and I could bleed to death!! Geesh! Nice way to reassure a patient, hey?

Hello everyone! Only six more days till I'm banded! Surgery is scheduled for 7/2/07 at 7:30 AM! I'm having it done in NY and my insurance will pay for it. Im nervous and excited. Today is my final weigh in.... Ive lost 25 lbs on my pre surgery diet (they put us on the South Beach diet). Reading your posts has been so helpful and informative. Thanks so much for your candor and for sharing your experiences!!

Hi!

I've been lurking for a little while, and I enjoy and learn alot from you all! I was banded on Friday, March 16, 2007, so today is my 4th post-op day.

I have struggled with my weight my whole life (I'm 47 years old). Lots of yo-yoing. I finally decided that looking better would be a nice "fringe benefit", but my true goal is to be healthy so I can enjoy the rest of my life doing the things that I love. I have been very fortunate to not have a lot of co-morbidities. My biggest complaints are arthritic knees (I literally can hear them when I go down stairs in the morning), hip joints and low back aches, and some mild reflux. All of these should improve dramatically as I drop the pounds. I am incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive husband and 16-year-old son here at home. I opted to tell only a very few people about my banding, at this point. I just didn't want to feel the added pressure. I will likely be more open a bit further down the road as my band and I become more comfortable with one another.

Today is the first day that I feel pretty darned good. The second night was the worst.....lots of "gas pain" from the CO2 (which, I must say, is really the only significant pain that I've had). The incisions have been of only minimal discomfort. I've noticed that it seems that most of you had your banding done in Mexico. I did not (so I sure hope that's not a pre-requisite to joining the group!). Mine was done in Kansas. I do have a "Center of Excellence" physician, and I think he's pretty great. I did quite a bit of research before deciding to do the LabBand, and, as I said earlier, being able to lurk and learn here has been most beneficial.

I have noticed that your liquid diet phase is quite a bit different than mine. I did 2 days of clear liquids pre-op. My first 3 post-op days have also been clear liquids. Today, however, I was instructed to begin full liquids......gently.......in addition to the clear. And, this coming weekend, I can begin soft solids, as tolerated (cottage cheese, string cheese, refried beans, etc.). Thus far, I really haven't been able to do more than 2-3 oz. of anything in one sitting. And, honestly, I haven't really wanted any more than that.

Anyway, I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to have my band in, and I'm raring to go. Thanks again for all the info, and thanks in advance, for your support!

Kelly

Highest weight: 275 lbs.

Weight 2 weeks prior to surgery: 261 lbs.

Weight day of surgery: 255 lbs.

Weight today (3/20): 246.5 lbs.

Hello, kellyo! Thanx for sharing your experiences. I am scheduled to be banded 7/2/07. My surgery will be @ 7:30 AM. It will be done in NY, not Mexico. Will I get to go home the same day? Did you spend the night in the hospital? Please let me know if I can expect to be discharged or have to spend the night.

Just wondering if anyone has heard from "Apple Blossom". She mentioned she was to be band on June 6th. I hope she is doing well! I would love to hear about her banding experience and how she is feeling!

Welcome Linda. I understand the sadness. I hope you come across my message about it. I can relate. Hugs to you. I cannot speak from experience since I am not yet banded, but I have read message boards across the internet every chance I get and I have found that these foods are out for sure in the beginning, but as time goes by and you get used to the band, maybe a year or so, some of these are fine so long as you've learned how to properly chew and not over eat. The one I believe I'll miss the most is popcorn. I love it and I have't found anyone who can tolerate it (nor have I asked in specific) I've read of many who eat potatoes and breads that aren't too soft. Everybodys list seems to be a bit different on what "they" can or cannot tolerate. Congratulations on losing 23 lbs on your own so far. Keep up the great work.

Judy

To be Banded June 6

Hello, Judy! Thanks for the hug and support. Only 2 more days and you will be banded!! How do you feel....excited, scared, etc? Good luck on your upcoming surgery. Please keep us posted! Be well and follow what the doctor says!!! Linda

Hello, everyone! I just joined...not sure how to navigate yet. I just met my surgeon 5/30/07. Surgery date will be 7/2/07. I am nervous and excited. Sometimes a little sad I couldn't conquer the weight issue on my own. Love this site and your helpful posts. I've managed to lose 23 lbs. on my own so far. Surgeon spoke of many foods I probably wouldnt be able to eat...bread, pasta, potatoes, soda, popcorn, corn, steak, the list goes on and on. big commitment, hey?