Kristi Twisti

Hi Heather!! I began at 393 and my surgeon never had a concern about me losing over 100 pounds with the band. Actually my surgeon is banded and I believe he lost about 100 pounds all though I could never ask. I'd think so from the pictures though. Anyhow, it's all up to you and what you do with the band. I know I was pretty bad at first, especially after I healed from surgery and wanted to eat everything I could get my hands on. I felt like I had to work hard at not eating terribly until I could get my first fill. I did get my first fill in May and it has helped so much with only 3cc in my band. I get my second fill next Wednesday and I'm so looking forward to it. The pain sucks but it's very quick and I'll be honest, the band rocks! It's made such a difference in my life, I've begone eating healthier and it feels natural. I seriously used to be ridiculous with my eating. I'd go to Wendy's or some other fast food daily for lunch and hide the fact. Now I naturally go to the cafeteria and grab a salad or bring something healthy for lunch. I know everyone's different but the band is just wonderful. Congratulations on getting your surgery date and joining us some as a bandster!

In my opinion, I think this is the right place for someone to be able to discuss what is on their mind regarding banding. Whether or not you agree, we should all be open minded and let the original poster state her feelings. I can remember the feeling of desperation when I knew I needed to do something to change my weight/health/life. I made the decision for the band and have not regretted it at all. But there have been moments of frustration knowing I need a fill but can't for another 4 weeks. I thought "This is a waste of 4 banded weeks that I could be losing weight". I don't wish that feeling of desperation and frustration on anyone.
People should feel free to say whatever they want on this post without be judged. If you have to say something, just don't be mean. There really is no reason for it. State your thoughts or concerns, but we are all here for the same general reason - Support.
Basically this is a grown adult doing something they feel they need to do. All I can say is I wish the very best for you on your journey. I thought the idea of finding an RN that will do fills for cheaper is wonderful. Keep researching and doing what you feel you need to do.
I am not trying to preach to anyone, but I have lived my life around a lot of mean people. People that insulted me to make themselves feel better. This took a toll on my confidence and esteem.
Just be nice... because life is too short, and no one gets out alive. Take care all!

My doc said that the first line of defense is to increase your Water intake. How much water are you drinking? I'd bet it's not enough. Consume 80 ounces of water tomorrow and see what happens. Those fiber and stool products DO NOT work properly unless you increase your water intake.

If the weight is coming off, that should be enough of a reward. I'm completely against rewarding yourself with treats, because when you see the scale go up the next day you realize it just isn't worth it. Take pictures of yourself once a month and compare them.
I was recently on vacation with my parents, and they were doing the same thing your mom is doing. They'd buy all this junk food and I'd tell them I wasn't hungry, and they just kept pestering me and it got to the point where it was getting me angry. I had to sit them down and explain what they were doing, and they stopped after that.

My story is a little different, but yet similar in that I too have PCOS and I had the Lap Band done. My surgery was on October 26, 2009 and I have lost 75 lbs. so far (currently at 185). My whole reason for getting the surgery was to lose the weight so that I could have children. My husband and I only waited 6 months before we started trying and unfortunately we were not successful on our own. We tried for 6 months before seeing my OBGYN. She put me on Clomid, a fertility medicine to try to get me to ovulate, since I wasn't doing that on my own, due to the PCOS. And we all know that without ovulation, pregnancy is impossible! So, we tried the medicine for 2 months with no luck, so my OBGYN sent me to a fertility specialist. We waited a month before going, so this brings us to our 10th month of TTC. The Dr. had us take a whole bunch of tests and take a different medication that was also supposed to help with ovulation. This time the medication worked and I not only ovulated for the first time, but also conceived! I just found out 3 days ago that I'm pregnant! I know that I still needed the help of the medication to make this work, but I whole heartedly believe that it would have been near impossible without the surgery. There have been times that I've thought to myself that the surgery was a waist since it wasn't helping me to get pregnant at all, let alone with the medication, but when I look back on it, I never should have started trying so early after my surgery. I hadn't lost all the weight that I should have, and if I would have waited longer, it's possible that my ovulation could have come back on it's own. Either way, I'm still so very blessed to even say that I'm going to have a baby when it seemed so far away and almost impossible to achieve, Praise God!

Well I agree and disagree with the other posters...
The key to losing fat - (I say fat because even muscle loss = weight loss and who wants to lose muscle?) is understanding and applying the energy balance PLUS understanding how your body uses food as fuel and how those fuels differ (carbs, fats, Proteins, alcohol).
Your body has a strong will to survive. It will not voluntarily give up its' fat stores. You have to coax and burn them off. You do this by creating a calorie deficit created by BOTH exercise and reduced food intake. Creating this deficit by intake alone will not take an obese person down to a healthy body fat percentage - at best, it will create a skinny fat person.
Calories In Vs. Calories Out is a bit too simplistic. 1000 calories of cotton candy and 1000 calories of skinless chicken breast are profoundly different. The difference in insulin response alone (not to mention other body chemistry) is huge! All calories are not equal.
Ponder this... "Joe" eats 1000 calories a day, day after day. He needs to lose 100 pounds. This low calorie diet gives him a deficit of 2000 calories a day. By this calculation he should be able to completely lose his excess body weight in 175-200 days....(Bet he doesn't)... But what if he continues this trend for several years? Does he completely disappear? Of course not. Because it's not just about calories in/calories out - it's about managing your metabolism via your energy balance.
I eat 1000 calories some days - I eat over 3000 other days. I still have challenging food demons, but I manage them. If I'm going to eat cheat foods, I do so on planned high calorie days. By cycling calories this way - combined with a challenging exercise schedule consisting of both strength and cardiovascular training - I keep my metabolism white hot. My body fat percentage continues to fall, while the scale stays relatively stable (small lean muscle tissue gains). This lifestyle allows fat loss on calorie deficit days and muscle gains on calorie surplus days.
There are several scenarios of posts on LBT that leave me grumbling... One of them is very low calorie diets. People who eat very low calories (600-1000) love the weight loss they initially see. But how much of that weight is lost muscle? Your body is a machine. If it's being starved is it going to give up metabolically active lean muscle tissue which is high maintenance to keep - or fat stores which costs next to nothing to maintain? Some of both, but the ratio is going to tip toward the lean muscle tissue. As muscle tissues decline, your body adjusts it's metabolism in a fight to avoid starvation, the weight loss slows and then comes the unavoidable - yet easily predicted plateau. They havn't lost weight in months, but hey, plateau's are normal right? No... they aren't normal - they mean your body has adjusted your metabolism accordingly to try to stave off starvation. It won't give up without a fight. But their doctor prescribed the 800 calorie low carb diet, so that must not be it... :tt2:
Here's another one... I've read a lot of posts where people are eating 1000 calories and gaining weight and they try to suggest it's muscle gains... Not a chance... It is physiologically impossible to maintain that large of a calorie deficit and gain muscle tissue, which actually requires a calorie surplus. One person is starving themselves eating 800 low carb calories a day, while at the same time I sit here on a high calorie day snacking on Peanut M&M's dipped in Peanut Butter.
"So Brad, if your so damned smart and think this is so easy, then why did you get so fat you needed WLS?" Because I didn't understand the energy balance and how my body used fuel and how those fuel types differ - BUT now I do... And I want everyone else to know too... It may be simple - but it isn't easy... The band is a great tool to help you achieve your goals.
Your body is a wonderful efficient machine when properly understood. Fuel it appropriately and it will reward you!
Good Luck!
Brad

Hi Kristi,
I, also, go to Florida Obesity Surgical Associates in Zephyrhills.Love the office, a lot of the staff, including Dr Grossbard, have had the surgery. Hope that you enjoy your journey as much as I have.
My husband is a scaredy cat too! However, scared as he is, he is supportive of me. I just wish that I could get him to do it. HIsd famliy have had some problems being put on full life support, so he has his reasons! Good luck to you all. Karen

You don't need this drama! Just write the guy off. You don't owe him any explanation.

Since dec I've lost 112 lbs ! I lost 50 on the 3 wk liquid and 62 since my surgery on dec 29th! And I've got more to go !

Hi, my name is Terri and I too am a Christian.
I am 6 foot, and YES you are entirely correct: every inch is important.
I started at 320 highest, 307 DOS (2/15/2011), and am now 283. My goal is 175.
You will start feeling better soon. I recommend afternoon naps, and warm liquids. Its like a hug from the inside.
Heating pads and massage help with the shoulder pain.
The all liquid phase will be tough since you will watch others enjoy their food. But this, too shall pass.
Once you can eat soft foods you have alot more options. Mashed Potatoes, oatmeal and, hummus were my favorites.
If you are a busy mom on the road alot, the fast food places can actually be helpful.
We went to KFC for mashed potatoes when I needed a meal quick. Yes, I ate the gravy too, I'd have fought to keep my gravy.
McDonalds has oatmeal.
Once you can puree things, you will feel lots better. Personally, I thanked God that I had made it through the wilderness.
I am lactose intollerant and allergic to eggs. Protien drinks and cream Soup gave me the runs.
BTW: Hot dogs DO puree. So does chicken salad.
Hamburger - not so much- wait on those.
A friend made me homemade pimento cheese spread. AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just mashed up fish. pureed fish was, totally off-putting to me.
Well, I've tried to be funny as well as offer some advice.
Welcome to the boards.
If you want a laugh, go to the powder room gone wild forum, it really has some wild questions - that are very valid.
Terri
.

I had thought about the band, then "heard" you need a BMI under 40 for the band so considered bypass...but my surgeon (who I found via the seminar) ONLY does the band and his biggest patient had a MBI if 86!!! It varies doctor to doctor, but larger people DO qualify for the band. (my BMI was 53, now around 51-52).
I know erosion has decreased because surgeons have started putting the bulky part of the band NOT under where the stomach is stitched to itself to secure the band. You very liekly can keep the band for a lifetime, as I understand it erosion is no longer common (but remains a risk)
So, I can tell you why i opted for the band vs the bypass. It's such a personal decision.
1. Everyone i know with the bypass has horrible gas (maybe it's coincidence but that's what I've noticed). By bad I mean very smelly.
2. Because the bypass removes a portion of intestine, it leads to dumping syndrome with certain foods (sugars I think)...sudden diarrhea and vomiting. I can;t risk this with my job, where I cannot always get to a bathroom. I'm a labor & delivery nurse and cannot always step away from the patient's bedside (literally life or death situations)
3. Because of the missing intestines, it also leads to malabsorption. Not everything you put in your mouth is used by the body as fuel. It leads to weight loss, sure, but IMO it's not the healthiest choice for ME. I feel that I need to retrain my BRAIN to only eat what my body will use, and the band is a tool that will allow that. Every bite I take I have to account for. I can;t depend on it going thru my body unused. Sure I can have treats on occasion, but my daily habits need to be changed.
4. I plan to use the band for life, but it is reversible...and adjustable. I have people at work who REALLY discouraged the band, saying they both had/have it (one switched to bypass) and both only lost about 30 pounds. I guess all I have to say to that is...you gotta work it, and use it correctly. Their lack of "success" does not mean I will follow suit. In the end I went with what my heart told me was right for me.
I hope that helps a bit?

It's normal to be nervous....you'll probably be even more nervous the morning of. I almost bolted for the door. I wasn't really concerned about the procedure itself but the fact that I had let myself get to the point to where I felt surgery was the only option. I just had surgery on 1/11/11 so I'm a newbie. I know everyone is different but my surgery went fine, I was sore for a couple days but it got better a little each day. I was back to work (desk job) in 7 days. I expected to start losing weight right away. I had lost about 14-15 lbs pre-op and hoped I'd have another 5-10 off by the end of January. That didn't happen. I also didn't lose more than a pound or two in February so I was a little disappointed BUT I felt great and hadn't had any weird issues. I had 2 cc's in my band from the get-go and then they added 2 cc's on Feb 22nd. I did liquids again for a day or so (definitely do this after a fill!!!) but overall didn't see or feel a huge difference. I went in on Mar 16th and had lost 3 lbs which wasn't that thrilling but I felt like I was getting the whole eating thing kinda worked out. I'm watching what I eat, trying new things, working on different types of Protein, etc. I got another 2 cc's on the 16th and I'm noticing a little more restriction. I thought I had mastered the chewing, small bites thing but I have to literally make myself slow down even when I'm taking tiny bites and really chewing. It's easy to forget for a second and swallow too big of a bite or too many too quick. You learn real quick not to do that. It feels like you swallowed a golf ball. Fortunatly, it passes and you tuck that away in your brain and hope you don't do it again. I had visions of losing 40 lbs by my birthday in June but I'm a very slow loser...always have been. I know it will take a few trys to get to that perfect amount of Fluid where you hit your stride and lose 1-2 lbs a week. My measurements really show the difference more than the scale which is awesome. We all want our excess weight off tomorrow but it is a journey that doesn't happen overnight. I've learned to set more realistic goals in the last 2 months that don't always revolve around the scale. I'm going in on 4/1 for an updated blood panel. I'm so anxious to see my cholesterol and blood sugar numbers. Hopefully I'll have a victory to report. Best of luck to you!!! shelley

Should I be concerned? Or are most of the side effects due to the patient not adhering to the "rules"?
Lots of side effects are due to people not following the rules post op! The pre op diets are to try to rid your liver of fat to make it more "pliable" durring surgery. (the liver sits over the top of the stomach and can be difficult to move if it is too fatty) My doctor just said low fat and no fried foods for 2 weeks pre op. I wasn't really great at sticking to it, but I made sure that I drank alot of Water and cranberry juice to flush the liver.
I've also found it really interesting to read about how many members have cheated on their pre-op diet. I'm honestly scared not to follow the directions the dr. has given (even with the cravings that have crept up on me) and I'm REALLY scared about the whole food getting stuck/ vomiting posts.
Small bites, size of a dime, try to stay away from bread, CHEW, CHEW, CHEW! Follow the rules from your surgeon for post-op diet...they are very important. Vomiting happens as you get used to the feeling of a full pouch (it feels like you have taken a bite of meat that is too big and it is stuck in your chest, where the top of your stomach is located) if you feel the "full feeling"...spit whatever is in your mouth out....you will make yourself vomit!
I'm just wondering what the cause is because I don't want to experience all these awful things, if I'm doing everything I'm supposed to be doing.
My other fear, of course, is dying on the surgical table. I'm fairly healthy, starting at 250 lbs with borderline High BP but no diagnosed Diabetes yet and no "major" issues to report.
There is always a risk of dying on the table, but there is also a risk of dying due to complications from being morbidly obese! Inform yourself about the risks, but look in some of the "victory" threads too. The results of other members is amazing!
My main motivation is to take action on weight loss to be a better role model for my daughter and also to have the energy and body to be able to play with her more. Then I ask myself, what if I die in a surgery that wasn't required? Am I risking it all to end up leaving her alone?
IS IT WORTH IT?
The first 4 days, my thought was "what did I do to myself? This WAS NOT worth it!" Now, I feel GREAT! and would do the surgery, endure the 4 days, and pay all of the money (I was a self pay patient) all over again! This has been a great tool and has helped me gain so much control and I am only 2 weeks in!

Hi,
Welcome and congratulations on your band. I know it's frustrating when the weight doesn't slide off immediately but be patient with yourself. Everyone responds differently to their band. I was banded April '06. I lost 30lbs almost immediately and stayed there for a year and a half before I lost anymore weight. Then all of a sudden the weight began to slide off for no apparent reason. There was no dietary changes or changes to my physical routine. Please don't get discouraged! Give it time. Allow yourself to adjust to your band. Allow your fill to settle in and see if you need additional fill. If so, go get it. You will know what adjustments need to be made as you go along. The first few months are really trial and error for a lot of people until they figure out what works and what doesn't. Just don't give up! You've come this far - you gotta keep going until you hit the mark!! Keep your chin up. Keep us posted on your progress. Make sure you go to tickerfactory.com and create a weight loss ticker so you measure your progress on the forum!

I leave tomorrow AM for Mexico. My surgery is the following day on the 15th. 2 weeks pre-op liquid diet and my hubbie says I am cranky today. Yes, nerves play into it. I am wishing a solid meal soon; I know it will be 3 more weeks away. Man, this is mind-over-matter! To quote Star Wars: "Let the Force be with you" I need to laugh it up!
I opted for a "sensable" bathing suit vs. something that was unflattering. I can only imagine wearing a bikini again and actually having a flat tummy! That is on my "Bucket List" for next summer!
I am fearful of the unknown-common side effect, excited for the future, and so pleased my dream has come to fruition!
I am not so computer savvy, but I hope to make up a blog and keep you all posted.
Thank-you all for the kind and encouraging words.:plane: Just a few hours before leaving for the airport!

Well, It has been 2 years now and no addictions for me AND my mother is wanting to get the LapBand done now! LOL

That is great! I felt the same way this week. I have completed all of my pre-surgery requirements, the request for approval is submitted and I have lost 8 pounds in the last month and a half. I have been following the behavioral changes needed for success with the lap band: no straws, no drinking with meals, eating the Protein first and then the veggies, hardly any carbs, two Protein shakes a day and 3 small meals. I also haven't had any "recreational sugar" in 2 weeks. Yay! Not only is the scale starting to move, but my mood is improving. I put on my jeans out of the dryer and was able to easily button/zip them closed. I even had wiggle room. Within an hour my jeans were really loose on me. I felt as good as you feel about your shirt!
We can totally do this! I truely believe this will be the last time I have to struggle to lose a lot of weight. I started thinking about a Hawaiian vacation in summer 2012. At first I just felt the reservation that comes from being a heavy person that wants to be in a swimming suit. Then I remembered that I will have had my lap band for over a year by then. Oh, wow! The joy and excitement I felt in that moment was overwhelming! I don't expect to be model thin, but I know I will have lost enough weight that I can be comfortable in a one piece bathing suit in public. Happy day, happy day!!!!
We are finally going to be able to start living our lives and loving it!

I'm a prebander and I'm scheduled for surgery on May 16th (whoo hooo). Anyhow, I've been doing the 6 month diet and really took it seriously in January and then kicked it into high gear in February...... the reason I'm telling anyone who will listen this story is because I sometimes read posts and wonder "if it's worth it", or "can I really do this"....today I put on a shirt that I noticed for the first time is loose around my stomach and looks actually a little big. That is when it hit me...."Yes, I can do this. I'm doing okay without the band imagine how much more successful I can be with a little more help from the band." I know I've made the right decision for myself and cannot wait to get this done because I'm going to be a good story in a year when I can say....I've lost over 50 pounds. See, I'm not trying to be unrealistic. I have over 80 pounds to lose but I'm not going to set myself up for disappointment by not losing it all in a year. I'm going to be satisfied with an average of a pound a week...If I lose more...all the better, but I'm happy with slow and consistent weight loss. I didn't get huge overnight - well, actually, I think I did because one day I woke up and wondered who the heck was staring back at me in the mirror - but it is going to come off...I'm going to make it come off. I've done it before w/o the band and this time, I'm going to do it, change my life for good and the band will help me keep it off. Okay, I'm off my soap box but it felt so good to have this shirt fit loosely around my midsection....that is positive step for me. Thanks for listening.

I had a meeting this past Monday for my surgery on the 21st and it was showing us exactly how our surgery day was going to go from check in to the actually procedure and all the medical things that would be attached to us from the actual band to the cathator to the pain pump to the strap on leg compressions. We were shown where our incisions would be and what to expect once we awoke in recovery. Was also stressed to us about getting up and walking as soon as you get to your room. No mercy from the nurses as our instructor put it...if a open heart surgery patient can be up out of bed 12 hours after surgery you guys can definately be up the same day. Oh they also showed us the breathing apparatus that we'll have to use alot. She said there are approximately 10 commercials in one hour of television and they expect you to use it every time a commercial comes on....it helps to alleviate phenomena setting in. Also stressed that the first thing you should do whenever your company comes in the room is tell them to wash their hands because you can NEVER be to safe after surgery. Good luck!!

I just got a terrible urge for snacking...so went thru the kitchen and filled a grocery sack with stuff to take to work that says "help yourself" -- Valentine's M&M's (like 6 boxes), bagel crisps, chocolates. Made me feel better.

I am home now!!! I went in this morning at 7:30 for a 9:30 surgery. When I arrived I was taken for the lovely pregnancy test which of course was negative. The nurse had stated that it indeed happens that people find out that they are pregnant. I thought to myself that would suck after coming this fall. (Not to say that I wouldnt ever love a baby). At that point I was given a gown and my weight took. Next I had to have blood drawn because my lab work showed that I had low potasssium. All that standard tests like temp and blood pressure were taken. I was given my iv in my hand and the lady was fantastic because it barely hurt. Lastly I was given the shot in my tummy to prevent blood clots. (I was really scared of this because I had heard that it hurt or burned but truely it ended up being NOTHING to worry about. ) Then hubby came in and we talked for a little while as people came in and out of the room. When the anastesiologist came in I told him how I was scared to throw up afterward and it had happened in previous minor surgeries. He gave me a patch for befind my ear that would help with sickness. My doctor came in then and asked a few questions and answered a few of mine. He was really pleased that I had lost 15.5 preop and I told him that I knew what the scale said but I didnt see it. He told me that he was sure that I had lost some weight in my liver and he would indeed see the loose and not to worry. Next thing I knew I was giving my husband kisses and started to get nervous. The ride to the or was quick and I was given something to calm me. I dont think I was in that room for 5 seconds and I was out like a light. When I work up I was in recovery with someone talking to me or around me becuase there were other patients in the room. I forced myself to open my eyes a few times and tried to wake up. I probably took 20 min to keep my eyes open for any length of time. At about an hour they helped me get up and walk 20 steps to the barium swollow test. I felt a little wozzy kind of like I the feeling that I had taken Nyquil two hours ago. I only had to do one drink and they watched and it was over. When I came back my bed was gone and they had me sitting in a chair. I had an ice pack on my stomach and it felt good. They continued to ask if I had pain and I said no. My throat felt so much better when I had ice chips. They tasted like the best ice chips ever. Then I asked to go to the bathroom and they helped me in that direction and I asked for my clothes. They took out the IV and got me clothes. When i came out of the bathroom I was a little light headed and sat down for about 5 minutes at that point my wheelchair was there to take me to my car. I know all this sounds fast but they gauged the time in recovery based on my wants. Others who were there before me were several steps behind me because that it what they needed. The ride home sucked to be honest. Bumpy roads and traffice but I made it. I got home about 1 pm and hubby gave me my pain meds in which I slept in my own bed for about an hour and a half. Now I am couching it. I am sore a little my throat is picky a little but on a pain scale I am a two and that it really from some gas pains. When they get paid I walk for 10 minutes or so and then they seem to pass. Well that it is for now. Lots of love to you guys and this was a cake walk people dont worry.

Jennie, I would speak with him about the problems you are having. I totally get this is hard believe me! Are you on Optifast or something similar or can you buy your own Protein powder? If you are buying powder they are not all created equal. They can range from 100-250 cal for 25-30 g of protein; and vary in carbs. I bring this up because if you chose Protein super low in carbs and calories then perhaps you could make them with fat free milk (which sure adds carbs but also ads 8 g of of protein). Also I add suger/fat free pudding powder, suger free chocolate syryup, or Davinchi suger free syrups found in the coffe isle. There are ways of making the shakes taste better.
Now some tough love. And a disclaimer. I am not a medical professional and you should always follow your doctors orders. If you are going to "cheat" know you are going to "cheat" and plan ahead. The planning ahead part for me has become one off my top 5 post banding eating rules. You mention being so hungry you eat bad things. My psychologist calls that irrational hunger: so hungry you can't control what or how much. She said never let yoursel get that hungry. You will choose inappropriate food. On this preop diet (high protein low carb); if you are going to eat would'nt it make sense to have grilled chicken breast strips (like premade ones from the store) instead of chips or crackers? If you don't plan ahead though you can't buy chicken breast from the vending machine at work.
Now for some chearing up. You did really well dieting in the last year. My nurse described surgery as follows: think of your torso as a over filled suitcase. When you lose weight it's like taking some of the clothes out. When the doctor goes in he has to feel around through a lot of stuff to get to the bottom where your stomach is. The less stuff in the way the easier his job. So by losing 40 pounds you've made his job easier; he's just looking for some more help!

Well today is my day. I am up took a shower and is dressed. Presently waiting for my ride to get here. Schedule to be in the hospital @ 5:30am. I am first on the list for 7:30am. Feeling good not nervous my faith is strong and i have already spoken to my lord. Pause @ any time today and whisper a word for me. I will be posting as soon as i am out. Thanks to all. On my way.

Congrats Jim, I'm I'm excited for you to be starting this journey. I too posted from the hospital and was very very hopeful for my future. That was less than a year ago and it's been the best decision of my life...it will yours too!
God Bless!
Rebecca

To all of you on the verge of having your bands placed soon, I write to you from the hospital I had mine put in earlier this morning. I assure you that my experience thus far has been pleasant. I'm in zero pain. A bit of gas remains from the carbon dioxide that is put in your abdominal cavity, but I'm doing well. Ice chips are my best friend! LOL! Tomorrow, clear broth! Anyhow...have no fear fellow future Bandsters....take it from me, it's a walk in the park!