NJGirl32

I read a lot about certain foods getting stuck -what the heck does that mean exactly? Does that mean you have to throw up, burp, or simple cough?? My nurtitionist also mention food getting stuck in the opening of the pouch? Am I committing myself to a lifetime of getting sick?

Can someone tell me the best Protein Shake to get? My nutritionist gave me a list of possible choices, but which one tastes the best. I see some you just add to Water and others to milk. Are these the same shakes you drink prior to surgery? How long do you need to drink these shakes? Thanks

Well, I can't tell you how many times I have read the replies to this topic and thank you all! I still haven't told my life long best friend or my husband. I am schedule for the end of June and have had 2 doctor's appoints thus far (nutritionist and Pum.). I am still noy a 100% about telling him but I am definitely leaning heavily towards it (nopun intended! lol). I wreally do wonder what he'll say or think? I definitely will let you all know what I decide. This forum has been a godsend to me since I am alone in it for now-onlt the girl I work with knows. I keep thinkingthat this time next year I'll be thin-wow-that's an awesome thought! Again, a great big thank you from this Jersey Girl!

Just had about 1/4 can of chicken and Rice Soup (Pureed). I made 1 cup but could not eat it all. Normall I would wash a can down with a pack of crackers (before band). This band is amazing. I am actually full. Just want to share my AWWWWW moment!

 http://bandstermomma.blogspot.com/

Great!! Do you think about food or are you completely full and can't even think about having another thing?

im a jersey girl too!!! south jersey...how about you?

Central! But I was born and raised in Philly and lived in Pennsauken for a short time.

i did that too for a bit... hey where are you having your surgery? i am in nj too. i go for my surgery next friday! good luck to you

Hello! I live in central Jersey-but I am having my surgery in North Jersey at Mountainside Hospital. Good luck to you!!! Let me know how you make out okay?

Okay-how messed up is this...I am on this forum eating 2 pieces of white pizza pie! I find myself eating more because I know I am getting the surgery in 2 months! WTH? Did this happen to anyone else>

I read over my brochure from the doctors and it mentions that some people experience dumping-what exactly does that mean? I am not going to not make it to the fr*ggen bathroom??? I hope it doesn't mean that.

Can anyone shed some light on this and did it happen to you? I am worried-I travel far to work each day.

NJ.... you will not regret telling him. He will try and be the supportive... "i love you no matter what you look like" husband. But, after the surgery... watch out... I can't keep my husband off me now...lol. I too was a size "0" when i met my husband.... so he has seen me at my best and worst.... now i'm in the middle somewhere.. but i like a size 8.... would love a size 4

My husband said.... really you don't need that, you are beautiful as you are..... but i do own a mirror and i know he was just being a thoughtful husband and trying not to hurt my feelings. I mean.. do we really want to hear from our husband... Yea you really could use all the help you can get... no we don't.

But, i'm glad i told him and my family. And you will too, i'm sure of it.

Good luck with your appts. and i will be praying for you....

By the way..... i so wish i was a jersey girl.... i love the housewives and jerseylious .. oh.. the big hair and the clothes and tans... i love it... My husband has a uncle that lives in Jersey. He had LB and so did one of his daughters.

Thank you for the encoraging words and prayers- really- that touched me so much!

When i first started looking into the LB i of course did it in private. The first person i talked to was my friend Paula... she had had the surgery a year before and was doing great. She was very open to everyone with it. So I went to her in confidence and said I was thinking of having the surgery. She kept my secret, and i so respect her for that. Turns out her life mate and i had our LB surgery on the same day with the same dr.

The next person was my husband. He at first was not so sure, but after I went to him with all my research and with my mind made up that i was doing this for my self, he was right on board. He and i discussed it and i decided to not tell any one, he honored my wishes and kept my secrete. I did tell my Sons and my daughter in law. They were all on board. I didn't even tell my mom or my family at first. About six months after the surgery i told the rest of my family. My mom kept asking if i was ok because i kept losing weight and she didn't know why..... thought I was sick... so I told them.

I started to get comfortable with telling people at about six months. People would ask and i would tell them, i had LB surgery........... THEN...... i started getting "the look". All us WLS people..... know "the look"........... it right after they ask you, How are you doing it... and you say I had LB surgery. It's the YOU TO THE EASY WAY OUT LOOK.

I would get so mad because...... WLS was defiantly not the EASY WAY OUT............ it's hard as hell. Just because you had the surgery does not mean you are will lose weight. My sister in law had it done and weighs more... but she refuses to follow the rules and exercise. I would so love a big fat cheese burger with fries..... and a dr. pepper at the same time....

So now, when some one that has not seen me in a while comes up to me and ask.............how I did it........... i say I watch what i eat and i exercise......

Now, i have lost 71lbs, i could not be happier. My husband, who never complained about my weight, loves the NEW ME..... He love that fact that i have more confidence and in turn feel better about being more intimate. I truly believe it not only saved my life, but marriage (of 20year) is way better. His favorite thing..... i was able to get rid of all my "granny panties".......... and went bought some cute ones at VS....

So, NJ girl.......... sit down with your research and tell your husband... he will be glad you did, and so will you.....

Thanks so much! I'll have to let you all know when and if I tell him- I have 2 dr. appointmentss this week. I am not scheduled until the end of June but I want it moved up if possible.

I just had to laugh at the comment people make to you, that you are not "that" big. I think people get very used to how we look, just as we get used to how we look especially when almost everyone around you is heavier than normal (whatever normal is LOL!). I always thought I wasn't "that" big until got up to over 300 lbs. I had never been that big in my whole life and I was so depressed at how I looked and the person I had become (my eating habits were horrible). It reminded me of when I was a fat child and would get teased so horribly, and eventually I got used to being fat (been that way all my life). There was no way on God's green earther I was going to "get used to" being over 300 pounds! It's good that we decided to have the surgery before we were "that" big. Whatever "that" is! Good luck on your journey.

It's funny you should say that because just the other day I was thinking "I am not that big" but I am big. All 243 pounds of me! When I have to worry about fitting in an airplane seat that's big! I even hate goingto plays and sittingin confined spaces. I would panic if I had to go on any sort of ride at an amusement park! I was even at a comedy show and I had a few remarks made towards me- not funny. I use to be very attractive-now I have a "pretty face". I am too young to feel this old! Thanks for all the support!! This is an awesome resource and network of support!

Lap Band surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself. For once in my life, I put myself ahead of everyone else and went for it! In five months, I've lost 83 lbs. and feel like a new person.

Is it easy? No. For anyone that may think that the band is a "quick fix", they are sadly mistaken. Being banded is a life changing experience. Your entire lifestyle must change for the band to be successful. It is only to be used as a tool.

The surgery is not that bad. In my opinion, the two week pre-op diet was the worst part of the entire procedure. The pain level from the surgery was the same as when I had my gallbladder removed and ten times easier than the three C-Sections I've had.

About two days after surgery, I had an anxiety attack. It was around 6:30 in the morning and my husband had just left for work. The kids were still in the bed. I stood in my kitchen and thought to myself, "What in the he** have I done to myself?!?!". Then, I remembered that the worst thing I did to myself was let myself get to 343 lbs. and completely unhealthy. By having the surgery, I had made an attempt to save my life!

That's awesome! Congratulations on such a huge achievement!

Marcy they are so minor! Thanks for sharing

Thanks Marcy! You are doing such a great job-20lbs in 1 month! That's inspiring!

Awesome job!!!!! Congrats! You are inspiring that's for sure!

:huh:I am very fair and I bruise pretty easily. No one sees my belly anyway-but I just wanted to know. Where is the port? Is it on your side? Do they inject a needle in your side for fills? Can you feel the port? Thanks everyone!

I am in the exact same boart so I can totaly relate to your concerns. I am 5'6 and 246 and 48 yrs old. I am worried about something going wrong duringthe surgery. My Dr. said the mortality rate is 1 in 2000 - that seems really high to me, but he said it's the same as a gall bladder operation. I am in good health other then the weigh issue so I think the surgery will be okay.

With that being said I really hate being fat. I hate being the heaviest woman in a room. I hate going on an airplane and worrying about the seatbelt fitting or who will sit next to me. I hate lugging this extra 90 pounds around with me everyday-the effect that it has on my energy level and it must work my heart to carry that weight. I hate that it takes me so long to find something to wear when I go out. I hate not feeling sexy. I want to be 50 and fabulous. I am tired of making excuses. If I would have done this last year I would be thin by now and loving life. I would be more active and enjoy social outings so much more!

Doubt is normal. Someone had a quote that said "A field never gets plowed byturning it over in your head" That pretty much says it all! I'll do it with you!

It's my understanding that there will be 3-4 small incisions on the belly - are they big? Do they leave a scar? Does anyone have a picture of there after surgery scars? I am just trying to prepare myself for what it will look like - I have stretch mark from being pregnant so I am not worried about bikini wear-just curious!

You should wait a minimum of 30 minutes preferrably 60 after eating a meal before drinking. Also you should not drink while eating.

Wow, I didn't realize this- does that mean drinking anything-even Water? What will happen if you drink while eating? Thanks!

It seems like I am the only one that has thought about not telling my spouse! I am leaning towards telling him since there is so much involved pre-surgery and post-surgery.

Going out to eat on the weekends is a big part of our social life. Is this still possible on the Band? What dort of foods are best to order or avoid?

Thanks!

Thanks! So it looks like I'll still be able to enjoy a couple of drinks with dinner or at a party. I am confused by the one comment about not drinking after eating-is this a requirement for the Lapband?

Can you drink on the band? I like a few beers or a Sangria with dinner-will I have to give that up? Will it make me sick? Will I get drunk faster? I know someone who had gastic bypass and she gets drunk really fast-I don't wantthat but I am a Jersey Girl and love an occassional drink or two on the weekends.

want2beme was right on target! This friend is jealous of your success. She tries to make it sound like it's all about you and how brave she has been trying to hold back- but it is really about all her insercurities. Your weigh loss has threatened her on some emotional level. She is a coward for writing you a letter like that without so much as a follow up phone call!

Wow! That's a big improvement!