PattyGirl66

There are tons of videos on youtube you can watch that will give you the basics. I have small weights here, around 1lb each, depending on your level you can do more weights. I also have one of those stretching bands, I love it!

Good luck to you! keep us all posted on your journey

LOL, ohh I know I am going to feel the same way. Is amazing how good food taste to us once we really don't eat it, or eat as much of it. I mean I eat tuna fish all the time, but let me tell you now a days that bad boy is tasting like lobster tails. hahahahaha

Best of luck to you on your journey and to a new life!

8 more days and counting... I have my last weigh in this thursday and should get a phone call the day before surgery letting me know what time to be at the hospital for Wednesday the 25th. I have been through surgery before and know what to expect as far as the iv and anesthesia, but like any sugery I am still nervous and anxious. How is everyone else doing so far?

Sending good vibes your way!!! Post and let us all know how you are ((hugs))

I have a hard time with chaulky milky shake like protein shakes/drinks. So, I found a 'clear' protein drink in grape and fruit punch I really enjoy called Protein Blitz. Its expensive, but if it doesn't make me sick its worth it. Now, I also have unjury and Now 'unflavored' protein powders that I mix in my foods such as soups, jello, etc...

Thanks everyone! I am sure once I start on solids first thing on the list will be in the seafood isle, LOL

Ty so much for letting me know, this is very good news! I would hate to give up seafood!

Misty, your weight loss is amazing! congratulations on such an accomplishment. Another success like this gives me such great hopes for myself Thanks for posting, -Patty

Hi All, I am not banded yet (July 25th). I would love to hear from other bandsters how they handle eatting seafood. Can you? Is it difficult to swallow? Does it get stuck? Some of my favortie seafoods I enjoy are crab, scallops, lobster, and filet of sole. Occasionally I will eat shrimp, but its not my fav. Thanks, -Patty

never get on the scale during the evening time unless you are being made to, LOL best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning, of course after you have gone to the bathroom and rid of the Fluid from sleeping all night. I can gain up to 4 pounds from morning to evening in a flash!

I really hope I can eat salad once I am banded, its really something I enjoy eating.

Haven't lost any more weight as of to day. I have to get on the scale at the surgeons office this thursday evening. Hoping to lose at last 3 lbs before then. While I am not on a liquid 2 week diet instead a low fat, low calorie 1200 a day diet. I am going to do liquids and 1 salad for dinner till then and see if this helps. As long as I don't gain any weight I am good, that is the reason I have to go in and get weighed to make sure no weight was put on or they will say NO NO to surgery and we don't want that happening, LOL. However with saying that, I am enjoying my 'clear' protein drinks "Protein Blitz" grape and fruit punch! its the only protein I can get down without feeling sick. I can't do the chaulky powder shakes.. Best of luck to all the July bandsters! -Patty

I am not banded yet, but I think 10 lbs in 5 weeks is fantastic and you have restriction! That equals to 2 lbs a week which is more than expected to lose on the lapband, Remember the lapband usually balances between 1-2 pounds a week. You are doing really good

hahahahhahahaaaaa, omg that is hysterical!!!

Hi Motivated, Don't feel down on yourself about this. Look you are making the best decision for you and more importantly your health. I myself am not banded and my surgery is scheduled in just 13 days. Of course I am nervous and scared. This is a normal feeling you are having. Listen, I put the surgery off two years ago and litterally gained 60 pounds MORE! I know this time around I need a little help, and the band will be that 'push' we need to jumpstart us off so we can finally succeed in losing weight and keeping it off. I don't know about you but I am sooo tired of the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows. All that yo-yo-ing just makes you feel like a failure alone. Most importantly, no matter what you will stil have to work hard with the band 'remembering its just a tool'. Now, as far as surgery is concerned from what I know its less invasive, and the suregery itself is not long (you can expect to be in the OR for about an hour) Scars, don't even worry about it! In time they fade and heal very nicely. I have a long scar on my hip from having my hip replaced and honestly you can't even notice it. And that was a pretty heavy cut I had. Lotions and oils can help smooth out the scars and before you know it will be transparent as into your own skin. Don't forget, these are minor incisons not huge big ones. Lastly, your scars will not be a reminder of you failing, but a reminder of how you took control of your own health, and for that reason you should be very proud of those scars... (((hugs))) -Patty

Its funny, because even looking at this I don't see anything really mushy, except 3 items. I think I am going to have to use my best judgement and puree many of these foods. Do I agree with my Surgeon? Not on everything. Besides, this is the beauty of this site we can all share things like this. I would feel much safer eatting super mushy foods at this stage than trying to each salad or even crackers... Goes to show you different strokes for different folks, LOL

I found this topic to be rather interesting as I read, so I took out my handy dandy pamphlets my surgeon gave me and this is what "MY" surgeon recommends. *** Please Note this is what "my" Surgeon Recommends*** Stage 2 - Soft Diet (mushy stage) 3 meals a day plus one snack (stop taking the Protein supplement) No liquid with meals if soft food is included (you must wait at least 45mins for the pouch to empty before drinking) Chew well!! Eat Proteins first Examples: Fish: (tuna, white flakey fish) Egg whites or egg beaters boiled Beans fat free cottage cheese Cooked vegtables Mashed potatoes soft Pasta (well chewed) toast or crackers salad (finely chopped)

Blan, that must feel so good. How rewarding such minor things like this make a 'huge' difference in our lives. I can't wait to have NSV's.. -Patty

Okay, we all need to stop scratching our heads

MsDuran, you may be on to something.. I notice I shed much more in the warmer weather so I had to do some research. This is my findings... The reason as to why we lose hair during summer is because we sweat a lot during summer, the pores on the surface of the skin spread to release sweat. Our hair becomes weak at that time and is more prone to falling off. Along with hair loss you might also experience itching and irraitation of the scalp. This could make you scratch your head which could cause hair fall to get much worse. You all can read more about it here: http://haircosmetology.com/hair-loss-issue/experiencing-hair-fall-during-summer-season/

Tom, wonderful job there.. Congratulations on your weight loss success and of course helping with their journey

Cazzy, I am afraid of the measuring tape, lolololol

Magsgirl, I am right with ya!! same surgery date . I did start my pre-op Monday just 2 days early. I do not have to do the liquids so I lucked out big time! I am still aiming to lose another 10-15 pounds 'more' before my day. I am nervous as all, more anxious every day. I am glad I have this site to keep my mind a little occupied in the meantime. Keep in touch! -Patty