PattyGirl66

It does vary from surgeon to surgeon. I am to do ONE protein drink in place of ONE meal, then I can eat two meals and a snack making sure I don't go over 1200 calories daily. My surgery is scheduled for July 25th.

I really really hope I get my period soon, like now before my surgery. Oh it will be such a disaster if I do, LOL

I know that feeling, I still very much dodge behind objects. I still think some people need to learn to NOT take photos when food is being served, soooo not flattering, LOL

Wouldn't it be nice if the weight loss could just leave them speechless.... Just sayin'

Good question, the Bariatric center where I go has 4 surgeons and only ONE is in my network. He will have another assistant with him because they need two.One surgeon cannot do this surgery alone. I suppose if I get a bill for this I will fight it with my insurance company. .. Let us know the outcome of this I would really like to know... -Patty

Hi Bob, I am going to have to agree with you on this subject. I can't tell you enough how many conflicts I have had with my nutrionist about the topic when it comes to 'fruit'. When I sat down with her and she told me that I would have to cut out fruits, I nearly lost it. She said the 'surgeons' are the ones that want off limits, not her and she has also stated to me that she has begged to differ with them. Now, she said the surgeons are changing their minds to 'half' a fruit a day. OMG, I looked straight in her face and said, "I am sorry, but fruit did not make me this big". I can tell you what made me big and it ain't fruit. I know about the digestive system with the band and how important it is to not eat sugar, that should be BAD sugar not the healthy ones that actually make our bodies stay young and healthy such as blueberries, cantaloupe, blackberries, bananas, apricots, and yes apples. Why do you think Jack LaLanne stuck around all those years, he was living proof that fruits make you live longer. Now, I am not saying shove fruits in your mouth all day long. I think a blance of 3 a day it just fine. FYI: did you know that just eatting a half banana a day can cut a precentage in breast cancer in woman. Bananas source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Fiber as well as some other B Vitamins and Iron. Bananas have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective and antioxidant activities and to reduce blood pressure and the risk of coronary heart disease. Why would anyone want to stop eatting fruit, that is just insane! As we focus on the 'protein' we also have to make sure that we are balancing our nutrients out evenly to better the quality of our health, and of course to heal the inside of our vital organs... Good Job Bob!

I was told to lose between 40-50 pounds before surgery. Every surgeon is different, and as you can see I did not make it to that. When I saw him my last visit, he said just keep trying 'harder'. I have another month, and I am not stressing over it honestly, his partner who will be assisting him said i am doing fantastic on my weight loss so far. Go figure!!

PKB, I had a total hip replaced several years ago when I weight 269. As you can see from my ticker what I ballooned up to. First off, when we weigh this much it is very difficult to exercise with new joint. I have to have my other hip replaced as well and the doctor won't touch me at this weight. Just one of the reasons I am having weight loss surgery. I do Water exercises, stretch, and if you want a machine I can tell you one that works pretty good for me without joint pain. Gazelle Edge, at walmart for only $99.00. Very easy to use and easy to storage away. The max. weight says 250, but believe me it can hold me up with nooo problem at all. I only do between 15-20 mins and I don't have that joint pain I usually have if I were walking a lot or exercise with heavy impact. Best of luck to you, the weight we lose will benefit us greatly for our health and our joints, (especially our new ones) they have to last you know???

Thank you DeAna!!! Best of luck to you as welll, and keep us all posted on your progress

I got to count to one....LOLOL

In moderation... I love black olives too. 5 medium black olives / 25 calories / 2 grams fat / 95 mg sodium If you slice them up thin you will feel like you are eatting more

I Have United Healthcare, their requirements is a 6 month supervised diet. Every month, and you can't miss a month or back to square one.. meaning start all over...

Honestly, I wouldn't want to encourage this, but considering what you ate and the exercise, you really didn't do that bad! Don't beat yourself up about it. Like I was told back in the day when I went to Weight Watchers; shake it off, move on... Tomorrow is another day BTW, I admire that you tracked everything you ate

Yes, this is very common and is 'temporary'. Your body is going through some major changes, like a 'shock'. You need to make sure you are getting enough of Protein daily. Oh, Biotin pills cannot hurt to take. I take them and I am not banded yet I want to try and combat it just in case it happens. Besides, Biotin is very good for your skin and nails, just as for your hair. I take a dosage of 2500 once a day with my other Multivitamins. I have noticed I am 'shedding' less... Best of luck, oh... and don't stress about it too much that is not good!

Hi Debbie, Maybe you should speak to your surgeon about your concern. I have read about this 'stuck' feeling a lot on here and many of the bandsters give very good advice. However, with saying that if you 'think' something is terribly wrong you should address so you can get answers from your surgeon for peace of mind. I have read some people saying that a few sips of gingerale helps when they get 'stuck'. Some chew on papaya enzymes and swears that works. Some even say sips of pineapple juice can work too. It doesn't hurt to try these methods. I have all 3 of these items 'just in case'. I want to be so ready. Keep us updated on your progress and if that 'stuck feeling has gone away. -Patty

I consider this site to be a continual 'group meeting', just as if you were to attend a meeting at Weight Watchers. I think most of us will need this support for awhile, or maybe forever. Whether you come on before you were banded or log on once in awhile to touch bases and let everyone know how you are doing. I have made a very good friend on here (Hi Missy). I can't imagine talking to her for this long and then one day never come back on to see how my friend is doing. You make connections and bonds on here with people, especially those who have supported you through this entire process. I too have read that eariler post about the woman who lost her life, and yes I felt a knot in my stomache. However, I will not be swayed any other way. I already have a foreign object in me, a porceline hip, its a new hardware that I was first to have several years ago. Yes, I can feel it at times when I sit on a hard surface, or when I lay on my belly I can feel it with my hand. What I dont feel is the severe pain I had that I couldn't walk, that is the part I don't miss at all. I spent over 4 hours under anesthesia getting this done , had a blood transfusion and spent 10 days in the hospital. I think I can handle this. Just as Mis73 said, our weight alone is killing us slowly, crippling us. Just as that poster intially indicated this person waited and waited. We need to listen to our bodies what its telling us, if you think something is wrong, call up your surgeon. Who cares if you call a million times this is what they are paid to do.

I really think you have to exercise accordingly to your weight and health. At my weight you are not going to find me running laps around the corner or jogging up the block. I also have servere arthritis and one hip replaced so I am a tad bit limited. However, this does not mean I can't physically move around. I can walk back in forth in a swimming pool, float and paddle my legs on a board, mostly anything with water aerobics. I can stretch with my neat stretch band. I also have a machine called the gazelle edge that I glide myself as if I am sking in air (no impact). Even when I clean house, mopping, scrubbing, laundry, I am moving around. Its a start.....

Considering the best reward will be the weight loss and goals. While I haven't given it a thought yet because I am not banded, however I know this sounds ridiculous, but I always wanted a leather jacket. I could own one if I want, but at my weight honestly I never thought I would look good in one. I don't want a long one, I want a short one hopefully one that will show off my weight loss and accentuate my figure. Great question, and loved all the answers

July 25th here! Yes, I am anxious and nervous all at the same time! I start my pre-op very soon. Doctors orders are 1 protein shake replaced by a meal. Than 2 small lower calorie meals during the day, around 1200 calories. The day before I can eat up till 1pm and that is it. I feel awful for the ones that have to do strict liquids only, but as it goes every surgeon is different and you have to listen to your doctor. My guessing is that my surgeon doesn't want any starvation up to surgery because of the fear of people may want to not do the full liquids once they are banded. So, hopefully I will be fine the 2 weeks on full liquids after surgery because I would have eatened food up till 1pm the day before. Maybe there is method to his madness, I don't know...LOL Best of Luck to all the July Bandsters!!!! Oh, and keep us posted on your progress

Hang in there, it happens to everyone...... I am horrible when I get sick because when I am I usually wound up not eatting, then as soon as I start feelng better I eat everything that isn't nailed down. You did the right thing, going back to basics...

You need to sit down and track everything you are eatting, I mean every little thing. Bring it to the nutrionist so they can help you. I remember when I joined weight watchers back in the day and I would barely eat because I wanted to lose weight fast. Well, that didnt work. I needed to put healthy fats into my diet. If you omit most foods from your diet you will have nothing to burn. Remember fuel burns. This could be by adding a tablespoon of Peanut Butter, lite mayo, lite dressing. etc. Measure measure measure. Too much will add up to empty calories, and you don't want that. Believe me I use to drown my food in ketchup and you would be surprised all the sugar and calories I was adding to my food. Get in some healthy nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, brazil, almonds. These are the best healthiest nuts for you that have healthy fat. Go easy, remember just a handful (20 almonds equal 1 ounce of nuts) You can google how many nuts are in an ounce to see how many your are able to have. Oh, guacamole is also an excellent fat that is very healthy, just make sure you measure. Whole wheat only, that includes breads and pastas, rice. sugar free should be your best friend now, but watch the calories they add up. You will become a pro on reading lables. Hang in there, it will happen whatever you do DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!

Congrats!!!

This is my biggest worry because I am not banded yet and normally drink over a gallon of water a day. On hot days like today I might drink more. I don't drink anything else, not even coffee or tea. The only other thing I drink is 8 ounces of almond milk with my cereal or oatmeal. I am trying to learn to take small sips now, but honestly I have a hard time. Even when I take my pills I drown it down with a about an 8 ounce glass of water, oy!!! I have to keep trying harder!!!

I have loste tons of weight half of my life. I was also very close to my goal at one time even. Now, with my right hip replaced and my left on its way out, I need help. I think part of it honestly was denial that I could do this on my own and I really believed that I could. I am much older and I can barely move with my severe arthritis. I need the help and I do believe this is my last shot at living a healthier lifestyle. Only a few people know of my surgery and I plan on keeping it that way. When the time comes and the weight loss is noticible and asked about it. I will kindly just say "thanks, I am watching"... and keep it moving