PattyGirl66

Hi All, I am not banded yet (on my 6th month). I have been an avid reader here on this site and learned sooooo much about preparations before and after with all of your help. Since I am in my 'pre' preparation process, I am trying new and different protien powders/shakes/drinks/soups. I realized we will be drinking a lot of Protein Soups post-op and have been experimenting on this, thus let me tell you as a person who has 'controlled' high blood pressure, the sodium content is very HIGH! and the taste is super salty. I am not a person who loves to devour salt anyway and asked myself what can I do to perfect this so I can actually drink this and not have my blood pressure jump or my taste buds freak out! Here we go... I purchased a canister of the unjury "Unflavored" Protein powder and bought containers of chicken stock/broth "low sodium" at my supermarket. I then add a scoop of the UNJURY powder to a very small bowl and added 2 oz of WARM Water (if you boil it or have it to hot its going to clump). I mixed thoroughly with a fork. Heated up 6 ounces of my low sodium chicken broth and poured it into a cup. Now, you can experiment with this and add some seasoning like parsley, cilantro, etc. or buy Italian flavored low sodium chicken broth. Let me tell you it taste really good and I am not worried about all that salt and I really enjoyed this so much more. I hope this helps anyone out there

I am not banded yet but I am in preparation mode, LOL. I am trying every protein shake under the sun to see what I like and what is going to work for me. That includes the soups, clear powders, and shakes. I learned the hard way and spend $60 on a bag of banana flavored protein powder that I reallllllly hate. I found a protein shake on the walmart.com site called "Pure Protein" got the chocolate brand and absolutely love it! Only paid $17.88 for it. I purcahsed a few boxes of cream of brocoli protein soups from Biwise. I just keep testing to see what I like. Everyones taste is different, so you really need to keep sampling till you find something. Um, everyone says to stock up on sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, and sugar free popcicles. Oh, I purchased a 8 cup food processor from walmart.com, spent about $39 it works perfect, can't complain so far.... Best of luck!

I love this site, I am very greatful for the people I talk to and all of the information/insight I get from coming here. It truly helps.

Your an inspiration.... this gives everyone including me hope

I am in NJ and have UHC, I am in my 5th month in a 6 month process. Believe me its the longest 6 months ever and I know deep down it will be worth it. I just keep reminding myself to be patient it didn't get me this heavy overnight. Keep reading, this is the best site you will ever find over the internet for support ( you are going to need it). I have pretty much everything ready, including my shakes, Soups, etc. Looking into buying 'clear' Protein drinks because I really don't care for the chalky Protein Shakes, someone mentioned on here Protein blitz I will order a few to see if I like that. This is what you will be doing with your time. Searching, reading, and preparing for your big day. If everything goes okay my doctor told me yesterday I am looking at getting this done in May. (wheeew).. Best of luck to you all, keep us posted

I haven't been banded yet and can still hear how people talk about weight loss as if it is some sort of copout. They truly are uneducated about the procedure and are quick to say how people who choose weight loss surgery are lazy and don't want to 'work' hard at losing weight. I refuse to bunt heads with these types of people and if anyone ever addresses my weight loss in the future I will just smile and say.. why thank you, I have just cut back...heeeheeeeeee

LOLOLOL, that is funny! Yes, you need to buy some smaller panties girlfriend Thanks for sharing

That has to be a good feeling. I can't wait for the day I can walk without being in pain. Congratulations to you!

Dear Readytogoforit: I love reading your posts, you are such a pro and always there for all of us. I just want to personally thank you for being one of the best supportive people on the threads! -Patty

I am not banded yet but I am going through the process. I have to say for myself I am so happy to have found this site. I have read all about the good, bad, and the ugly. We should thank goodness we have this site here for all us who have been banded or maybe considering it. This site is just full of knowledge about the Lapband, the people here are extremely helpful in answering all of your questions, not to mention the friends we have met along the way.

You can do it!!! I can't wait to get the hell out of the 3's.....LOLOL One pound out a time, thats all we can do... Congrats on your success and to almost getting out of the 2's

I plan on swimming..Low impact and you move your entire body. You can check your local schools or your YWCA/YMCA. Works great with people who especially have arthritis (like me). they also offer swim areobics as well.

<---- waiting Patiently I might add, I know I shouldn't rush it because there is still many things I need to do before hand, but the waiting really bites! I have 3 more months and have done everything. Just purchasing and preparing myself, I guess that is all we can do for now. Thank goodness I found this site to read and write. I have learned so much here from all you nice people

Congratulations!!! You are amazing, you had your surgery done today and you took time to post! wayyyy to go, keep us updated on your progress and best of luck to you....

woohooooooooooo gives us hope, I mean real hope!!!!

We should all write to him on the Lapband...

That is amazing!! what a nice surprise, I would of been shocked too! Right now I only dream of the day I can squeeze my butt into a size 16! Thanks for sharing

I really love reading these kinds of stories, gives us very much hope. Thank you so much for touching base with us and letting us know how successful you have been on your journey, Now, don't be a stranger

Congratulations!!!!! Keep us posted on your progress....

Hey Murfbe, I am going to try the unjury 'unflavored' powder that you can add to pretty much any of the foods to help get in that Protein. As everyone has stated, it really is going to be according to what YOU like. I am doing the Bariatric Advantage banana flavored Meal Replacement shakes. I like to add some fruit to this and to me it taste great! However, I am getting really tired of the shakes and need something more 'clear'. I am just testing everything before surgery so I know what to buy before hand and I want to be prepared and ready. Here is the link to try UNJURY, I beleive you can buy the single packets to sample.. http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/unjury-flavors/unflavored-protein/unflavored-protein-container.html

Hi CJ, You are reacting very normal, any surgery is very scary. And as someone posted above having declined health, not knowing what can happen to us if we continue to be obese is 'very' scary. I am right with you, haven't been banded yet I have 3 more months before approval. No looking back, no more thinking about it, it has to be done! We have to get healthy, we have to live! Keep reading and writing on this site, you will not only learn a lot, but you will make some really great friends Best of luck,

Just wondering..... are there any do's or don'ts to what you say to your Psychologist during evaluation before surgery? Has anyone 'failed'? What types of questions do they ask? All feedbacks are welcomed

Hi Lisa! Yippeeee, 7 more days you must be so excited. Congratulations in taking the first step to a new and healthier you! Keep us all posted on your progress

Thank you all very much for the feedback, I really do appreciate it

Hi Everyone! I haven't been banded yet (3 more months and waiting approval). I love this site so much and everyone here has been so helpful. As I was reading (as I do every day), a question popped in my head that seemed like a valid one, so here goes... I know after getting the lap band surgery they tell you not to lift and bend for a certain amount of time. Are their limitations to bending? Okay for instance, I bend to tie my sneakers, I bend to wash myself in the shower, I bend to wipe myself after going to the bathroom (sorry, I had to get that one in). I bend to pull up my clothes. I have a reacher that can help with pulling up my clothes, but what about my "other" bending needs? I just want to know all that I can to ensure I don't jeopardize my band once its put in! Thank you,