CaGottaBand

I've gone down about 1/2 a size so far.

The skinny cow candies are pretty yummy.

Great advice Cheryl.

I take 5000 mg of biotin every day. Started about 6 months before my surgery. I have noticed my hair looking healthier, but as far as re-growth or preventing the onset of the dreaded post surgery hair loss, nada.

Just wanted to chime in and say I agree with this statement 100%. I went wine tasting about a month ago, I maybe had 3 glasses of wine over 6 hours. The next day I was up 5 pounds and it took me 3 weeks to get rid of it. That wasn't fun. Statements like these make me think Lap Band lowers your metabolism, at least temporarily. The reason being--for someone my size, we are allowed 39 weight watchers points per day to lose weight. My big problem, of course, was being hungry beyond this number of points. However, each glass of wine is 4 points, so you're just looking at 12 points there. With conservative eating (as the band should provide) it should have been no problem....however, the body is being given much less with the band, so it might end up being a "race with the metabolism" for who is the winner. Oh well, we gotta do what we gotta do. If the standard way isn't working, Lap Band it is. Actually, I really just think it is my genetics. I spoke to my mom about the alcohol weight gain and she said she is the exact same way when it comes to alcohol. And she is NOT banded. I'm just one of the "unlucky" ones. I guess it's good that I don't drink that often.

Just wanted to chime in and say I agree with this statement 100%. I went wine tasting about a month ago, I maybe had 3 glasses of wine over 6 hours. The next day I was up 5 pounds and it took me 3 weeks to get rid of it. That wasn't fun.

They paid for mine in May of 2013.

I have Aetna as well. My info was submitted to them on a Thursday and I had my approval by Monday afernoon. Best of luck to you!

I waited 90 days to drink any alcohol, but that was my decision. My doc said alcohol would be okay after one month. I typically drink wine. But occassionally I'll drink vodka straight or mixed with Crystal Light. And I don't get buzzed any quicker than I did pre-banding.

Wow CaGottaBand your weight loss progress is impressive. I pray to be as successful as you! I used to love those Orange Creamsicles when I was a kid... Where do you get the MaxxPro Orange.... at like Vitamin Shoppe or BodyBuilding.com and what’s your take on almond milk. Is it too sweet for you. I’m such a whiny-baby when it comes to my milk. I love the Farmland Skim Plus but OMGosh I could seriously do without all those darn carbs. What’s you take? And are you working out? I haven’t started at all nor was I working out before the surgery. I just doing some 10 min walks here and there. I know it’s soon, two weeks postop. I buy the MaxxPro at a local shop, but it can be bought online at maxxmuscle.com. I personally like the almond milk...not to drink straight, but for my smoothies it's good. And yes, I work out. I jog a few miles 3 times a week and 3 day a week I do a circuit training DVD...the DVD kicks my @ss. LOL

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I use MaxxPro Orange and mix it with almond milk. Per scoop: 30 grams of protein, 140 calories and 1 gram of sugar. Tastes like an orange creamsicle.

That's a pretty standard rule and I would say that most Banders follow it.

Hmmm..Dandy Blend...what does it taste like?

I like every flavor of Tazo tea, it's owned by Starbucks. I usually buy mine at Walmart.

Don't stop till you're proud.

I took five weeks off from work just because I could...gotta milk it when you can. But by day three I was out shopping and felt fine. I should mention that I was one of the lucky ones who didn't experience any gas pains. Best of luck to you.

I would say that that isn't a whole lot of food. But if it works for you, then who are we to judge. I do think that you need to drink more than one bottle of Water though. In a typical day I eat the following: Breakfast: Protein smoothie (almond milk, Protein powder, 1/2 of a banana, ice) Lunch: sandwich (100 cal wheat bread, 2 oz of lunch meat, 1 slice cheese) Dinner: 4 oz chicken, 1/2 cup steamed veggies 9 - 10 cups of water throughout the day So, why are they thinking erosion of your band?

Call the doc! Something serious could be very wrong.

I'm so sorry to here your troubles Donna. Have you ever heard of having your lupus drugs given to you through a monthly transfusion? My best friend has lupus and she has a regular monthly transfusion of her drugs...almost like chemotherapy. She "loves" it. She doesn't have to take her medications orally anymore and she says it has vastly increased the quality of her life. Just something you may look into.

I'm nnicole209 on MFP.

I've got the jiggly bits as well when I run on the treadmill. I invested in some compression pants (pretty reasonably priced at Old Navy) and a really good sport bra. Both items really helped! Just a suggestion.

Love the tip of putting the liquid into the freezer and then removing the layer of fat. Definitely going to remember the tip. Thanks!

Congratulations! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

I think the crying is totally normal...I completely broke down crying when I had to say goodbye to my husband and mom before surgery. Best of luck tomorrow!