New Hope

I mix the protein powder and fruit into fat-free skim milk. Atkins canned shakes are good to have on hands when you're in a real big hurry. I'm like Lisa, I can't eat breakfast a lot of times. So the shake seems to be a little more filling than just plain milk. But when I do eat breakfast ( scrambled eggs and veg. sausage patty), I stay full feeling a lot longer.

What a great NSV! Did you have to tell her who you were?

It doesn't seem like there can be a set schedule to getting fills. You may or may not need one on a certain date, depending on how you're doing. Also, the # of fills, wouldn't that depend on how much saline is put in during each fill? Personally, I prefer to "sneak up" on it. I've had one fill (2 mos. after banding). He put in 1.3, but I felt too full. So I had him back it off to 1.0. I've done fine. I'm going in next week for 2nd fill (7 weeks since 1st fill)

"You gotta relax." Andrea, you are so cute! I can't believe your transformation! You're going to be such a successful bandster! See, you're already able to give out encouragement and advice.

Wow, Darcy, good exercise plan! You'll be toning upper and lower body. You go,girl!

787.75 -- That's a small town, isn't it? Good Grief! Where's the rest of you "losers" at?

Too cute! Look at your skinny little waist! I'm so proud of you! Great job!

All Protein powders are different. I get the unflavored or vanilla Soy powder so it doesn't have any taste to speak of and mix it w/fruit and ice cubes for a delicious smoothie. I buy it at the wholesale club (cheaper than GNC, more Vitamins in it, and tastes better). Mine has 14 grams of protein, Vitamin A, C, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin D, E, Thiamin, Riboflavi, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Vitamin B-12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Phospphorus, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium. (Are you still awake?) Just plain milk doesn't have all of those in it. Fat-free milk has 9 grams of protein, Vitamin A, C, Calcium, Vitamin D. No questions are dumb. That's how we all learn - everyday.

I was local, but I wore a pull over Mexican Wedding dress to and from the hospital. Shave your legs before you go. You may want to bring your heating pad. Will you need an electrical plug adapter/converter? Take about half of what you plan on packing. You'll have plenty. Do you have all your old clothes washed and grouped according to size? You'll be going through them quickly. Better start wearing your favorite current ones because they'll be way too big and you'll never be able to wear them again. YEAH! Sounds like you are very well prepared. I'm so excited for you! You'll do fine! Best of luck!

Lisa, I'll let you talk to my cat about that one. Just think about where those cat claws have been. Litter box, hunting, etc. Yuk!

Sounds like you better not buy too many clothes. What a fun way to exercise and meet people! Hope you have a blast!

Two weeks ago I had to take my cat to the ER vet to have his eye surgically removed because it was so badly mangled. Traumatic experience for my cat and me! The vet said it was caused from a cat fight. Apparently cat claws are very, very nasty. I won't be taking any cat scratches lightly after that! I'll clean and put antibiotic salve on any and all.

I eat 3 meals a day and an afternoon snack. If I don't eat 3, I find myself grazing more throughout the day.

Lainie, you'll be glad that you got a clean bill of health when those tests are done. In the meantime, start drinking (but not w/meals) tons of water and walking regularly. You're on your way to being a Bandster! Yeah!

That is exactly how my band surgeon explained that the Lapband would help someone who already has reflux/hernia before banding!

Nancy, I'll be interested in hearing how you do. I know that I don't eat enough fish. I've never been really good at knowing how to prepare it interesting ways. I use extra virgin olive oil. But I thought canola oil was good. Thanks for the warning, Bright.

Yes, sorry, Ryan. My dr. had me eat "low glycemic" foods before my banding. That included vegetables low in sugar content, no organ meats, few fruits. I didn't have to diet or do liquids, just watch the types of food. He said it helped to shrink the liver before surgery. I don't know if it's true, but I didn't want to take any chances so I heeded his advice. It was worth it to have a noneventful laproscopic surgery.

My grandmother used to make soap, using lard and lye. That's a lot of lard!

O.K. I'm the dummy. (Don't know how to copy and paste). But it's 39 lbs. Sorry to break this.

What is Cat Scratch Fever? With all my animals, I can't believe I haven't had that one. Really, I do hope you get better, really, really fast. But I can't get that song out of my head now! LOL:)

I responded to your "new girl" thread. You'll do fine! Best of luck to you!

I just want someone to total up all our bye-bye pounds. Wow, just think if they could turn all of that flab into fuel!

Losing weight should make you healthier and better able to have a healthy, successful pregnancy. But you might check how long you're supposed to wait to get pregnant after banding. Just do all your research about the Lapband.

Amen to everything you've said! Hang in there! It will be worth it. My insurance initially denied me, appealed, then eight months later - hurry up and get ready for surgery. My prescription RXs and health problems have been cut in half. It's saving me and the insurance company boo-koos of $$. I feel so much better and am out doing more than I have in YEARS. There is an end in sight, believe it or not. You've already taken a big step - decided you want to live healthier. Things are moving forward. It just seems to take so long, but it will pass. Best of luck to you!

Lindsay, what an excellent website! It sounds like you have a great weight loss plan. I hope you'll continue your goals even while you're pursing weightloss surgery. Best of luck to you!