rose6850

Does anyone have suggestions on how to warm the protein shakes? Anything cold I've had makes my whole abdomen feel really tight and magnifies the gas pain. Room temp water and warm chicken broth are all that's going down well. Thanks in advance!

Yay got home and am officially a bandster! Surgery went great, very impressed with my experience and I feel great! In fact, I felt good enough to stop by another hospital on the way home to see a family member who had a heart-valve replacement today. Sipping on some soup broth and moving all about. Let the Journey begin!

Oops, got the parenthesis in my link: Http://blondeandbanded.blogspot.com

This time tomorrow I'll be at the hospital getting my band placed. Woo Hoo! I have my 'official' pre-op pics up on my blog (http://blondeandbanded.blogspot.com), hospital bag is packed and I'm ready to go! This is going to be my longest 12 hour shift ever at work today with all of the anticipation.

Congrats! Time will fly from here! Good luck!

I can't figure out how to add using a screen name but I'm rose6850 if you want to add me!

I'm getting banded on Tuesday and going back to work the following Monday. My serge on said some people are good after 2-3 days and some need 1-2 weeks. It's all an individual thing and there's just no way to predict where you'll fall.

I'm having outpatient surgery. My surgeon estimates I'll be discharged by 1:30p with an 8:30a time if surgery. Thank you for all of the suggestions! 3 days left of being bandless!!

Nothing beats homemade chicken broth and it's cheap and easy! 1 whole chicken, quartered 1 medium onion, quartered 3 celery stalks broken in half 3 carrots broken in half 2 bay leaves 10 peppercorns Salt to taste Throw it all in a large stock pot with 12 cups of Water and simmer for 4 hours. Strain everything out and refrigerate overnight. Skim off the fat on top and viola! I freeze 12 individual 1 cup servings in little tupperware dishes and get one out when I want. I also pick all of the chicken meat off and freeze it in 1/2 cup servings and thaw it as needed to make salads or add to Soups once you're back to eating solids.

My 'shopping list' was given to me at my clinic today and included: Extra strength Gas-X or charcoal pills Miralax Protein shakes (I use Lean 25 from GNC) Gummy or chewable Vitamins Calcium chews (if you don't use milk in your shakes) Heating Pad Scar Cream (optional) Biotin (optional for hair-loss) sugar-free Popsicles Your favorite warm beverage (helps with gas pain) Enjoy the journey!

How many did you have?

Surgery is a week out and I'm starting to feel unprepared! Is there anything I should remember to take with me to the hospital? My clinic suggested loose-fitting clothes and a pillow... Anything else you Banders wish you had or were grateful you took?

Re-op was today... Fears are gone and excitement has returned!! Seven days and counting!!

I'm sitting in my surgeons office for my pre-op now. One week from today everybody! Whoop!

My first appointment was mostly just informational. What to expect, what my insurance requirements were, etc. Then I had my first weigh-in and met with my nutritionist to make a plan on how I could start changing my diet and losing weight before the band. I had my first appointment on 6/15 and am scheduled for surgery in 10/22. I tried really hard (80-90%) of the time to follow the nutritionists plan and have lost 30lbs so far. Now hopefully the band will help me with the last 90-100! Lol

I've told everyone about it. Family, co-workers, friends, even some of my customers. I figure if they judge me behind my back then it only affects them. I'm the one getting healthier and rocking smaller sizes so they can take it or leave it. I'm pretty much that way about everything though... What you see is what you get and if you don't like it, See Ya! Lol All of the 'real' people in your life will just add to your support system and cheerleading team and you don't have to lie to explain your food choices or portion sizes. I'll take that!

I'm with you Vegas and we have the same date. Tomorrow is my pre-op and I'm panicking!! My fiancé says just do whatever makes me happy but it's such a scary thing!

My surgeon said I can still have soda and beer post-op as long as it's comfortable and recommends letting it sit a few moments after opening to release some of the carbonation.

Thank you all! These ideas should get me through two weeks!

My pre-op, low-carb (20 or less per day) starts tomorrow and I'm scared!! I got some Atkins shakes for breakfast and am planning on salad with boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, and baked chicken for lunch but aside from that I don't know what to eat and I'm on a budget. I'm super busy so quick-fixes are a plus. Ideas please!!

Got my insurance approval today!! Surgery will be 10/22 and pre-op diet starts tomorrow... YIKES! I'm alternating between so nervous I want to bail on the whole thing and so excited I can't stand it and scared to death of the pre and post op diets. Scary!!

Got my surgery date today... 10/22. Aetna is awesome and approved me 2 weeks after submission so it's all downhill from here! I'd love to read about more of your stories so if you're blogging your journey, please reply with your web address!! I'd love to share experiences with you! My blog is at: Www.blondeandbanded.blogspot.com