Nina_S

hey nina, how many incisions have you got. how are you feeling

Hi Dini!

I have 5 incisions. I am doing good - the gas is "leaving" me.

Nina

You go NINA!!! Good for you. Glad to hear you're doing well.:biggrin1:

Jackie

Thanks Jackie!!!

Hi all!

I'm back! I am glad to here that the ladies who were banded are doing so well!! :clap2: I was banded on Tuesday, the surgery was about an hour and a half - the doctor said it was fairly simple. I stayed overnight at St. Lukes Epsicopal and come home on Wednesday. Thursday is when I had the dreaded gas pain so I walked my block 3 times, took Gas-X strips & sipped warm tea and by the afternoon I was MUCH better. Although I am burping alot today, I feel good. I started my full liquids today and I am not hungry at all. So far so good.

I am so happy that I had all of you ladies for support!

Nina

(((MMomma))) - Welcome home!!! :clap2: I hate you had to endure that but it is all over. We are here for ya! Thanks for the kind words - I'm a little anxious but ready.

Toni - I am so glad that you are doing so well. I want to be like you when I get banded. Ha!

Lisa H & HottyToddy - Go ya'll!! I am happy for you guys!

Tanderson, LisaMack, Huntersmom & Serena - I am sending up prayers for you ladies!

Pamla, Suzzie & Terranne - Congrats on your dates!

Dawn - Welcome to the June Bandsters!

Lucy - I'm glad that Barry was nothing serious now upward and onward with the band. Good luck!

Nina~

TONI - I am sending up prayers for ya!

Hottytoddy, Lisa H, MMomma, Kt 999, & Nvalicia - Good luck ladies! I'll be praying for you too!<O:p</O:p

JSafari - Hang in there girl! The diet will be over with before you know it. Glad to hear that your husband is doing so well.

Nina

I just need a place to vent a little and thought some of you would understand where I'm coming from...

I feel SO alone! It's like I have the plague ever since I started the pre-op diet! No one calls me...friends are breaking appointments with me and making up lame excuses why they're 'not coming'. I know it's all because I can't eat with them. What I don't get it...this is a VERY vulnerable time of my life. I am two days away from surgery and NO ONE seems to care! Just because I can't pig out, I get ditched! Now I know what the next six weeks will be like as well! I guess I can count on recouperating alone too! I am so sad and this should be a happy time! I consider myself a good friend. I am there for you through thick and thin. I don't bail when you're at a low point. I encourage you and life you up when you're down. Is it too much to ask a little of that in return?? The most recent LAME excuse for not hanging out with me was verbatim "I have to get some sturdy underware tonight"! Can you belive that crap???? It hurts to much. I don't do that to people. I care about people's feelings. This sux!!!!! :think

((((MusicalMomma))))

I am so with you! I had to deal with the same thing this past weekend - it hurts worse when it someone that you thought loved you. Am I good for something more than "eating with"? I can still enjoy other things/activities!! I was in tears on Monday & you know I just decided last night that I would turn that into power. I have always been the kind of person that really didn't communicate how I felt to keep peace but this diet has made me realize that I have to stop sweeping my feelings under the rug. Sista, when the thick or the thin comes, that is when you see a person's true character - who they really are.

Momma, grab your pen & pad and we can compare some these @#$*ed excuses. Excuse me, I am working on my French :confused:

Hang in there girl, we'll come through this with new understanding.

Nina

Well, I can say that I cheated today. I had some dough from a HUGE batch of Cookies my sister was making. I know I'm going to H&*L in a handbasket. I am thinking of my liver obsessively and getting on track. Just thought I'd confess and also say how proud I am of everyone else!

Think I'll go for a walk!

XOXOX,

Toni

Toni - Well, you know that you just get back on track (Nina looking guilty). It's good that you can confess - I'm working on it.....

I hope that you enjoyed your walk!

Nina

Well, I'm in hell with ya Heather! This is WAY harder than I thought it would be!!!!! WAY HARDER!!!! I started my period today to top it all off!!!! Guess I should be thankful that it will be over before surgery and won't be back until I'm mostly recovered tho. But it sure makes being good SOOOO hard!!!!

I bought the "any whey" today! Just cooked a can of campbells chicken noodle Soup, strained it, sprinked in the poweder while whisking, then heated up a little more, then it still needed a chicken bullion cube, but dang! It was like a warm bowl of comfort!!!! I didn't taste the powder and it's a nice change from the sweet shakes, popcicles and jello! It was $20.99 (that included tax), 30 servings, GNC. It has 17 grams of Protein, 70 cals! Good stuff!

I had a major blow out with my 16 year old today (she'll be 16 June 12th actually). I know I'm hormonal and hungry, so that doesn't help. We usually get along VERY well. She's such a good kid, but now my coping tool, food, is gone...this is an eye opening experince to say the very least!!!

Welcome to all our new Junies :wave:

MusicalMomma - I know exactly what you mean about food as a tool. I have a 13 yr old so it is always something now & again. Then this past week & weekend has been a constant of up & downs with family, etc. I usually go workout when I am stressed but I couldn't so it was a challenge because I am on the pre-op diet. There were moments when I was thinking that all I wanted was a cheeseburger & fries NOW!!! It is quite awakening!! I can't use food, I have be present I deal with whatever is at hand. :phanvan

Nina

Lisa H - I agree with you on the pre-op diet, it really isn't that bad. I had visions of constant hunger but I have had to force myself to have the 4 shakes out of the required 5. To add to that, my daughter decided to go to Carraba's to Celebrate her graduation & I sat there and sipped my shake while everyone else ate delicious italian food. I am STRONG, hear me roar! On the treadmill, I am not a fan of the treadmill I like the elliptical because I burn more calories. Yet, I suggest that you a get good treadmill, one that offers a decent warranty (parts & labor) - that attests to the quality of the product.

Captain Danbo - I am so jealous! You get to have a real meal.

Nina

Nina...does Dr. Sweeney require a pre-op diet like Musical Momma and I (and most on the board) are going to do, or do you get to eat normally up until June 5?

Toni

Yes, Dr. Sweeney does require a pre-op diet. The approved shakes are Carnation Instant Breakfast, Slim-Fast Optima or Slim-Fast High Protein. I start my pre-op two weeks prior to my surgery date so I begin on May 22nd - how fun!

Nina

Thank you, Nina, for all the EXCELLENT costco tips!!! I will be using my membership to the hilt now! I'm going to be banded by Dr. Collier. He's super friendly and I can't wait to see "his work" on the 7th! Thanks for asking! How many days till you're banded?

How is everyone else doing today?!? Nvalicia....I'm sorry about your Migraine. I had one on Tuesday, and I won't paint the ugly picture, but I feel sooooooo bad for you! Get well, and hang in!

Toni

I have about 18 more days - I will be banded on June 5th. I wish you the best!

Nina

Just wanted to say hello to you all and let you know how impressed I am with you and your enthusiasm! You are all being soooooooo GOOD! Am I alone here? I'm just eating "normal"---not overboard---until my pre-op diet next week. I am NOT dieting, though. No counting calories, etc...

I also have a banding date in Houston, TX of June 7th!

I'm so glad to have the support of so many women going though this together---I'm very appreciative.

:help: Someone mentioned picking up some "things" at costco. What did you buy there? I'm curious!!!!! (and a Costco fanatic!)

Thanks,

Toni

OMG! Trigger word >>>>> COSTCO :clap2:! Costco is filled with wonderful things! I usually get the raw almonds & walnuts (great source of Omega-3 fatty acids), they have great egg white quiches (near the cold packaged foods) with artichokes & spinach, they have wide selection on salt-free seasoning blends, the ahi tuna and salmon are convenient - they are bagged and individual sealed for freshness. You can also get organic, baby asparagus for the frozen food area too. In the bakery, you can get a granola mix that they prepare in the store filled with nuts, cranberries, flax seeds, oatmeal, etc. Yes, you have to stay away from that chocolate layer cake :phanvan . Costco is limitless when it comes to great things period! I can solicited for suggestions in other departments as well .

BTW, welcome Toni!

Who will be doing your surgery?

Nina

I agree 100% with you! I had surgery 4-9 and since - I have lost 10lbs. Those 10lbs were off in the first 2 weeks -- how frustrating -- and those that DO know I had surgery ask - how much have you lost now? It feels like a failure to say nothing more -- staying stable.

I paid ALOT of money - and really expected more results than this.

If you compare what I eat now - to a year ago --there is a big difference.

Yesterday was my birthday -- I had a goal of 275 -- that I felt was aboslutely a no brainer of reaching -- I missed it by 9 lbs.

Enough of my babbling!

Gina

Gina,

Stay faithful!! You have to know that all your hard work and dedication will pay off. I am sure things will take a turn.

Nina

Me Too-I had my last appt today! I start my two weeks of Protein Shakes tomorrow! I'm very excited right now, but I wonder what my mood will be like after several days of liquids only! We will have to compare notes since we will both be banded on June 1st!

Lisa

Lisa - I am wondering the same thing. I start my liquids on next Tues (May 22) and I am already having thoughts of missing food. I told my daughter that I won't be able to cook and she gasped.

Accountability - I have done really well this week, aside from Mother's Day, it was a free day for me. Sticking to my spin classes and burning 600 cals on the elliptical on the other days. Eating has been clean as well, lots of Protein, low carbs... I don't want the shakes :huytsao.

Nina

Hi Bikinigoal!

I reccomend Dr. John Long. I have never had "weight loss" surgery done by him but I did have breast reduction more than 14 years and he did a wonderful job.

Also, one of the ladies here has had "weight loss" surgery with Dr. Long and she had great reviews...

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/cosmetic-reconstructive-surgery/28204-dr-john-long-houston.html

Dr. John Long

1200 Binz Street; Suite 1275

Ph: 713-522-5664

Nina

I haven't been banded yet but I do some research on the hair loss and some information that I found suggested taking Biotin, zinc, Vitamin A & C, a complex for hair, skin & nails (Nutrilite) & Minoxidil (X-tra strength) for men. From what I have read the Hair loss does stop and you begin to regrow your hair.

Nina

Accountability:

1st Meal - Protein shake

Workout - 60 min spin class

2nd Meal - Nutz Over chocolate Luna Bar

3rd Meal - Chili dog - no bun

4th Meal - Chili with Beans

I keep chugging away...

Nina

Laurel,

Like Josie, I love spinning. I take it at the local YMCA here in Houston, check your local Y's as well. Also, like Josie suggested, the padded bike shorts really help and you can also get a gel seat cover (Schwinn) - they are less than $20 at the local sporting goods store.

Josie,

You are such an inspiration!

Nina

June bandster here!! June 5th with Dr. Sweeney (St. Lukes/Baylor - Houston). I am counting the days, but in the meantime I workout 5 days a week (3 days of spin & 2 days of HIIT and weights). I eat fairly well, high-Protein & low-carb. I do have some "carb up" days for workouts when I eat steel cut oatmeal, yams, quinoa, brown rice.

I have to attend 1 pre-op class which I am sure that covers many of the things they have already told me. I have 1 more visit with the nutritionist.

I have a 2 week pre-op diet of Protein shakes. The dr. suggests Carnation Instant Breakfast (sugar-free), Slim-Fast Optima or Slim-Fast High Protein.

I want to thank you guys for the motivation & support! ((((THANKS))))

Nina

Hi: I was so thrilled at my decision to have a band, I told my sister. And her reaction shocked me. She cut off all contact with me, won't answer her e mail or her telephone. Told me I was taking the easy way out which we all know isn't the easiest but the last resort. So I say to all that you think carefully who you tell, for it may come back and bite you. Doddie

Doddie,

You are so right. I decided that I would only tell the people that were closest to me (mom, sister, daughter, & best friend). I realized that even those people can surprise you with their reactions. I believe that some of it is jealousy. The disheartening part is that these are the same people that witness your struggle. For me it has been my weight & in the last couple of years, my blood pressure. I workout at least 5 days a week and eat fairly well, but I know that I will get "the easy way out" reaction eventually.

It's great to have this site with people that are supportive and compassionate.

Nina