Nina_S

Thanks MusicalMomma! I am so happy that your are doing well too. I am so impressed with your weight loss - you are my inspiration! Nina

Yes, Miss Toni, I am your neighbor yet I am centrally located (near Medical Center). The gas has gotten so much better, everyday the healing gets better. I am dying to get back to spin class, but being patient. Toni, your kindness & warm spirit fills this thread - keep it goin! Nina

Hi Dini! I have 5 incisions. I am doing good - the gas is "leaving" me. Nina

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

((((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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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