Band Chick

My problems continued with OWLS. So, I found a new Dr. and I'm so happy I did! I've had my pre-op and am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Neal Aug 21! Dr Neal and his staff are so wonderful!!!! He's in WA but TOTALLY worth the drive! I also have a new local friend that was banded by him. We started a local support group-- we'd love to have you join us. If you have any questions feel free to write me (just click on my user name).

Here's another crazy one for ya. When I was a teen I used a product called Skinny Dip. You rub it on your thighs and tummy, wrap yourself in "body wrap" (cellophane) from ribs to toe and gets ride of cellulite and melts away fat. I must have looked very silly sweating and waddling around the house in gooey cellophane! LOL! Needless to say it didn't work.

Brag- I'm four days into my 2 week pre-op Medifast diet and I haven't cheated. It's been even harder than I thought it would be-- mostly head games and hungry tongue. Gripe- The Medifast is so unbearable that it actually makes me sick to my stomach. I am so sick of sweets, sweets, sweets-- shakes, pudding, oatmeal, bars-- YUCK! Questions- What did you do for your pre-op diet? How much did you lose? Any suggestions of other low cal diet things I could eat? Thank you for your support and help!

Oh, I just can't wait to hear how it went! I hope you are doing good and have a speedy recovery. CONGRATULATIONS!

Can head hunger make your tummy rumble? It's my first day on my Medifast diet. I'm supposed to have 5 Medifast nutritional suppliments (choice of shake, pudding, oatmeal or soup) and one lean and green meal. I didn't really feel hungry today but the sweet, sweet, sweet thing got to me. I just ate an oatmeal and some water and I feel super hungry, like rumbling in my tummy. I want a carrot, half a plain mini bagel, something not sweet, but I can't figure out if this is real huger or head hunger. What do you think?

May I ask, where you were banded and by whom? Or even just the state?

Staph infection is the fifth leading cause of death in the US. It can happen with any surgery, even without surgery. It's nasty stuff! And hospitals are a factory for it! I signed a petition just yesterday for stricter laws in our state concerning hospital proticol and Staphylococcus. I'm sorry to hear you had such an awful experience. It's good that you shared this for those that don't know-- everyone should go into this with all the facts. For me, I've done the research, studied the statistics, interviewed surgeons and am ready for surgery. I know the risks and I'm ready to take the chances. However, I doubt I will feel the same about plastic surgery.

I LOVED 29. 35 is OK too, but at 29/30 I was old enough AND young enough. LOL My B-day: June 19, 1972

Day one of my two week diet: So far so good. The stuff tastes bad but I'm not banded, so I can just hold my nose and gulp it down. LOL I look forward to my one meat and veg meal a day. I feel a little light lightheaded today, but I also had a sleep study last night, so it may be from that. I CAN do this! Two weeks? We can do that. Right, pre-op dieters? :clap2:

Name: Band Chick I got my official surgery date: August 21! :whoo:

I start my two week pre-op Medifast diet tomorrow. My Dr gave me a box with a two week supply that includes: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry shakes; banana pudding, apple cinnamon and peach oatmeals, chicken and tomato Soups and chocolate bars. Each day I get a choice of any two Medifast meals and two Medifast Snacks, plus one low cal meat and veggie meal. I'm actually excited about it! My husband is trying to lose weight and be supportive. So, he is doing a slimfast diet along with me. He's a great guy! Best wishes to all my new Crazy Ate bandster buddies! :whoo:

My Dr charges $17,000.00 and that includes all testings, consults with nut, a two week supply of Medifast, surgery and two years of after care (including any surgeries). So, he gave me a box full of my two week supply. I was told it's pretty yucky-- better if you use it to make suggested recipies like oatmeal Cookies. That's only for the pre-op diet. After that I'll be on Unjury too-- sounds like it tastes a lot better also

YIPPEE!!!! I have a sugery date!!! August 21! I'm even excited about my 2 week Medifast diet! LOL :whoo::clap2::bounce::high5::rockon::becky::banana:cheer2:

Hi. First let me say CONGRATULATIONS! It sound like things are going good for you post-op. I'll be joining you in Bandland soon! I met with my surgeon yesterday and he was saying the reason I will have to eat liquid only for the first two weeks, and mush for the two weeks after that, is because they don't want anything to get stuck in the pouch while it's healing. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Please, teach me how to SIP. LOL I spent the last 4 years training myself to drink 60-100 oz of Water a day. Most of it I chug at 32 oz in an hour intervals. Now, I am trying to learn to SIP my water and not drink with meals. Boy, that's not easy! So I find my self going "sip, sip, sip, sip, set down cup". So, how big is a sip? How many sips should I take in one lift of the cup? How many oz in an hour is too much or not enough? I never thought I'd have to ask someone to teach me how to sip at my age. LOL Thanks for your help.

Congrats, Chimboree!!!!!! :whoo: Steph, you lucky, lucky gal!!!!! Those guys are awsome! I love their books.

CONGRATULATIONS! It sounds like you're doing great! Happy banding! :cheer2:

I'm pretty sure I have sleep apnea, but have not yet been tested. I tried calling all last week to get a sleep study scheduled but only got the voicemail. Maybe they are on vacation or something. Anyhoo, I have my lap band pre-op appointment next Tuesday. I'm worried that having to go through a sleep study and get a CPAP will delay my surgery. Is it really important? What do you all think?

Try these: Surgical Review Corporation OR Find Members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery I'm going to Dr. Neal in Washington Pacific Surgical Don't give up! Move on! {{{hugs}}}

From what I've seen it depends on the Dr. Some bandsters have had coffe the next day and some say it's not allowed at all. My nutritionist says only decaf. Here are a couple posts about it: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/can-i-have-coffee-20163/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/coffee-band-28981/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/coffee-coffee-12213/ I don't want to give up my coffee either! Give up soda? No problem. Just keep my coffee!

We're planning our next meeting for Thursday night, 7/2. For details email achattykathy@gmail.com Hope to see you there!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I'm so happy for you! I'm right behind you and hope to join you in Bandland soon!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery. God bless.

I have a little update... I started using the ball all the time and over did it. LOL I know it sounds silly but I already have knots in my shoulders and back and they got much worse from the ball, as well as walking a bit more. So frustrating!!! So, I went to my regular Dr. She put me on the usual muscle relaxers, told me to take it easy for a while and start with shorter periods of time and build up. I so look forward to Bandland and getting some of this painful weight off!!!

Congrats, Chimboree! Keep us posted!

The manufacturer states that only 2% of patients had port leakage. They also say "Use only the Lap Band AP System Access Port Needles. Do not use standard hypodermic needles, as these may cause leaks." http://www.lapbandcentral.com/lapbandcenter/documents/dfu/L013-2.pdf