mariaxoxo4u

Thanks for your reply FatBoySlim. I think I'm going with Dr. Fielding. Does Gaspar use a flouroscope for fills? Just curious... Great job on your weight loss! I love your no nonsense attitude! I'm from NY too! (If consider Long Island part of NY - Ha Ha !!!) Going for the psych exam on Friday at Huberman's office. Hope I "pass"! I had a dream that I didn't! Best to All, Maria

Hey FatBoySlim, Congrats on your weight loss! I have a question... I am pre-band, I'm having my surgery at NYU as well. Was there any reason you chose Dr. Ren over Dr. Fielding or any other surgeon. Just curious.... Thanks! Maria

Hi, I'm waiting for a band date and also thought about who to tell. I love all the different views here - we all feel so different! It's great and it is so VERY personal. I'm like an open book (sometimes I give way too much info) so I've told quite a few people and for the most part, MOST people were supportive. My Mom has been begging me to get this done for years. So, she's already prepared to get me from the hospital, babysit etc... I'm really grateful. But, I have a friend who is awaiting a band date and absolutely does not want to tell anybody and I respect my friend's decision. Maria

Thanks Cosean and Danielle for the tips and VERY true Valzie - mindless, that's a good word for it! Yes Jen - we ARE gonna do this thing! Maria

I'm right there with you VegasJen. I can't get past 10 chews either and even 10 is like & "Hurry up and get this food down my throat!" I think it depends on how hungry you are too. If I'm totally famished, I eat really fast and hardly chew. Oh, wait a minute, I'm always famished! Jeez, I got a lot of work ahead of me. SCARY Maria PS - VegasJen - we are about the same starting weight (I'm a few lbs. more) and I'm hoping for a Sept surgery too! Whoo Hoo!

That's fantastic "Jet"! Congrats! About the caffeine - this will be hard because I drink a pot of coffee in the a.m and iced tea all day long!! I must be addicted to the caffeine at this point. I remember being on Atkins and stopped all caffeine - Urgghhhh - needless to say I ended up going back to caffeine. Just another problem I'll have to overcome!!! Thanks for everything guys, Maria

Still pre-band - Just have a question - I drink a lot of unsweetened iced tea (with 1 Sweet n Low). Is this "allowed"? Is it considered a clear liquid? Is it considered a Water? Should I switch to de-caf iced tea or is reg caffeinated iced tea ok? I understand caffeine is a diuretic and may not be the best thing for a banded person. What about coffee? Appreciate any advice! Maria

Thanks again for all your comments... Thanks for sharing Valzie, I also feel I will have a problem with not drinking while eating. I'm hoping and I'm guessing breaking these habits will become easier over time. I think I will also have a hard time saying "Goodbye" to certain foods. But according to some of the posts, some people can manage foods others cannot. I have to keep looking at The Big Picture....or The Smaller Picture!! Lol Maria

Thank you for some good, sound advice... I will definately discuss my fears with the surgeon and keep contact with you guys for support. I guess I will learn either by self discipline or THE HARD WAY! LOL Thanks again, Maria

Hi Everyone, I'm still pre-op / without a surgery date. After the seminar I tried to implement some of the tactics of "how to eat" in my life now - pre band. I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT CHEW MY food THOROUGHLY BEFORE I SWALLOW! Is this something that I will learn over time? I know once the band is in and filled - I physically CAN'T take big bites and not chew - is there any exercises to re-learn how to chew and eat slower? This is my BIGGEST fear - PB's and Slimes! Has anyone gotten hypnotized? Any suggestions? Thanks, Maria:help:

Thanks Julie!! I will keep you posted! Maria

Hi Everybody, I'm just starting my journey - I've only been to the seminar so far. My psych exam is 07/20/07 and my physical is 08/02/07. My friend and I are doing this together and we are totally PSYCHED! I'm going to have Dr. Fielding at NYU do my surgery and am very confident in his skills and he HAS the band as well. This site is invaluable! I will keep in touch for sure.... mariaxoxo4u:clap2: