AnotherMe

Welcome Johni! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! Sounds like you have a good idea about LBT and how helpful everyone here is. Join in on the August Bandsters thread and you'll meet some other wonderful people - they'll be your August band buddies. ALL the best, Karla

Congratulations! to all of you on your upcoming surgeries. You WILL BE successful on the liquid diet! Best wishes to you all. I'm 10 months out, but I wanted to let you know THAT same reason played a big part in my decision to have the Lapband surgery... I was always "thinking" of the next snack, meal, etc. And, I have to say now the trouble is that I don't get in enough calories. I've been telling myself I would do a better job and start to list everything. Same with exercise, I need to do better. We never stop learning. I still eat a BUNCH of popsicles, I usually buy the no sugar added 35 calories each.. but, sometimes those flavors get boring so I buy the premium fruit and they're only 50 calories. So, even if I have two it's way better than a shake or fattening ice cream. So, as your new Texas friend - I want to offer you 1 more encouraging cheer! :cheer2: YOU CAN DO THIS! Karla

ugh... I guess I took too long typing, when I went to post my reply I was logged out and lost it all!! Let me try again: Ladydi, yes - I did a LOT of meat (pork, beef, chicken) and cheeses. I would buy the flash frozen bags of chicken, so you can take out only 1 or 2 at a time to thaw. For Breakfast I usually ate eggs and bacon or sausage. I would vary the way I cooked the eggs (scrambled, soft fried, boiled) and for convenience I bought the fully cooked bacon and frozen cooked sausage patties or links - which don't take too long to heat up. For lunch I took a lot of the South Beach wraps to work, or a few different types of rolled up lunch meats and ate it cold. I'd bring cubed cheese or a boiled egg to either eat with it or a snack for later. For supper with my pork/beef/chicken I did mainly frozen green vegetables (italian green Beans, broccoli) and cauliflower is good too. I used stick margarine to make it yummy. My son loves spaghetti and one night for supper I made low carb Dreamfields Pasta and used a jar of Ragu Parmesan Alfredo sauce (the cheese based sauces have less carbs than the tomato based ones). I tried to stay at 20 carbs/day or less. Also, shrimp has NO CARBS! I buy the 1lb bags of Kroger frozen cocktail shrimp (on sale it's usually $5-6), put 15-20 in a bowl - cover with Water - and let sit 30 minutes in refrigerator to thaw. 10 months out, and this is still my favorite snack/meal! I was born in Louisiana, moved to Houston at 5 y/o, still visit family in LA often and I have never lost my love for some good seafood! And rice, but alas, 'tis not to be - I can't have more than a small spoonful of rice without being sick. For snacking - beef Jerky is great (just be careful not to buy the "flavored" kind that just adds sugar). Also, they have No Sugar Added bread/butter pickles now!!! I love the sweet gherkins baby dills (sweetened with Splenda) - 0 calories, 0 fat, 0 carbs! 100 mg of sodium, though, so if you have HBP you might need to be cautious. I have to say, grocery shopping takes me FOREVER! I analyze everything and if I'm buying a snack item for my son, I have to ask myself who's more likely to eat it? me or him? And, I find I'm putting things back on the shelf! I'll try to think of other things I did, if you have any questions - feel free to PM me, or email me at karlaemti@yahoo.com All the best, Karla

Hi! I first started researching the Lapband in March 2005, back then I attended Dr Spiegel's seminar. After much waiting and finding out they never submitted my paperwork to the insurance co, I decided to check into Dr Spivak since I heard here that many people loved him! In May 2005 I went to his seminar and a few weeks later to an appt at his office. Turns out my employer has WLS exclusion on our policy, so it took me a while to make the decision to self pay. But, Dr Spivaks office did give me a bunch of info about a diet plan to follow to try to lose as much as possible before the surgery. I was able to lose 21 lbs from my 1st appt in May (255 lbs) to surgery date in Oct (234 lbs). Most of this I believe came off because approx 8 days prior to my surgery I did high protein/low carbs to shrink my liver - I've heard it helps give the docs more room, so the liver is not in the way... and, it's supposed to make recovery a bit easier. Let me know if you have any other questions, Karla

Yes! My son is a Cub Scout, and we camp twice a year (Spring & Fall). Being a single mom and the Committee Chair the past couple of years... I'm on every trip and excursion. Since we go as a group, it gives my son & I an opportunity to have the camping experience - I'm not sure if I'd be brave enough to do it by ourselves. But I'm feeling like I can do anything now! I've never had trouble with Smores, but I can only eat 1.. half section of graham cracker with a square of Hershey chocolate and 1 large marshmallow. You should be fine with 1 or 2 since it sounds like you won't have had a fill by then. If you are feeling restriction, with or without a fill, I would only recommend to take it slow, allow 30 seconds between bites.... those crackers have a way of expanding in your stomach. Practice makes perfect! And, I have a feeling you'll have lots of yummy fun "practing" with smores! Happy camping! Karla

Ladydi, Hello Welcome to LBT! Dr Spivak was my surgeon as well! And, 8/21 is my birthday - so, I'll be thinking of you on that day! I hope you have a speedy recovery, and all the best with your recovery. Karla

Stella, In the seminars I attended, they did make it seem as though it would only take 1-2 fills for you to lose the desired weight. But everyone is different; both in the amount of weight they wish to lose, size of band, etc. I felt more comfortable going slowly, only .5 cc at a time. So, as a rule I schedule a fill when I'm feeling as though I don't have enough restriction. I have a friend who was banded a month after me, her doctor requires his patients to have adjustments every 6 weeks. Small ones of .3 or .4 cc, that and her daily exercise she's lost 90 lbs since Nov 2005. I'm at 50 lbs gone... for me that's 5 lbs a month. While not great, I can live with it. And, while I hope it does not take another 10 months to lose the other remaining 45-50 lbs... I know what I need to be doing, now I just gotta get off my rump! All the best, Karla

And here I thought I was the only weird one! For some reason I notice it most when I'm driving, just can't find a comfortable position! I've analyzed it and in my case I believe the weightloss has made me have a more flat bum. So, I end up slouching in chairs, just to sit on more of the padded portion! OUCH! When you guys find a cure, let us other pains in the As_ know!! take care, Karla

Susan, Just had to stop in to say - LOVE the new avatar! What's everybody else up to this warm weekend? Just household chores here, lots of boring stuff. HUGS to all, Karla

Wow! Sorry to hear you're having terrible gas pains. Yes, I remember feeling like I can't believe I did this... why did I do this? My pain was mainly in my shoulders, and the heating pad helped the most. I've heard walking helps a bunch to get rid of the excess gas. You're espohagus is probably swollen from the heaving... take as much Phenegren as they prescribe. Did they also prescribe liquid codiene? If not, make sure to ask for some.. it will help you rest. Try sleeping in a recliner for a few nights, the slight incline should help some. All the best, Karla

Debi, Funny -- because the hernia excuse was the same one I used. And, it comes in handy when you feel "stuck" -- I still blame it on heartburn. Damn hernia wasn't repaired properly! I had surgery on a Monday, went back to work Friday but left early because I was feeling very sore and it was painful to sit at my desk. Much better resting at home in the recliner! All the best, Karla

Congratulations Mert! I'm glad to hear you're feeling great. Owwww... that's so sweet of your Mom to make egg drop soup for you! Make sure you take it easy and rest as much as possible. Don't push yourself, give things a chance to heal. All the best, Karla

Mini, Have you called for a fill appt? I rescheduled mine for next Wed 8/16, maybe I'll see you there! Lots of good advice in these posts, just goes to show we can all gain a bit of knowledge. I also need to increase my water and protein intake, so I'm ready to start this change TODAY! How about you? Let's bust this plateau, and prove to ourselves we can do this! All the best, Karla

Congratulations to you both on your upcoming surgeries! YES! You can do this... Teresa, don't feel bad about a little cheating. My surgeon recommend high protein/low carbs for two weeks prior to shrink my liver, making the surgery itself a bit easier. I felt guilty, since I only managed to start 9 days prior... but, things turned out well. I had no complications. My best advice is to get a couple of boxes of sugar free popsicles (30 cal) and when you feel hungry grab one of those... or two, three, etc .. however many it takes to curb the hunger you're feeling. Better yet, grab one and take it with you around the block. I know, I'm weird... but, just trying to give you ideas that will keep your mind off the other. Tim, good strategy with the TV. How much longer to you have on the liquid diet? It's not really torture, that will come after!! Just kidding. Keep up the good work, you CAN do this! All the best, Karla

I, too, am a little late to the dance! Can't talk on LBT at work, so I have to wait until I put my 9 year old to bed then I get my support fix! I have to say you are all an inspiration, as I read your posts it strikes me that we're all so different but have so much in common! Susan - big THANKS for bringing us all together today Sally - I'll look for you on the cruise, I'm counting down the days! Barbara - my condolences, you have the right idea - make EVERY minute count :angel: Tommy O - congratulations! You're post had my eyes watering! I hope one of these days I can find someone who thinks the same of me! Donna - what can I say? Courage you've got, inspiration you are indeed! Carol - my son requires resource/special ed classes.. we parents would be lost without your help! Great smile & voice? How neat that you're noticed in this way, you must be radiant! other Texas friends - big HOWDY to 'ya! It's 11 PM Houston time, just sitting here contemplating where the summer went? Can't believe it's time for school to go back in session. Not just that, where did the Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr, etc GO? I'll be 35 in another week and a half, it's brought me to a lot of introspection.... Oh well, it's one more year a few more gray hairs! All the best, Karla

K-Cee, I'm stunned to hear of the circumstances regarding your surgery! My prayers are with you to feel better soon.... sounds like you're in a lot of pain. I can't imagine what your family/friends thought who were waiting and expecting the surgery to last only a short time. Did you say the next day they went BACK in to expand and blow up your stomach? The part they CUT?! WTF? It would have near stopped my heart too! First and foremost, I wish you relief from all the pain you're feeling/going through. Once you're on the road to recovery, I would look into filing a complaint with the hospital, State of Texas medical licensing board... sounds like the Dr needs much more training before he "practices" on others. So sorry you're going thru this, Karla

J, congratulations! on your upcoming surgery this Friday :huggie: I'm sure you're excited and maybe a bit anxious? Dr Spivak was my surgeon also, he's a very caring Dr and I had a great experience. I wish the same for you. I have to say what suprised me the most was how sore I felt the next 3-4 days. It was an effort to get in/out of the car, etc. My best advise is to take it easy for at least 5-6 days. Hopefully you don't have to report back to work the following Monday. And, get the pain prescription filled and do as they say - take every 4 hours as needed for pain. It helped me rest and I slept better (in my recliner) than I otherwise would have. At the end of the 3rd day I began to wean myself off, taking every 6-8 hours and a smaller amount.. when you get your strength back and begin feeling better, you'll know when to stop the Rx. All the best,

Hi fellow Texan! I live in Houston and wanted to say Hi! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! TWO Days to go!! My advice would be to go to Yahoo Groups and join the Central Tex Bandsters... http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CenTexBandsters/ While LBT is a great forum, it never hurts to have some local support and to communicate with others about these issues. I'm sure you'll find help with all of your questions. All the best,

Hi there Amy! I live in Houston, but have to say I LOVE San Antonio!! I hope all goes well for your husband on the job transfer front... believe me when I say I know about the paycheck-2-paycheck parallel lives we're living! I've been divorced for 6 years now, have full custody of 9 yr old son with some special needs. Just going to the mailbox depresses me, so I put it off and manage to do bill retrieval once a week. I'm real good at procrastination! My advice is to log onto Yahoo Groups and join SanAntonioBandsters -- I'm sure they'll welcome you with open arms... and probably have some insight as to neighborhoods, etc. Besides, a good support group for living with the band. (There's no comparison with LBT, but it helps to have a local group to meet with also - especially when you make the big move) http://www.monster.com/ might give you an idea of current job listings in the area. Another good resource is the Texas Workforce Commission http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ I wish you all the best with your upcoming decision, keep posting and let us know how you're doing. Karla

MrD, Be careful with Beans, most have a good amount of Protein but are high in carbs. If I don't take a lunch to work I run to the border and grab a pintos 'n cheese from Taco Bell. usually does the trick. I try to keep a variety of microwaveable Soups at my desk. Have to be careful with those too, the creamy ones have too many calories. I like the Campbells Soup at Hand. I also buy the Lipton dry soup, there's 4 packets to the box and the chicken/small noodles only has 60 calories mixed with hot Water makes a quick afternoon lunch/snack. 9 mo later and I still have not mastered my daily water intake. I'm renewing a commitment to myself and will work hard towards that this week. Good luck, Karla

Liz & Boo Boo -- GOOD LUCK on your upcoming surgeries! We'll be thinking of you and wish you both a speedy :Banane56: Laura, wtg on your first fill! HB egg and cottage cheese.. at least you're getting in that protein! Be careful, and remember small bites! Take it slow, you'll adjust to this new restriction. BigGirlP - sorry to hear about the toe! Ow! GLAD to hear you've recovered nicely from the band surgery, awesome NSV! It's nice to feel good in clothes, I can feel your excitement. Thanks for the movie review, it sounds good - we all need a laugh! I'll have to check it out. Chris, welcome back! Don't stay away for so long Congratulations on your approval! I'm green with envy! j/k (I was self pay, but am on track to finish paying back in 2 more years). Good luck with your appointments this week, psych eval sounds like a good time! October will be here before you know it (10/10 will be my bandiversary!), I did high protein/low carbs for 3 weeks before my surgery and dropped 15 lbs. You CAN do it! GOOD LUCK to all, keep those updates coming! Karla

Olivia, congratulations! two more weeks, it will FLY by! I was banded last October, and the surgery itself was a breeze. I arrived at 6 am, did all of the pre-op stuff (p in cup, BP, change into gown, port in hand).. answered medical history questions, etc. Surgeon and anestheislogist (sp?) came by to see if I had any questions, and before I knew it they pushed some med in my port and I was out! I remember waking up and being suprised it was over! It was a weird feeling, I just remember feeling pressure in my abdomen. After I was good and awake, the torture began :Banane56: j/k... they had me sit up, helped me put on my clothes, trip to the bathroom. The hardest part was drinking a 20 oz bottle of Water before I left! The Dr required this before discharge, and although they allow you as much time as you need to finish it - I really wasn't thirsty! But, I took small sips and eventually it was all gone. I was glad to have a pillow with me for the ride home, my Mom brought me to her house where I took a nap (I could barely get in and out of the bed) and rested for a few hours. I have to say I think this was the hardest part for the first couple of days.. moving around, getting up/down & in/out. I went home later that evening and slept in my recliner. Then next couple of days I was mighty tired, I took the liquid codeine every 4-6 hours and tried to sip broth. I had no appetite! Tried to go back to work on Friday (surgery was Monday), but could only hang for a few hours. Desk job, sitting upright was too much for me. So, I went home to rest and back at work after the weekend. Much better. Still used a pillow behind my back, seemed to help sitting in my chair at my desk. I wish you the best, report back with details! Karla

Celeste, I noticed on one of the threads you've been able to buy online and getting items shipped over.. will it be a while before you come back and can get your chewables here? I have to say it sounds like you're doing a great job with variety. And, you got a small suv? So, you're staying how much longer? Do you need help getting anything shipped over to you? Karla

Hi k-cee! I know you're excited, THREE more days! Congratulations! I live in NW Houston (290/Hwy6), so we're semi-neighbors! Best advice is to follow your doctors post op diet, my liquid phase list consisted of: coffee, tea, diluted fruit juice broth Blenderized Soup Skim milk or Lactaid milk Jell-O, Popsicle’s Yogurt Sugar Fee pudding Cottage cheese Applesauce, oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat V-8 low sodium Protein drinks, carnation instant Breakfast, pure pro powder (no slim fast) My experience: I wasn't hungry for anything but a small amount of broth a couple of times a day. I felt tired, more than anything. Amazingly, no real hunger. I know it's hard to believe, and everyone is different.... but with what you already bought, you'll be ok. I'll be thinking of you over the next few days, keep us posted.

D, Your doctor will probably suprise you, chances are they consider you a success! call Monday to schedule a fill (I'm doing it too!), when you go for the appt be honest and let them know if you're eating bread/beef/chicken.. this will help determine the amount of fill to give you. I'm sure this is not news to you, but you came for advice and I'm throwing around my 2 cents! You're on the right track with exercise classes, I'm not sure how much free time you have... but I find LBT a bit addictive and I don't eat when I'm on the computer. So, coming here helps me! After I put my son to bed, I'm here for a few hours easy... it keeps me out of the pantry :Banane56: I can't say I'm a success, but being here - knowing others are going thru the same issues actually gives me hope/ideas. I'm making a pact with myself to make better food choices beginning NOW... I'm going to make a real effort to get in my Protein and Water this week. Baby steps. All the best, Karla