Makinchanges4me

I love the Atkins shakes from Walmart. I'm sure other stores also carry it. Has Protein. And comes in several different flavors.

A friend of mine is on a low carb diet. He said he goes to the salad bar and makes a nice salad. Then he takes one-two slices of pizza and scrapes all the toppings into the salad. He said he gets his pizza fix w/o the carbs. I don't think I'd care for it. But he swears by it.

I had my EGD on 8/4 and surgery 8/5 thru True Results and Dr Esquivel. I have no complaints. I met the dr at pre-op meeting and before surgery. He was very nice and answered any questions that my hubby and I had. Everyone at TR has given me all the info and support I need. Once monthly (I think 4th Thurs of each month) the Austin office has a good support group. They meet from about 6:30-8 p.m. I would highly recommend TR. and Dr Alex Esquivel.

Hi ElectricBoogaloo,
I am also a Christian and take communion. Was wondering about this as I'm to be banded next week. We pass around a small tray w/tiny pieces of bread and then another tray w/juice. My thought is to put the tiniest piece of bread in your mouth then sip the juice (or wine) and hopefully it would soften the bread enough to slide down easily. Don't know if it works or not as I haven't tried it yet. But hey, thanks for asking the question as I was also wondering about bread and communion.
Best of luck on your weight loss journey!

pink dahlia,
I just packed the lifesavers. All I have left to do is pick up a couple of bottles of Water.
Thanks for the tips.

I am being banded this Tues 8/5. I will have about a 90 mile trip home. I'm bringing a pillow for the ride back. Does anyone have any tips on what to bring or not bring? And any advice on what to do or not do?
Thanks for the help!

Welcome to the losers bench. Best thing I have ever done for myself

Hi all, my name is Darlyn and I am 59 years old. I've been battling my weight since 3rd grade. By 8th grade I weighed 175 lbs @ 5'4". Got thin once in my late teens but only for a year or two. Weight Watchers was always my go to because it allowed dessert, cocktails, etc., but I gave up dieting years ago after I had back surgery. I was in an accident at work (I drove a school bus) and I now have constant pain and sciatica. I am also diabetic and was very depressed.. Last Christmas I had to park quite far from the stores and found I needed to borrow a wheelchair to get back to my car after 2 hours of shopping. I then decided that I needed to get my act together before I got too old. So here I am. I was banded on 8/25/14 and also had a hiatal hernia fixed. I'm on the right road to a new life. My current weight is 229 at 5' 7". My goal is 160 lbs. and to get off my diabetic meds. Please wish me luck!

Congrats on getting the surgery. Glad all is going well.

I sleep on my side. But the first few days after surgery I was uncomfortable trying to sleep. My hubby bought me a wedge shaped pillow at Bed, Bath & Beyond. It kept me propped up a little and I slept better at night.

Welcome and congratulations on making your health a priority:). I was banded almost six weeks ago and it's the best decision I have ever made for myself! Take it easy these first few days. Walk walk walk and get your fluids in:). You will be so happy with your new lifestyle:)

I had my surgery yesterday afternoon and thank God my recovery is going well. I took the advice that I saw posted here and started walking as soon as I could yesterday afternoon. I made myself walk every hour till bed and got up at seven and started again.
I am a little sore, still gassy, but I am off all pain relief right now even Tylenol. I am so excited for the journey... I did get on the scale and was five pounds up from yesterday, but that's all the liquids they pumped me with. My liquids are going down comfortably.
I can feel the Lap-band inside me which is a weird feeling, but I am sure I will adapt. The only time I feel pain from the incisions is when I go from sitting to standing or vice versa all the other times it's just a livable soreness. I am So glad to be on this journey!

Skinny cinnamon dolce steamer- no fat, no sugar, and all good- best drink ever.

Over 2 1/2 years out from Lap-Band surgery and my wife has dropped 19 lbs to 134 on 5' 3" frame. Both of us are enjoying a much better healthy eating lifestyle.

Congrats on your surgery. Try a heating pad for the shoulder pain.

Excited for you. I was just banded last week. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Well a year in & I do eat one meal a day & typically, that's fine... Don't even think about it. But sometimes, I get the same way. I just want to be able to eat more. It doesn't bother me like it did before. This battle is hugely mental, remember that. Good Luck!!

The day is finally here! 8:30 a.m. and I get checked into the surgery center. My whole family is going with me, mom, sister, two daughters. They are so excited for me. Say a prayer and I will check in as soon as I can!

Lovelynne,
I also went thru TR in Austin. They did the EGD and band just last week. I feel great. Had my post op appt today. Do this for yourself. Don't worry about the opinions of others. I told a few people. Most were supportive, esp. my hubby. But I also heard these comments from other people: exercise more, eat less, and why go thru surgery w/only 50-60 lb's overweight. Well, I choose to do it for my health. And I'm so glad that I did. Keep your head up, ignore the negative comments, and enjoy the weight loss journey.
Here's wishing you success!

Hi there, the lead-up to surgery can be such a grind -- all the appointments, the whirring anxiety and excitement, pre-op diet if you have one can bring a lot of stuff up to the surface, etc. Take extra good care of yourself and know that in choosing to put yourself first there may be a little initial resistance or lack of understanding about how big this is, giving yourself this gift. People may not really get it but you will be soaring. Good luck with all; it's so worth it!

Keep in mind that if you've done your homework and research, and your Dr, thinks its a good idea, then other peoples opinions just dont matter much. You are doing this for YOU, NOT them !!!! Congrats to you for getting healthy and strong ! Thats whats important, not others uninformed opinions. You go girl !

Thank you for the kind words!!!!! :). My surgery is scheduled for 8/29 so I'm not that far behind you. I am aiming to lose about 50 also!!!!

Lovelynne,
I also went thru TR in Austin. They did the EGD and band just last week. I feel great. Had my post op appt today. Do this for yourself. Don't worry about the opinions of others. I told a few people. Most were supportive, esp. my hubby. But I also heard these comments from other people: exercise more, eat less, and why go thru surgery w/only 50-60 lb's overweight. Well, I choose to do it for my health. And I'm so glad that I did. Keep your head up, ignore the negative comments, and enjoy the weight loss journey.
Here's wishing you success!

Got banded by Dr. Esquivel this morning. Highly recommend him

Hey there, congratulations on your surgery and here you are already! Just follow your instructions to the 't' and you will do beautifully. One of the things I had to learn about my banded life is that hunger is not the enemy. Out of control appetite, yes. I had been so screwed up for so many years it took a while to get in touch with my hunger and really feel it. I have to say it's a beautiful thing to be in sync with my body again. The early healing stages are a good time to practice listening in to the body. You'll need that later! And don't pay attention to any one else's post-op instructions, just yours. Best wishes!