christasha

I built my own . . . got the chain I liked . . . and then the "tab". I put the "No NG Tube" on the top line . . .that was my first concern . . . I never wore jewelry before . . . now I have a reason to wear silver . . . and I'll keep the links we have to remove as I go along Chris

Ok. . .now I have tears in my eyes from laughing . . . I needed that today too! I love The Avenue answer you had! Keep the chuckles coming! Chris

I HATE the size 9's who say they are fat . . . ugh .. . Byte me! I don't say much about being fat .. . it's obvious .. . but everyone who asks where I shop gets "the fat store" for an answer. There used to be a store called Pretty and Plump . . .I called it Fat and Ugly . . . and had all my friends calling it that too. One day we were sitting somewhere talking about our errands for the day and one of us said we had to go to the Fat and Ugly store . . .and some man sitting at a table close to us sprayed his mouth full of soda all over the place because he burst out laughing so hard .. . hey truth is truth .. . that's why I'm on this journey! Chris

I have all my meds in a basket . . . my bedroom is torn apart and I have to get it cleared up so I can do all my bedding and be comfy . . . I'm STARVING TODAY . . . I'll be on just Water and Propel for 3 days afterwards . . .UGHHHHH .. . the lady from the doctor's office told me I won't be able to tolerate the Protein drink I'm using now after surgery . . . how the hell does she know that???? I'm ready for it to be over . . . BUT the grandkids are due any minute .. .that will keep me busy for a couple hours until I can put them down .. . 1 year and 2-1/2 . . . and I just keep moving around and getting nothing accomplished. Chris

At our preop class yesterday, they said we should get a Medic Alert necklace or bracelet . .. anyone else hear that? It should have: No NSAIDS or Asprin No NG Tube Post LabBand Surgery (Gastric Bypass as appropriate) Hummmm .. . I'll think about it .. .

Come up for air - breath into a bag . . . RELAXXXXXXXX . . . everything will work out . . . and to answer your questions . . . NO I would not do the carpets . . . (I'm basically lazy) . . . I would do a bit of decorating each day for a week . . . check your "must have's list" . . . put everything in one place. I know this is stressful - but don't drive yourself insane in the process I have my surgery on Monday . . . and I'm aiming to get my bedroom clean (well clean enough) . . . cover my recliner with something soft and clean . . . and kick back. I know - easier said than done . . . but that's the way I'm going at it. Good Luck! Hugs Chris

Well after my preop class yesterday, I found out I'll be on ice chips, Water and propel for 3 days . . . and THEN can add broths and SF juice, popcicles, etc. After a week I can add cream soups (STRAINED) and runny cream of wheat or rice . . . two weeks out I can start adding mushies . . . so I don't have much of a shopping list at this point . . . ugh . . . Chris

Unless you talk to someone in our shoes . . . the skinny world does NOT understand why we would go home and have the wine and food . . . but I for one know EXACTLY what you mean! I took this week off (before surgery) as vacation . . . to putter around . . . clean (which I keep putting off) . . . do the all day pre-op stuff tomorrow . . . and try to relax. I figured I'd be driving everyone at work nuts . . . so I might as well keep it to myself. Good for you! Keep up the GREAT work! Chris

That is awesome news! Congrats! Here we GOOOOO

I shorten all sorts of names - but I still can't think of one to call my band! If your dr is OK with adding the meat and veggies . . . it does help . . . but I would follow what he says for sure. I've also been drinking hot decaf tea . . . that seems to help my hunger too. Last resort - I go to sleep Chris

That's a busy 1st week of Dec!

I'm 57, widowed for 17 years - 2 kids and 2 grandkids - all of whom will be living with me again starting the week after my surgery (ugh) because of my d-i-l's medical problems. My daughter lives here but is a grad student and by next fall should be gone to get her doctorate somewhere . . . I've been overweight for 25 years - after two rotten marriages (one is in a mental hospital now, and one drank himself to death) - I used my weight for a shield. This past year it has become an anchor around my neck. My knees can't take it - my hip hurts - and I have arthritis in my back now. The weight HAS to come off . . . from May to Oct I was having to use a cane to walk if I went any distance. I'm to young for that (ok youngsters - don't laugh) .. . I want so much to be "normal" like the rest of the world! I can't wait for Monday! Chris

May I call you Ant? Have to call you something . . . or another name would work too (I amuse myself). My diet is 3 Protein drinks and then a meal with 3 oz meat (protein), 1/2 cup veggies, 1/2 cup carbs and 1 cup salad - dressing on the side. Also 1 tennis ball sized piece of fruit. I can eat the food any time during the day. I usually have an apple during the early afternoon, and, because I'm lazy, a lean cuizine for dinner with broccoli I steam on the side. Usually skip the salad . . . again the word lazy comes into play here . . . actually - think I 'll head to store and get some more broccoli for the LAST 5 DAYS (Sunday . . . nope . . . they said eat "regular" Breakfast (and what the hell does that mean? my favorite "regular" breakfast would be an omlete, hash browns and pancakes .. . don't think so this time!). Good luck . . . keep us all posted . . . I'm getting ancie (like I know how to spell that?) Chris

Yes we're on countdown until Monday . . . ugh . . . I just wish it was now! You're in Irvine (if I remember from some thread somewhere) . . . I'm in San Diego. Have my preop class tomorrow . . . I'm taking off the week of the 3rd also, but I did tell them why. Plan on being back to work on the 10th Best of luck!!!! Chris

Now I think I'm about 47 .. . and I get banded on Monday! It's CLOSE! Chris

I've been on this since the 19th - and now doing quite well. But I do strange things to distract myself - like went and bought a new car Sunday night . . .and did a road trip to Disneyland yesterday to test it out and see the holiday decorations! Took 3 of the AdvantageEDGE Protein drinks by EAS with me . . . and kept buying Water . . . and it was workable! Even with all the smells and SIGHTS of food everywhere . . . I was able to hang in there and walk the entire park . . . (I must start walking MORE). Hang in there! Chris

I'm 57 and 5'6 .. . and started at 305 (I have something in common with both of you ). I get banded on Monday, 12-3. I had to start my preop diet last Monday and have lost 14 lbs - and have one more week to go. It isn't all that bad . . . mind over matter I guess - even though my daughter could hear my stomach growling across the room on the first night. I have my preop class on Wednesday - and then it's "show time" . . . welcome aboard and best of luck! Chris

I had all my tests and bloodwork done on 10-3 - but when I was talking to the nurse about my class for Wed, he said I'd have to have the blood redrawn because it has to be within 30 days. I think that is standard.

I've noticed you Aussie's tend to name your bands .. . I love it! I'm trying to come up with something "original" and cool .. . but so far - nadda. I'll keep working on it. Chris

I started last Monday with 3 Protein drinks and a small meal (I've been doing Lean Cuisine because it's simple) . . . and am now DOWN 14 LBS . . . just since then! I'm drinking Water (mostly herbal tea and crystal light - but it's liquid) above and beyond the 64 oz . . . and something is working! I'm being banded on December 3rd! I'm 57 - started at 305 - I'm 5'6" tall . . . and I had to quit smoking cold turkey on Oct. 3rd because no one told me before that my dr requires 2 months smoke free. AND . . . they also told me . . . no caffine or carbonation from that point either . . . damn that was a HARD week - but I did it - and even though I'm hungry now - not starving at this point - I have a prize in front of me I won't let go of. I want it too badly. I don't look at any of the problem stories - just look for the positive and know that this time next year I might not have to walk with a cane sometimes, and it won't hurt to stand up and sit down . . . I will be a new me! It's going to be a wonderful ride! Grab hold and hang on! It's our month! Chris

When do you get your first fill? Sure hope that helps. What part of the country r u in? Chris

I just turned 57 - but would like to hang out here too! I'm due for surgery on 12-3 - and can't wait to get that over with. I'm on the 2 week protein pre op diet and am loosing weight there . . .and starting to feel better already! IO can't wait to see how I feel after 140 lbs go away forever.

I get the EAS AdvantEDGE premade drinks that I take to work . . . 17 g protein - chocolate isn't bad at all . . . the 4-pack is under $5 at Wal-Mart . .. although I certainly wouldn't want to be going there this weekend! It might hold you over until you order comes in.

I know each doctor is different on their requirements . . . we just have to keep our eye on the prize at the end of the tunnel! Good Luck!

I mix up my powder in the morning . . . have an AdvantEdge by EAS at lunch at work, and mix my powder again at night . . . I'm trying different samples. I'm allowed a small meal once a day . . . 3 oz meat, 1/2 cup veggies, 1/2 carbs, 1 cup salad and one tennis ball sized piece of fruit. I've been eating an apple either late morning or mid afternoon . . . and been doing a lean cuizine for dinner. Not TOTALLY starving . . . but my daughter can hear my stomach growling across the room at night. It could be worse .. . Chris