kiz

I just got the scales yesterday, so I don't know all the ins and outs yet. I didn't even realize it has a memory function. Thanks for the heads up, Sherri!! I got my Magic Bullet on sale and with a coupon, or I probably would have opted for another brand too. I'm not so sure it's worth the full price. I just thought of a couple more things I stocked up on. One is sugar-free Tums for my calcium and the other is Dieter's Tea. It has a natural herb additive that helps with constipation, if that becomes an issue. You can over-do it, but if you only drink the recommended dosage, it's safe for most people and works wonders.

I went to Target yesterday, and bought their all natural water that just has a touch of fruit flavor without any added sweeteners. I like the flavored sugar free waters and other sugar free drinks (i.e. Crystal Lite), but these will be a nice change. They're made by Archer Farms. I bought a set of collapsible measuring cups that fold flat at Williams Sonoma. When I get to the point of measuring my meals when I'm eating out, it'll be easy to tuck away in my purse. I also splurged on a new set of scales at Target. The scales are made by Conair for Weight Watchers. I also bought my Magic Bullet blender a while ago on sale, but haven't gotten it out of the box yet. Today is my first day on my pre-surgery diet, and I haven't drank my morning shake yet. I'm holding off, because it's scary to think once that's gone, breakfast is over..lol I did try one of the Boost shakes yesterday, and I thought it was yummy, so I'm lucky that way. I know a lot of people have trouble getting them down.

I don't have any suggestions, jill, but I start my pre-surgery diet tomorrow, and I won't be complaining after reading about the schedule you're keeping. Maybe your incredibly busy day will keep you from thinking about food so much (I hope it does, at least).

I set my goal weight based on a healthy bmi, which is heavier than I was 20 years ago, but I don't expect to get down to my pre-mom weight.

Great to see all the new September banders!! My date is also 9/4, Bluezbandet. Teresa, I'm originally from WV, but I live in VA now. (I noticed you're from WV on your profile under your picture). I'm having my surgery in Richmond, VA.

Hi Kaleka, that's great news. My date is also Sept 4, Angel. There's already several September banders here, and we have a very supportive group. I hope this link works to take you to the September 08 forum. September 2008 Bandsters - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

September Surgery Dates: 9/4 kiz

After all you've been through, kizzie, it's so thoughtful for you to ask about me. I'm doing very well, moving along in the process. Learning from your port placement experience, I did ask my surgeon where he would place my port. Based on my body shape, he said it would go on the left side of my stomach area, about halfway between my waist line and breast line. Sounded good to me. I would have never thought to ask, if not for your post about your problematic port position.

I'm so sorry you've had such a rough six weeks. You've taken the term "banster hell" to a whole new level. Thank goodness your band hasn't slipped, especially after all you've been through. Here's hoping you're well on the road to recovery. I'm so happy you've managed to lose weight through all of this. Good luck to you!!

I might change my mind, but right now I'm only telling my husband, kids and a couple of very close friends. Reading some of the results of weight loss on this board is simply amazing, but I'm worried I might be one of the slow losers, and I don't want the added pressure of feeling that others are scrutinizing my weight loss, knowing that I've had surgery. Now, when the weight does come off, and people ask me what I'm doing, I'll be up front about my surgery. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed by it, I just don't want any added pressure for quick results.

I love your siggy disign, April! :thumbup:

I hope you get your Sept date, april. My goal was for August, but the surgeon's dates and mine just didn't meld, however, I'm thrilled to be a September "fill in the blank". We have a great support group growing here. You've come up with some fantastic choices for our September name. We're going to have several very good options. Panda, I love your September and the Banshees too. If nothing else, we're a very motivated group!

The first seminar I attended, the doctor was so pro gastric bypass and anti lap band, that it left me feeling the lap band was not a viable option. Then I found this message board, and got lots of great advice, including the name of a different surgical group from the same hospital as the first doctor. "Night and Day" is the best way to describe the two seminars. I also went to my first support group meeting for lap banders only, and everyone said that the lap band was the best decision they had ever made for themselves.

That was a really nice video blog, gg. You're very brave to do that, so no turning back now! You have such great determination, and I think that's going to be key to your success.

LOL..see that's why we needed you panda. Our creative juices needed a jolt, and boy, do I feel jolted. :thumbdown:

I love your "vote" smiley, and I'm not just saying that to butter you up...:thumbdown:

Congratulations on your weight loss pandagirl. It sounds like you are really working at it. I know you must feel a lot of apprehension, after the build up for surgery the first time, but now, you'll be even healthier when you get your band. I'm also a September bander, and Mommie_of_4 has started the ball rolling to help us get organized to pick a September 08 group name. Come join us, and help pick a siggy name (if you're into that...haha). One thing I really like about this forum is that there is so many different groups to join to get support. Here's a link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f184/september-bandster-name-69760/

I love the symbolism of September Samurai's, Tally. Let's make this a hard fought completion, September banders, and add some more names to the list. May the best siggy win! :thumbdown:

Thanks, gg!! So now, I'll try another one: September Slims I know there used to be a brand of cigarettes advertised called Virginia Slims (I don't smoke so I'm not sure if they still make them), but this name incorporates what we're here for, and I also think (hope) it's kind of catchy.

According to the article you have to lose 10 to 15 percent of your body weight before you experience the anti-depressant effect. I'm going to chose to believe this study, in hopes that if I believe in it strongly enough, it will hold true for me...lol

Maybe lap banders will be happier and healthier in the long run than people who have more evasive weight loss surgeries that cut-off ghrelin production because their bodies are still producing the hunger/happiness hormone. At least, it would seem so, according to this study funded by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations... Hunger Can Make You Happy, Study Says - AOL News

I think it would be fun to get a September group going. I know I'll be happy with any name. I'm not very creative, but I'll throw in September Sapphires (the birthstone for September). I like your idea of getting a list of potential names, and then running a poll.

Hi Alicia, you've come to the the right place to get all your questions answered. I also am going to Richmond Surgical Group but with Dr. Brengman. My band date is Sep. 4th. Good luck, and I hope the gas pains ease up for you soon.

I had gall bladder surgery by laproscope about 15 years ago, and the doctor gave me a video tape of the surgery. After my husband watched it, he told some of his coworkers about it, and they wanted to see it too. Nothing but the insides of my stomach was shown, so I didn't mind them seeing the tape. It was pretty interesting. I know that's not what you had in mind, but maybe you could ask for a video of the surgery.

Anita, that was just horrible, and this so-called doctor needs to be reported to the medical board. Thank goodness he didn't hit the tubing and puncture it, with all of his poking with the needle.