vegasgirl44

That's very odd that he's not at least giving you protein so that you won't lose muscle mass. But it seems to me that he must want you to either lose as much weight as possible before your surgery or get used to the postop period. Maybe both. But eating like that must be making you weak as heck. Don't forget your Vitamins. I've been eating about 600-700 calories a day for a week now. The first 2 days I had mild to moderate headaches, probably due to caffeine withdrawal. The third day, I forgot my vitamins and almost passed out at Walmart. The last 2 or 3 days my scale has not budged, and even went up a lb. It's that time of the month and I feel sooooo bloated, but it's taking everything within me to not get discouraged and eat an entire 7 layer chocolate cake. Last night, I ate a whole package of Oscar Meyer Turkey Bacon. I figure it was better than the cake! I'm going to try not to weigh myself until next week, when this all blows over. Sorry, I got side-tracked, but I would just suggest calling your surgeon or dietician and telling them how you feel. Just to be encouraged that you are doing the right thing and on the right path. Best of luck to you. This IS a hard thing....this preop diet.

Anne the Travel Lady, That story is very touching. Your son really loves you and I'm so glad that you are on the path to better health. The best of luck to you!

Jess, yes, that's the book and I know that another user, Georgebals, talks about it all the time and how it's helped him. I ordered it from Borders.com and am waiting with bated breath for it to arrive. I'm glad you enjoy it also. I did look for it at Borders and couldn't find it. Anything to help and I do enjoy listening to stories from others who have gone through the experience, especially if they are funny.

This is just one of the reasons why I choose not to tell people.....Today, I was talking to this stranger and mentioned my lab band. We've never met, but I've been talking to him online. He seems really smart, mature, older. Anyway, he emailed me back and said that he'd done some statistics on the lap band and that people are 3 times as likely to end up with substance abuse problems. Ok, thanks. I didn't know that. Puleeze!!!!! I work in a psychiatric and substance abuse facility. I know all about this stuff. First of all, I don't particularly like the taste of alcohol. I actually prefer the flavor of a nice bagel with cream cheese. And I don't have an addictive personality. I know this man meant well, but this is EXACTLY the reason I don't want to tell people at work. I'm going to get all kinds of freakin' advice. I work with these people. I'll probably never meet this stranger, so I didn't care. Just like when I was at Best Buy looking at TVs the other day. I told the sales girl. I was having a particularly happy day and when I'm in a good mood, I tend to yak too much. It will take everything I have not to tell people at work. Maybe someday after I've had success with it and don't care what people think, but not now.

George, you crack me up! I absolutely LOVE to read your postings. Straight from the hip...I like that. I ordered that book you are always touting. I can't wait to get it. And I simply cannot believe that you have lost all that weight with no fills. Amazing! You are truly centered. I hope I do as well as you. So far, so good. Chow!:scared2:

hali, why don't you take your husband with you? He's supportive, right? But I agree about the sisters....blech!

You are AWESOME! Thanks so much for doing that. I plan on trying some of those myself. :thumbdown:

Ooohhh...thanks for the info, you guys. I was wondering the same thing after not finding anything on my last shopping trip.

dolly, I had my first (and LAST) gallbladder attack the month after I had my daughter. Isn't that weird? Back then, I knew absolutely nothing about medical issues or the medical field, and when I went to the surgeon consult, he humiliated me something horrible. I had lost 32 lbs when I was pregnant and gained 33, so I really only gained a pound during my pregnancy. After I gave birth, I continued to lose another 30 lbs or so and then had my attack. The surgeon told me I had to lose 100 lbs in 3 months and then he would take it out. I was so upset and went crying out of his office. I was 35. The scheduler felt horrible and asked if I wanted to see another surgeon in the practice. That was the ONLY practice my insurance covered. Weird. Anyway, after talking to my mother, who said that on HMOs, doctors only get paid for a certain number of procedures per year, and he had probably already hit his quota, as it was October, so he probably wanted to push the surgery back to the beginning of the year. I then made an appt with one of his colleagues. When I went, he looked so much like John F. Kennedy, Jr. (ie HOT) and I thought, I don't want this man to see me practically naked! So, I never went back. I've never had an attack since then, take Tagament with me wherever I go, and pray for the best. And here I was, so proud of myself because I had lost all of this weight. I hope that doctor was sued for malpractice since then!

I just didn't want to hear anybody tell me stories about how their friend or mother or sister had WLS and now gained back a lot of the weight or how I am fine just the way I am or whatever. This is MY decision and MY body. I am typically wishy-washy with making a final decision, but this is the first time I was so sure of anything in my life. I'm proud of myself and I didn't want to have anybody else be part of my success. However, since I am self-pay, I had to tell my mother who co-signed a loan for me as I was so over-extended due to student loans. She is thrilled for me and knows how important it is to me. I have 5 employees and I did tell them and swore them to silence. I told them that I didn't want them to judge me and that I was happy and they were happy for me. I also told my boss, who I will need for support for time off of work. She is also happy for me, being a former dietician. So, I figure that is it. If anybody asks where I was, I had woman surgery and if they ask me what I'm doing to lose weight, my doc has me on a high protein diet. Someday, not sure when, but I might just tell everyone. But for right now, it's just my secret thing. And it makes me feel confident and happy. :biggrin2:

Do some people really have problems with their gallbladder after surgery? wow! I actually have gallstones, but never had my gallbladder removed. I told my surgeon and he didn't say anything. Does anybody know about this? I had no idea that weight loss could hurt the gallbladder.

My day consists of protein shake for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with a Salad with certain veggies only and salad spritzer. That's it! My day comes to about 600 calories. I just finished my 5th day and I've lost over 10 lbs already. The first 3 days were not hard, but the fourth day I forgot my vitamins and I was really weak and nauseous. Today, I actually had a can of cream of chicken soup instead of a shake, and it tasted soooo freakin' good! I know when I make the shakes, I use one scoop of protein powder, crushed ice, fat free milk, and a couple of splendas and vanilla extract. (My boyfriend actually adds lowfat cottage cheese and instant oatmeal to his and it makes a more substantial shake.) dabble!You are so funny! Wheat toast is the exact thing that I have been fantasizing about. You must be a bread person, too. I would imagine if I was having a bread fantasy though, I would pick French, but the thought of just a nice, crunchy, crispy wheat toasted slice of bread is sending me into orbit! I feel your pain! Thank goodness for a great sister you have. amber! You can do it! CapitolChick! I think you just made a good point. I'm going to up my protein amount while trying not to up the calorie amount too much. That may be part of the hunger and tired issue I am having. Thanks! jazma! I'm going to check out that flavored SF syrup you are talking about. I don't know the calorie count, but I'm having a super fantasy about how it will taste in my protein drink. LOL! Thanks!:biggrin2:

Moe, I ordered a few NECTAR products. I went online because I heard so much good stuff about them. Apparently, the fruit ones (I got fruit punch) are like those pixie stix from our childhood...you can eat them right out of the jar. I also got vanilla and cappucino, and hoping to mix the vanilla with orange and cherry extract to make a dreamsicle and cherry milkshake? Maybe a cafe vanilla frappacino with the cappucino flavor? I'm a-hopin', hopin', hopin'......!

Lellow, that is too funny! Thank you for the kind words. It IS hard work, that's for sure. Today, I actually had a can of chicken soup instead of a shake. It was soooo delicious. Still only about 200 calories, but it's back to the shake and salad for dinner. BooHoo!

Jenbug, just click on any ticker you like and it will take you to the site and give you instructions on how to do one the way you like it. I also had to go self pay because my premium expensive BCBS plan at work did NOT. I was ready for that, but still mad that I'm paying for the most expensive plan at work and this isn't covered. I'm sure they will be saving tons of money down the road when I don't have to have a knee or hip replacement, HTN and diabetic meds, and heart bypass surgery! (Rolling eyes in disgust) Anyway, if you really want it done, you will do it. Good luck and welcome to our fun little group that is growing every day. Cutie--Great Job on the weight loss! Are you starving yet? I just watched an old episode of Rachel Ray and she made pumpkin, eggplant lasagna, and honestly, 3 weeks ago that would have grossed me out, but TODAY, I wanted to jump through the screen and devour it! Man! I might just have to cave and have a piece of toasted wheat bread or something, and even though that's ok, I'm afraid I will fall off the wagon, and say, well, I'll just have this too, cuz it's ok, you know? Oh well...all part of the process...

Yeah, Shamrock. You should do really well on that preop diet. I've lost over 10 lbs in 4 days eating pretty much the same thing. Yesterday I forgot to take my vitamin pack and I felt so faint and nauseous, so don't forget to take those vitamins!

Cutie, I have no idea what her prob is. It's not like anyone is out to get her. She's got problems. Look at where she lives! I think she's anti-social or something. Ridiculous! Andrea, don't worry. You are doing this for your health, so you don't end up with chronic disease such as hypertension and diabetes. I think it's as much for your well-being as it it for vanity. Vanity is just the icing on the cake. You will be healthy AND hot! LOL! Hey Denver, I'm having surgery on the 14th also.

Yes, thanks, I called him last night and told him exactly what I was eating and doing and he said the calorie count is good and the weight loss is good. I actually wasn't eating the salad and he said I could add that with a calorie free salad spritzer, so I'm excited to be chewing something. But I'm down almost 10 lbs in 3 days, so I'm psyched. He had given me a more lenient diet last week with chicken and starches, but I was thinking I was going to have surgery in July, much sooner, and so he suggested the protein drinks for faster weight loss. Now, I'm having surgery on August 14th, and I'm liking the faster weight loss with the protein shakes, so I'm trying to stick to that...kind of so I can get used to the postop period also. It's been fun! Thanks for your concern, TxShtKicker! Oh, by the way, I lived in San Antonio for 30 years, so I'm proud to have called myself a Texan once. LOL!

That sounds pretty much like what I'm eating. 3 shakes a day (I like the Nectar protein mix), and certain veggies only with 0 calorie salad spritzer. I'm starting day 4 and I've had the headaches from caffeine withdrawal, most likely, and a feeling of head hunger. I have been feeling more energetic from the weight loss, but just a little out of it. At least more than usual. LOL!

Wow! That is great! Look at all the new August Bandsters....we are growing in size and the support we will have for each other is great! I can't wait to hear how the Aug 1st group does. You guys are going to be our mentors. LOL! Nobody should be afraid of what's to come. Everybody should be afraid of not being able to live their life in a better way. Let's celebrate! WhooHoo! Ok, sorry, I added a little instant coffee crystals to my morning chocolate protein shake and I'm off work today, so I'm a little out there.

Sorry if I sound stupid, but what name did you pick? August 08 with your name on it? It's pretty and all, but doesn't really say much. You are obviously quite creative and that is obvious. However, your social skills are a bit lacking. You joined in Feb. Many of us just joined fairly recently and have spent hours just trying to learn to navigate through the site. Therefore, maybe we didn't see your poll. I can't recall who started the thread of "who's getting banded in August" thread, but it's been pretty active lately. There are a few of us who have bonded and are getting banded the same month. You are right. It's just a name. So get over it. Nobody is on the warpath to piss you off. We are just people from all over with a common interest and problem. We should be supporting each other. And in my opinion, if you can't say anything nice, please don't say it at all. You are somewhat of a downer. Respectfully, but honestly....

bamamine, that is the very reason that I'm not telling anybody except for a select few who I know will be supportive. I waffle on decisions something awful. The band is the one thing in my whole life that I've been so sure about. I didn't want anybody screwing it up for me. When they start saying stuff to you about how you've been losing weight and how are you doing it, just say, like I'm going to, that I've been on a high protein diet. That's it. And stick to this forum and your local support group. Good luck! We are all here for each other.

CassCass, I'm also self pay and finance and I hope that things work out fine. That's why I'm doing everything my doctor tells me to do to the letter. I don't want anything to get in my way of a full recovery.

Great post! That is exactly the way it should be said. I'm scared too, but I feel like this is my salvation. My doc has a great track record, so I'm putting my faith in him, the fact that I'm adhering to everything he tells me to do, and of course, my maker. And ThinknHealthy....I also have a soon to be 12 yr old daughter and she just returned from camp today. She is off to visit her Nana for one month this weekend. I wanted to have the surgery while she was gone. But I think that you prepared yourself well. It certainly doesn't hurt in any circumstance and at any time. Good Job!

I just finished day 3 of my protein shake diet. I drink 3 shakes a day made with skim milk and ice. Plus, I eat sugar free popsicles and jello. I am also allowed a salad with only certain veggies and 0 calorie spritzer spray. I'm eating about 600 calories a day and tons of protein. My doc wants me to lose 5% of my total body weight before surgery. That is 16 lbs. I've already lost 7 lbs in 2 days and will weigh myself in the morning. I've stopped running to the bathroom to pee so much. I can't say that I've been really hungry. I'm trying to listen to my stomach. I have dreamed about toasted wheat bread with tons of butter on it and a big ribeye steak from Claimjumpers. But I'm determined to do this. I hope you guys are right and after tomorrow, it gets easier. I'm expecting that time of the month in a couple weeks and I'm sure I will be wanting chocolate. That will be my true test. My surgery is in 1 month. I can't imagine how much I would lose in that time if I just continued eating like this!:frown: