Bella1962

Thank you so much for the confirmation...I just needed some re-assurance which you were so kind to pass on. At my current weight I would have to take in 30 points a day, and I know that so wouldn't happen with the band. Like you, I think I'll start off at 25 and then work my way down from there. Thank you, again... Bella

My surgeon wants me to make sure I eat some protein every 3-3 1/2 hours...even it's just some hummus on a cracker.

Just wondering if anyone figured out how to utilize the points program with the band....how many points to obtain the 1200 calorie intake? I've been trying to figure it out on my own and it comes out to be about 60 calories per point? Anyone else try to figure this out. I just found doing it the Weight Watchers way, it was easier to count points as opposed to calories, and I have alot of resources to help out. Can anyone help me out with this?

Ok...here it goes.... This is a painting I did that sold at a charity auction... "March of the Sunflower" - Watercolour

THERE YOU GO!!! Communication is always the key...makes you think before you speak, doesn't it?.... So what did you buy her...hahahaha

Post-op, I am suppose to drink l class of Endura which is a Metagenics product...powder mixed with water. I've been told its similiar to Gatorade without the sugar. When I called about the cramps in my legs pre-surgery, they told me to take only a quarter cup. So I'm thinking take the Gatorade and dilute...it's to replenish some of your electrolites.

I had them too. I was told that Gatorade would help. It's your electrolites that are out of wack. Try some Gatorade.

Ya..you did...you stuck your foot in your mouth. I got one of those husbands too. But not to worry, after being together for so long she should know you and know what you meant. I too have been with my husband since I was 14 and he was 15...we're celebrating out our 26th wedding anniversary in December and three kids, so all together we've been together for over 30 years. We're both overweight, and although he has supported me 100% in this choice, the choice is still mine. I would love for him to do this too, but he needs to be ready and by me opening my big mouth and trying to pressure him, it would only aggrevate him. She, as you, need to do this on her own accord. But if she feels strong enough that she can do it on her own just with diet and WITH YOU, then let her do it. Your experiencing it TOGETHER in a different way. I know my husband is looking forward to the diet part as he's going to eat as I do, just a little more of it. Surgery isn't for everybody. Not to worry...just buy her flowers, jewellery, a car...whatever...men just need to think before they speak sometimes.....sheeesh. :thumbup:

Ok...Canadian here... I'm pretty much informed, but I'm a little lost when you say you can't find gas? Please explain.

Way to go, Ranea!!!! I'm on pre-op too...10 day pre-op and I'm on day 8...being banded on Thursday. Just to let you know we went out to dinner and a play on Saturday with 3 other couples....my favourite restaurant that has spectacular authentic Italian food, included quail and polenta with a wine reduction sauce...to die for...and some really, REALLY good wine. Well, I have to say it was a challenge...the owner of the restaurant was more than happy to oblige me with a grilled chicken breast over steamed spinach....and how well they presented it. Everyone was on my side and I felt good that I didn't do anything wrong. Well, almost. I just touched my tonge in my husbands wine glass just to catch a couple of taste buds...hehehe. We're all here for ya!!!...Keep it up and good luck!

Maybe it would just make better sense to weigh ourselves once a month. I know I'm definitely pre-menopausal, so hormones are out of wack, my periods are not consistant like they use to be, and even if they are, I'm retaining Water 2-2 1/2 weeks out of the month. I've seriously considered changing from lbs to kilo's...hey, at aleast one kilo is 2.285 lbs. And we all know that sometimes it's just not in the number on the scale but in the fit of our clothes, right? I just want to do what needs to be done without thinking constantly of that scale. It controls me sometimes to obsession to the point of fault, no? Tell me what you all think.

Wow...really need to hang onto this thread...I'm have surgery next week.:thumbup:

I've taken up drawing and painting in the last 5 years, so I plan on my sketch book never being to far away. If I need to keep my hands busy, I'll sketch. I think the trick is not draw food....lolol.

OH MY GOD!!! We just had that exact discussion last night...between band surgery, knee replacements, plastic surgery...the world will be nothing but plastic, screws and cilicone....lololol

You're right...that makes it all worth it. Congrats on your success...you're definitely an inspiration to me (being banded on the 18th of Sept). God Bless.

I'm glad they caught and it didn't spread...thoughts and prayers are with you...keep us posted.

Since I signed up for the surgery the beginning of August for September 18th, I have been having the last supper...I can't tell you how much I'm waiting for this surgery...I've put on 6 lbs and I havent' started the pre-op yet. Let's get some feedback...how long did your last supper last...what did you eat for your last supper....and the ultimate, how much weight did you put on because of it. And let's be fair..."The Last Supper" is up until pre-op diet.

September 18th....2008

Wow...everyone's imput has been outstanding....THANK YOU!!! I've come to the conclusion that I will tell those that won't judge me...and I should tell my parents out of obligation...I can live with the constant phone calls, and ya...some home made chicken Soup. Thank you, everyone!

I don't know about anybody else, but I think Oprah has put on a few since her outlandish "50th" Birthday party...she's taken it off and put it on so many times over the years, maybe she should consider the procedure. Also, as for doctors, I did discuss it with my GP who has known me since I was 13...she knows the struggles, the ups and downs, the successes and failures...she thought it was a good idea and even recommended a few that do the procedure. I also had to follow up with a cardiologist who also felt that I would benefit from the procedure. Of course, the less we tamper with our human body the better...the I know I can't live this way any longer. No one else should judge.

I'm wondering if you can help me out here... I'm really confused on who I should tell and who I shouldn't tell. I'm booked for surgery in September. I don't know if I should tell the whole world, or keep it to myself. It's not as well known here in Canada as it is in the U.S., so most people don't quite understand this whole procedure, so if I start telling people, they might be less ignorant, but then I might be exhausted from trying to explain it all (I'm thinking of making my own information pamphlets just to hand out). I think I'm still wondering myself if I have to deal with the fact that I failed at everything else, and whether people will consider me to be a failure by doing this. We have a busy social life so it's not like it won't go unnoticed. But if I don't tell people, they'll wonder why my portions have gotten so small. I don't want to tell my 80 year parents as they'll just worry, but then I'm feeling the guilt of not telling them. How have you all dealt with it?

Yasmina... TLBC also has some plastic surgeons workingout of their clinic...you can contact them.

I just thought I'd put myself out there. I have attended on 2 consults at TLBC, attending pre-op seminar on Tuesday, booked for the 18th of September for surgery. My emotions are all over as it's all so overwhelming. There's times I feel I won't be able to do it, but then, a walk up the stairs or time just being on my feet lets me know I'm doing the right thing. The aches, the pains, the huffing and puffing...my husband is now sleeping on the couch as my snoring is so bad...this has to work. Any feedback, pointers, advise, inspiration will be really, REALLY appreciated.

I'll tell you what I do miss.... Riding on the back of my husband's Harley because he can't hold us both up on the bike anymore.

Indio... Congratulations on your success. I have seriously been considering the lap-band procedure and actually am attending for a consultation on Monday. I have been doing a great deal of reading and research, but lose my train of thought (and I'm only 46). Your success caught my attention to read further. If I'm not mistaken, I think it was in one of your responses that you indicated you basically followed the Weight Watchers program to achieve your goal. Although I have both succeeded and failed several times on the program it has taught me a number of invaluable eating and COOKING habits. Was it the Core or the Flex plan that you followed? And if it was the Flex plan, was the daily points allowance? Did you reward yourself with extra exercise points? I'm assuming that you didn't try the additional weekly 35 points (that was always my down fall on the program). Your response is greatly appreciated, and congratulations once again... Bella