HelloPenny

Friend of my Mother, loaned me a couple books to read on the lap band. I finished reading "Fighting Weight" by Khaliliah Ali. Quick read. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Weight-Procedure-Eliminates-Hunger-Forever/dp/0061170968/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product]Amazon.com: Fighting Weight: How I Achieved Healthy Weight Loss with "Banding," a New Procedure That Eliminates Hunger--Forever: Khaliah Ali, George Fielding, Christine Ren, Lawrence Lindner: Books[/ame] It was informative as well as entertaining. The textbook like book my Doctor gave me seemed terribly boring in comparison. I learned a couple things. I enjoyed her back story and related to a lot of what she said. Her book dedication says it all. “And to all children whose parents have opted out of too many photos with them.” Made me cry because it is so true.

I was sitting here and going to type out my typical "way too long" post, and realized that I have no idea what I will be able to eat after I get my band. Seems silly me giving food advice when I have no clue what I am talking about!

I hope you like it. It tastes like oats to me! However it does have a unique nutty taste to it, and the flax seed adds something to it too. Like I said, "I am neutral." But, there are a lot of people coo coo for it.

Karen, Congrats on your lose! Complete opposite here! Grape is the last to go for me. I have access to other sugar free Popsicles. I got some that are like crazy wacky flavor combos. Looked and sounded yummy.... ehhh they are OK. I think the regular Popsicles taste the best. The Lifesaver ones are good too.

If you like a little granola on your yogurt. You might enjoy "Uncle Sam's Cereal". It has no added sugar/sweeteners. So it cuts back on the carb load, but ups the Fiber and adds the crunch you are looking for. High Fiber Cereal, Whole Grain, Flaxseed-Omega-3's My Mom and Aunt love the stuff. I am neutral on it. But, it is a nice option to granola, which I would love to eat, but avoid because of the high sugar content. By the way they sell it at Wal-Mart.

Hi Everyone. I had my pre-op Doctor visit yesterday. Was pretty uneventful. My Doctor is very nice and knowledgeable, but I think he has done this so many times, he is a bit jaded by the whole experience. He's very nonchalant, and nothing is a big deal. Maybe he's that way with me because he seems confident that I will do great. I can pick up my daughter they said. Just have to squat and lift with my legs, not bend over. We talked about me being a "poor healer" and my concern about the incisions healing. I asked him about steroid cream or a shot. He didn't like the idea of a shot, but said it was necessary we could look at a cream. He didn't want me to heal too fast or too much, so I would not develop keloids. I agree! So I bought some anti-bacterial body wash for the shower to help out with that. I got permission to go home the same day, so I don't have to inconvenience my family with driving back down to Dallas to get me and arranging for extra time off to watch my daughter. I was surprised when they said I would be admitted. I thought their regular practice was all out-patient. I went about bought all my liquid/chewable vitamin/supplement replacements @ Sprouts. If you have a Sprouts in your area, I highly recommend them. The produce and meat department are amazing. And, the produce especially is no over priced. They run lots of sales, too. Anyway, they have someone that works in their Vitamin/Medicine department full time who is very knowledge and helped me a lot. I take several supplements and wanted to continue taking them. I just hope they are not horrible tasting. I was little leery about the liquid Omega-3 options. I am not real keen on swallowing a few tablespoons of fish oil! But, I got this really cool product that is like a smoothie consistency. It's strawberry-banana flavored, and you only take 2 tsps. So I figure I can stir it in some yogurt, if all else fails. Going tomorrow morning to buy stuff to make a large pot of chicken stock. Going to make up a bunch, so I will have it for broth, and to make some cream soups for when I get there. I still need to get some unflavored protein powder. Blah Blah Blah! I'm rambling. Good Luck to everyone that went yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

I lost a lot of hair when I had my daughter. C-Section. My cousin's Doctor said it was from anesthesia. However... My Doctor said the same thing happened to her... she freaked out and Her Doctor said it was from trauma. And he had a fancy name for it... wish I could remember. But, most people lose hair from a traumatic experience like surgery.

One of my pet peeves I guess... But, there are two kinda of people out there. Ones who take medicine to cure their aliments. and Ones who don't. I don't understand the ones who don't. I am married to one of those "who don't" and it drives me coocoo! He broke his ankles a long time ago, but of course they bother him frequently. He very rarely complains, but when he does, I ask if he has taken anything. Nope. I will even offer to go get it for him, thinking it is a lazy thing, and not wanting to get up and go get it. Nope. Sometimes he will take medicine... especially if I get it for him! LOL His brother is the same way... horrible heartburn. Offer him prilosec. Nope! And the funny part is, their Mother is a Nurse Practitioner. She does not understand it either! If you are in pain... take something! I guess I don't understand why people feel the need to deny or limit their pain medication, when the Doctor prescribes it for a reason. I understand if the pain does not warrant a lortab so you opt for Tylenol. But, just not taking anything? I guess there might be past drug addiction issues there. Hell, I have to be careful about narcotics because they constipate me! What are some reasons that you would not take your pain meds, if you were in pain?

I really like EAS. I got a giant bag of the chocolate flavor at Sam's. It pretty much meets my expectations as far as Protein drinks go. But, it doesn't taste bad at all to me. Or even smell too funky. Is this bad? My 1 yo daughter is not making the transition to whole milk very good. The other day she wanted a drink of what Mommy was drinking so I let her taste my Protein Drink. WELL!! She thought that was YUM YUMMY!! She had HUGE grin on her face after ever drink, and would pull my at cup for more. So, since then we have added like a tablespoon to her milk in the mornings. The milk disappears! (By the way, this is whey protein only, no muscle building or other crazy additives.)

I have no clue how any of these Snacks are going to work for me after my band. EEK! :laugh:

These are my Favorite South Beachy snacks! Natural Peanut Butter (no sugar or corn syrup, just peanuts and salt) 2 Tablespoons with sugar free Honey (I get mine atWal-Mart) on celery. Sargento's skim Mozzarella sticks (I buy mine at Sam's and they taste 100% better than any others out there.) Cabot Farms low-fat Colby Jack cheese Snacks (Get these at Sam's too. These are little pre-portioned cheeses. Awesome!) Handful of Pistachios (about 30, and I get with the shell, so it takes me longer to eat them!) Laughing Cow Lite Cheese and Triscuits or celery (French Onion is my favorite, but they sell the Garlic Herb at Sam's) Roasted Edamame (I buy it in bulk at Sprouts, but I think most fancy Grocery stores that have a bulk section will have them. The wasabi ones are good, too, but be careful! They can knock your socks off! Cure 81 ham sliced a little thick. (I get the unsliced cure 81 hams in the meat section at Wal-Mart and take it over to the deli and have them slice it for me. SO MUCH CHEAPER! Even cheaper than the pre-sliced ones!) You can also keep this around for some yummy eggs in the morning! And for those who are doing South Beach, for your 100 calorie treat.... klondike, Slimabear, Fudge Bars. http://http://www.icecreamusa.com/products/product.cfm?u=75856-01129&b=5 OMG these are hands down the best thing in the world. TO DIE FOR!!! If you are a chocoholic, you too will feel the Love for these!

Hello! I am so excited to see you are doing South Beach!!! It's SOOO Wonderful! I started in August, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Such a refreshing and healthy approach to food. Makes life so simple and easy! I am so excited to get my band and get back to eating healthy again! If you want some South Beachy recipes just let me know! I am all about the South Beach!

Well... for anyone that had problems right at the beginning it was probably due to the pain pills. Narcotics are notorious for making people have terrible constipation. I broke my arm and had to have surgery, and I got myself into a world of trouble! If you know what I mean.... So, when I had a c-section and was taking loratab left and right... I was doubling up on the benefiber and eating some prunes. Lots of Water helps too.

Anyone have any unflavored unjury powder that you are wanting to get rid of?? I will buy it from you! Can pay via paypal! Let me know!

This is a great place to get information and motivation. I like it a lot here so far. Welcome to the Smashing Pumpkins!

I go shopping in the Dallas Whole Foods, HEB, Central Market, and Sprouts. They all have Greek yogurt. Do they have Sprouts in Austin? LOVE LOVE LOVE Sprouts!

Welcome to the 21 club! Ditto on the excited & nervous part!

Good Luck Guys!

Thank you. I hope your appeal goes well for you too. They did say 100+ lbs and a co-morbidity. My Doctor said that Sleep Apnea was one. Which I have and Tricare dishes out $$$ every month for my CPAP and supplies.

WoW! I can't believe some people had issues with Tricare! I was approved in less than 48 hours! But, I met the 200% of ideal body weight requirement. Maybe that is why I got an approval so quickly.

WOW! Lots of people getting their surgery today!!! October 13-myturn0421; lindatatu; vandih; fabnatsdiva; msk1968; travelinsorkel; missundastood; clv811; wifepilot; longhornmom; ctoyooka; suzanna; myturn; DC Girl Good Luck Guys!

I am obsessed with Food, so much so I went to college for it! I think I am going to mourn food too. But, I am hoping that one day with the proper measures taken, that I can enjoy most things in moderation or with some serious chewing. LOL Anyway... About eating healthier. I started a healthy lifestyle back in August. I hate to call it a diet... because it is not. It's a lifestyle choice. But, let me turn you all on to "South Beach Diet" or a low glycemic index diet. It's all about healthy choices and avoiding bad carbs. (NOT NO OR LOW CARB .... BAD CARBS It has been SO easy! I mean like "Why in the world, haven't I been doing this before?" Easy! I recommend reading the book. There are also some groups on yahoo to join. This is how I will eat the rest of my life. It's not about restriction or low fat or no fat, or no carb or low carb. Just healthy, smart choices. My Mother has lost 30 lbs on it, My Father has lost 14 lbs and he is not following the diet when he is away from home. I have lost 31 lbs since August! If anyone is interested I can share recipes and what we are eating at my house. It's yummy, easy, and filling.

Do you feel OK? I have a RL friend who was banded in Mexico and she was drinking Full Liquids a few days after her banding. I think you will be OK, but you might want to make sure and call tomorrow morning and speak to your Doctor's office staff.

I feel EXACTLY the same way. I hate being home alone, because I am a closet eater! I like to eat alone and have little will power! But, I can do it! You are right about fighting and wanting this so bad, and then it's in your face and wondering how did it happen so fast?

I totally understand how you all feel. About the food. And being stalled. I have been eating really healthy for about 2 months and have lost 31 lbs. Since I started the pre-op diet I have not lost anything. I have a Culinary degree and since I am living with my parents while my Husband is deployed... I am my Mother's personal Chef. Well, My approval was really fast and my pre-op surgery snuck up on me, without even realizing it. The day before I went to the store and bought a beautiful Tri-Tip Roast. I spent like $20 on it!! Not even realizing I was not going to get to eat it! So, Guess who has the nerve to ask me to prepare the roast to be smoked today?!? AND asked me to make Whole Wheat Nut pancakes this morning?!?! I said Hell NO... to the pancakes... and asked if they all wanted some Protein shake with their coffee? But, I did prepare the roast and watched them eat it tonight! It smelled define. A few wishful pangs but I was OK with my shake and salad. Scrambled eggs about killed me the other day, though.