Stitchy

Protein ice cubes! What a great idea. Can you still buy those plastic popscicle forms? I used to have them for the kids. That could be cool. You could put almost anything in them.

Here is a link that discusses tickers http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=18050&highlight=how+ticker

I did ask my Dr. Since I only have one cup of coffee a day, I can have leaded AND my creamer. If you drink LOTS of coffee, maybe you should switch to DeCaf. Use non-fat milk. If you use creamer, be aware of calories. Be mindful of your choices.

I drove myself to NWWLS by myself since I was there once before. I just can't stand driving in Seattle, so I am glad that the surgery center is in South Everett. I feel so special (although I know I'm not) when I'm there. They keep pretty close to their appointment times. Melissa went over everything again, and answered all my questions. She has a band, too, so she really understood where I was coming from. She also gave me my liquid prescription so I could get it filled before surgery. Then she handed me off to the pre-op surgery nurses. They gave me a tour of everything except the operating room. I found that DH (and anyone else I want to bring - NOT!!!:confused: ) can stay with me up until I am wheeled away. First there is yet another consultation and filling out yet another questionaire. Even though I filled out an 8-page one a couple of weeks ago. This one is required by the anesthesiologist for my health on the actual day of surgery. Then change into the cool paper hat, air-conditioned gown, and booties. A fluffy terry robe will be provided for the day. From there I will go to the waiting spa where I will have a reclining chair, foot massage (a water tub), and trash magazines to read. I think I get the IV at that time, too. There is a little chair mat with a palm tree printed on it, and a plant. Also, a CD player. Looks pretty cushy. The Doc and anesthesiologist will come to visit me and I can talk to them while the OR is being turned from the last patient. I am certainly going to ask the anesthesiologist about the tube in my throat. My throat was sore for about 3 weeks from the last surgery I had in February. Maybe he can do something different. The recovery room looks just like others in regular hospitals. Sit in a recliner chair until I can drink, maybe pee (I can't remember, now), and walk. Then I will be allowed to change into my own clothes and will leave the building through a special discharge door. I won't have to stagger through the mail lobby. That's good. On the way home, I stopped at Walgreen's to drop off my prescription. The next day when I picked them up, I also bought liquid Tylenol, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, and chewable Gas-X. I have some Yogurt smoothies that I intend to sample to see what I like. Still need to go to Trader Joe's for some more boxed soups. I think I am nearly ready.

I drove myself to NWWLS by myself since I was there once before. I just can't stand driving in Seattle, so I am glad that the surgery center is in South Everett. I feel so special (although I know I'm not) when I'm there. They keep pretty close to their appointment times. Melissa went over everything again, and answered all my questions. She has a band, too, so she really understood where I was coming from. She also gave me my liquid prescription so I could get it filled before surgery. Then she handed me off to the pre-op surgery nurses. They gave me a tour of everything except the operating room. I found that DH (and anyone else I want to bring - NOT!!!:Banane59: ) can stay with me up until I am wheeled away. First there is yet another consultation and filling out yet another questionaire. Even though I filled out an 8-page one a couple of weeks ago. This one is required by the anesthesiologist for my health on the actual day of surgery. Then change into the cool paper hat, air-conditioned gown, and booties. A fluffy terry robe will be provided for the day. From there I will go to the waiting spa where I will have a reclining chair, foot massage (a water tub), and trash magazines to read. I think I get the IV at that time, too. There is a little chair mat with a palm tree printed on it, and a plant. Also, a CD player. Looks pretty cushy. The Doc and anesthesiologist will come to visit me and I can talk to them while the OR is being turned from the last patient. I am certainly going to ask the anesthesiologist about the tube in my throat. My throat was sore for about 3 weeks from the last surgery I had in February. Maybe he can do something different. The recovery room looks just like others in regular hospitals. Sit in a recliner chair until I can drink, maybe pee (I can't remember, now), and walk. Then I will be allowed to change into my own clothes and will leave the building through a special discharge door. I won't have to stagger through the mail lobby. That's good. On the way home, I stopped at Walgreen's to drop off my prescription. The next day when I picked them up, I also bought liquid Tylenol, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, and chewable Gas-X. I have some Yogurt smoothies that I intend to sample to see what I like. Still need to go to Trader Joe's for some more boxed soups. I think I am nearly ready.

E - I have been following the band diet for about a month. Well, sort of. I am not consciously restricting the quantity, or even protein first, carb second, but am doing the "chew.... chew... chew" routine, and no liquid during the meal. The result is that I am not eating as much. I get full faster, and have lost 10 lbs without even trying. I actually left some hamburger and fries at Red Robin the other night.:clap2: I have also been sampling the protein drinks, soups, etc., because I want to know now what I like and what I don't. So, I think in general, eating the bandster way is a good thing. JMHO

DrewsLou - I am glad to hear you are feeling better. Thanks for sharing how much (little) soup it took to feel full. I just have a hard time dealing with the thought that 6 tablespoons might have been too much :faint:

Congratulations, DeAnn! Keep posting. We'll all need support.

Sorry it's been crappy. Better to blow off steam here than EAT!!!:eek:

Sometime we forget, or perhaps we never know the reason for some of our celebrations. I wanted to share this little vignette of history: Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York. This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo. :pound: :pound:

You should follow your Dr. advice, but I will only have to have Clear liquids for two days. After that, anything you could suck through a straw is OK (not that you have to . Puree Soups and thin with milk or broth. strained cream of potato Soup. Broth, bouillon, fat free consommé, or strained cream soups. Tomato soup made with milk or water. Non-fat milk, yogurt, Yogurt smoothies. Carnation Instant Breakfast. Milk is full of Protein (non-fat - fewer calories). strained or blended cream of asparagus soup; pudding Sorry for the cut and pasted fonts. Those are on the list my dr. gave me.

That's one of the reasons that I haven't told anyone. Of course, DH knows, and a couple of my docs, but that's it. I have made my decision and am comfortable with it, but I don't want to have to justify it to anyone. And what's with the easy way out anyway:yell: ??? The band is a great tool, but we still will have to do the work anyway. Sheesh!!

This one is good. I haven't purchased it yet, but have looked through it. It was written by Jessie Ahroni who worked at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery in Everett. I don't know all that she does there, but I do know that she does fills. She has been banded for several years. It is clear and not all techie. Good luck [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0595311148/sr=8-1/qid=1146701600/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-1397330-3203331?%5Fencoding=UTF8]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0595311148/sr=8-1/qid=1146701600/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-1397330-3203331?%5Fencoding=UTF8[/ame]

Well, DH is not ALL better, but he has improved a lot. He still has not gone to work, but is able to work from home. He just needs to rest frequently, and not sit too long. We are sure that he will be able to take me for banding next Tuesday, even if he has to have a lie-down in the back of the van. :banana

Congratulations to you early Mayers!:biggrin1: :biggrin1: :eekB: May 1 - Hope, LindaV, SleepyJean May 2 - VelvetKiss, DrewsLou May 3 - Kelli May 4 - De Ann, LuLuLacy and Angie If I missed anyone or spelled names wrong, I'm sorry. It's late. Later Everyone

My DH, too. Ok, Me too! We like wine, but have no wine class. Good wine is wasted on us. Hooray for 3 buck chuck!:clap2:

My Element looks just like that ... only black. Good Taste!!

Oh, Amy. I'm soo sorry. You would probably be much to nice, but I think I would have complained to the manager about the lasagna episode.

I am scheduled for banding on May 9. On April 23 ( over a week ago) DH hurt his back. He has been to Dr. and PT. He can barely walk so he needs a lot of my care. Now, I don't mind that. BUT, he is supposed to take care of ME when I get my band next week. He really is only slightly better than when he got hurt. I might have to reschedule. I'm starting to think about being bummed!:cry

The facility tour is in 3 days - May 3. So is the payment :faint: . Surgery is scheduled for May 9. I will go to the tour, and I HOPE I can go to the surgery. DH hurt his back 9 days ago. At least he can walk now, but still needs a lot of care from me. I am going to need him to take care of me for a couple of days post-surgery. If he isn't up to it, I will have to postpone. Since I have already arranged for time off from work (not telling anyone, yet), it could be awkward. Sigh!

The facility tour is in 3 days - May 3. So is the payment :faint: . Surgery is scheduled for May 9. I will go to the tour, and I HOPE I can go to the surgery. DH hurt his back 9 days ago. At least he can walk now, but still needs a lot of care from me. I am going to need him to take care of me for a couple of days post-surgery. If he isn't up to it, I will have to postpone. Since I have already arranged for time off from work (not telling anyone, yet), it could be awkward. Sigh!

I don't thing there is anything wrong with alcohol, per se, but it does have a lot of calories. IMHO, a glass or two of wine a week? No problem. Don't know about the champagne. It's bubbly. Could be uncomfortable. I guess it is your call.

Liz Well, I think that might be a normal reaction since you are so newly banded. My doc says Clear Liquids for 2 days. Then thin liquids for 2 weeks, Then soft mushies for 4 weeks. That all adds up to 6 weeks, when a fill and normal foods start. The pie crust might have been a little premature. I'm sure others will help with something to relieve your distress. Best of luck.

You don't see a difference? Are you kidding?? Look at your arms. They are hanging closer to your body. And you chin is more defined. We can't always see things close to us. Like the old can't see the forest for the trees. You look fabby, girl. Keep it up and be proud of yourself. :clap2:

Hello Barb There is a May Lap Band thread. All of these folks are right where you are. You might want to join us. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16512