LifeStartsNow

Hello everyone - I'm getting banded Monday. I've lost only 7lbs so far, but looking forward to getting the surgery part behind me so I can move on and get this all started.

Hi all! I'm on day 6 of 3 protien shakes a day and unlimited green vegetables. It is hard, but I'm learning which protien shakes are best for me. It has been really difficult, not so hard at work b/c I'm so busy all the time, but at home its harder. I'm finding the more Protein I eat, the better I can handle the hunger. I'm also not drinking enough Water - so I'm a little dehydrated. I'm at 227 this a.m. and started at 236 last Saturday. I know that is mostly water - clearly. I am using the site: Calorie Counter Database - Free Online Diet Program and that is keeping me motivated and making me aware I should consume more calories. I really love this site - its completely free, no annoying ads/mail, and I love the analysis reports as well as the diet profiles you can take. My surgery is Monday, March 9th. I have to fly cross country and will by flying home Wed, march 12th. Good luck all you lucky losers!!

Congrats Bernadette!! You're on the wagon! good luck to you too!

Wow Girl! you did this as outpatient surgery? awesome! I don't have a choice and have to stay overnight. Your account makes me hopeful that all will be just fine. I think I have higher tolerence for pain also -so I hope that is on my side as well. Keep us posted so we all learn from you - the more info the better! Congrats to you!!! One more week for me!

Thanks for sharing Sommerbreez! I can completely understand why you feel so hungry! Smart of you to also get some nutrients in - and from food not just shakes, powers, and vitamins. I think a mix of both must be healthy. Does anyone know why appetite supressants aren't prescribed like the first 2-3 weeks after surgery - just to keep you from feeling overly hungry? Just wondered. thanks again for sharing! Sommerbreez are you drinking 3 shakes a day? Are you feeling better everyday? Hope all is going well for you! Good Luck!

Great advice - I'll have to get some gatorade for that reason. I hope that you get your fill soon - when are you scheduled for that? By then you should be able to move onto more food and feel better -but also not be famished!!

Hey vala - i just noticed your ticker and I'm starting at exactly the same weight as you. Not sure how tall you are - I'm 5'4". Your losing 23 lbs in 2.5 weeks is really amazing! Congrats to you!

Vala - I agree with you - I think the best thing we can do is listen to our bodies. I'm doing 3 protien shakes per day per Dr. Ortiz's dietitian - for the 7 days prior to my surgery and I'm very headache-y. How do you guys feel - I mean in the week or 2 after surgery when you are eating so very little? And those of you who don't feel banded - do you get headaches from being hungry? or headaches from not eating enough? I just can't understand how you don't feel light headed even if you don't feel hungry like youchutup describes. Does it feel like the flu - like when you just don't have an appetite but you feel the weakness? I'm really worried - as mrriceguy's dr & vala points out - that the diet immediately after surgery just isn't nutrient/protien rich enough. 3 protien shakes a day are only 675 calories total. Won't that lack of calories begin to breakdown the protein in our muscle? I'm still learning, still researching - or is 9-1200 enough to keep our bodies from going into metabolism shut down and not go into starvation mode? I completely agree with going off clear liquids - at 3 days - its similar to when you have the flu and can go a few days without eating much at all. MrRiceguy - what is your daily caloric intake? what are your liquids for you personally - as you say you feel great? I'm really worried about my energy level plummeting after surgery. I'm so happy to hear the reality of what to expect -thanks to all of you commenting here!!

Thanks for sharing. I've never tried the bullets before and today I purchased 2 from Walmart. They are the Body Fortress Super Whey bullets in tropical punch. Have you ever tried these or did I waste my money? :wink:

Wow - Vala - thanks for taking the time to type all that out. I have a lot of questions and you really helped! thank you! I'm being banded March 9th and really appreciate your post!!!

OK - I'm taking you up on your offer to help! Am I not able to create a glitter tag without out signing up to the list and giving up my email addy? I'm trying to not give out my email to avoid spam and such. what do you click on once you're at the site? I clicked glitter generator and got to the page where you have to enter you email address and I also don't want to download anything. Thanks for the help!!

Miss Cheryl - I feel the same way you do. I am questioning myself somedays and then snap out of it others. Today I'm feeling great about the decision and I think my sadness comes from being afraid of not having the comfort of food. But then I wake myself up and I realize I will still eat, I will still enjoy food - just less of it. And I KNOW from past weight loss attempts how your body adjusts in a good way to not wanting all the things I want right now. And its not going to be a situation where I never, ever eat again. Its a few months of 'resetting' my body through the liquid diet. I am seeing it as cleansing and doing something for this wonderful body of mine that is trying to be healthy despite what I am doing to sabotage it through overeating. Somehow when I think of it that way - and as a way of making this body of mine healthier - and paying it back for taking good care of me for almost 40 years now - it makes me feel empowered and no longer sad. I feel like this is going to allow me to live the way you're 'supposed' to live. On 1200-1500 calories. That's what we're designed to do and this band is something that I'm doing to care for myself and live longer and healthier. I deserve and my hardworking body of mine deserves this. *I promise I don't refer to my body in the 3rd person often! LOL* It is just what is helping me conquer my fears and sadness as you put it. I have to stop thinking about it as the 'last' time I'll ever enjoy food again and as an awesome step toward being who I want to be - for real this time! I hope that helps and you help me too by making me see also that my seemingly irrational thoughts of fear, sadness, depression isn't just me! My surgery date is March 9th - I'm still scared - but I'm constantly reminding myself of all the great people here that I know will support me and already have.:wink: Sorry for the long post!

tibbie - did you get your date? I'm still reading through posts, but I think you and are are the only ones self paying at the OCC so far for March. My date is March 9th. Best of luck to you!

Glad someone posted this bc I'm considering the same thing. I have a date for March 9th in mexico, so I'll travel coast to coast for that, flying home on Wed. Then, 3 days later, I have a pre-planned family trip to LA (again coast to coast) and am wondering if I need to plan the surgery after the LA trip instead of before. Costs go up on airfare - to do that, but I'm just not sure what to do. I'm pretty strong and generally recover well in other medical things (childbirth, minor surgeries, etc.). Please keep the replies coming!

Thanks for sharing - I've never heard of it. Also thanks for sharing the pics of the dragon fruit. I've heard of lychee before and love to try new stuff. I'll be traveling to see my sister in CA in a few weeks and I am always amazed at the variety and different taste of the produce and fruit on the West coast. I can't even imagine what it must be like in Hawaii. Your posts read like a gourmet restaurant to me!:frown:

Yes, I'm going to the West coast from the East coast. :frown: And yes, I'm going to go to the OCC which is in Mexico. I'm also supposed to be traveling the following week to LA to see my sister. So it will be another East coast to West coast trip the very next weekend. That worries me a little bit. I just don't know what to expect. So yes, one day from yours! Are you getting ready? What are you doing to prepare? Love your glitter tag!

Well, I went to the dr's office today and they advised that I would need a 6 mos supervised diet. Which obviously means, I would be past the date my current insurance which covers it would run out. My previous diet wasn't documented monthly, so if I wanted this done, I have to be a self pay. They charge 17,500.00 and clearly I'm not going to pay that much. Instead, I left without even seeing the Dr, called the OCC and scheduled a surgery date of March 9th as a self pay. I'm disappointed but sick and tired of waiting! Tickets to SanDiego are only 240.00 round trip! So - no more waiting, life starts now! :frown: So, I'm definitely going to be a luuuuuuky Loooosaaaa! woo hoo!

Luv - How exciting about Costa Rica!! And you had to have an un fill? I hope all is ok! I think I will end up with a tummy tuck and boob lift after I'm done too. My mom had a tummy tuck this after having new boobs after reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy due to breast cancer. She looks awesome but she's always been slim and beautiful - I don't think she needed it - but she did and that's all that matters. My mom and both sisters are both slim and beautiful - they are wonderful and have never ever said anything whatsoever about my weight. It will be nice when I am slim and look like I'm actually related to them! LOL. I'm the only one in my family who is overweight. Even in my own family - dh is slim and handsome, kids normal. I just want to be normal too - and I will be! One time, my son who is 7 said to me "Mom? what aren't you straight like me and Dad?" I asked "what do you mean? straight?" He gestured with his hands starting at his chest and slid his hands 'straight' down to his stomach - and said "you know, straight!?" I laughed and said - well that's thanks to you and your sister that my tummy isn't "straight" like yours and Dads! To which he promptly retorted "but aunt shelly and aunt marcie are straight and they had kids!" LOL - he got me there! I'm looking forward to being "straight" someday even if that means I get a tummy tuck to make that happen! LOL! I can't wait to hear about Costa Rica and when you might be considering doing it. Something for you to look forward to! And I'm SMILING! :thumbdown: Thanks to you!

Thanks HarleyNana! I'm wishing I was going to Dr. T on your side now! Thanks for the advice on the fills. I would use my Dr at the Wellness center if I have to end up doing a self pay. I am so comfortable with her and trust her immensely. I inquired at Dr. Ortiz, and they sent me infomation about Mexico (I'm still unsure) and they quoted a price of $7300. I checked & flights right now to SanDiego are about 230.00 with tax and fees through USAir. I'm going to see my sister in CA Mar 14-17 (going with my sister and my mom) just to spend a long weekend in Santa Monica and we got tickets for the same price (230.00) which is fantastic. We're trying now to get tickets to the Ellen Degenes show, I'd also like to go see Jimmy Kimmel live or a game show. How fun! Best part is we're all going without kids or husbands! woo hoo! Thanks again! I'll be glad when this roller coaster is over and I can proceed down one path or another and set a date. My goal is March or bust (ha! literally! hee hee) I appreciate everyone's care and recommendations - and also sharing your experiences. I'm listening and learning - thank you! PS - I changed my user name from rhc to LifeStartsNow - because that's how I feel. I'll be 40 in six months and I'm ready to do what it takes to get my act together, lose this weight, and start living life the way I really always wanted to. I hold myself back from so many things because of my weight. I don't want to do that anymore.....

kcmagu - that's some exotic food! wow! I wish I liked papaya! and pineapple coconut pancakes? wow and yum! last what is mong chong? I've never heard of that!

wow -what a wonderful sounding recipe. I'm going to try your recipe! What is rotel? And is there any other spice added besides the hidden valley ranch powder? Like taco seasoning or anything? I'm a big avocado fan - so adding the avocado sealed it for me! I think I'll add some fresh cilantro too. thanks for sharing the recipe!

Has anyone ever tried Cytomax protien drink? 40g protien, no carbs, no sugar. I've tried cytomax drinks before in a half marathon I did and liked the taste -but I've never tried the protien drink and wondered if anyone liked them? Here's a link: iBariatric.com - Cytomax Protein Pure Performance Drink copy and pasted the info from that site: Cytomax Protein Pure Performance Drink contains whey protein isolates, protein in nature’s most pure and complete form. Each bottle is packed with 40 grams of protein, and 0 Grams of Carbs and 0 Grams of Sugar. Perfect for anyone on the go. Cytosport has a very clean taste. It is not thick at all, and has 3 great flavors. Cytosport's flavors are Watermelon, Tropical, and Tangerine. Try this extremely refreshing RTD Protein. Sold by the case. 12, 20oz bottles per case. Nutrition: Serving Size 1 bottle, Servings Per Container 1, Calories 160, Total Fat 0, Sodium 85mg, Potassium 180mg, Total Carbohydrate 0g, Sugars 0g, Protein 40g, Calcium 250mg Other Ingredients: Purified Water, Citric Acid, Sucralose (a non-nutritive sweetener), FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Red #40, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Phosphoric Acid, Ion Exchange Whey (milk) Protein Isolate

Love2: you are so sweet and thoughtful! :wub:Thank you so much for asking b/c I was really down and you asking makes me feel great. thank you for that - you have no idea how much that means to me. In short, it didn't go well at all. I showed up 30 min early for my appt and they told me I had to complete a lot of paperwork BEFORE the appt. I had not and didn't realize I should have done that at home (my own fault). So they said I had to reschedule my appointment to Feb 13th because the Dr. couldn't wait for me because he had a schedule to keep. I respect the importance that the dr keep an on time schedule but that was a little ridiculous imo. I could tell the receptionist at the front desk agreed with me by her facial expression and being overly nice with me. It was the office mgr who was making the statements. Anyway, I was determined to prove a point and I completed the paperwork in about 7 minutes. :cursing: So I was done by my appointment time. I asked to leave the paperwork there and the receptionist was again overly gracious and I could tell she disagreed with what her boss was saying. And picture all he documentation I had brought with me to be prepared. I even had a table of contents attached to all the medical records I had brought with me! I was a bit ticked off at first. And I'm a little embarassed to say I was frustrated and trying not to break into tears as I went down the elevator and got to my car. Once I got to my car, I drove home with tears streaming down my cheek and I thought to myself how silly I must look driving down the interstate like that! :cry_smile:LOL. I thought there must be plenty of people at that hospital crying real tears for reasons more serious than my disappointment. But I just couldn't stop myself. I felt like my only chance to have this happen had just been taken away and I was sad and frustraed about that. I almost cancelled a standing appoint the following day with a Wellness center I've been attending for my weight loss efforts for years simply bc I was just down. I didn't end up canceling and my Dr there asked how the appt went. She had sugg lap band to me in the first place. I told her it was postponed and she mentioned that she and her sister who is an anesthesiologist in CA had traveled to Dr. Ortiz' office in Mexico. She stated that she does fills for other patients of theirs who have had surgery done in other places or in Mexico. I coudln't believe it! I had no idea she did this! I have so much respect for her and for her to tell me she and her sister were impressed of the facility - I suddenly felt hopeful again! I decided right then that if I don't get this done through my insurance b/c this local dr's office is dragging their feet - then I'll possibly explore Dr. Ortiz. I'm simply not going to pay 17500! So, sorry for the long rant - but thanks again for caring enough to ask! So how are you doing?

Congrats to you Ashley! Welcome and I'm very excited for you! I don't have a date and my appointment with the surgeon was pushed back from Feb 5th to the 13th. That likely means this process of getting approved/surg date before my insurance changes won't happen so I'm settled that I will go to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico as an alternative. I was really depressed this past Thu I've been going to for years on Fri after learning my appt with the surgeon was moved. I had a standing appointment on Fri with the Wellness center who suggested lapband in the first place. The Dr I see there is so kind, intelligent, and I respect her greatly. She asked how my appt went, I explained, and she informed me that she does fills in her office. I had no idea. She stated that she and her sister who is also a dr (an anesthesiologist) went to Dr. Ortiz' clinic and was very impressed. She states a number of her patients have been to Mexico to have the procedure done and she thought Dr. Ortiz' facility was well run and very safe. So my hope was renewed and my sadness lifted! Even if this local surgeons office is dragging their feet - which means that I likely won't get surgery scheduled by the 31st of March, I'm going to have it done anyway and am going to explore my options seriously in Mexico. So I'm going to make SURE that I'm going to be a Marcher! :cursing:

Jodi - I read your post and it just makes me excited to think that could happen to me. I weigh what you USED to weigh. I haven't worn size 8 since high school - 20 years go. That makes me feel old to type that! LOL. I just can't imagine what that feels like. thanks for letting me live that vicariously through you. LOL. Congrats to you and the rest of you who have accompllished so much! you should enjoy every singe second of it!