scoobydoo

Okay, I am gonna get some of that chocolate truffle kind and try it. I am also having a heck of a time finding a shake that I can live with for at least 6 weeks! I did try a brand called Worldwide and the chocolate was tolerable, but not something I would say is "good". Thanks, Jen, for the recommendation. I am going to try it.

Hope you are hanging in there! My son and I have the sneezes and sniffles right now, but I am on Zicam and hoping that works! The doctors office said as long as I have no fever and it doesn't settle in my chest, all should be okay for surgery. (fingers crossed) Have you caught it yet? Hope you are doing well and sure wish we could run off to that healthy hotel you spoke of. I would SO be there!! lol

Heather, you DO deserve kudos in my book. Your ticker says you have managed to lose 15 pounds, right? Take a look at mine...I have lost nothing! My doc doesn't require a pre-op diet, so I have been eating pretty poorly too...Had a steak last night. Won't do that again since I am sure red meat is the worst! But it is really hard not to eat stuff for the "last time". I think the main thing to concentrate on is that our surgery is in 6 days away and we need to make those 6 days count. Even if you had a bad night last night, just do better today and it will be okay. I know that the band will definitely help me adjust my eating behaviors. I cannot wait for the day to get here. Now if I can conquer this cold! I got the Zicam fast dissolve strips and hope they are making a difference...I am sneezing today and have watery eyes, but not a lot worse. How are you feeling today? Just don't beat yourself up too much. This is not easy. If it were, we wouldn't be where we are. Hang in there! Hope you feel better too:smile:

Hi Heather, I got some zicam last night and hope that will helo me...hey I have 6 days to get better! I am gonna try like heck to keep from sharing this cold my family seems to have. My son is doing okay, just a small cough and no fever today. Good job on your pre op diet! I am not required to be on one, but trying to watch what I eat and trying different Protein shakes to see what I like. It does seem like it is taking forever, that is another reason I don;t wanna reschedule this! I feel like I have been waiting forever already!:thumbup: Hang in there and keep up the good work. We are almost there now!

I totally understand about the coffee... I can taste the difference between regular and decaf! I am still drinking my coffee and trying to wean myself off as best I can. The diet soda was not as big of a deal as I thought.I thought I would die without my diet Pepsi..I just stopped buying it and haven't missed it like I thought I would. Coffee, on the other hand, has been a challenge. I only drink one or two cups in the mornings, but I am gonna miss it. The taste the smell, everything....:sad: I imagine I am gonna have a headache when I can't drink it anymore.

Ok, so now I am worried since my 2 year old woke with a fever this morning and a cough. My older daughter is also sneezing, coughing and has a sore throat. I am scheduled for next week! YIKES...Guess there is not much I can do, but hope for the best. I feel okay right now, but keep thinking I have a tickle in my throat...probably in my head, lol. Keep fingers crossed for me! I really don't want to re-schedule this surgery!:glare:

Lingling, So funny! What does it feel like to eat now as compared to before the band? Do you get full right away? And what the heck is a pub quiz? Just curious...

Hi Myturn, That actually sounds like a pretty decent deal since everything for a year is included. Does it include your hospital costs or stay? Mine is covered by my insurance (BS of CA) but I still have to pay $2800 out of pocket to cover my part of the hospital. Also paid $200 for the psych eval. and $350 to the doc's office to cover my co-pay. My fills will cost an additional $150 each time after the first one since Blue Shield only covers 1 every 6 mos. How are you doing on your pre-op diet? Or do you have one? I am a little worried since my 2 year old is coming down with a cold now and surgery is a week away now...YIKES. I don't wanna get sick!!:glare:

Paige, thanks for the tips! The pineapple and coconut with the vanilla sound great...can't wait to try it. Also a heads up on GNC. I went there today and left with one of those huge 3 pound containers of chocolate Isopure. The clerk said that you have 30 days to try something and then bring it back with your receipt if you don't like it and get your money back! :mad: So, I figured since there were no small sample sizes to try, I will just try it and take it back if I don't like it. I didn't think they'd do that with something that big that has been opened. I also got a couple other pre-made shakes to try. One was called Worldwide and is low carb and 35 g protein. I will let you know what they taste like. :smile: BG, the Costco protein drink had 5g for carbs. I have a case of them, so I will probably drink them eventually, but like I said, the taste is not so great. At least they are in a cardboard container so there is no tinny taste. Glad to hear the Atkins drinks are good. What flavors have you tried? I want to find something other than chocolate if possible, just to have a bit of variety.

My doctor recommends taking the Flintstones chewable vitamins. Dosage for adults is 2 tablets per day. At least they taste good!

I bought some "Premier"High Protien shakes (chocolate) from costco, they are not that great, but they have 30g Protein in each one (11oz). They are not very sweet so I tried adding a spenda, but they still tasted yucky and have an aftertaste. :thumbdown: The high protein slim fast in chocolate was pretty decent. Very thick and creamy and no real aftertaste. I am gonna try the other suggestions I have heard. Thanks, JayTee for the SF/FF pudding idea. Sounds good. Has anyone tried the Atkins shakes? What about the Isopure? I am going to GNC today and will let you all know what else I try. It is getting closer and closer to the 16th and I am getting excited. Just wanna get it over with and start living with my band. I never thought I would feel this way, but I am sort of happy that this has been a longer process instead of short one. It has given me time to think about everything and "mourn" over the loss of some of my favorite foods that I will no longer eat once banded. I have also come to terms with the idea of "lifestyle" change and not a quick fix...It has been very good to have this time to not only prepare mentally but to prepare in the sense of making lists and planning what to do "after".

Hi Nanci, How long have you been banded and who did your surgery? We are definitely neighbors since I am in Auburn. I'd love to hear more about your band experience.:smile2:

Hi Delacruz, Hope all goes well for you. I have read some really good things about some doctors across the border. As long as you did your research and feel comfortable about where you are going, I am sure you will do fine. If you don't mind me asking, what is the difference in cost? I am lucky my insurance is covering this, but I know that if they didn't I would have gone to Mexico too. Best of luck to you! Keep in touch!:smile:

Hi everyone, I found a suggested packing list in the book "WLS for Dummies"... and then sort of made my own from that: 1. A pillow from home for the hospital and for using on your ride home from the hospital. 2. Your Journal, so you can record your experience and look back on what you went through and how far you've come. 3. Comfy loose-fitting clothes for the trip home. 4. Lip Balm 5. Camera: If you want a photo record (not sure if I am doing this or not) 6. Toiletry Items: Tootbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, brush, etc. 7. Robe for walking halls 8. Insurance Card 9.Slippers with non-skid soles 10. Any meds that you take regularly, but ask dr. before taking. I haven't actually packed my bag yet, but have been thinking of it since it is definitely getting closer now. How are you guys doing? I have had a headache for 2 days now and hoping it is going away soon.

Thanks so much for all the tips from someone who has been there. I will start today to get my son climbing into his carseat and other things so that it is easier when the 16th comes!:welldoneclap:

I have a 2 year old...and he sleeps with us, so one of my concerns is him rolling into me or kicking me after the surgery. :scared2: I am having my 17 year old daughter help with picking him up for the 1st week after surgery. I guess I will just play it by ear, cause I know I am having the surgery no matter what. We will all get through it...but having little ones does make it tougher.

Knewme, Congrats and waht an inspirational post about the inner control you are already feeling. Keep posting your progress, as it really helps us who are still waiting. Thanks for making my day!!:scared2:

Hi everyone, I found a suggested packing list in the book "WLS for Dummies"... and then sort of made my own from that: 1. A pillow from home for the hospital and for using on your ride home from the hospital. 2. Your Journal, so you can record your experience and look back on what you went through and how far you've come. 3. Comfy loose-fitting clothes for the trip home. 4. Lip Balm 5. Camera: If you want a photo record (not sure if I am doing this or not):scared2: 6. Toiletry Items: Tootbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, brush, etc. 7. Robe for walking halls 8. Insurance Card 9.Slippers with non-skid soles 10. Any meds that you take regularly, but ask dr. before taking.

Hey Jen, I am sure that BG has a great broth recipe too, but here is how I do it. I just take a whole chicken and put it in a stock pot. Fill halfway to 3/4 with water. Add chopped onions, celery, carrots and some thyme. Simmer and cook for a few hours (2-3) or until the chicken is very tender and falling apart. Strain the broth and VOILA, chicken broth... For the mushy stage I am sure you can smoosh the carrots up and some of the chicken can be pureed. Thanks for the great suggestion on making and freezing it, BG! The easier it is to just thaw and heat, the better it will be! :smile2: How are you doing with the rest of your appts. Jen?

YAY! Lingling! You DID it! Sounds like you are doing well and came through with flying colors! I knew you would! Sorry to hear about the gas pains, but I think they are pretty typical. Please keep letting us know how you are. I loved reading about your hospital experience and knowing what it was like for you. Thanks and get some rest, you deserve it. Sissy, also happy to hear from you. I am really impressed that you aren't using much pain med and that you are not really hungry. What does it feel like when you drink something?? Does it hurt or just feel "different"? Does it feel different when the jello goes down compared to the liquid? Just curious. Take it easy and keep in touch.

Hi there... I am getting excited and nervous too...each passing day it is closer! Trying to make a list of stuff to go to the hospital with me. We have a wedding business and unfortunately things are scheduled WAY in advance, so my hubby will have to be at an event the night of surgery, but he will be there in the morning which is the important part! I am sure it will be fine for all of us. I am not required to have a pre op dier, but I am gonna just watch what I am eating.

Best of luck to you lingling!! I will be thinking of you. Let us know how you are as soon as you can!!:thumbdown:

I can totally relate to being scared to death! I am also scheduled for the 16th (hi, contemplating!) and I am starting to realize that it is really happening at last. I think it is such a long haul with all the tests and getting approved for the surgery, then when you finally have a date it all starts coming quicker and quicker and reality sets in. That's where I am now...It is feeling real. I think it is absolutely normal to freak out about what we are about to do. But like "contemplating" said, we have to just focus on the positives. Also know that others are being banded every day and there are sooo many happy bandsters out there who are thankful for their bands and wish they'd have done it sooner. I am trying to concentrate on making a list of stuff to do before the surgery and what to pack, etc. Each day I get more excited, nervous and freak out, but the overwhelming feeling is one of happiness and a sense of control that I am doing this for myself. :thumbdown:

Hi and congrats on your date! April 16th is also my date and a few others who are on the "April Bunny Bandster Master thread". Come on over there and we can all compare notes. I am scheduled for my pre op appt. tomorrow and will find out about the preop diet. I am getting really excited since it is now pretty close. I am also excited for all the other bunnies who are getting done in the next few days!

Nikki, Thanks so much for your post. It is great to hear from someone who has been there. Great to have such encouraging words! I am due to be banded on April 16th and I am hoping that it works for me. I just know that I will give it 110%. What a difference a year will make!!:thumbup: