Malaika

Backtonew - I have found a chicken tamale that is really good and digests very well - it is 230 cals., 19 g carbs, 14 g protein, 3.5 g sat. fat and 3 g fiber. I put a little 2% shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on it and it is quite filling -- generally I am not even able to eat it all - they are about 4 oz. Makes a great lunch or dinner.

I bought 2 different bottles of the Naked High Protein tonight at Von's - one is berry berry flavor and the other is Mango. When I got home, I noticed that a serving is 1/2 the bottle which is 220 calories, 16 gms protein, 35 gms carbs, 2 gms fat. So if you drink the entire bottle, that is 440 calories, 32 gms protein, 70 gms carbs and 4 gms of fat. To me, that is a lot. Plus they were like $3.99 a bottle. I think it is a better bet for ME to stick with protein I can chew that is lower in carbs.

Thanks Steve - I'll be watching this thread closely - always good to have some quick things to fall back on when nothing is planned for dinner! Thank you~!

You're doing great Norma and will be well prepared for the entire experience. I didn't use hypnosis, but then I have a very high pain threshold but found the pain minimal considering it was my first major surgery. As for massage - that's good for relaxation anytime!

LOL that would have been funny Attitude -- You can buy it pretty much anywhere - I know the grocery stores around here carry it - Sam's carries it too, but I don't think they have the Protein one with the purple lid. I don't know if GNC carries it or not. It's always in the refrigerated section, not on the shelves.

Hi Katydid and welcome to the VST family. I am sorry for all the problems you have had from the band. I also understand the circle of depression -- I went through that for many years. Keep in mind that the more weight you gain, the more weight you will have to lose when you are finally able to have your sleeve -- try and maintain the weight you're at now, even though it's not where you want to be - or even try losing some if that's possible. You want to be in the best shape you can be in for your surgery in January, which is RIGHT around the corner when you think about it - so set small goals for yourself everyday - and only talk POSITIVE... NO NEGATIVE THOUGHTS/SPOKEN WORDS allowed. You are not a failure -- tell yourself I CAN DO THIS - I WILL DO THIS ... POSTIVE AFFIRMATIONS WORK! Stay positive, hang with us here for reinforcement and support, and January will be here before you know it!

Her last post was 9/16/09 and she was still in the hospital ... I haven't heard anything since. I hope, too, that she is okay - let's pray she posts soon.

Kirasoma, Thank you for sharing your story, I am sure it was difficult to do so. I am sorry things turned out the way they did; however, I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and that the timing obviously wasn't right - also, maybe you don't need the r-n-y and the sleeve is the right tool for you. I also believe that if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Keep us posted on your progress and we will all be here pulling and praying for you.

OMG Thin - did she ask why you were laughing (once you finally quit)? That's crazy -- even my doctor who probably weights 100 lbs dripping wet was supportive.

You don't have to have any tests performed before you go and see Dr. Aceves - all your tests will be performed in Mexicali at Almater Hospital and are included in the Dr. Aceves' price. As Susan said, he'll review your information and determine which tests you need -- standard tests are chest x-ray, ekg, urinalysis and blood work. If more is needed, he'll order that as well. You have your tests the day before surgery, spend the night at a nice resort, then back to the hospital the following morning. It's all quite nice and well planned.

It makes perfect sense to me Chancie - you've lost a lot of weight and sizes, so there was nothing wrong with taking a "break". Now you're ready to get going again. You've all inspired me to start tracking as well, so now I have to find someplace I can track at work as easily as at home -- which program do you think is the easiest and best? Thanks!

Thanks for the compliments Shanda and Attitude - I felt pretty good Saturday night when I saw the pics!

Thank you Thin, it's the first time I've actually been able to see the loss for myself ... and can't even imagine what I'll look like when I reach goal - another 53 lbs. I'm excited to find out though that's for sure!

Itstime - welcome to VST. Thank you for sharing your story. As far as telling your PCP that you had your surgery in Mexico, it's not really any of her business -- and as long as she'll continue to treat you, telling her after the fact is no big deal. Heck I wouldn't even tell her if she doesn't ask - and if she does and asks why - then tell her Dr. Aceves had performed more surgeries than the local guy and you wanted one of the best - and be sure to let her know he is FACS. She'll probably be impressed with all the tests he performs and the reports and xrays, etc. he gives you before you leave the hospital.

You will make it through the clear liquids - those of us who have are proof -- it's not easy, but necessary -and you can do anything for a short period of time ... hang in there!

I haven't been good at tracking what I eat at all - I should as I think I'm with Chancie in that I'm at a stall and going on week 2-- so maybe if I start tracking it I'll see where I'm going wrong and start losing again.

Carlouv - welcome to VST, we're glad we're able to help you out and will be here after your surgery to help you with any questions you may have. If you check out the thread "Dr. Aceves Information" there is a post of a list of things recommended to bring with you - that added to Stoongal's list, and of course the beloved HEATING PAD, will probably give you as a complete list as possible.

I love the Naked drinks - I'll look for the protein one. Thanks!

You are still in the baby stage Lan - down the road you will be able to eat more - I can probably eat about 3-4 oz. now at 4.5 months out - and that varies from meal to meal. Have patience and QUIT worrying - worrying is not good for you - especially when there's nothing you can do about it - it's just wasted energy - focus on the positives - and as long as you get in your fluids and some Proteins, I wouldn't worry about it - I know for a fact that I wasn't getting in my protein at 1 month out - and there's probably days now when I don't get it in either - if I'm more restricted than on other days.

DeeDee -- great victories - 179 - wow that's awsesome - I haven't see that in I can't even remember when -- right now I'm struggling to get to onederland, but I know I'll be doing cartwheels (which I can't do) when I get to the 170s -- congratulations!!!! YOU WILL MAKE IT!

Backtonew - Welcome to VST -and congratulations on having had your surgery. I'm not able to drink the protein drinks since surgery - if you like cottage cheese, it has a lot of protein. Also there is a ricotta bake recipe posted on here that has quite a bit of protein and is really good. Also I posted a recipe for egg drop soup that is really easy and tasty. I'm sure others will have lots of ideas for you too.

How many carbs per serving Lan?

It will get better with time ... I know your frustrations with having so much and then being able to eat so little .... even though Bearded and I both had the surgery and eat about the same amount, we still have lots of leftovers. I have a seal-a-meal which I use to keep the leftovers fresh, plus I freeze alot and since Bearded works out of the house, he'll oftentimes eat the leftovers the next day for lunch. Hang in there each week it's gets easier. I promise!

XBander - congratulations on your surgery -how exciting (and yes, nerve wracking too). It's a little too late for the pre-op diet - other than you shouldn't eat or drink 12 hours before your surgery. Post-op I am sure your doctor will provide you with a post-op diet; if not, the one that Dr Aceves uses is pretty good. Most importantly - walk, walk, walk and sip, sip, sip. Don't lift anything over 15 lbs. for 6 weeks. Oh yes, and post as soon as you feel up to it to share your story!

Hi Anna- Welcome to the "family." I did a pre-op diet for 10 days before surgery - it wasn't bad at all - high protein/low carb. You'll do fine with it and it won't hurt anything - it makes your liver less slimy and easier to move out of the way, in addition to shrinking it if needed. Thin - you got it - all the control is in your hands right up until the surgeon determines whether he can do the surgery or not. I'd suggest doing the pre-op diet, but that's only my suggestion. You can still be not grouchy and do the pre-op -- you just make the choice and think positive that you'll do the pre-op and that you WON'T be grouchy -- keep your ulitmate goal in site - BEING HEALTHY AND THIN