NYSparklegirl

Karen, May you be comforted with prayers and friends at this time. Im so sorry for your loss. Hugs and kisses to you and your whole family.

Hi all...just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello. Ive been spending all week getting ready for my surgery on Tuesday! yea, thanks for all the posts remembering and having me in their thoughts much appreciated.

Im pretty well prepared I guess...have everything I need...I guess. Have all the nec. arrangements..I guess. and by this time....well if I dont .....too bad...I guess....lol

As my daughter was at my moms this shabbos....it gave me some time to get me ready for surgery...after all Ive spent last two weeks making sure the daughter, the house and the bills paid..and the will reviewed, the pre/post diet ready and what is left was.....

time for "me" to get ready....

meaning who wants to operate on a hairy woman?? sooo I had the works done. lol

Waxing, Waxing and Waxing! Legs, bikini, underarms, eyebrows, lip and chin. lol

Hair....highlited and cut and mani/pedi

I spent a fortune!!!! and god is going strike me soon as I did all this on shabbat. but.,,,I really couldnt see doing it any other time...I think hel understand. I rested while it was all being done?? (jewish guilt 101)

Preop testing was complete and med clearance....done!

And guess what??? NOO BLOOD GAS!!!!

They were like wha??? Blood GAS...no not here!

The lab work and that was all good...and then the patient education class was really helpful

This class. was a three hour class explaining every step of the hospital process..from the pre-op to when you leave.....without leaving a detail out.

From what would happen, how we would feel etc etc etc.

VERY HELPFUL...not scared any longer. (well a little less)

Good to know that ill have a morphine drip..self innitiated for 28 hours if needed. lol

In any case....just wanted to give an update...its been a while..but been sooo busy.

Hope everyone is well and doing good....

Have a good night and good weekend!

Stevie...I hope that your husband will surpise you then by having the house cleaned? lol Glad you had a great day regardless.

Yes...March here we are....good luck on Tuesday all you March 2nd Bandsters!!

FindingMe....thats great that your daughter made the team and good luck on the preop diet!

Welcome "IwillSucceed" keep us posted and good luck!!

Okay.....so the weekend is over....for me anyways...tomorrow there is a carnival all day at school but I dont have to be there yea!!

Today..was actually alot of fun. We ran around giving and receiving but I have to say....the choc covered friut...the bestest idea...lol. Everyone loved it. Im glad...

The partys and dinner was really nice....and it just so happened that at dinner.....at our table...which was a family and Dassi and myself.....sat down this man.....who was single and good looking and well...I guess my age range...and he was very nice!!! Unfortunately he left before the end of the dinner....but it was nice to meet someone new for a change...Im just wondering why that happened is this a sign...to say...you know...your on your way to a new you....maybe its time to start socializing and meeting some new people. Who knows.

In any case..I have a new question. Shooting it out hoping someone can tell me the diff and if there is any or not!!! lol

Ive been researching the Protein Shakes, drinks, shots and powders oh and isolates.

Stevie...Ive checked out the site that you suggested and there were several others that sounded really good.

There are several different types of protein...however on most of the sites that Ive veiwed they offer "WHEY" Protein.

I remembered that when my daughter was a baby..the sensory O.T recommended that we give her "RICE" protein.

so....when looking at the differences...I find that there are several different sources. "WHEY" from Dairy...."SOY" vegetarian, "EGG", and "RICE". "Whey being the most popular and should not be in concentrate.

SO...

Question one....is the recommended popular...being "WHEY" because its the most easily digested?

Question two....does it matter whether its "WHEY" or "RICE" as "RICE" seems to me the best second choice as to quality and nutritionally and most available....Ive never seen "egg" and "SOY" seems problamatic these days as far as genetically engeneered seeds and the Increase on hormones causing poss cancer in woman.

So was wondering what the difference is and does it make a difference and why??

Do I really need this....does everyone supplement with all the above...and what about the Vitamins? ? Ive been looking at the differences between the vitamins that I have...which are high quality so I think...and the vitamins from all these sites...do they really make a difference and if I dont use the brands for bariatric patients...will I really loose my hair? ? etc etc?

oy......Im stuck on the "Stuff" I see....but want to be as prepared as possible for after surgery. I dont want to go out and start looking and researching after the fact...not a good thing...Also as I wont be able to send someone out to go and do this for me...except me...so might as well do it this week.

Its funny....my freinds..are concerned with my preperation of me....before surgery as I might never again be able to go out.;....lol like making sure to get a hair cut, manicure/pedicure, haircut, waxing done....highlights//etc etc and im like whattt?????? do you think I care about all the above?? who is going to see me???? I cant just shave??? whats wrong with my hair? I cant have nail polish. I have enough PJs and they will be clean.

Im thinking...of foods for me....and food prep for Dassi and setting up the cleaning girl, the dog walker, who is going to take Dassi to the bus off the bus and to all her activities and help her do homework? all the above?? Did I ever have time for those luxuries ever???? lol

Im allready thinking I best start going shopping for passover. I dont even have time to shower for more then 10 min. at a time...I think..maybe Ill allow myself a few more min for a quick shave....the night before and Ill be READY!

well....okay enough....its late and tomorrow is another day for preperation.

Thanks so much for all of your input and responses....I truly believe its because of you all....that I will be prepared...and not worried and...in the end successful.

Of course you all might need prozac at the end of the next two weeks but....I thank you in advance...(silly me)

Have a great night all.. and a wonderful week!!!

Jodi

crzytchr; You are a saint.

I would have said...uh no. no no no.

Yes, It is so stressful for the whole class to get a new student at any time no matter what their individual concerns might be. It disrupts the whole routine of the day and the environment of the classroom itself...until everyone adjusts its stressfull for students and teachers!

You seem to be doing all that you can given the situation and are fully aware of the difficulties for all invovled this..in itself is a gift. Sometimes I see teachers...havent got a clue as to what is going on in their classrooms, with themselves, the students and the environment that is created by both. Each child ads a different dynamic and to have a new child in March?? wow thats got to be tough...and a child who is emotionally challenged well...that is even tougher on Autistic children esp...as it is hard for them to navigate through any environment ..and this being a so called emotionally insecure child sets them off in ways that are uninmanigable and soo unmanagaeble, so unfair for you and your partner teacher.

This is why I dont work in the classroom anymore...you know what they say....those who cant teach direct? thats me..and proud of it...have done my 15 yrs with both emotionally disturbed and autistic population. Burned out after 10. So, I dont know how you do it!!! Hugs and kisses...and lots of support> I hope they give you lots of support and frequent breaks to regroup through the day.

I used to go into the sensory gym to decompress. lol I needed that input as well after a few hours.

um...if all else fails theres always prozac...lol that is a standard joke amongst NY special ed teachers. When I thought seriously about the possibility ...I knew it was time to get out the classroom.

What really urks me is the "inclusion" class. How it has become a dumping ground in some casses....where as in what youve described...no where else left to put a child...and so you have a class with all different classifications grouped together.

It takes a very special teacher and human being to be able to handle the emotional stress and the management of such special needs of these special needs students. You must be one of these special ones!!!! Take pride in what you do and know that you are making a difference in the lives of a child. you so deserve it.

Good luck with all your students...and hopefully one day this boy will come back and say....because of you I became.........someone who believed I can be and do whatever it is I wanted and I did both!

Jodi

Hi Ladies.

I've been bumming around shopping today. Besides that not much, laundry night.

Eva, yes my DD is in Phoenix as of yeasterday. She said is was raining today and overcast. She had to go meet her mentor today and then I'm not sure what else. I think the high light for the kids last night was that they found the brewery. Oh to be young again.

If Jody, Jewel, Judy or anyone is interested I have a full unopened can of Beneprotein powder that you can have. I bought two back in my first days and did not even finish the first one. Any takers pm me and I'll send it to you.

Oh well it's back to work tomorrow.

Take care, Laura K

well...that would be great however...I need to have an OU on it. Im looking at all the different ones now..and gosh..hardly anyone has...lol what a pain..worse comes to worse...Ill have my own blender. Havent heard of Benprotein as of yet. Let me know if it does...have that symbol. Thanks....

Hey gang....trying to catch up on posts here.

Jodi, as for sushi (you posted this 2-25)...I eat sushi at least once a week....I eat everything including the squid and ocotopus which is very chewy. I just chew a lot. If you ever get to Tucson, I'll take you to a fabulous little sushi bar. The chef is very picky about his food and I think you'll love it. I've also had the quail egg and salmon roe sushi. I love the quail egg, but not so much the salmon roe...but I'll eat it to. Have to keep your options and horizons open. Now do you think a 10 year old will ever be happy with everything? At least she has friends and family to share her holidays with and a loving mother that takes really good care of her. I just strained my chicken and beef broth through a strainer and it was clear enough. I made both ahead of time and froze in portion sized zip locks so I could heat up just what I needed. I really like my own broth better than any I've ever bought.

Eva.....yes, I have been tasting the broths from the containers....and yuch. Even the Organic ones really are nasty. Making the own is best. Im glad you told me about the straining ....as I just cannnot fathom clearing Soup with egg whites and shells. lol but have been really obsessing over this for the past two days....just ended up doing as you had and the end of it. lol

As far as the Sushi goes....oh yes...You and I would get along fabulously. Lol If ever I make it out your way....we are going....im salivating allready!! NY had a dime or dozen sushi places but only a few really places to talk about...NOBU being one...and if you can get a reservation....youd be lucky. If you come to NY or anyone else..let me know...Ill make those reservations real early!!

As far as the ten year old being happy....all I have to say..is please g-d. lol

Julie, nice pictures!!

Jessica, sorry about your son after such a great day....cant ya just count on the times that end like that....just is so unfair!

I hope he feels better...I never heard of croup in older kids until my daughter got it as well....and was like wahh?? but, they do as well. Dont feel bad or guilty...you could not have possibly known he was going to get sick...he probably was allready with it...and you wouldnt have known...and even if you suspected something...as you thought it was asthma well you know that can happen at a pins notice anywheres.

It must have been scary however so....you both can probably use a good rest up now.....

Okay.....so the weekend is over....for me anyways...tomorrow there is a carnival all day at school but I dont have to be there yea!!

Today..was actually alot of fun. We ran around giving and receiving but I have to say....the choc covered friut...the bestest idea...lol. Everyone loved it. Im glad...

The partys and dinner was really nice....and it just so happened that at dinner.....at our table...which was a family and Dassi and myself.....sat down this man.....who was single and good looking and well...I guess my age range...and he was very nice!!! Unfortunately he left before the end of the dinner....but it was nice to meet someone new for a change...Im just wondering why that happened is this a sign...to say...you know...your on your way to a new you....maybe its time to start socializing and meeting some new people. Who knows.

In any case..I have a new question. Shooting it out hoping someone can tell me the diff and if there is any or not!!! lol

Ive been researching the Protein Shakes, drinks, shots and powders oh and isolates.

There are several different types of protein...however on most of the sites that Ive veiwed they offer "WHEY" Protein.

I remembered that when my daughter was a baby..the sensory O.T recommended that we give her "RICE" protein.

so....when looking at the differences...I find that there are several different sources. "WHEY" from Dairy...."SOY" vegetarian, "EGG", and "RICE". "Whey being the most popular and should not be in concentrate.

SO...

Question one....is the recommended popular...being "WHEY" because its the most easily digested?

Question two....does it matter whether its "WHEY" or "RICE" as "RICE" seems to me the best second choice as to quality and nutritionally and most available....Ive never seen "egg" and "SOY" seems problamatic these days as far as genetically engeneered seeds and the Increase on hormones causing poss cancer in woman.

So was wondering what the difference is and does it make a difference and why??

Do I really need this....does everyone supplement with all the above...and what about the Vitamins? ? Ive been looking at the differences between the vitamins that I have...which are high quality so I think...and the vitamins from all these sites...do they really make a difference and if I dont use the brands for bariatric patients...will I really loose my hair? ? etc etc?

oy......Im stuck on the "Stuff" I see....but want to be as prepared as possible for after surgery. I dont want to go out and start looking and researching after the fact...not a good thing...Also as I wont be able to send someone out to go and do this for me...except me...so might as well do it this week.

Its funny....my freinds..are concerned with my preperation of me....before surgery as I might never again be able to go out.;....lol like making sure to get a hair cut, manicure/pedicure, haircut, waxing done....highlights//etc etc and im like whattt?????? do you think I care about all the above?? who is going to see me???? I cant just shave??? whats wrong with my hair? I cant have nail polish. I have enough PJs and they will be clean.

Im thinking...of foods for me....and food prep for Dassi and setting up the cleaning girl, the dog walker, who is going to take Dassi to the bus off the bus and to all her activities and help her do homework? all the above?? Did I ever have time for those luxuries ever???? lol

Im allready thinking I best start going shopping for passover. I dont even have time to shower for more then 10 min. at a time...I think..maybe Ill allow myself a few more min for a quick shave....the night before and Ill be READY!

well....okay enough....its late and tomorrow is another day for preperation.

Thanks so much for all of your input and responses....I truly believe its because of you all....that I will be prepared...and not worried and...in the end successful.

Of course you all might need prozac at the end of the next two weeks but....I thank you in advance...(silly me)

Have a great night all.. and a wonderful week!!!

Jodi

Hi all.....Hi Megg..Welcome to the thread...Keep us posted with your journey...Good Luck....

Well.....its been an interesting weekend all.....Been reading and reserching all the information that you all have given me and well.....Ive learned some more things.

I decided yesturday to make chicken Soup for shabbat dinner.....but made a big vat with lots of vegggies and chicken..after we ate about two bowls each lol took out all the veggies and the chicken seperately...after shabbat blended them each seperately...put them in a freezer snack bags and Im ready for blended foods stage ala chicken and veggies. I blended some together to have Protein as well in each.

As for the Soup...that proved to be slightely harder! lol

I needed to cool it down...then I skimmed it tonight....but its not clear....sooo want to clear it so Ill have to do that tomorrow as I never cleared a soup before...however my "Settlement cookbook" tells you exactly how to do this!!

Whod have thought that an egg shell can do all this!

This week I will make a beef and vegetable broth the same way as above so I will be set with at least liquids for the first week.

Monday I will go to the Health food market and Trader Joes..to check out the Protein powders, drinks, and shakes...and compare to the sites that you also have all suggested and get a few diff samples and see which I like best....fun...lol.

Meanwhile...the marathon holiday weekend will be continuing.....Today we went to synaguage...havent really gone for the longest time due to the inclement weather lol..(I sound like the school closing site....due to inclement weather school will be closed today. Ive heard that one to many times this year.....but I digress). anyways...havent gone as the weather every sat....was so bad and we have to walk.

Today....wasnt too bad and its one of those days where we are recquired to hear the torah reading for the week...there are three such saturdays in the year...two are in winter...why??? I ask??? why??? of course If I lived elsewhere and it was middle of summer id ask the same.

After services....the youth group was having their yearly lunch with the Rabbi and his wife..and the youth leaders. This is where they tell stories, sing and eat. So..we had to go to services regardless as she very much wanted to go to this lunch with her friends....so yea..me I got to sleep for an hour and read for an hour?? wow that was nice.

Needed it as after I had to pick her up and found the after party was at our house....hmmgrh.

so much for resting. lol

Tonight was so much fun...it is Purim....that holiday for kids. and so Dassi and I...as I will always be a kid....dressed up...she as Medussa...and me...well I put on a bandana, dungaree skirt and jacket....and a few beaded necklaces and wallah....60's costume for me....

We went to two parties and one carnival...after hearing the Story of Esther....that was fun.. all the kids are dressed up in their costumes...of course I thing Dassis was best..but im biased...of course.

Tommorrow,....we are going to a party at the Rabbi from my daughters school. That should be interesting. hmm. After we hear the story of Esther for the second time..not really sure why we need to hear it twice.. but we do and then....after its party time where we go to the Rabbi...and then deliver our edible arrangements...treats and then we will go to dinner at one of the big synaguages....to eat a big meal...and Im calling it my last meal!

I hope I get through the day.....Allready my daughters complaining about her costume...the hem fell....the headress is hurting....the shoes are to tight...this ones better etc etc etc....by the end of the day...shel be in reg clothes...and ya know what?? who cares! As long as everyone is having fun.

So.....I must get some rest..its allready Two AM and need to wake early. Hah

Have a great weekend all

Jodi

Good evening all...hope you are all having a great day...It seems like everyone is busy this weekend....Hope everyone is well!

Laura, Glad to hear the party was a success for those who came...dont ya just hate those who dont come after RSVPing yes....you are too good..id have gone and called them right then and there..tracked them all down....and said...well we are waiting!!! Just plain rude. (things cost money today...not to mention our emotional expense) Glad you guys had a great time regardless!!! The pics were great..sounds to me like a perfect party.

Good luck with your parents tomorrow.

Jodi, wtg on the baby food, you'll be on regular foods before you know it.....

Hi Julie...I think that you meant this for Joyce....she is the one eating the baby food now.....Ill be eating it hopefully next week! lol so im passing this message on to her!!!

Glad to hear the babyshower was a success and you enjoyed.

Joyce....see above....message from Julie meant for you!!...Yes way to go!!!

Indigogirl...you have kept me so busy with all the information youve given....thank you thank you!!

Lori thank you thank you....much appreciated. Have a safe trip.

Well.....its been an interesting weekend all.....Been reading and reserching all the information that you all have given me and well.....Ive learned some more things.

I decided yesturday to make chicken Soup for shabbat dinner.....but made a big vat with lots of vegggies and chicken..after we ate about two bowls each lol took out all the veggies and the chicken seperately...after shabbat blended them each seperately...put them in a freezer snack bags and Im ready for blended foods stage ala chicken and veggies. I blended some together to have Protein as well in each.

As for the Soup...that proved to be slightely harder! lol

I needed to cool it down...then I skimmed it tonight....but its not clear....sooo want to clear it so Ill have to do that tomorrow as I never cleared a soup before...however my "Settlement cookbook" tells you exactly how to do this!!

Whod have thought that an egg shell can do all this!

This week I will make a beef and vegetable broth the same way as above so I will be set with at least liquids for the first week.

Monday I will go to the Health food market and Trader Joes..to check out the Protein powders, drinks, and shakes...and compare to the sites that you also have all suggested and get a few diff samples and see which I like best....fun...lol.

Meanwhile...the marathon holiday weekend will be continuing.....Today we went to synaguage...havent really gone for the longest time due to the inclement weather lol..(I sound like the school closing site....due to inclement weather school will be closed today. Ive heard that one to many times this year.....but I digress). anyways...havent gone as the weather every sat....was so bad and we have to walk.

Today....wasnt too bad and its one of those days where we are recquired to hear the torah reading for the week...there are three such saturdays in the year...two are in winter...why??? I ask??? why??? of course If I lived elsewhere and it was middle of summer id ask the same.

After services....the youth group was having their yearly lunch with the Rabbi and his wife..and the youth leaders. This is where they tell stories, sing and eat. So..we had to go to services regardless as she very much wanted to go to this lunch with her friends....so yea..me I got to sleep for an hour and read for an hour?? wow that was nice.

Needed it as after I had to pick her up and found the after party was at our house....hmmgrh.

so much for resting. lol

Tonight was so much fun...it is Purim....that holiday for kids. and so Dassi and I...as I will always be a kid....dressed up...she as Medussa...and me...well I put on a bandana, dungaree skirt and jacket....and a few beaded necklaces and wallah....60's costume for me....

We went to two parties and one carnival...after hearing the Story of Esther....that was fun.. all the kids are dressed up in their costumes...of course I thing Dassis was best..but im biased...of course.

Tommorrow,....we are going to a party at the Rabbi from my daughters school. That should be interesting. hmm. After we hear the story of Esther for the second time..not really sure why we need to hear it twice.. but we do and then....after its party time where we go to the Rabbi...and then deliver our edible arrangements...treats and then we will go to dinner at one of the big synaguages....to eat a big meal...and Im calling it my last meal!

I hope I get through the day.....Allready my daughters complaining about her costume...the hem fell....the headress is hurting....the shoes are to tight...this ones better etc etc etc....by the end of the day...shel be in reg clothes...and ya know what?? who cares! As long as everyone is having fun.

So.....I must get some rest..its allready Two AM and need to wake early. Hah

Have a great weekend all

Jodi

Hi. just wanted to touch base before the busy weekend.

Hi. CJPOI, Browneyes, and Countrychick... Welcome glad to see all the posts. Good luck and keep us posted with your journeys.

Whitney..so sorry to hear about your ankle that really sucks...but maybe by next week if you can stay off it ...it will get better.

Eileen. Hi. I also have a CPAP machine that I was given six weeks ago. I deal with it everynight as well. Its okay. Im learning to deal, not loving it but its part of this whole process so...im doing it all the way. I will have to bring my mask to the surgery as well...as it is overnight stay. At first I was really bummed out about it but now..well whatever...hopefully we will both not need it much longer after we have the surgery.

Stevie...im feeling soo old. lol I was trying to figure out what BC meant for the longest moment...then it hit me.

at 44 and no husband or bf at this time..I guess the doctors didnt even ask as I didnt list BC as a medication on the "what meds are you taking list"

Glad to see that there are people still having sex however...lol

The ring thingys...that totally lost on me...so wont even ask but I hope you guys get what you are looking for to keep the holes open during surgery.

I grew up in Bayside Queens. The girl Stevie that I heard of was my friend Karens.BFF when we were like 12. lol

I remembered it then and thought that...I would really like that if I ever have a girl for a child. Unfortunately my Husband at the time.....his mother passed away 8 months before my daughter was born..and well she was going to be a "Hadassah" whether I liked it or not...as that is what his mothers name was....Lucky I was able to make it short...to Dassi which was at least cute to me and tollerable...funny thing however...the name has grown and I love it as much as I love her.

Well have a great weekend all.... those on the east coast stay dry and warm!!!

Jodi

Hey guys. I found this post really helpful from Indigo girl in the support thread. Im reposting it for all to see...as she answered some questions about the post-diet.

Clear Liquids - just that - chick broth (home made is the best - so make a batch pre-surgery - freeze it) sf popsicles - juice low sugar - preferably sf - flavor sf Jello - and I am not sure what else - I didn't have to to clear liquids one I got home from the hospital

Full liquids include clear liquids and - cream Soups (again homemade the best - I would make a pot of Beans - scoop the beans out - pureed them added them back to the bean broth - cream of bean soup)- sf/low fat yogurt (dannon lite in fit or yoplia sf - or some greek yogurt flagu or something like that - i have never found it) - sf fudgesicles - Protein shakes- sf jello flavored not plain ;0) - sf puddings

Mushie/Pureed - Refried bean - oatmeal (weight control as it has more pt and less sugar) - cream of wheat - scrambled eggs - anything pureed - baby food ;0) - well baby food fruit is ok plum & peaches

Soft - anythng you can cut with a fork

Regular

There is a food thread on the home page which will give you ideas

My doc said 60 grms pt - 1 oz of meat = 7 grms of pt (rule of thumb 64 oz of liquid

Banders don't dump - that's bypass

Slime - when food gets stuck your body produces thick saliva to try and get food to go down - and it will bubble back up and come out your mouth..

PB - productive burp - when you get stuck - food doesn't go down - you will bring it back up - it's not like throwing up - no stomach acid - like a burp with food - but really it's a little more but not as bad as throwing up

Stuck feels like a golf ball in your chest/stomach - its uncomfortable - no it's not like a stomach virus at all for me once it comes up I am find

Protein - Bariatric Choice is a site where I get my protein supplements & Vitamins (LAP-BAND®) they sell Proti which is what my doc office sells - it's really a matter of personal taste and I don't know the diff between whey & soya or egg white (jay robb makes a good one like i said) to me it's all the same - but i'm not super technical on things like that..

They also have the clear Liquid Protein crystal lite drinks - I love the grape & peach mango - and tropical fruit..

When you go to your pre op visit your doc should cover all these things with you- I got a 3 ring binder with my diet for each stage and list of foods.

The rule is low fat - sugar free - high protein - limited carbs

eat slowly - chew very well and tiny bite (eraser size)

I basically follow a WW type eating plan - I can't do Atkins - I have to have some starches - and veggies and fruit - I consider all those things (veggie & fruit) as healthy.. when I say carbs - I really am refering to starches (white)

Ok that's a quick version - you other banders - please put your 2 cents in cuz it's be 2 yr 7months since I was banded - I forget things that I did in the beginning.

Oh ya - what I think is the most important - logging your food - counting calories & pt grams - ..

Well it's 10 - I gotta hit the hay - will chat w/you all in the a.m. before I leave

Jodi, SF=sugar free -- I wanted to respond quickly so you wouldn't have to worry about it all day! LOL. The only thing I'd like to add is that I use Papaya enzyme tablets for whenever I get the "stuck" feeling -- it seems to help dissolve the stucked food and get it to process through more quickly. I'm surprised your surgeon hasn't already given you all the food information (3 ring binder) -- Before my surgery, I had to attend a mandatory meeting with a dietician and also had to go to two classes with a trainer so we could learn about the importance of exercise. After surgery, I had to attend several more mandatory nutrition classes. I used Unjury - it's okay -- I liked the vanilla and/or unflavored so I could blend it with strawberries -- otherwise I didn't like the taste. I had to have two blood gas tests -- because it was required to be done a certain time period before surgery -- they did one and then I had a long illness so my surgery had to be postponed for over 6 months and I ended up having to have another one. It was tolerable, but to be honest, it's not the most pleasant experience. I would ask how many the technician has done and make sure you have someone experienced. This had something to do with the pulmonologist requiring it - I had sleep apnea at the time of surgery --- so that's probably what you need it for as well.

Jodi, forgot to mention that you made a really smart decision with your edible fruit choice -- I would love to get that as a gift from anyone -- what a great choice.

Too funny...I went shopping just before and as Im looking for things for next week...I see a whole section of food....that says....SUGAR FREE! I was otfl.

I wanted to post this as soon as returning so everyone wouldnt be running to post if they werent ready to post today just for that!! Thanks anyways for the fast response I saw it and just was like...was right!!!

as for the pulmonologist? he didnt say anything about a blood gas needing to be done...however perhaps on Thursday when I will have the pre-surgery and the patient education..I suppose this is where I will find this all out.

Ill let you all know...

Have a great weekend!

Jodi

Jodi

Clear Liquids - just that - chick broth (home made is the best - so make a batch pre-surgery - freeze it) sf popsicles - juice low sugar - preferably sf - flavor sf Jello - and I am not sure what else - I didn't have to to clear liquids one I got home from the hospital

Full liquids include clear liquids and - cream Soups (again homemade the best - I would make a pot of Beans - scoop the beans out - pureed them added them back to the bean broth - cream of bean soup)- sf/low fat yogurt (dannon lite in fit or yoplia sf - or some greek yogurt flagu or something like that - i have never found it) - sf fudgesicles - Protein shakes- sf jello flavored not plain ;0) - sf puddings

Mushie/Pureed - Refried bean - oatmeal (weight control as it has more pt and less sugar) - cream of wheat - scrambled eggs - anything pureed - baby food ;0) - well baby food fruit is ok plum & peaches

Soft - anythng you can cut with a fork

Regular

There is a food thread on the home page which will give you ideas

My doc said 60 grms pt - 1 oz of meat = 7 grms of pt (rule of thumb 64 oz of liquid

Banders don't dump - that's bypass

Slime - when food gets stuck your body produces thick saliva to try and get food to go down - and it will bubble back up and come out your mouth..

PB - productive burp - when you get stuck - food doesn't go down - you will bring it back up - it's not like throwing up - no stomach acid - like a burp with food - but really it's a little more but not as bad as throwing up

Stuck feels like a golf ball in your chest/stomach - its uncomfortable - no it's not like a stomach virus at all for me once it comes up I am find

Protein - Bariatric Choice is a site where I get my protein supplements & Vitamins (LAP-BAND®) they sell Proti which is what my doc office sells - it's really a matter of personal taste and I don't know the diff between whey & soya or egg white (jay robb makes a good one like i said) to me it's all the same - but i'm not super technical on things like that..

They also have the clear Liquid Protein crystal lite drinks - I love the grape & peach mango - and tropical fruit..

When you go to your pre op visit your doc should cover all these things with you- I got a 3 ring binder with my diet for each stage and list of foods.

The rule is low fat - sugar free - high protein - limited carbs

eat slowly - chew very well and tiny bite (eraser size)

I basically follow a WW type eating plan - I can't do Atkins - I have to have some starches - and veggies and fruit - I consider all those things (veggie & fruit) as healthy.. when I say carbs - I really am refering to starches (white)

Ok that's a quick version - you other banders - please put your 2 cents in cuz it's be 2 yr 7months since I was banded - I forget things that I did in the beginning.

Oh ya - what I think is the most important - logging your food - counting calories & pt grams - ..

Well it's 10 - I gotta hit the hay - will chat w/you all in the a.m. before I leave

Hugs J

This has been so helpful. I really appreciate the in depth details and the time that you spent to rehash all the above even when you are wayyyy past this stage!!!

One thing however what is SF??? lol Some flavoring? NF im assuming is no flavoring? hmm. trying to figure this out.

Im reading Becks diet solution now as well. I can do Proteins and im a happy camper..and weve all but cut out the "whites" in what we make at home by this time anyways..

SF?? some flavoring? whats could be the diff with some or flavored. lol This is gonna have me wondering all darn day! (obsessive can you tell? lol)

I hope your right about the 3 ring binder and all the food stages listed. I think I might be in liquids straight away as well....not clear...at the second consult they did say liquids and then to blended and on when feel ready...no prescribed time table for anything just...clear liquid the day before.

so we shall see this Thursday.

Thank you thank you, thank you....

Morning girls,

Jody, congrats on the new date... It won't be long now... You'll be just fine and all that info will seem like old hat soon.... Thanks for all the lessons on Jewish foods and such.. It's very interesting to a lifelong member of a little country Lutheran church in rural North Dakota.. I haven't had much opportunity to broaden my knowledge about other types of religions. We do have some friends who are Muslim, but they don't share much.. She is from Indonesia... And I know a few Mormons, but not their traditions... So, I like hearing about your traditions...

Thank you, I guess. I like to hear about other religions, customs and traditions. My best time away from NY (or here) are visiting places of importance to everyone....and eating the food and experiences daily life as the people, country, cities I visit.

When we do go places...I never eat in the hotels or go on reg..planned tours...I like to eat where the people who live there eat...and go where they say to go....and when I get sick....from the unknown foods...well too bad for me...it was alwats worth it..I try to encorporate my cooking with lots of different styles and culture however...keeping Kosher at home hinders this all the time! I hate it. but....this is what I have subrscribed for myself and daughter at home....but outside I want to hear about everyone elses!!!

For instance...I love hearing about Mimi and how you are such a great grandmother and all that you do for your daughter and her. I love you for that!!!! I want to be Mimis home therapist. Or classroom teacher..i have this really strong feeling that she is a special girl!!! Im allready thinking about what we can do for Mimi...to make sure that she gets everything she needs!. Always the special educator I am...but not always, somehow the way you describe Mimi she reminds me so much of my Dassi when she was her age. So...between Mimi updates and hearing about your dellicous cooking....

I thank you!!!

I just would love you to fell better soon....!!!!

Jodi

Good morning, Lovelies!

DH just called and received a job offer for that promotion/move I mentioned awhile back. Looks like we will be moving to Utah, they are negotiating salary now so if that goes well......

I was supposed to have all day today to myself but told Grandma I'd take her shopping. We have to find something for her to spend $800 on herself. She is going on this long term care which is also part medicaid and she has $800 too much to qualify. She can't give it away but she can buy stuff for herself. Seems silly but after supporting herself for 100 yrs she is about to run out of money and needs some help, this is killing her to to this but it's a really good program. The medicaid lady gave her some ideas on what to spend it on, so hopefully she finds something, she is very very very shall I say thrifty or just say tight?? LOL I think it comes from living through the depression. Heck one day we were shopping and she needed lotion, she wouldn't buy the big economy size bottle as at 100 yrs old she might not live long enough to use it all and then will have wasted some money. LOL She loves Alfred Dunner clothes so we are going to penneys as they carry that brand.

Jody, I am going to Tiberias, I am spending 2 nights there. One night in Tel Aviv and the rest in Jerusalem. some of the things I will be seeing are Caesarea, Cana, Galilee, Hifa, Muchhaka where Elijah hid from King Ahab and later fought the Baal prophets, Megiddo, Nazareth, Beit-Shean, Gilgal, Jericho, Bethlehem, we will walk the Via Dolorsa, Massada, Ein Gedi, and much more.

Your talk about Purim is so interesting, last year at this time I was in a Bible study of Esther and one of the gals made those Cookies we called them Haman hats.

Some of your banding questions,

clear liquids means you can see through it

full liquids you can add more creamy stuff

soft/mushies is things like refried Beans, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, s/f puddings

For Protein Drinks, I'd suggest getting some now and taste testing so you have some on hand after surgery that you like. I didn't like many of them and it's such a personal preference. I preferred the Isopures (available at GNC) but others called them Iso'pukes'. Also GNC had these Protein Shots they called them. They came in what looks like an oversized test tube, they are 3 oz and made from whey Protein, they had the consistency of cough Syrup. However, a few of the varieties had 43 grams I believe of protein in them, so one oz had a lot of protein. Those first few days after surgery I had such a hard time getting in my protein which was supposed to be 40 grams minimum but preferrable 60 to 70. I could only drink an oz at a time, these 'shots' of 1 oz of those gave me about 13 grams at a time. They weren't the best tasting but helped me a lot.

Janet, have a fun visit with DS. I bet you look cute all the time!

Oh you are going to have a fabulous time!! You are going to some of my favorite places. I once spent a week camping in a tent off off the Kineret in Tiberias. Overlooking the galilee. I loved to go there..and just chill...whenever I needed to rethink. The Northern part of Israel has so much beuty and history.

I have a request actually. Since you are going to be in Jerusalem next week and my pre.surgery is on Thursday and Tuesday is the surgery....can I ask if you can say a prayer or put a note in the Western Wall for me and all of us who are being or have been banded?? That we should all be safe, successful and healthy?

If you have time...and are there but please dont go out of your way or disrupt the routine and trip if you cant....

Thanks for all the tips...for liquid Im going to check out GNC today....when I get the courage to face the after storm! lol

Have a safe trip.....a great weekend.

Good morning! Today is my last busy day before vacation. I have nothing planned for Fri and Sat. unless you count laundry, packing etc. But I have no where I have to be! This afternoon is a meeting with Grandma and a long term care representative and something with Medicaid which she may have to go on, it's not going to be fun. My mom wants this meeting, she'll be here in 3 weeks, I was pushing to wiat for the meeting when she was here, as I know I won't find out everything my mom wants. I hate being in the middle! And it's bringing up all the old, 'nothing I do is ever good enough' feelings I have fought my entire life and thought I conquered. That's my vent for the day.

Jodi, I leave for Isreal on Sunday, we don't arrive in Tel Aviv until MOnday, so I assume the holiday will be over then?? We spend a night in Tel Aviv, then 2 nights near the Dead Sea, and then the rest in Jerusalem. I am very excited to see all the Biblical sights, walk where Jesus walked, etc.

Also, on my surgery day, all I had was surgery. No other tests that day, just got there, checked in, they started my IV, they may have drawn a tube of blood, I don't remember. All my testing (and never had blood gases that I know of) was well before the surgery date, I had pulmonogist screening, cardiologist screening, psych eval and a bunch of blood tests beforehand. Your date is going to be here before you know it and you'll do great!

Woke up today with a horrible headache, haven't had a headache in forever!

Wow you must be so excited! Yes. you are right if you leave Sunday and you get there Monday it will be over...but...Im sure there will still be partying as Jerusalem and Tsfat are walled cities they Celebrate Purim on two days so you might see the kids all dressed up still.

You are going to love Jerusalem. The church where Jesus was said to have had the last supper...the church of the holy seplica I believe? Im not sure of the name..but the biblical holy church on the old city is a very special and beutiful church. Actually all the churches are really beutiful as they are very old and have such deep roots. I stayed in the old city between the christian and armenian quarters one summer and learned about the all the beutiful biblical sites and went on several tours of where Jesus lived and walked. Bethlehem and Tiberias were my favorite places...You arent going there to the North at all??

The dead sea of course...dont forget to bring back lots of mudd and any cuts or scrapes...forget about the Water. No shaving before is right!!

Well you have an amazing meaningful trip!!!

go and come back safely!!

Ok Gang - you have been busy as usual

Jodi - I love it !! You are a modern Jewish Mom - heck my gf (who was jewish) Mom - never cooked - we ate out all the time when I was with them - she never baked that I knew of - Starr and I ate a lot of Bagels & lox - no cooking required (well toasting the bagel)

I have to tell you my mom never cooked like this either!! She ate like you have described above. lol Dont know what the heck happened to me lol.

The only test I had pre-op was blood test - won't tell you how many vials they took ;0) - but I did have pulmonary test where the did blood gas but that was part of all the test I had to do before surgery - my doc makes you do them all - mamo - colon- heart - shrink - nutritionist - lungs... But the only pre-op in July was the blood..

Okay....so there is still hope for me!! ....but the blood gas....thats scary..Please no blood gas lol. I can tolerate lots but not that. wimpy me. lol Well preop and patient education day is March 4th,

that being said Next week is olmost here...I have some questions that maybe you or others can answer.....

What are these....things that im hearing through the posts. Getting bits of info but no clear picture of what to expect.

Dumping

Sliming

PBing

Throwing up

stuck and what happens

the difference between a stomach virus and being sick from food stuck? is this just as bad? what to do when you get a virus?

clear liquids...broth? what kind? how much sodium is too much in store bought organic broth per serving? If I make my own then is chicken Soup broth okay after skimming the soup and running through a sieve? apple juice...low sugar? what other clear liquids are considered okay. Jello I hear is okay no sugar.can it be flavored? cranberry juice as well...skim milk??

other questions....hmm. okay...well thats it for now....im sure ill think of a million more tomorrow!

oh yes....the Vitamin thing...does it matter what kind if they are supposedly good? and the Protein shakes....does it matter from where again...and from what type of protein and if they are made specifically for bariatric patients?

Any advice as to what products are good..you recommend or suggest sites that sell superior as opposed to just making money??

Is it important and worth buying from them as opposed to Trader Joes or health food stores???

okay.....thats it...i cant think anymore. lol

Thanks again....for the support and info...dont know what id do at this point without you all lol. you are my insight into what the future is,,,,and from what I hear....its pretty great...you and all of yous I mean!!!!

Have a great night!!!!

and a great weekend. Jodi

Guess what??? I got moved up. March 9th!! Someone cancelled or didnt get clearance but got the phone call today that the insurance approved me totally and if I want to move my date up to the 9th I can...and boy do I ever!! Ive told you all that how many times??? lol

so..now im a March 9th bandsters....Yea!!

Jodi, I just love hearing about your traditions, as I know nothing about being Jewish.

I think each Dr/Hospital has something different they do or want. I didn't have to have blood gasses drawn. The fear of the unknown is the worst the rest is a piece of cake. oops bad word.

Thanks..but sometimes I wish I havent heard of them. Of course when it gets challenging emotionally or physically oh and not to mention financially.....the tuition for Jewish day school is half my salary...however what I love about it keeps me practicing and its those exact things that are most challenging. lol go figure!

Yes...I agree its the fear of the unknown. Im beginning to get more nervous with the idea of the stupid pre-surgery/patient education day then the whole surgery all together. This too shall pass and ill be on my way. yes. each surgeon, insurance and hospital has its own protocol. Im jsut glad im up to the home stretch.

Jessica, you are doing so great. Keep up the good work!

Janet, There are never to many plants. That sounds like a good price. Our MG meeting last night was about roses and Clematis. Growing them together by using the rose as a built in trellis for the clematis. The color/specis combos she used was just amazing.

Everyone take care, Laura K

Laura, I love these ideas this sounds so romantic and just so English? Thanks for sharing ..when I have a garden I will be a calling!

Laura, I agree that your parents probably will be so happy to be with you guys for the vacation and bday party they wont even notice the little one thing is out of place. I do understand how you feel. You want it all to be perfect. Just remember to take care of you as well its so easy to get lost for a week or so and so hard to get back to yourself after...

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QUOTE=Apples2;1422299]Jodi...love your interesting posts!

You are too funny...you must be having such a great time!!! How exciting...I was in Vancouver back about 15 years ago..it is such a gorgeous place. I had friends who I lived with in Israel from there and I went to visit them several times...even was engaged for about um a month to someone who lived there lol, that didnt last long. I ate at this fabulous Sushi place as Vancouver apparently has the best sushi....I guess from the seas there...and the Salmon. that was the best Sushi I ever had in my life. I had my favorite raw quail egg on top of salmon roe sushi. Sounds not so good but the salt of the salmon roe and the sweetness of the qual egg....um yuuuumy now whenver I go for sushi...I have to have one. You have to have sushi there have you?

I guess after next week I wont be having that any longer or it will be a long long time till then! It will be worth not having it any longer. Well you have a great time and enjoy the rest of the vacation.

Cheri...Ouch, how horrid for you. Im so sorry about the fall. I hope you are feeling better....Iowas...oh I remember them. Ive administered evals for the BOE for the longest time...Its been such a long time since I heard of that test! Now I just use the Brigance and the HELP lol. SOOO much easier. Feel better. Take it easy.

Joyce, Im so excited for you...sounds like you are doing great!! keep up the good work...of recouping!!!

Hi Jody...pre-surgery date? So you go in for what exactly? See you haven't even had surgery and you are already starting to think like a bander. You do not need to feel guilty for not making everything from scratch...you need to take care of yourself too, that's what this journey is about. What is hamentashen?

ahh...Hamentashen are Cookies that are three sided like Hamens three corner hat. lol Its pretty much cookie dough and pinched on thrree sides..like a pinwheel..and filled with some sort of fruit. This is the traditional treat for purim.

It is symbolic of making fun..or having fun with Hamen who tried to destroy the jewish people. You are so right about the idea about not making everything from scratch.

That is what this is all about..its the changing the way we think about "food" the way we make it and the reasons why we are making it and retraining our brains to get that idea that we "MUST" ..do what we were taught or what we are used to......so

this is what I did.....I said you are sooo right....I decided Im not making the Hamentashen...nor am I going to buy them either...Im not even going to put together junk food baskets either.

NOOO, I called up edible arrangements..not sure if you are familiar with this chain of edible fruit arrangements. I called them and said..I would like a small something...to give out to people and in the end I chose...a box of 6 edible friuts on a stick dipped in chocolates. It just so happens...this wasnt any more expensive then it would have been for me to put it together myself. I ordered 8 boxes. I will only give to the people that have helped us out here in the last year...and my brothers family and that is it....no more no less.

No big deal. healthy....natural goodys....(minus choc, lol)

but no white flour and all that junk sugar.

I think it makes an amazing statement to everyone that..this woman..here is shaking things up a bit and doing things a little less traditional and id say very apprapo(spelling?) for a week before being banded...need I say more to anyone?? oh and if anyone doesnt like it well..they can kiss my um big fat bottom,,,theyd best cause its going and they wont have the chance later. lol

so, thanks for helping me out here!!! You helped me rethink whats important....

and while we are at it....Im not cooking for Passover either...Im going to order the dinners in. well. maybe just the Soup and the brisket. lol I wont be having any but...my daughter likes the soup and I can....have that if I skim it and have the broth..oh and I can grind up all the veggies and make mush. yes...thats what ill be eating all week of passover.

wew.....you really have given me food for thought.hehehhe

Thanks again.Well its been a long night...and ive probably talked everyones ear off..

Have a great weekend..all enjoy.

Jodi

Guess what??? I got moved up. March 9th!! Someone cancelled or didnt get clearance but got the phone call today rhat the insurance approved me allready and if I want to move my date up to the 9th I can...and boy did I ever!!

so..now im a March 9th bandsters....Yea!

Hey Jodi, My name is Stevie by the way. You dont have to write StevieVieth. Just call me stevie. I am excited but the weather however has me all arggg. Its snowing this morning and I am not the person to be driving in the snow. But I have to make my appt at the hosp. im not sure about everything with boot camp. Where in Ny are you? My sister lives in Staten Island and she didnt have to do the whole pre admissions testing at the hospital. Well off I go. Ill update when I get back~

Stevie thats great!!! SIm so excited for you about the surgery on the March 2nd and you are good to go!! You must be so relieved. Do you have to stay over night at all or are you going outpatient? I am staying one night..protocol. So, now you can get on with planning for your first weeks. My mother god bless her....she went out and bought me five days worth of new PJS and socks...lol of course it was appreciated as I really needed them in any case.

I had a friend once who who had a friend named Stevie she was a girl as well. I always really liked that name.

Im not really sure why I had to go through the hoops. Not sure wether it is the surgeons, hospitals or insurance company. Nobody seems to know lol but no one has the exact same protocol no matter what city or state they live in. Im just hoping for no blood gas~! That scared me more then the surgery itself!

You said your sister lives in SI? Are you from NY orriginally? Im in Cedarhurst LI. I work in Brooklyn.

Hi, my dr. requires only a one-week full liquids diet, then clear liquids day before surgery. I think some insurance co's require a regular diet first too. I have to confess I was more like on a SeeFood diet until a few days ago. But March 8 is approaching so I've started behaving.

OMG...me too...in fact I gained 5 llbs. in the last month..because its all about that last hoorah? I dont think I ate so much or anything additional..however I guess that psychologically its easy to think like this. I think that if I was on supervised diet for a certain amount of time before surgery and demonstrate some weight loss or noooo surgery...then maybe I would have..but I didnt need to be on any pre-surgery diet at all. The day before needs to be liquid and thats it. so...I guess...itl take a little longer but Im ready for it and I know afterwards...thats it!! lol So you arent the only one...and im sure there are others who feel the same.

Well hope all is well with everyone. Would love to know what everyone is doing to get ready for their surgery and the first week afterwhich.

Are people buying containers of broth or making their own and if they are buying how much sodium is considered okay per serving:? If I make broth on my own..the chances of sodium and fat is higher for sure lol

so, clear liquids such as apple juice..low sugar and cranberry juice I was told..but that doesnt sound like it will feel good after another endoscopy and skin milk and clear Jello. hmmm that and broth and hot Water with hmm what?

any other ideas that people have heard? would love to start buying a few staples for the week.

any suggestions will be welcomed.

Have a great night! Jodi

HI ALL,

Hope everyone is doing well.

My week isnt slowing down any but..such as the story of my life. lol

My daughter....she is a trouper however... if she has even the slightest bit of pain..well then she isnt going to school. So, for the last three days shes been home..meaning ive been home with her until today. I had to go to work. So, Grandma to the rescue. It was good....I got "out" and she got to be with Grandma what can be better....School??

Tomorrow she is going....thats it. Shes got to go to school. She isnt in pain anymore.

I will not feel guilty, I will not feel guilty, I wil not, I will not.

Since this week isnt working out like I planned...I actually came to some conclusions. One....I am not going to bake for Purim which is this sunday and Im not going to buy all sorts of stuff to make baskets...because If I do all the above..I will eat as I do....and my daughter will do the same. sooo, instead I am going to buy about 6 baskets allready done. Yes, they cost more then if I would have made them myself... however between the time, the effort and eating of all the baked goods and candies, junk...It just isnt worth it. Bottom line....so im a horrible jewish mother lol. I didnt spend hours kneading my dough....and baking Hamentashen from scratch....stand on long lines at costco to buy junk foods in bulk and buy baskets and baskets to decorate to give out to freinds and family.

no....im going to be that modern jewish divorced/widowed woman..who is taking the short cut and if my daughter doesnt realize that Im not grandma bubby from poland allready then maybe this will enlighten her. Im sorry. oh and if anyone who recieves a store bought basket from me and thinks...hmmm well so theyl think it.

there...I feel better allready.

Lori...you are going to Israel? What a fantastik time to go...a fun time...When I lived in Jerusalem..Purim which is this weekend....was soo much fun. I remember having a party in my house that we ended up having at least a 100 people....unfortunately I apparently drank two many drinks before the party started and did not remember a thing from the party as I was sooo sick that I spent night in my room....sick. This was the only time I ever was sick or drunk or whatever it was....in my life.

But...I do remember this time...because it was so beutiful there and we were able to go outside with just a light jacket. Fun....ENJOY!!!

well....I cant wait to go to work and play with all the wonderful things that we got from "Make a wish"....The party was amazing and I have to say that in all the years Ive worked in the field....this day was the most special for the family..and I was able to be a part of it...now I can retire. lol

well not exactly as I need to play with all the great things that were brought and not alone..but with my little guy!!!! Alone would be boring...no, I cant wait to see him play and watch him...for those ahhs and oohs and little giggles that im going to hear...then I can retire. lol

Im getting nurvous about the pre-surgery date...apparently some of the March bandsters were saying how they needed to get lots of tests on that day...as well as have a blood gas taken?? what?? one woman relayed her experience throught the day...and after this....I think im going to have nightmares about this day....the surgery im not concerned...im going to be sleeping...but that day????? HELP. Im a big chicken and dont like needles. The endoscopy was a really big deal...scared my more then the idea of the surgery itself. I did it but heck was not happy about it..now this?? Blood gases hurt like hell....I hear....did you all have to get them or is it just some people...at some hospitals?

so starting to get a little ansty.

Joyce....Congrats!! You did it...so glad you are doing great. Nice to hear....thanks for letting us in on your exp. really!!!

Okay...must go to sleep...

Have a great night and rest of the week!

Jodi

I think a motorcycle ride to vegas would be too long even for us. My tush can't handle 4 days of riding. We could fly there and rent a motorcycle, though.

I have an exam in Anatomy today. It covers alot of material. I am nervous about it. I also have an exam tommorrow in Microbiology and a paper due in Film class. It is getting close to midterm. I guess thats why everything is coming all at once. I am tired and want to crawl back in bed. I guess I don't want to face this. Time to put on my "big girl panties" and get it done.

Even though my son played in the play group once a week he had a difficult time when he started preschool. They wanted him to go to different therapies. They didn't follow through with it and said they were waiting on something from me. Just bad communication. Well, he never started those therapies and we sent him to another preschool. He has improved so much at this new school. He is talking well and not afraid of the other kids anymore. It took time but his new teachers really worked with him. They seperate the kids into play groups of 3-4 and I think that has made it easier for him to adjust. He is quiet and doesn't like alot of stimulation. It was a difficult transition but the right teachers helped him along.

now..you are talking....sometimes its all about the teachers and the school. I find if you have a child that is what I call....the I can fit anywhere kid...it doesnt matter where they go..they will thrive..but when you have a child with a special need or needs a little something extra...thats where the school philosophy and the teachers of the classroom and the supports...are cruciall. Good for you for realizing that he needed a change for the better!

uh oh..I feel like the special educator is speaking through me again. I hope no offense is taken...But im happy for you...ive read now for about two months and damn...you are so busy doing for everyone.. that Im glad you are doing for you as well you deserve it and just in case..you werent getting praise enough ...I wanted to add to it ..hope you dont mind my professional butt in.

Hi all.

Hope you all had a great day'

I actually was able to go to work today. My daughter was still not up to par..so she stayed home wih my mother. lol They apparently had a great day....because they cooked and baked....hmmm Tomorrow is school!!

I spent alot of time last night printing out recipes from a site that "Stevievieth" recommended. Now..that I hadnt gone to work for about a week it feels...I am real tired!

So...I think im going to call it a night....just am going to answer some posts...welcome new bandsters and thank some for their....great ideas...oh and of course...I will also thank some for their experiences with the presurgery date.....ouch!

Hi Scott!! Another lucky day...bandster! St. Patricks day seems to be a popular day. Several on the thread will also be banded on the same day! Where from? How have your experiences been so far?

Hi Marcia....Welcome...we will be banded the same week. Im March 15th. Good Luck! Where from? Glad you decided to post instead of just lurking more!!

Mitamia. Happy dancing is a good thing....glad that you posted!!.

Monica...Its great that your pre-surgery testing is over! Im so excited for you! yes, I hear the visit for final clearance is to your reg primary to say you are not sick...you dont have a fever, cold or not getting one. lol

You are home free!!! Yea you! The 12th is right arounf the corner to the new you.

Bariatriceating.com is also a great site for pree and post op dieting and such. They also sell Protein Shakes and misc. Protein items.

What a great site this is...

I spent the whole evening pretty much going over it and im like wow....this is really great. I printed out the recipes for the Soups. I will start cooking and freezing the soups...lol. Preparing for the liquids and then blendeds lol. Thank you so much. I was also looking at all the protein shakes and Vitamins. They all look so good!

I just wonder how true it is to make sure to drink the protein shakes and vitamins made for bariatric patients are really important or can we just get them at a really good health store..or company.. If its true about what they say...how we should only use what is made for us...or we will not get enough and end up sick?

Do you think this is true? Ive been talking to the nutrtionist and Dr..and they think not however....Im thinking that maybe they do have good points. I just dont know...and really would not like to depend on one company to rely on for the rest of my life to have to use these products. Im currently a shaklee fan...but only because I was able to try out all the products first and did find them superior...and they are cheaper for me as I have friends who are distributors, and I dont rely totally on them there are other comp that have superior vitamins..so im told. Have you heard anything.....

or anyone else about the importance of the vitamins etc?

Isnt the Upper G I series horrible. I was reading up on it and I believe you have to do something similar after surgery too. The Barium is terrible. I felt so sick after that. But I also had all of my testing done at once. First the chest x-rays, then the Upper G I series, then I went and did my pulminary functions, where they also drew blood from a vein where the woman said blood has oxygen and it was on the side of my wrist. Then I went and had a ekg, then someone came in an did a eeg which is a sonogram of your heart that was pretty neat to watch. I did my bloodwork and nicotine pee test another day, because my insurance didnt cover it through the hospital. Tomorrow is my pre admissions testing, I am excitedddddd tuesday!:smile2:

omg...you are scaring the bejegas out of me...now im more scared of the pre-surgery then the actual surgery and post diet. They had to do a blood gas?? I hate that...I have that when my asthma is so bad that I need to be hospitalized..hasnt happened in years but I remember that test.; ouch. so this is bootcamp hmm?? Im going to have nightmares tonight. How are you however?? Are you okay?? How are you feeling? excited im sure but...sheesh. Does NY do all those tests as well?? Can you tell that im a big scardycat?? I didnt think so..but im beginning to.

Thanks for the above..its always good to be prepared though as to what needs to happen..as we were all wondering what this long six to eight hour day was about right?

Okay...im gonna suck it up tomorrow...tonight Im going to cry lol.

Hello again all.

It is wonderful to hear of so many others who will be starting their journey at the same time as me...I will think of that often in the good and bad times and probably come here often for support!

wlcoyle;

You are not alone in that thought above....I know I feel the same.

What ive found most helpful about finding obout about all your concerns above was to look at the February bandsters for about a month back to now.....these are all people being banded now...in February...who like us a month ago were asking and feeling pretty similar to what we are feeling a few weeks before our surgery dates.

I find myself checking their posts as to how they are each coming along...and they have been posting their experiences before...and on the day of surgery to the days after surgery. I found this to be really helpful.

You can also try the chat room support group here on this site. People have been pretty helpful and open giving support answering questions and just giving it straight...you are having your surgery next week....so fortunately for us..you will be our leader ....and we will be asking you all the questions as we will all be banded after you.....and you have its true no one...to kind of ask...so maybe these suggestions might be helpful.

Maybe others will have some other ideas as well....

no matter what we will be here and next month....we will all be on the journey towards health....and the process of the actually banding will be well behind us!

Good luck next week!!!

Thats all folks! Have a great night and those who are breginning their pre-surgery diets this week ....or have started...good luck and hope they are going well!!!

Jodi

Im not sure who it was that asked about the pre- and post LAP-BAND® diet...and this is a great site that I found.

This is the article along with several others about how much time to eat...liquids, broth going on to ground, blended etc...over about a 4-6 month period.

This is the site...

http://www.lapbanddiary.com/support-post-surgery-lap-band-patients/

this is the article.....

how much food and Protein does one require after having LAP-BAND®

Surgery? | LAP-BAND® Diary

They have several great articles explaining what and how much and when....I found it pretty interesting. Several things that were not explained to me with the nutritional consult that lasted the 1/2 hour. lol

okay.....here is another post-op diet that gives you options and exact amounts for the clear liquid diet and the pureed diet. This diet also gives you the amount pf daily dietary allowances for protein and suggests that after surgery we try to eat 25-30 grams of protein each day. It then gives suggested Proteins that are soft or can be pureed.

This diet can be found at:

http:www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/diet.html

Bootcamp is just what my surgeon calls it, Well the whole hospital itself. They call it that because it is to get you ready for the procedure.Like in the army they send you to bootcamp to get ready for combat or anything. So I dont look at it as someone pushing you around. I look at it as preparing you for the day and the healing process. I learned more about it. They also call it pre admissions testing. I arrive and speak with the anesthesiologist, then I tour the surgery floor where I will be staying after Im out of recovery, then we meet with nurses and answer and ask questions, have blood drawn, get a goodie bag(suport pillow, the breathing tool to keep you from getting pnemonia, and paperwork) Not the type of goodie bag you want, but need. Then we go back to the surgeons office and meet with him. I had started my 1 week pre op liquid diet yesterday and it isnt that bad. I had a carnation instant breakfast sugar free with skim milk in the morning it was only like 190 calories but 13 grams of Protein. then for lunch I had some chicken boullion(broth) and for dinner an Isopure Protein Shake. and a little sugar free Jello. I had made sugar free vanilla pudding but I did the smart thing and added a scoop of isopure creamy vanilla to it to make it actually worth eating. :tongue_smilie:

And I was not looking forward to the pre-surgery date!! Now Im actually getting excited about it! Thanks for the explanation and your experience!! Thanks. I hope for all the rest of us will be simular!!

I am SO excited!!! I have my surgery date! They just called me and I was approved through my insurance (Just a few weeks wait!) and now I'm moving forward with this. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am! I've been praying for this for a while.

Congrats!!!

Well...Another day "not at work" I just could not leave my daughter while she was in pain still from that cyst. Im not at all upset its also miserable outside. lol

Actually kind of tired of this NY weather. Where the heck is the spring? I think its so time......

Well...have a great day all.

Wow...so many new posts and new names to remember!!!

I think ive caught up with all the posts ive missed over the last week and well....there are just so many posts Id like to respond to but...its taken hours to go through all the posts and still have missed some..and didnt want to respond to someone and not another so...this week I think I will not respond but just give an update about my week and continue from herein.....

I will try to check more frequently so I dont miss so many posts that I would like to respond to when they are posted!!!

Soooo its been a real hectic week for me and its kind of looking like this week might be just as hectic but for different reasons.

I have been working with the "Make a Wish" foundation. I work with one little boy who was being granted a wish and they came to grant it this past week. I was working so hard all week to get his house ready. The Foundation was making him a sensory/snoozelin room as he is medically fragile and he cannot go out of his house...outside of hospitals and doctor offices. Cant wait till tomorrow to use all the wonderful materials and activities they brought for him. Its been months of working with all the wonderful people and putting all this together!

This week...well it started out all good...until last night lol When my daughters ear started bothering her. This morning I took her to the pediatrician and well...that led to visit to the dentist and then the oral surgeon. It was not a lovely day to say the least. Antibiotics, muscle relaxer and pain killers. From what I thought was an ear infection to removing an cyst in the gum.....whd have thought?

Next week is a holiday that....involve lots of junk food and candy...not a good thing for me....its like Holloween for the whole family with lots of parties and eating! HELP!!! Id like to get away from it all however, I have this 10 year old girl who is just dying for all the hoopla...as it is the holiday for kids, and carnivals and parties including costume wearing. I have lots of cooking and baking because we have lots of baskets we have to give out. It will be just peachy! NOT.

I got my pre-surgery March 4th. Im so excited...but this month is so busy I wont have time to think about the surgery it will be here before I know it!

Have a great week all.

Jodi

Hi Jodi,

I have an idea for the medusa hair, you can use one of the caps that you get in those hair highlighting kits, and poke maybe fishing worms, (rubber of course), or fake toy snakes!! Not sure if it could work, but its an idea!!! :cool2:

OMG....this is such a great idea..about the hair color kit!! Thanks a bunch. We ended up getting pipe cleaners and wrapped them around fake boa strips and then glued googly eyes in each. I just couldnt think of how to get em all attached to her head. lol

Ive been thinking about your post about the peepers..lol This sunday is Purim and every damn store is filled with all sorts of baskets with candies, baked goodies and loads of chocolates and nuts!!. Im going nuts especially when the thought is...well, i havent had the surgery yet....one or two wont hurt now....hmmmm

Sunday...will be worse as all those baskets im seeing will be delivered by various families...and ill just be dumping them out as soon as I close the door in a big bag.....to donate to the first homeless person I see!

Thank you all for your responses. I was out today . I had to meet with the surgeon again and the nutritionist (again).

What a waste she (the nutritionist ) made me feel so uncomfy. It is so obvious that they are just churning people out. She hardly looked up at me and asked some perfunctory questions then started to drone on and on about all the stuff I already know and that was it. Out of there in less than 10 minutes. At least I didn't have to pay out of pocket for it.

Bad news for me though, as I was getting ready to walk out of the office I was told that even when I finish the testing it takes my insurance company 60-70 days to approve the surgery.

So I will not be a March bandster. I'll be fortunate if I can have it done in May or even June.

I am so depressed I felt like crying on the subway home.

I slipped this morning on all the ice in the street and twisted my already weak ankle. I just want to crawl in the bed and pull the covers over my head.

I am so fat and uncomfy that the only thing I can figure to do now is to start my low carb diet on Monday and try to lose like that. I cannot face another Summer being so fat and bloated.

I am really bummed .

Thank you all again for your words of encouragement. Jodi, finding me, kujhawkrulz everyone I read every word and I appreciate them. I addressed them earlier from my iPhone but the message was lost.

OMG....this really sucks. Are you sure there is nothing that can be done? 60-70 days seem such an awfully long time to have to wait...are they recquiring a 3 month supervised weight loss plan? I know how this feels I was pushed off three months for me as well...I was ready in January and if it wasnt for the sleep Apnea...I would have allready been banded. We will also begin to see other dates being changed as we come closer to those weve had set before for various reasons. Even as close to two weeks before.....Sometimes there are just things out of our control. What ever date you get we will be here with you!!! Big hugs coming to you.

Well, it is official I will be a March Bandster. My doctors office called me about an hour ago and informed me that my insurance approved my procedure. So I am all set. I start my 1 week pre diet on tuesday all liquids. Then I have bootcamp at the hospital next thursday. All worth it my procedure will be at 7:30 on March 2nd!!

Im not all sure what exactly bootcamp is. I know that I have to be at the hospital where the procedure takes place at 9am. I will talk to the anesthesiologist for an hour and go over everthing. Then there is a little class for another couple hours. Not sure exactly what. But then you also get a tour of the hosptal. And at some point I will go over to my doctors office and talk to the surgeon. Other then that all I know is this... I posted a subject in the forum asking if anyone knew this. But I guess a lot of other doctors do not require bootcamp.

StevieVieth, Interesting description for the day everyone seems to be spending hours at the hospital about a week before surgery. lol I think every surgeon has its own special name for certain procedures lol.

Mine is called "pre-surgery/ Patient education day". Im not sure I like "bootcamp" as I was never much into beeing pushed to do things....that I might not want lol.

Im assuming that "Bootcamp" means the same as what my presurgery day..is......how about a poll???

What other creative names have the surgeons come up with for procedures that seem funny, or unusual?

Anyone else??

Hi out there. I am scheduled for March 2 and hope I don't chicken out like I did last year. I had a Jan '09 date but stopped during the clearance phase. But I have to do this. It is hard wrapping my head around the pre-op diet that I have to start in the next day or so. I have my pre-op testing tomorrow morning and then go shopping for Protein Shakes. blech.

Yup....I agree the clearance phase is what I find the hardest of this whole process!! Its a wonder that I actually made it to the end. I olmost lost my nerve as well...but, am so glad I didnt....we will push you if you need pushing!! Just post lol. Perhaps there is another bandster that you can go to apts together or a support group in your area where you can meet people that are also being banded the same time and arrange some times together.....its a thought nto sure if logistics would allow it...but hey ya never know. I am assuming from your post that you are past this stage now and have a date very soon!!! Good luck!

It's official I have my date, I will be banded March 1st!! Yeah!!!:tt2:

Yea you!!!! You are first!!! Lead the way....

:smile: Good morning, my surgery is March 17th. so excited, but

have to say little nervous!!! :laugh:

St, Patricks day...how lucky can you get??? If I had a choice of days in the month of March...I would have chosen the 17th and used a the clover leaf and a pot of gold for a ticketeer. lol

They said that he is out of town that week and they didnt realize that until monday.. :tongue_smilie: They could have done march 6 which would have been a week earlier but i cant do it cause our work schedule is already out for that week and it would have been a pain in my butt to try to get it off..

Maybe March 19 is meant to be...

<EM>!3C/EM>

hey, you never know....I always look at this way....what ever day.....a day here or there....like me...I wish it was next week...but its not...must be for a reason. It will be here soon enough!

;1418087]Can join up?? My surgery date is March 17th and I feel isolated because I dont know anyone who's had it....

You just did!! Jump in at any time...ask, answer, vent, support, recieve.....thats what we are all here for together!!! Glad you joined...another St. Patricks lucky Bandster.

Hello,

My name is LaQuita and I am 'new' to this board. BUT I am not a new bander. I was banded in August of 08. I am 5'2 and weighed 241.

The first fill I was supposed to have, I couldn't have b/c the port had sliped and turned sideways. The Dr could not access it for the fill.

I had to have surgery again 6 weeks later so the Dr could secure the port with more stitches.

I had lost over 40+ pounds (down to 198) before I had my next set of problems with my band.

I got to 7cc and started throwing up so the Dr took out 4 cc, waited a ferw months and we started back again.

I got up to 7cc again and this time I started throwing up and wouldn't stop. My Dr couldnt see me so me sent me to the ER to have a raiologist take it ALL out. We did this the week before Christmas.

I saw the Dr the first week of January and he said that the radiologist said my and had silpped from all the throwing up.

So, now that this has happened twice I am having a band revision. This time he will use the Relaize band on me. He is taking the 'other' one out and putting this one in on March 1st.

I have since gained back some of the weight I had lost, from being able to eat more than I should. I am now at 225.

I am an emotional eater, we have a special needs child at home (she is 20 years old) . I am her primary caregiver.

I NEED encouragment especially since I feel that I have had so much trouble with my first band. Any encouragment that anyone can give me

WILL BE GREATLY appreciated.!!

Thanks so much

LaQuita

www.caringbridge.org/visit/shea

LaQuita....third times the charm? isnt that what they say?? and since March is that lucky month...well you are surely going to make it this time!!! Just...relax and forget about the past experience and focus on the new ones your about to embark on. Surely you will succeed as nothing has stopped you from continuing on your journey to becoming healthy. Remember we are all made differently and our experiences will be different..some will have an easier time then others...just keep going dont stop and dont look back!!! Good Luck!!!

Welcome! My surgery date is March 9th!! I don't know anyone who has had the surgery, but am going to start going to a monthly support group to meet others.

"Can't wait to begin the journey!"

Good luck!! Welcome...March 9th just around the corner!!

Happy Thursday evening all,

Today was a good day!! My husband and I joined a fitness club. We worked out for about an hour and half which was not bad for our first time at it. I feel good, nothing hurts.....yet!! I am going to go at least five times a week, maybe even seven depends on how things work out time wise!! Hope everyone has had a good week so far!!

Okay. you have given me that push I needed...I was planning on joining "Curves" but havent gotten a chance...heck what am I waiting for after the surgery??!!! Thanks...

Yes, thanks for the tip about the ticksters....I did it and it worked....but only for that one post,. lol. Ill figure it out but that was a start!

Congrats to everyone!! I am schedules for March 31 and CANNOT wait!! I am waiting to get my sugar levels down (I have diabetes type II) before we can go ahead!

Thats great!! Good Luck and welcome!!! I hope you will get banded at the right time!!

Hi Dawn, Matilda and Lauren. Good Luck and keep posting fellow Marchers.....

Wow...so many new posts and new names to remember!!!

I think ive caught up with all the posts ive missed over the last week and reentered....responses to most.

I will try to check more frequently so I dont miss so many posts that I would like to respond to when they are posted!!!

Soooo its been a real hectic week for me and its kind of looking like this week might be just as hectic but for different reasons.

I have been working with the "Make a Wish" foundation. I work with one little boy who was being granted a wish and they came to grant it this past week. I was working so hard all week to get his house ready. The Foundation was making him a sensory/snoozelin room as he is medically fragile and he cannot go out of his house...outside of hospitals and doctor offices. Cant wait till tomorrow to use all the wonderful materials and activities they brought for him. Its been months of working with all the wonderful people and putting all this together!

This week...well it started out all good...until last night lol When my daughters ear started bothering her. This morning I took her to the pediatrician and well...that led to visit to the dentist and then the oral surgeon. It was not a lovely day to say the least. Antibiotics, muscle relaxer and pain killers. From what I thought was an ear infection to removing an cyst in the gum.....whd have thought?

Next week is a holiday that....involve lots of junk food and candy...not a good thing for me....its like Holloween for the whole family with lots of parties and eating! HELP!!! Id like to get away from it all however, I have this 10 year old girl who is just dying for all the hoopla...as it is the holiday for kids, and carnivals and parties including costume wearing. I have lots of cooking and baking because we have lots of baskets we have to give out. It will be just peachy! NOT.

I got my pre-surgery date what Stevie calls Bootcamp I think....The date is March 4th. Im so excited...but this month is so busy I wont have time to think about the surgery it will be here before I know it!

Well....next week its...March 1st..so far all the March Bandsters....we are here!!!

Have a great week all.

Jodi

Cool. Thats great.....Welcome...glad you joined!!!!

OMG.Ive just spent about an hour...going through all the new posts and responding to them and giving my update...etc etc and somehow...I lost it all!!!! well....Im sorry but its way to late to start over tonight!!!

Will start over tomorrow. GRRRR.

Have a good night all.

OMG.Ive just spent about an hour...going through all the new posts and responding to them and giving my update...etc etc and somehow...I lost it all!!!! well....Im sorry but its way to late to start over tonight!!!

Will start over tomorrow. GRRRR.

Have a good night all.