NYSparklegirl

Good luck...tomorrow!!! Sending good thoughts to both of you guys. Glad to hear you are doing so well!!! Yes, I know how you feek about not having a scale at home..I dont either. I figure.....if I did Ill just be on it everyday..and if it didnt move Id be disapointed...this way...im totally shocked once a month to see how much ive lost so far. So. far im a happy camper!

Hi I am on Long Island as well. Who are you doing the band with?? I had mine done with Dr. Holover with LI bariatric. How are you now?? Hope you are feeling fine and had an easy surgery.

Glad you are home now!!! Im sorry you had a such a hard time the first days. Take the pain killers....dont even think about it..just take them. I also had a hard time the first day. I was throwing up after waking up and taking a few sips...that was the worst!!! Once they took out some air..I felt horrible but after that I began to feel slightely better...but my blood pressure was too high and they wouldnt let me leave until it came down..so i did have to stay another night. It did get better...It will for you as well too. It might not seem so now...but it will. Give it three days....sip and walk like you said...and dont be scared to take the pain killers they really do help. Every day you will start to feel better...after a week...you will not feel the pain or the gas as much...just do whatever the doctor says and drink those protein drinks, its really important for nutrition and healing. Will you be on mushies or liquids this week?? Dont overdo..and try to get that 64oz of liquid in....you know the breakdown right?? 64oz..and 40 to 60 mg of protein. Thats 15x3 drinks of whatever a day...sip, sip sip. Hugs and kisses your way....you did it..the worst is behind....now its just going forward!! Its worth it!!! I lost 16 pds the first week...and only after the week..did I say okay so far it was worth it...... I hope it will be that way for you. have a great night feel good, Jodi

Hi everyone...Hope everyone is feeling good!!! Those who have been banded and those going for it in the next two weeks...my thoughts are and wishes are with you all!!! I had my first post - op yesturday and I cannot believe I lost 16 pds!!! I was like....no way. I dont feel like I did; I dont see it for sure....but thats what their scale says...and apparently they pride themselves on their scale. lol I can now eat mushies...and thank god....as youve all heard I could not stand another day of just clear liquids and protein drinks. SO...after I came home from the doctors I sat and had a tablespoon of cottage cheese...and let me tell you...that was like a little heaven!!! SO, yummy. It was the most delicious thing Ive ever eaten!!!! Today...I had the same. Tomorrow....I think something else maybe...lol Stevie, you were right.....turns out it wasnt a prefil at all. Apparently what hap pened was....they put the band in and yes your right its not filled with solution its empty however....when the surgeons attach the band to the port..air does get in the band which secures a tight fit around the area its placed. In my case the area around it became too tight due to the normal inflamation and so to relieve the tighteness that was causing the liquid to not pass easily....too slowely.....he took out whatever air was in their.....due to the attachement above right away the band fit like a glove..as its supposed to. I was on only clear liquids this whole week to help with the reduction of the inflamation..over the week...and I feel great now!! I actually dont feel like I had surgery at all. I feel really good. Ive been taking the vitamins....and all that other stuff..but bottom line...im feeling fine. I dont feel the port or incision at all and all the gas pains have disipated.....Im a happy camper. Ill have to eat mushies for a month and April 14th I go back. Ouch that must have hurt. U seem to be such a sport...id have been screaming like a banshee....When I had the surgery and they first put the IV on the back of my hand...after a few minutes it began to hurt....I was like Please take it out and put it in my arm. They said it wasnt really what they did but if it made me more comfortable....then they would...I felt much better and it didnt hurt at all. Yes, its alot of money..but like you said it will be so worth it!!! Its olmost the 24th.... I didnt get anything lol. Maybe it will come in the mail in two weeks post op as well here....lol ' I agree...so true. People are so brainwashed about the way they think about "diets and "food" and the band/gastric bypass. If and when I get those dumb ass remarks I just say....my body, my life....I choose the tools I will use to get healthy....nothing not to like or like for u. I told people that im doing it before and now I tell them ive had it done..and if I get that,...but why cant you do it on your own...I just say....you have something in your body that doesnt belong??? how about an ear pierce?? that usually ends that conversation real quick!!!

Good luck.....youl do great!! Remember to walk walk walk....and sip, sip, sip after you awake. Will have you in my thoughts and prayers for tomorrow......

Stevie. No I didnt get a fill after the surgery. From what I understand sometimes the surgeons put the band in with fill or without. I hear its just a matter of where and who? Alot of people have the fill and dont need a fill so quickly or those who dont get it 4 to six weeks after....something of the sort. Who knows...apparently what happens does happen...which is why they always do a barium swallow with that yuchy tasting stuff in the AM to make sure that the liquid is going down without obstruction and not to slow beofre you go home....as there are many reasons that obstructions can happen. Its okay....Ill just get a fill in several weeks...Im still not hungry and have alolt of restriction regardless. Glad to hear you are feeling better!!! I was told to either see if liqiud is available or get a crusher to crush pills. If it is a tablet you can open and pour then crush or get tab open and driink if they wont crush so they werent meant to and you shouldnt. This was great thank you so much!!! Great information. Im glad you are feeling better...me too...but OMG the protein drinks are killing me!!!. The gas is much better....today not to much of it but this past weekend....OMG my daughter was like...MOM. I couldnt help it. Im on only clear liquids until Wednesday. But each day is getting better..... Stevie, Hi. Im sorry about the...cheese....I guess...I know where my port is and you now know what getting stuck feels like. Lets not have to know these things unecessarily. Chew Chew Chew,...id like to Chew Chew Chew. but soon ehough. You sound like activity is really your friend and embracing it. Im envious...exercise is not my thing never been....but you make it look alot easier to begin...to like. That is terrific!!!! You seem to be doing great keep it up.....thanks for keeping us posted!! I cant wait to join you eating at least just liquids...not just clear...and then Ill follow all your expertise...about whats working and what maybe not so much! Jodi Hi all. Im gathering from all your responses that what happened to me was not the norm? lol (Okay, but we are talking about me? I wasnt expecting anything less then the abnormal. lol There is always something with something for something when something is being done. No suprise here). In all seriousness I wasnt really sure why what happened happened. There wasnt any real clear explanation...was it because I was congested? or was it the Anesthesia? I was thinking that maybe it was my underlying asthma? Who knows....perhaps it was just the naseusness that made me start throwing up then wretching...and then the swelling and irritation began...and therefore the liqiud going down became obstructed. I wasnt aware that sometimes the bands are filled and sometimes not until later. I was so upset when he had to take out the fill thinking....oh no. Then how am I going to loose weight or not be hungry until they fill it again..will they ever be able to fill it and of course what does that mean for me now that Ive got a band thats empty...however from your posts I see that there are several ways to do this...and this sometimes can happen at any time...so all is not for nought. (is that right) I have the band. Its.....in...im okay and doing well.....what more can I want?? NADA. Ill get a fill when the doctor says its time. Until then..Ill just do what needs to need to be done....how it should be done and thats what I shall do! lol So, its been a few days....and I have to say...its been okay. I feel okay. Been up and active. I hate these protein powders, isolates, drinks etc!! Ive tried several and found only one that I can tolerate and whod have thunk it "STRAWBERRY PROTEIN POWDER DRINK". I am really a chocoloate gal. Anything that has chocolate im usually okay with but I gotta say......yuch. Chocolate, vanilla, peach, banana, etc etc you name it....i cant do it. I never would have suspected Strawberry. lol suprise suprise. So. Im able to get my 30 grams right now from those two drinks. but it is still not enough and am struggling as I am only on clear liqiiuds this week now. Ive been getting to 50 ounces of liqiud. but I guess with during the night Im getting to maybe 60? This is hard. Cant wait to eat not "clear" liqiud. Had quite an adventurous weekend here.....at the house. We had my daughters....bday party last night. That. was fun!!! In the dark half the night. What fun..ghost stories, candles, with five, ten year olds. Loads of fun. Thank god the oven is gas and not electric and we were able to make the pizzas!!! Im also glad I ran on Friday to get the edible fruits from the Edible fruit store.....instead of after shabbat on sat....as they would not have opened due to the storm here! The girls had a fabulous time dipping their fruit into the choc fondue. Again, sure glad the oven was working to melt that choc. Dassi decided to have this as an activitiy as opposed to having a cake which was not a healthy choice for....no sodas and no candy or junk. What a party???? It was perfect. The kids made mini pizzas and tasty edible friuts dipped in choc, and they were able to make their own creations with about 8 skeweres of floweres shaped all different fruits. This was the healthiest and cheapest party ever!! The kids didnt even ask about the cake. OF course when it came to 3 AM and the noise level hadnt gone down....well the party had to come to an end....with big momma comming in and turning down the noise to sleep....... The electricity due to the lovely storm that apparently isnt over....has still not returned. It had been 24 hours now without power on one side of the apt. Thank god...I was able to run a line from the bedroom side of the apt to the kitchen so the fridge is working. Had that not happened....lord have mercy.....I dont know what I would have done with all the fridge and freezer after 24 hours and they have said that they still will not have service for another day or so....well. Glad I took a shower sat morning, and washed all the dishes from shabbat on shabbat. Otherwise id have one bigggg disaster plus a bday sleepver in the dark, at least in the major area of apt. BUT tomorrow I will be in need of a SHOWER!!!! A HOT SHOWER!!! Funny thing...I never knew about my dog. She is a scaredy cat. I took her out this evening..where it was alot dark as the light in the hallway in the building is out totally. It is pitch black. I took my flashlight out and walked her....she was not walking... she wouldnt move. Im like come on Starlight Im here with you.....its only dark see....im here and im guiding her...Im guiding her??? wth?? she wasnt budging...she starts cowaring etc etc....I had to call Dassi to come out to the hallway and get on the other side of her to go forward. ME GUIDING A DOG???? What is wrong with that picture! Poor thing was scared of the dark. never knew that about the little thing we rescued 5 years ago. I wonder what happened to her before to have her so scared Ill never know....but know now...not sure what im going to do tomorrow with her. Feeling okay tonight....it was a big weekend but had my friend Renee help with the party and the cooking and all with the girls. She also helped make shabbos for Dassi as I was really not up to sitting at the table for an hour with them. SO, I sat on the couch and watched them together and felt so lucky to have such a good friend. Between my mother and her this week...went as smoooth as can be..and I cant be blessed enough to have them. I also have to thank all my other friends who have dropped off containers of leftover chicken soup, broth and chicken from the chicken soups to grind up into baby food. Thought this was nice...dont have to cook at all another batch for at least two weeks...thats if the electric stays on ....on the other side of the apt and I get to eat blended any time soon! lol Well......must go now and see if I can wash some dishes even in the cold water.....will have to rewash all when the electric comes on. come to think of heat....its starting to feel cold in here.....uh oh. didnt think of that....NO HEAT? NO HEAT?? grrrr, now im getting ticked. Have a nice night all........have a great week. Thanks for all the best wishes again!!!!

Hi Everyone....Glad to see all of you early bandsters doing well and this weeks bandsters are home and recouping!!! So....Surgery was over Tuesday afternoon and needed to stay an extra day in hospital but now home resting comfortably. The procedure started off real easy and predictable....until after surgery.when I began to suck on ice chips..I started throwing up and feeling really nauseaus....... Every two hours when the nurses got me up to walk I would get naseus and throw up; That lasted all night until I was wretching up just the ice chip Water. In the AM they did a barium swallow and saw that I was obstructed probably from all the wretching. So...right then and there...the surgeon came in and took out the fill from the band and I emmedietely felt better. Apparently this happens..so now I am only aloud liquid diet and this will last till next Wednesday. My blood pressure was high and so I needed to stay another night in the hospital...and this really annoyed me...as every two hours they wake you and make you walk the hallways. lol Since coming home Thursday AM. I feel okay..lots of gas but only in the lower abdomen. Ive been walking it off or at least trying. Last night was hard. I kept waking up from gas pains and walking the outside apt hallway. Probably woke the whole building. Havent filled my pain killer script as im really not in pain. Just gassy and tired from being poked and prodded and given this anti naseau med and that one...etc etc. WOW what an experience. I hope that everyone else has had an easier time.... All in all it really wasnt awful...just alot uncomfortable! Well...must go now....as im pretty tired. Good luck all who are having surgery....this coming week....may you all have a easy and speedy recovery!!

You should hug yourself with that feeling that you are doing the best thing for you and your family!!! Just wait till your son starts drawing pictures of you playing with him in the yard as opposed to reading to him from bed. Then you can hang the two pictures next to each other on the wall!!! Btw...you should not feel guilty or bad that you havent been able to be the one to also run around and play....child experts would say..its the quality of time we spend with our children that is important...and that does not matter where that quality time happens....and it sounds like youve developed some real great bonding with your son...now youl just create even more and different experiences with him.....but as a teacher.....I can tell you...there is no better bonding experience then reading to a child in bed...but now youl just be able to turn it around and read to him while he is in his bed!!! Youl be just great...and you will now be there for a long long time....to watch him grow up and have his own children and be the grandmother running around with her grandchildren!!! Jodi

Hi Good luck tomorrow...Im also being banded tomorrow at 7AM.

Finding me..so glad you found a solution after going through the whole process and to be stuck at the end...I was going to suggest you check out Mexico as a last resort.....their are alot of people who have been having their surgeries there and they have had alot of success...however..you dont need that anylonger and March 25th is right around the corner! So happy for you! well...Ive been so buisy getting ready for surgery tomorrow that Ive been reading all the posts but havent had time to post myself! To all those who had surgery last week......im so glad things went well and you are all feeling good!!! YOu GUYS ARE GREAT!!! Thanks for all the updates...its been really helpful for me.....so thank you. You guys have made me alot less nurvous relaying your experiences. Ive spent the week getting all my bills and paperwork in order. Buying everything that I need for the post-surgery diet and stacking the fridge and cupboards so that I wont have to go shopping for the house any time soon. This weekend.....I spent one day.....getting waxed, haircut, highlights, manicure/ped. All the things that needed to get done that I never have time for and do them in dribs and crabs....but did it all in what I called the marathon beuty day! Cant go to the hospital with hairy legs!! (or anything else) Ill be exposed in who knows what way during surgery lol Today....im getting my bag together dropping off paperwork...going to bed bath beyond....for the "Bullet" and filling my scripts that wil be needed post surgery...... worst..thing I think I have a cold...or my allegies are really bothering me!!! Like alot. Crossing my fingers!!! well....just wanted to say to all those who had surgery last week....glad you are all doing well.....and for those who are having surgery along with me this week...... Good Luck and my prayers and thoughts are with all of you! Jodi

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

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

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

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. 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 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. 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? 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.

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

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!!

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! 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. 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?? 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! Yea you!!!! You are first!!! Lead the way.... 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 <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! 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. 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!!! Good luck!! Welcome...March 9th just around the corner!! 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!

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.

[quote name='wlcoyle;1416024 Hi Whitney' date=' Welcome!! [/color'] You just keep posting and we will surely get to know you and make sure you remember how fantastic inteligent, beutiful, and talented you are regardless of your appearance...no matter what your outward appearance might be and before you know it....after being banded you will begin to feel the same on the outside as well as inside too! You seem to have a built in support system from your parents at home...that surely will be some help and support! Good luck! Hi Edmgirl Welcome....Glad you posted! Jump in share/ask away and respond anytime. The more we all do that the more educated we all will be regarding the ins and outs on this jouney we are embarking on in the same time frame, Good luck!! Hi StevieVeith, HI.....Never to young...the younger the better...for the rest of your life youl be healthy! I hope you get that date...the 2nd...Good luck...keep is posted! Yea.....Us!! There is a possibility that I get a date sooner if there is a cancelation between now and March 15th as Im now cleared for surgery however....im not expecting any time sooner. lol oh no...im sorry to hear this...I was sad to when my surgery was bumped from Feb 8th to March 15th because of sleep apnea...but your right....that wasnt nice....but maybe its an emergency? I always think that what ever the date...given instead for some reason...is somehow meant to be...and maybe that will be revealed to us at some time and then maybe it wont...but whatever the date...it will happen and we will keep you company until then....anxiously waiting together!!! Wow.. my insurance does not include fills even after they pay in full for surgery but not cover the fills....how crazy is that?? so Im going to have to pay $250 a fill. Im coming over to you! $75 is not bad at all! Oh Im so sorry...you had this experience..but I have to also say...Ive felt the same way at times. Its worse when you see people who you havent seen in a long time....and for me..well Ive just gained my weight after pregnancy so ..those I havent seen in the last 12 years and I see them...are like....omg what the heck?? (that makes me feel real good seeing them, not) I then feel like I have to explain how this happened. Like I know?? I just got married, had a baby got divorced, my ex died and im a single parent...thats how...need I say more to them?? As far as shopping and going out etc etc...Its the same..you get treated differently...I know this first hand. SO. Ive stopped going out shopping...as nothing looks good anymore anyways! Why bother!! Im just waiting till I can go back to reg sized clothes...12 and under lol. Ill be happy at 12 at this point! I just know...I need to be happy with me...regardless of how much I weigh...I know I need to present myself in the best light....regardless of the situation...and remember....I am a fantastic person...and if whomever cant see this....I just say...heck with them...they arent worth it. However much I say this....no matter it still hurts and it still feels when we are made to feel small! Im sorry you are feeling so bad. Perhaps...in time. In a very short time you will begin to see things a little differently. Until then....chin up and we are here to listen to whatever you have to say and feel!! Jodi I couldnt have said what you just wrote any better than that!! You are so right! Oh and about the Maam...I have this friend...she is from Texas..and omg...when she has to talk to a stranger...for something and she says...excuse me Maam or thank you Maam...I want to smack her silly, lol I know she only means well but here in NY...well I hear the possibility of being insulted but your right we cant take it to heart. Hi everyone. Hope all is well and everyone had a great Presidents day and all those on Holiday are enjoying. I am on vacation however because I want to take off for the week of surgery and if need be the following week im working this week...and I worked Christmas week as well so just in case I need two weeks I wont feel guilty. Its kind of strange how I was so busy the last three months getting all the consults and tests done...and going back for follow ups...and now..its so um quiet. Since I orriginially was supposed to have my surgery on the 8th of Feb and I was bumped because of the sleep apnea for six weeks supposedly. Well...now that..that was cleared before the six weeks...due to good behavior lol. I feel like Im in limbo...just waiting around doing nothing. Im ready...but have to wait a month. Not happy! Im ready. I know another month wont kill me however.....this was a good time for me...not March....March 16th is my daughters bday. Purim is the first week and Passover is the last week. Can there be a worse time?? NOOO. but...like all others..who are waiting...I am waiting as there really is no choice unless there is a cancelation..which there might be...but if there is it will still be after the first of March! Lol Okay....finished venting...sorry..just tired of the waiting after all the busyness of getting ready for the surgery! Kind of a let down at the end of the process...instead of the surgery being the culmination of the whole process. well...I certainly have plenty to do besides the surgery stuff to keep me busy. Tomorrow is pet day at my daughters school. Not really sure how im going to get the dog to the school at 11:30 and then go to work and be home by 4:30. Im not a magician but sometimes feel like I need to be one. I really dont want to bring the dog to school. She isnt going to like it! lol but, the kids are expecting all their pets for show and tell? Didnt show and tell end in pre school? My daughter is in the fifth grade. I think that the dog should just be able to come to school for the day!!! Yea. Let her take her with and bring her home. Im sure the class would love to have her eat all the school lunch leftovers that the kids throw out! Other that im working for free this week....lol Its olmost Wednesday and I still have baking and shopping to do for the upcoming holiday of Purim. Why im procrastinating im not sure...but there is still one more week left before..and ill just kill myself the last week like always...to get everything done in time..lol (WHY I ASK??) The one thing I did do ...is get my daughters costume ready. After seeing "The lightening Theif" She wants to be "Medusa the greek goddess" on Purim ..like Holloween the kids dress in costumes....So..I was able to get her a Roman mideavil costume...now I just have to figure out the hair?? snakes?? lots of snakes?? any suggestions..will be accepted gladly! Well you all have a great night!! Jodi

Hi...this sounds really great. Thanks for all the information. This was so helpful. I wish the support group that my doctors office had was as informative as yours! I went to my first one with them Thursday night and well...it was nice but it was more like going to an AA support group. I love the idea about plates and the clothing exchange. I am going to recommend we try to do the same. I for one certainly cant afford new clothes! There is btw also a clothing exchange thread on this site as well....I posted to it but havent gotten responses yet. Thanks for sharing!

Hi. I had the same question you had after noticing that not everyone was recquired to have different consults and tests done before surgery. What I was told..that it really depends on the state, hospital, insurance and doctor that you are using....however it seems that NY recquires the most testing and consults to have done..I couldnt believe all the doctors and tests that I needed!! All in all it took about 6 months just to get those clearance letters! [ Welcome Neverquit, Matilda and Daurceart NEVERQUIT!! Glad you guys posted....March is just around the corner....jump in anytime you see a post you want to respond to or ask questions about etc etc....we are all here to help and support!! [