Mardeb

Let's face it, we have all been used to loosing weight quckly when we went on diets in the past and I think us newbies are expecting the same. I was banded on April 1 and have only lost 25 lbs, most of which I lost on the pre-op diet with protein shakes. I had 2 fills since then and was still able to eat just about everything (but would stop eating before I was full). Five days ago, I went in for a third fill, which my surgeon agreed to add a little bit more as she saw that I was getting frustrated at the slow weight loss. What a difference did that make! I can barely drink a 8 oz shake and it takes at least 30 minutes. I eat one egg and Iam full. I won't kid you, there is a bit of discomfort when I eat now and I realize that it make be too tight but I want to keep it that way for at least another week so that I can jumpstart the weight loss (then I will have them take a tiny amout out). Keep the faith - visit your surgeon for a fill. You will see a difference in your eating habits.

Lauren - your a star! Thanks for the info. Best of luck to you!

Thanks so much Lauren. This is really helpful. I work in Midtown as well and am right around the corner from Oceana and quite close to Pump Energy food. I had never been to Pump so its great to hear that they also have Protein shakes. Do you recommend anything else from PUMP as I will checkl they out as soon as I finish the liquid phase. Also I love wine so its good to get ideas on beverages. Great advise, I will share whatever I discover with you all as well. Good Luck!!!!:biggrin:

Does anybody have any suggestions also on what to order that is non-carbonated when at a bar or cocktail party????

These are great suggestions but I too need some more suggestions on eating out in NYC. I have to entertain clients quite a bit for lunch and dinner and am dreading on how to deal with business meals. I agree that in NYC ordering soup or an appetizer as my entree would raise eyebrows and I reakly don't want to draw any attention away from the purpose of the meeting. I am sure that there are others in our situation so can't wait to hear suggestions. By the way - I am still new to being banded - just had it done on March 30th and ending my liquid stage next week.

Try eating sugar free ice pops in between meals. Also try sugarfree italian ices ( they sell them in the supermarket). Both really help. Sugar Free jello has helped as well. Please, please, please try and hang in there and not eat anything that is not a clear liquid this week (except your protein shakes). I was told that its important to not stretch the stomach pouch right after surgery. We can all do this! Good Luck.

I was banded 6 days ago and yes - you are right the shoulder pain and the gas pains are the worse. My nurse told me to force myself to walk and that would help with the gas right away. She was right. It was gone in about 2 days. Once the gas goes away you actually feel pretty good. The next problem I found that I am itchy around the incisions (probably due to the steri-strips). Can't wait for them to come off.

Hi I had my surgery on March 30 and am feeling pretty good drinking the protein shakes. I do however mix them with Skim Plus milk which makes them taste alot better. Try different brands because they all taste different. GNC recommended ISOPURE which has the highest protein. Pretty expensive ($50) but it tastes great and all I have to do is remember to take it cause I am not hungry. Good Luck to all.

I also have United Healthcare and they covered the surgery with just mild sleep apnea. I have to say that my surgeon's staff also were excellent in working with them (so that may have had a lot to do with it). In any case, had my surgery last Tuesday, I feel great, have lost 12 lbs already. So please don't give up!!!

Keep fighting because I don't have any illness and I got approved. If all else fails have a sleep study test, if your lucky maybe you have sleep apnea

I want to wish you the very best of luck. My date is Tuesday, 3/30 so let us know how things go for you.

I have thought about tellking people for the last few months and have decided only to tell my husband and adult kids as well. It seems that people that have not struggled with their weight just do not understand what has led to making the decision on having surgery. I have never experienced anything negative about my weight and I am lucky not to have any of the illnesses associated with obesity. But before I do, and after years of yo-yo dieting, this is my private decision which is highly supported by my family. Now - the problem is how creative can I get with the world when they start seeing the weigjt drop and the chnage in my eating habits???? My job consists of wining and dining customers so this should be fun. Please share any ideas if you have the same dilema. My banding date is on target for March 30th.