JillianRN

What about EMLA cream. I have my first feel this Thursday and I am a little apprehensive. My Internist is going to call some EMLA cream in...we use it with patients that have ports for chemo. You place the cream on and cover it with plastic wrap for about 30 minutes. It numbs the skin all the way. I may be a weenie but I am gonna use that cream...lol

CHocolate definitely....

To thine own self be true.....You are blessed to have a supportive husband....It is hard for others to see the paint hat we have been in, to experience the struggles that we have gone through...You go on with gusto in your quest for health...You will be so happy that you do..

Good for you!! Congratulations on your success!

No it will not be a problem..make sure you inform your nurses..

I felt the same way. You must remember, unless your family and friends have had the procedure done, they cannot really understand. This procedure gives you hope for a better you. If you are like the rest of us, you have tried and failed diets. My band is not the "magic bullet" but it gives me both confidence and resstriction and I am so happy that I had it done. Always look to the future, knowing that if you work hard and learn to understand the purpose of your band, and how it is suppose to work, you will be fine. The hardest part for me was the wait until surgery. Before you know it this anxiety will be over. I will not lie to you and say that the process was so easy...I had a few bumps in the road but I can promise you that it has been totally worth it! I will be praying for you from now until the 19th. Be strong and of good cheer!

I know that I am a newby, but my nutritionist and surgeon are all about eating dense foods. They do not want me to drink the shakes unless I have not gotten my required protein in for the day. They require 80-100 gm of protein/day but would prefer that I be on the higher end. I noticed the difference in my weight loss when I maintained at least 90gm/day. They also only allow 3 oz/ meal and I eat 5x/day.

I think the same thing everyday:)

My friend told me that after surgery your skin would be very dry...I noticed that although my skin was dry before, after surgery my skin was extremely dry. Afte I was able to get in the bathtub, I would soak for a while and then I mixed a solution of lotion and sugar and rubbed it on my skin...I was amazed at how much dead skin came off of me. I still use this about once per week. I then use African Shea Butter on my skin. I have noticed such a difference in my skin.

I am so bad....lol At first I weighed 2x/day...I found out that I was driving myself crazy and I was allowing the scale to dictate my day. Now I weigh every 2 days. It really keeps me on track but not pressured. I also weigh the same time everyday, in the am.

I felt the same way. My Nutritionist recommended that I get between 80-100 grams of protein/day. If I went under 80 I felt very weak.

When I was on protein shakes only, I made enough for 24 hours. Protein Max Chocolate was wonderful. I get it at GNC. They also have an awesome shaker cup that has a mini whisk in it. This helps with mixing and also you do not have to mess the blender up...lol If you get one of the shaker cups, add 1/2 of your skim milk first and then your powder...It seems to mix easier.

I eat oatmeal made with skim milk or 1/2 of a whole wheat English muffin with 1 tsp of Peanut Butter and sugar-free strawberry jam. Sometimes i have 1 scrambled egg made with milk and low fat chedder cheese.

Congratulations on your surgery!

Yeah another NC girl...Best of luck on your Surgery consult 12/01

I was able to leave the same day. I took my own Gas-ex strips and began using them as soon as my eyes were open...lol. I did take a make-up bag because even if I felt bad I was not going to look bad,....lol chapstick and my toothbrush and tooth paste. I also took breath spray. I packed my soft sleep pants and shirt and actually wore them home. I did a maternity sleep bra which was very helpful..I wish you the best and look forward to readung about your success.

My Dr. only allows me to have 1/4 c or 2 oz 5x/day

If I could go back, I would not have told anyone but my spouse, parents and best friend. Unfortunately, I shared the info with a few of my close family members....I am almost one month out and since friday I have had 5 telephone calls from extended family members questioning my decisions telling me horror stories.....I am so not ashamed or embarrased about having my surgery I have lost 32 pounds since the day I decided to change my life. I am off all of my BP meds and I now have real energy, less pain..I have a new attitude. I think sometimes people are so consumed with drama that they just have to keep it stirred....I find myself being assertive and more positive and not taking alot of junk off of people who think it is their RESPONSIBILITY to tell me their opinion...that I did not ask for...lol Ahhhh that feels so much better now...lol

Amazing...you are an inspiration to so many of us!

Tori, what she was telling you is that your insurance covers your surgery. Often times insurance will have a co-pay for example mine was 85/15. This meant my insurance paid all but $500.00. Pray. God will reveal to you what His plan is. That is just what I did. In my life God moved quickly..lol at the time I felt like it was going slowly, but it was really rather quickly. Be at Peace and know that God is in control...I am looking forward to reading about your successes..