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Yea, I think I am going to get back on my BC because since surgery I have had a period every month but it just comes whenever it's not on regular schedule. Sometimes its a week early or a week late. Right now I am another week late!

Jenn - did you discuss the size of the pills with thrm or are you taking the non extended release ones? I'm tempted to just try these bc my pharmacist looked up Riomet, which is a liquid form, and its unavailable from the manufacturers. I really need these meds just not sure my band will react well.

I'm cooking for a husband and 3 kids, 2 of whom are teenage boys. I just eat whatever I cook for the family - healthy food is healthy food and appropriate for everyone. I hate cooking, lol, but I'm glad I have to do it. I think it always kept me somewhat in check. I would never feed my kids crap, would never let them eat take out regularly, or feed them 2 minute noodles, packet macaroni cheese, white bread and rubbish like that, so my base diet was always healthy, it was just all the crap I fed myself on top of it. Cooking for one would be really hard, I even make too much salad for lunch!

I did the same thing - not telling many pple to avoid all the comments and questions regarding how fast the weight would come off and what I can/cannot eat. I knew it would be slow and bc it was surgery everyone else thinks it should be DRASTIC/FAST. I am going to a Continuing Education lecture next weekend and I just know the ladies that know I am banded will think its too slow and insignificant (Like I care) - But I am abit self conscience and hope they don't ask too many questions.

Hi Myturn, That actually sounds like a pretty decent deal since everything for a year is included. Does it include your hospital costs or stay? Mine is covered by my insurance (BS of CA) but I still have to pay $2800 out of pocket to cover my part of the hospital. Also paid $200 for the psych eval. and $350 to the doc's office to cover my co-pay. My fills will cost an additional $150 each time after the first one since Blue Shield only covers 1 every 6 mos. How are you doing on your pre-op diet? Or do you have one? I am a little worried since my 2 year old is coming down with a cold now and surgery is a week away now...YIKES. I don't wanna get sick!!:glare:

I had BC/BS of IL and they are notorious for dening folks the 1st time through, they are very picky about the paperwork. So my drs office works with the great folks at Obesity law and advocasy, and they fight the appeal. They worth with Allergan. So God has blessed me with the right folks in the right time, and I am stepping through His open door. Just Tired

Hi: I am from North Vancouver, BC Canada and I have been "lurking" reading this funny link. My DH was born in England and my family is from England. As a result, I have been in England many times visiting and I must say finding large sizes was an experience to say the least. I always thought there were no large people in the UK. Living in BC, it is just a stone throw away to the USA and I have always purchased my clothes down there. Just wanted to say hi. Doddie

Well Tuesday, after posting my garden pics blog after dinner, things got a little crazy around here. One of the couples going to the concert with us/old neighbors that moved close by was in the area (birthday dinner out for one of their teens). They called us and we invited them over. We invited another couple (going to the concert) over, had drinks on the patio (perfect weather) and discussed our plans while all the kids visited. The last couple (going to the concert) was returning from vacation that evening and we got a call that an Uncle in their family had died (expected, Hospice had been there). After about four more calls back and forth we found that the viewing would be during the concert, so they couldn't go. Then we got a call from DS1, that he'd been in an accident; no injuries. I always hesitate to share negative things about my kids here, but I will just incase it keeps someone else from having an accident (or your kids). He works with one of his good friends and after work his friend was performing in a band at a local bar (they have events scheduled on occasion just for underage teens, no alcohol). He was following his friend's car through the parking lot to park (probably too closely) and looked down 'for a second' to tune his iPod…friend stopped, DS1 didn't (even with hands-free phone calls there are too many distractions in cars these days with all the electronics...FYI we've always limited the number of kids he can drive and he's supposed to set the iPod to a playlist before he leaves and phone is supposed to be on speaker and only for important things). Bottom line is the friend's car had a higher bumper with a long/large trailer hitch and my minivan's front end (must be made of cellophane) was no match (minor damage to friend's car). He was going between 2-5 mph at the time (that was the prediction of the auto-shop manager the next day, as the airbags would have gone off if he was over that for the kind of accident he had, and they hadn't deployed). So that evening we spent some time sorting that out. Somehow (LOL) we also ended up with everyone's kids spending an overnight at our house, so there was popcorn to be made and sleeping bags and fresh pillowcases to be rounded up after the parent's left. We spent yesterday morning getting kids fed/home, then lunchtime calling; insurance, the friend's father (DS1 called to apologize, etc.), the rental car place, and we took my minivan to the car shop (5-6K or possibly totaled; and yes, DS1 was there at each step to hear it all); the hitch punched into my minivan killing the radiator and A/C fan (maybe more) and wrecking the hood, front end/bumper and front side panel…ouch! DS1 is going to be paying what the insurance wont (we made a deal with our kids that we'd pay for their first accident only). He had a similar wreck just about 8 months ago at the stop-light right in front of his workplace. DH's car that time…a bumper miss-match with a tall SUV in front as they were all stopping for the light "she made a hard stop sooner than he expect" and even though he was down to under 10mph DH car went under the other car's bumper (can you say TAILGATING!). Again, the SUV had hardly a scratch, but they almost totaled DH's car. Insurance yesterday said 'Didn't he just have this same kind of accident?' 'Ummm, yes, just a different car.' AHHHH! I know some of you'll think we're the strictest parents (we all do the best we can), but I'll tell you anyway (and no, he didn't get any consequences other than a long talk for the first accident, but the second time it becomes carelessness)…we'll only be letting him drive to/from work, but with us in the passenger seat for awhile to 'coach/tune up' his driving skills (punishments always seem to punish the parents too don't they...can't wait for the late night pick-up when the restaurant closes), and no, he won't have the iPod (or even the use of the radio or phone) in the car for awhile even when he returns to driving…we need this one to 'hurt' as he doesn't really have an appreciation for just some money coming out of his savings account. We'd also had already been talking to him about getting a second job as he wasn't getting enough hours at a restaurant, so we forced that issue yesterday and he called and got rehired at his old job (retail store). Of course it's not the hassle or insurance rate going up (it will) that we care about; he just needs to learn the lesson now before he or someone else gets HURT or worse…that's our real worry. Driving is a privilege and he's gotten over-confident in his abilities (we've seen that watching him drive recently…he started off as a careful driver, but now he's gotten complacent after driving for 3 years and needs an attitude adjustment). He needs to take it seriously and understand the responsibility of driving. We've had several sit-down discussions with him and I'm sure well be talking more about it on the way to PSU tomorrow (fun, fun, fun...NOT). In the afternoon we ran and got things for our tailgate and got ready. We thought we had someone set to take the now extra set of tickets, but that fell through less than an hour before departure. So more scrambling with others trying to find friends to go and finally the concert attendees suggested we take our daughter/BF (about 10 min. before departure). I grabbed DD some clothes in case they could come and off we went (the neighbors picked us up and had fully decorated the car and had bought us all kinds of whacky stuff to wear and display at the tailgate. We had a great time people watching (a major spectator sport at this concert) tailgating with the neighbors (I ate some sub (VERY carefully) and none of the sides we took, but I did have a two Corona's/Lime as it was all we had there (with some Gas X, and yes, my doc says carbonation is OK after a certain point post-op...and I nursed them forever...the tailgate is longer than the concert at JB). DD/BF got to the concert about ½ hour late (she had to work until 7pm), but they had a great time too (virgin Parrotheads). We danced, we sang, we had a blast…Buffett was awesome as always! What a way to celebrate our 50th birthdays! TERRIBLE phone-camera pic attached of us doing the Big 5-0. We picked up a rental car for me today and I'm off to pack for our orientation overnight at PSU tomorrow…it's been a busy, sometimes very stressful 48 hours. *Portion of Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

To the OP. I would seriously spend the money and do a consult with a different doctor. It is NUTS that you had ANY fluid in your band at the surgery. I did not get a fill until about six weeks in. I am in BC and my doctor is helpful, but it's a little far for you:(

I went to Olive Garden with my honey today. I knew they had soups and thought to see if I could handled it. I explained to the waitress briefly that I had surgery and could only have soup with little to no chunks. (I'm 2 weeks out today!). She was a peach , strained my soup, and gave me more to-go bc I only had three bites. Can I say that those were the best three bites of my life after being on clears for the last 3 weeks! :thumbup: For a real treat, get you some of there yummy soup!

Welcome back. Glad to hear everything went well. I'm actually doing good myself. I haven't post bc I'm just in shock how well everything has turned out. Any who, Congrats Sleeve Sister !!!

Hello group! I'm new to the group. My Dr. (on Friday) suggested the surgery to control my Type2 diabetes. I have been unable to control my BS level or get it down with meds and many failed attempts to lose weight for the past 5-6 years since being diagnosed. My close friend since childhood had the surgery and is doing GREAT. I was excited when when Dr. actually recommended it for me. I made the first appt for the initial seminar at Cedars Sinai, it's this Saturday. Naturally I have a lot of questions but I'll save most of them for during the seminar and to the group later on as I get more info on the process. Not sure what else I should mention at this point of the introduction but this is a start =)

Btw I was banded Feb 12th intake is apprx 65 grams of proteins and 20oz of water also I take b12 sublingual tabs and chewable calcium and today for the first time crushed biotin pills for hair and mixed them with my shake, I'm off of meds since lastnight no more liquid vicotin bc I took it all but feel good able to side sleep.

I had 7 & was told it was bc of adhesions. They couldn't get a good angle on the camera. Three C-sections will do that I suppose. They are very small & at 10 day post-op they're all healed & 2 I can't find anymore. My biggest one is the only noticeable one & it's right in line with my belly button which is a little bit of a bummer. I can live with it though! IMHO, it's the 2 week liquid diet that has been the challenge. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First of all at 5'4 and 165 you won't be skinny or anything close to it. Everyone is so damn fat in America, people don't even know what legit skinny even looks like. Big boned is a myth, yeah some people might have slightly larger frames but big bones is BS. My bones are 3x denser than the average woman my age and they still barely weigh anything, and they look TINY on a DEXA scan. they are covered in fat and muscle. Big bone is just lie people tell themselves and others to justify obesity. Just because the weight is harder to lose or slower coming off doesn't mean you aren't meant to lose it or you can't lose it. You are barely one year out from surgery. It will probably take you another 6 months or so to lose the rest if you keep eating right. People need to think about their general health and wellness. The way insurance is going right now, those few extra pounds can cost you a lot in insurance premiums in the future. Everyone should be striving to get to a normal BMI at this point. And just because you are smaller doesn't mean you won't have curves. I have lost an entire grown man in weight and I still have enough titties for 3 broads and I have hips, thighs and a butt. Slim thick is really a thing. People need to stop kidding themselves. You will never be this young ever again in life. Go for your goal, go for it hard. It is never going to be this easy to lose weight ever again.

Protein powder. Added to smoothies, soups, beans, yoghurt, anything I can. Most people use a whey protein. It must be Whey Isolate. The stuff I use is from grass fed cows with no artificial flavors, and 99% lactose free. 90 calories and 20 gm protein per scoop. Once in a while - like rushing to work or just wanting to give my pouch a rest, I will drink a Premier Protein shake - 160 calories, 30 gms protein.

Look at the 3 of you...so good!..I was on the pre-op diet twice and they cancelled my surgery the first time because someone had an emergency...So I spent 2 horrible weeks drinking this Protein slime for nothing...Before I started that pre op they told me to leave the hospital and pick up the slime on my way out...I did that..And I started right away with no cheats.. When I found out I was rescheduled for the 2nd time I thought about it and decided that I would eat what I wanted until the 2 weeks came up again...I lost 27 lbs..the first 2 weeks and after, ate what I wanted and felt that it was a good decision for me personally....the second time I lost 1 lb. more.....The only regret I have is that I now know a year later that there is no food that you cannot eat. Food in a limited space but non the less food.... When after all was said and done and I was over 6 months with out eating anything..I was pleased as punch that I had my funeral...Would not recommend it to anyone...But for me it was a good memory that took me through a loss of 95 lbs. to follow....while in the hospital being fed on a tube. No excuses just did not see it like others do..By the way...6 months without eating really detoxes a body...So there was a big nothing going on for me..I had to learn to eat again..They actually had to teach me how to swallow and move food around my mouth....I thought about the good old days and even though I would never want to ever do that again..For me it was good stuff......

hi everyone! hope everyone is having a great time and recovering well! i am 7 days into my pre- op and i have lost 11 pounds. i am doing 3 shakes a day and 80+ ounces of clear fluids. i pee all day! its insane like i feel like im always running to the bathroom with the kiddos. I have 4 days til my surgery is anyone else experiencing irritability and crankiness? every soudn seems louder and smells seems more fragrant. i cook every night for the kids it is torture. last night they wanted to go to the movies so i took them and naturally i hold the youngest's popcorn bc she spills it everytime. the smell of popcorn was tempting me llol. I just learned i could season my broth with is nice but no salt. I am really anxious to just get the surgery oer with and start my healing. i feel like my body is going through such weird changes sometimes im freezing sometimes i feel like im in a suana. but usually always tired and low on patience haha. good luck everyone!

Thank you thank you thank you SO SO SO SO much everyone for your responses! It really does validate sort of what I thought about her. It must be some sort of issue she has. She used to talk to me every morning but here lately - nothing. Her husband actually just came in so that they could work out together during lunch. Both of them just left in their workout clothes. I think it's one of those things where she must be insecure with her husband, in her marriage, etc. And I think because I live my life however, and made this decision, she is annoyed. Who knows? I will say, I haven't told my husband's parents about the band at all because they are VERY judgmental when it comes to weight. His sister is the worst. She was always TINY - we're talking a size 2 in high school and the past few years have sort of altered her body style. She's not as tiny but she's still petite. But, she was definitely one that would make comments to me all the time. As far as I'm concerned, they don't need to know. His dad has made his fair share of rude comments, so I'm sure that more would come and they would definitely be the food police. I told them that I'm having hernia surgery. I wouldn't have said anything but our daughters stay the night with them every Monday because his mom keeps my kids on Tuesdays since my husband and I both work. They live nearby (as does all of my family) so I had to have some sort of excuse. Plus, yesterday we had my youngest daughter's 4th birthday party and they had pizza, fried chicken, cake, ice cream, etc. I had NONE of it. I stayed on my low-carb pre-op diet and had turkey and grilled chicken breast. I guess I'm just fed up with society's opinion of overweight people. :smile2: I have dealt with it so much that now I'm fed up. I did ask the co-worker "What makes you say that" so I know that she knows I was not pleased with her "suggestion" or whatever you want to call it. Her excuse was "You'll be miserable". Actually, I don't think (I hope I won't) be. Once again - thank you SO much! I swear, I LOVE this board!!!! :thumbup:

Well we have our appt for the nutritionist on August 13. I wish I didn't have soo long to wait I made these appts for my hubby and I in June. This is the getting crazy my hubby is in the hospital again with cellulitis and they told him that this will keep on happening until the surgery!! I am going crazy since I really want to do the surgery already!!! My hubby and I want to loose weight I have tried sooo many things and nothing has worked and I am just fed up with feeling this way and being depressed about my weight since I don;t feel like I am worth looking at. I also have going crazy since I am married 7yrs and I really want to have a child I am already 30 and I always wanted a big family I guess that won't happen at least not as big as I wanted. Otherwise my hubby and are really excited about doing this together since we both are really overweight and know that as a team we will do really well!! That is it for now! I will write more after my appts. thanks for listening.

isprrnbr...join right in...Glad to have you join us. I dont really know anyone on this forum. We've just all decided to float along and do these challenges bc they really do help the overall wt loss!! Good luck to you! And let us know if you need anything :-)

The hospital where I was did not allow family members to stay overnight unless it was an extraordinary circumstance. I thought this was good bc that way everyone can get their rest, and the nursing staff takes great care of you. I took a sponge bath the day after my surgery and a shower before I was discharged (I was there 2 nights). My husband came early for my discharge and helped me with my shower, which I liked better than asking an aide to help. (You are a bit sore and unsteady at first and taking a shower in a strange place, so it's nice to have someone close by, even if just for reassurance.)

I'm 12 days Post op and I have the same feeling.. I don't really have that "full" feeling. But I think it's just bc I'm not "eating" anything. Although,The shakes sometimes take me a couple hours to finish..

As soon as I wake, I MUST have water- problem is, if I am going to have a "solid" Breakfast, I simply don't have the time to wait so I go for a Protein shake or Soup in the morning. I also find myself unable to resist coffee in the morning- my husband drinks it, and I love it (black, no cream or sugar). What is everyones take on substituting what should be a "solid" meal with something that is healthy but truthfully a liquid? I don't find myself uncontrollably hungry 2 hours later, but I've heard that allowing yourself to "fill up" on fluids it potentially going to stretch out the sleeve. I'd like to call BS on that one, but I don't know enough to say for sure. All I know is I'm far happier having my coffee, Protein Shake, and Water in the morning vs. eating eggs and no fluids. I also work out immediately after I leave the house, and I think I'd die if I didn't get water in!

To reiterate many posts, you cannot stretch out your sleeve. You can call BS on that one. I start each morning with Water and Protein shake. After waking and after workouts are the two best times for your body to absorb protein. You body will use it best then. Grab a cup of coffee, a protein shake and a hard boiled egg and head out for the day. Eat the egg half an hour after you finish your beverages. The thing you have to remember is the reason for not drinking is it can be too easy to overeat. You won't feel the restriction as the pyloric valve will open and empty everything into the intestines. The sleeve is a tool. Use it wisely and you can eat and drink at the same time. Just don't do it so you can eat the whole burrito. When I was preparing for the 5K I ran, I drank while eating Pasta the night before because I knew I couldn't get the amount of carbs into my body before the race. I was able to eat a lot (relatively) It worked for me for a purpose. I think too many people can get their heads spun around too many rumours of what they should be doing. It can be confusing, for sure, but what I fall back on is, "If I eat like a normal person, I'll be fine." It is when I eat for the wrong reasons or I am not 100% honest with myself or motivations that I get into trouble.