Hi, my name is Suzanne and I had my surgery 12/28/2012. I am looking for a mentor and buddies who are near to the Tampa, Florida area. I live in Winter Haven, Florida. I am new to lap band and new to "forums" so I hope I am doing this correctly.

My doctor has me on clear liquids for a week. i was wondering if it is ok to put some crackers in a cup of broth and drink them down when the crackers become really soft? Also, is it normal to have some gas after drinking liquid or having some jello? Does this go away?

Looking forward to making some new and lasting friendships.

Thank you for your replies. Only two more days til my surgery and im so excited! I've lost 25 lbs so far on the protein shakes alone!

Thank u for the encouragement. I really needed to hear that...

I hope you are doing well after your banding remember lossing all you weight dosnt happen all at once one day at a time

Hello to all, I just joined today, I am being banded on March 1st with Dr. Grossbard and start my shakes next week. I am living in Plant City and will be having my procedure at Memorial in Tampa. I am actually looking forward to the couple weeks of shakes before surgery to prepare me for whats to come. I don't have a whole lot of questions just glad to meet people on the same journey.

Hello all.. I live in Dover near Plant City. Dr Aguila is doing my surgery this Thursday at Memorial Hospital. Have done well with the pre op diet so far. Just starting to get anxious and nervous now.