Through earlier conversations in a separate thread, it was suggested to have a specific thread for Spivak's patients to share experiences. Please feel free to join in.

Lynn, Terry and Deb hope to see your updates here.

Take care,

Kim

*To be banded Monday, February 5th

But Trivon....didn't you JUST get banded? Aren't you in your first 30 days? If that is so, don't worry about it at all. This is the HEALING month, not a time for working on losing. Concentrate on getting you proteins and liquids in (even ice cream ocasionally). You have plenty of time for losing when your fills start.

Hi Kacee,

Yes I was just banded 08/28. I am so ready to start melting the pounds away though. You are right...this is forever so I do have plenty of time! I kow it isn't a quick fix, that I have to work on it. That's just what I want to do. I can't wait to get to the gym. Can anyone tell me how long Dr Spivak wants us to wait after surgery to start working out(LIGHT workout)? I haven't found a protein shake that my nose can tolerate for me to drink. Anyone have a good idea? Thanks everyone...TTYL

EAS Carb Control chocolate.

I get isopure clear protein drinks. They are good and come in about 8 flavors. You cannot get them at GNC, but body builder health stores will carry them or you can get them online. Check out the link that follows...

index

For a chocolatey protein shake I do Dymatize Elite Cafe Mocha. I never thought I would actually LIKE a protein shake, but I REALLY DO!!!!

You can get the Isopure drinks at The Vitamin Shoppe. I bought a few for post op but I didn't like them at all. I would suggest just buying one or two before you invest too much $$!

I'm sick of sugar AND artificial sweeteners. Is there a protein that is just tasteless that could be added to water or soup or something????

Yes! I think many make a 'natural flavor' protein w/o sweeteners...just ask at the store! Here's an example of one from my favorite online vendor: Optimum Any Whey Protein Powder

That's perfect! Thanks. I'd really like to rid my life of artificial and natural sweeteners! When I was diabetic, BOTH would cause my blood sugar to go off the chart. Thanks to the band, the very highest I can get my blood sugar to go now (with NO pills anymore) was 110 after a bunch of ice cream. Burp. I never used artificial sweeteners before I was banded, except for with Diet Coke, which I gave up with the band. Would like to continue pruning my diet until it's just plain healthy.

I hear ya. Artificial sweeteners are my last vice!!! (well, almost :waytogo: ) My next step is to swear off of sugar alcohols....they just don't agree with me. Splenda & aspartame make me hungrier, but don't mess with my blood sugar beyond that.

I'm very happy that you've got yours under control. Just awesome!

Yeah...I'm off pills and don't register as diabetic anymore, AND my osteoporosis reversed itself. Way cool. I just SO want to get to goal weight and go shopping. I hate to buy any clothes when I dson't know what my size will eventually be. I'm t-shrts and jeans and work out clothes most days...but I did go buy a "little black dress". Well, not actually little, but it was in regular sizes anyway...

I'm off on the trek to Houston again. My fill just didn't last this time :0) I'm on for number three on Tuesday.

I'm pretty sure it's time. I have to stop myself from eating; I get hungry between meals and have a snack (I know - it's a nono). And, I haven't lost any weight in almost two weeks. Done with that.

Where oh where is that illusive sweet spot?

Well, I'm going in next week for my 5th fill in 6 months! It just takes a little time and patience. I'm only going to ask for about 0.1cc because I've been too tight before and I don't want to do that again! The adjustments now are so tiny but make a big difference!

My 4th fill two weeks ago was PERFECT!!!! They gave me just a skosh and it was magic. I wish I could bottle and sell this feeling. However, BECAUSE I am now at the optimum restriction, I am actively losing again, so that means this will start to slowly loosen (damned if you do, damned if you don't!). I hope it lasts more than a month and a half this time, but I finally know what a GOOD restriction is, what it feels like and what to expect. Before, I was just kindof feeling my way along....

Stop the presses! I stopped eating artificial sweeteners and my reflux disappeared!!!!!!!!! Within a day!

Stop the presses! I stopped eating artificial sweeteners and my reflux disappeared!!!!!!!!! Within a day!

GET OUTTA HERE!!! FOR REAL? I want a report in 2 weeks!