Kate

Lisa, Thank You so much! I will start that this weekend! Kate

Hey Girls, I had my fill on Monday (2.1 CCs) I was a little disappointed because I felt very little restriction. Ah but now, 4 days later...yikes! Happy to have it though. Any March 10 bandsters still checking the forum? Kate

Hi Kimmie, and Hi all! I am worried about not getting enough protein. I found I just can't do it eating 3 tiny meals a day. I am getting 40 grams a day at best. I want this to work, but I think I am missing something. I have noticed my fingernails have become very soft, easily torn or splitting, and for the past 2 days I have felt light-headed and dizzy. Do I substitue a protein shake for a meal? Any ideas? I got my first fill this week and prior to it I hadn't really lost much, so I am concerned with calories, carbs, etc. Kate

Hi Helen, I had wanted to go back to TJ for my first fill, but it's a long ride. So, I am getting my first fill in Tampa (Fill Centers USA) on April 21. The have another office in St. Pete. I'll let you know how it goes. Kate

Hi Utahmom, I feel great. I've lost a total of 21 lbs. since starting the pre-op diet. I have only lost 12 since the surgery. I really didn't watch my calories for my liquids, but concentrated more on the protein. I bought vanilla flavored whey protein and added it to almost everything (except cheddar cheese soup ...blech!) Anyway, I get on the scale every morning and I know I shouldn't. I don't seem to be losing right now, however I have dropped a pants size, so something's going on. I really have to become more diligent with counting calories I suppose. I am concerned with the amount of protein I am getting. So I am eating a lot of fish, boca burgers and eggs. I'll let you know how that works...I've only been on solid foods a few days. Good luck!

You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I put in my blender during the first 3 weeks on the post op diet, Ha ha ha! By the time I hit the third week I added Ham to campbells cheddar cheese soup! You have to get creative. I am on my first week of solid food now and feel only a little restriction, but not hungry all the time like I was prior to getting my band. I am thinking my first fill will be the last week in April. This is quite the journey and I am really loving it! > Good luck to you! I will look for posts on your progress. Kate

Hey everyone! And Hi to Diane, Val, Antsooz and Lovetta! Yesterday was my first official meal! I invited some family and friends over. (I love to cook) I grilled salmon, steamed broccoli (with home made lite hollandaise sauce). I made yellow rice and black beans, bruchetta, and a few other munchies for my guests. I was able to eat about a 3 inch square of salmon, broccoli and a small piece of bruchetta. I was full. I know bandsters have moderate troubles with rice and pastas, so I only gave the rice a little taste. The trick was taking small, deliberate bites and chew, chew, chew. Eat slowly and take the time to enjoy your meal. AND don't drink! That was hard. I am so used to slugging down at least 1 big glass of water with a meal. We'll see how this week goes. Anyone with menu ideas for the post-op? Please post! Tell us what works for you! I am still mega excited, super happy and I have a whole new outlook on life! Thanks Dr. Ortiz!!! > Kate!

I'm loving the green tea too! I especially like Lipton's Diet Citrus Green Tea...Yummy! Kate

Hey Girls! How are my fellow bandsters out there? I was banded March 10th. All seems to be going quite smoothly. I think I am starting to get hungry for the first time since my procedure. Anyone else getting the munchies? Could be 'head hunger' or could be because I baked a big old Ham for Easter with all the traditional sides? I can have my first solid foods on March 31st and I am already planning it. Kate

Jena, I too kept my trip to Mexico a secret from several of my family members for the very same reasons. Of course I had to tell my husband. He was not hip to the surgery in the first place, but add the fact that I wanted to go to Mexico for it and Yikes! It took quite a bit of talking and reassuring. I was banded on March 10th and the experience you will have at the OCC is unlike anything here in the states. The facility is state of the art and sparkling clean. The Doctors are WORLD renowned. The staff is impressive, kind and thoughtful. My husband was reassured as Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez and the anesthist spoke to us before surgery. I know she's your sister, she loves you and her opinion counts. It must hurt that she thinks that way. But she couldn't be more wrong about the center. Perhaps you could invite her to go with you? You have to do what is right for you. You will not be disappointed. Read over some of my earlier posts and that of others. We are all very pleased with the care we recieved. All of us have had great experiences. Good Luck to you! kate

Hi Tammy! And Hello EVERYBODY! Tammy, so glad to hear you are doing well. We worried about you. (the vomitting part) I too was banded March 10th. I can not possibly describe how wonderful the staff at OCC is, how wonderful the enitre experience was. It was practically spiritual! I feel I have taken one of the most rewarding steps of my lifetime. Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez, Senora Aurora Ortiz, Carmelita Rivera, the whole staff...pleasant, caring, empathetic. (I regret I cannot remember everyone's names) My husband was so apprehensive, the whole idea of me actually having the lap band proceedure (never mind going to TIJUANA!) was beyond his realm of understanding. But the staff at OCC spoke to him, encouraged him, eased the tension. To me, it was more like a fine spa vacation, not at all like surgery or a medical proceedure that one would have in the States. The OCC was well appointed and comfy. Hotel Lucerna was GREAT! The day after surgery we were shopping in Tijuana, bartering with the locals, having a blast with new friends and fellow bandsters Val and Diane (from Canada, eh?). To All of You who are thinking about having this proceedure...FEAR NOT! You are doing the right thing and the OCC is THE place to go. I will continue to post on my progress. By the way, I feel like a million bucks. I am back to work, sipping juices and tea, not hungry at all. Down about 10 pounds already. Yay! I am one happy gal! Loves, Kate!

Thanks, Hanna! It's encouraging to know I won't be feeling this hungry for too much longer. (And congrats to you on the pounds dropping off!) I have really enjoyed reading all the posts from your group of bandsters. You've been so active and candid with your posts and I am sure many of us getting ready to go have appreciated your comments and encouragement. I'm better today. We fly out tomorrow and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the March 10th gang at the hotel Sunday afternoon. I am READY! Kate

I guess we all worry about this. I'm so over this pre-op diet. I'm about to turn green and I seem stuck too. I've lost 9 lbs and I'm ready to gnaw my own arm off (God forgive me!). Then just thinking about the weeks ahead is starting to scare me too. I sure hope there's an end to this hunger. That's the point, isn't it? We can do this. It's right around the corner! Kate

I'm nervous too! But excited! I'm scheduled for the 10th, so I'll see you there! AND Yes, this forum is wonderful! Kate

Hello Diane's Sister; I'm a little nervous too. Just want to be there...Now! You are really rockin' on your pre-op diet! I am doing slim fast and a lean cuisine for dinner. I've probably only lost a few lbs. since starting it Monday. It's funny, we are all going to Tijuana yet, not a one of us will be indulging in burritos and Tequila! lol! I am looking forward to a little vacation! See you at Lucerna!!!

Hi Diane! I know exactly what you mean but it's getting close! I am so excited and a bit nervous. How's your pre-op diet going? I am struggling with mine, but sticking to it. I am eating an awful lot of green salad. My husband is flying in with me on Saturday. We'll be at the Lucerne sometime Sunday afternoon too. I look forward to meeting you and your sister! Another gal is on for the 10th too. Her name is Elle. Hope we all can get together! =D>

Hi Mary Pat! I am getting my band on March 10th...perhaps I'll see you at the hotel. I'll let you know how it went! Best of luck to you! Kate

has anyone used a fill center in the Tampa Bay area?