Kittycat

Not sure what's happening with the site, but I cannot update my signature and have tried for 3 days....are you having the same problem? Do we know how to fix it? Cathy

I am not sure what the Slimfast or any other off the shelf shakes have that food doesn't, but I am on Optifast and I was told that they are specially formulated to reduce the fat in my liver and I have to have at least 3 per day. But I have also seen various pre-op diet plans here and it serves the same purpose???? I have been having a lean cuisine for dinner along with the shakes and snacking on non-starch veggies. It's been working...I have lost 12 lbs on the pre-op as of today and surgery is tommorrow morning!! Best of luck, it can be difficult, but it also gives you a little training on how to manage the post-op liquid diet too!! Take care Cathy

I think that as long as it's creamy soup consistency you can have it...water it down and blend it like crazy and your're good!!! Enjoy!!! Cathy

Don't feel guilty...there is no race to lose the weight and life is a long time, not to have things you enjoy! Focus on your goal and you'll do fine. But there are going to be times when you want Cheetos or a cookie...have it! Take care, Cathy

I am not at all a hot drink/soup person...I don't drink coffee or tea and never have. But I LOVE popcicles....and have sugar free popcicles always on hand. Enjoy!!! Cathy

Oh dear, I hope you feel better...try eating a popcicle or low fat fudgecicle if you need to chew. I am sure your band is fine...it takes alot to stretch your pouch..I wouldn't worry about it happening after one unfortunate experience. Take care, Cathy

My post op diet plans indicates 1/2 cup of broth, unsweetened jello etc....so if I need more I guess it's okay? Providing I stay w/i 900-1200 calories? I can't imagine even coming close to that many calories on broth, jello and popcicles??? Cathy

Thanks everyone...and Denise don't you worry about a thing...there have been ladies who lost less lbs than you that they banded....you'll be fine! Enjoy your stay in TJ!!! Cathy

Good Luck Denise, I have my surgery here in Canada on the same day, Tuesday at 8 a.m. I know you will do great..let us know when able how you are doing! Take care and safe trip, Cathy

Great news Mona!!! Cathy

What about tanning in natural sunlight...I planned to rest and relax next week after my surgery, I obviously will keep my incisions covered, but will the heat affect anything? Thanks Cathy

I still can't seem to get any extra flashers/sparklers...please help! thanks Cathy

PB means productive burp...when you eat too fast or something your stomach/band cannot handle...it comes back up. Sliming occurs for the same reason in conjunction with PBing. It's your body's way of telling you that you are doing something it doesn't like or that your restriction is very tight. The other more experienced bandsters can elaborate for you too! Cathy

Glad to have you back on-line. I got the same error just trying to edit my signature from 4 days to go to bandland to 3!! Maybe they are working on the site??? There is some interesting reading this week! Take care, Cathy

Congratulations!! I am so happy to hear that all went well....cheers to your new life! I will join you on Tuesday. Take care, Cathy

What an amazing accomplishment!!! You go girl!!! Cathy

Overeating can be for various reasons, I love food too and associate it with socializing with friends and family. But I have been overweight since I was a teen and believe that I use food for comfort. My childhood was difficult and I turned to food to comfort me. I still do, when I get upset, stressed or angry, I want to eat. I am going to look into counselling as well, it certainly cannot hurt. Not everyone has an issue for overeating, it's a learned behaviour...if you had big famly gatherings as a child with food, or socialize alot with friends or family with food...you learn to associate these events with food. Not to say that you cannot continue to socialize with family and friends, but you need to change your food choices to benefit your goal! Good luck, Cathy

Congrats!!! Get some rest...take care Cathy

I have Dr. Orbitz's book and saw Cassie's pic, beautiful girl and what an amazing transformation!!! Please keep us posted on the date and time of the Oprah show. Thanks Cathy

Mona's right, just walking as much as you can, approx. 10K steps per day. No ab crunches or weight lifting for 3 months. Treadmill is okay. Have fun! Cathy

Mona, You are not a happy camper, we all understand that and will probably be there someday too! We are new at this and determined like hell to make it work...who knows how things will go down the road...it's unpredictable right? You thought you would be on your way, have restriction and losing weight like crazy by now...but it's not happening that way and you are frustrated. We get that...so if you need to vent or be sarcastic or blunt, do it! We will all still be here. All the best, Cathy

Oops!! I still like your style!

I think I read that here on the forum somewhere about the 15 years....I am hoping to live longer than that too...if I live another 45 years, I would need at least two replacements, I like your stats better. But I will ask my surgeon on Tuesday for peace of mind. They say it's for life, so it must be! Cathy

I like your thinking, you are bang on!! I guess I won't be risking Arby's anytime soon either!! Wow! I am investing alot of money as well, 15K, no insurance coverage for this in Canada...and I am determine to make this work, no matter what it takes. I am willing to diet, if that's what it takes, no one ever said this was easy, losing weight is never easy. The only quick fix is liposuction! I am being banded on Tuesday and I realize it's not going to be easy adjusting to the post-op diet, but it's not forever and I will be able to eat real food again, but healthy foods that will work with the band and give me the results I want. Thanks for being blunt!! Cathy

Absolutely, totally and without a doubt agree!!! Determination to meet your goals is key! Cathy