JazzyJude

Salena! Salena! WELCOME to Bandland! I've been thinking of you girl! So glad everything is alright! Get some good rest and remembet to sip, sip, sip and WALK, WALK,WALK! This is important and part of your recovery. Woo Hoo! WTG! Enjoy your time with everyone there and see you soon! ((HUGS!))...Jazzy!!

Hi Donna! So glad to hear from you! Oh, I am so jealous ~ a massage! Glad to see it worked wonders for you. Still, you need to continue to WALK, WALK, WALK! I can't stress enough of this exercise. THROW THAT DARN SCALE AWAY! I don't have it in my house any more - I keep wanting to go on it and it was starting to be an obsessing! I had my hubby get rid of it and it is in the truck of our new car! So, if I want to weigh myself, I would need to do it in front of him and the neighbors! Besides, go by your body built and watch the inches melt away! I started thinking this and lost 2 pants size and (blushing)...down 2 sizes panties! HOO RAH! I can't wait to hear of your success with your journey too! Keep us posted as you venture on! WTG and Good Luck!

Hi sweetie! No, what you are experiencing is not normal to me. Since I don't know what kind of preop diet you are on, you really need to talk to your dr or Nutritionist about this right away...very simple! My preop diet from OCC was the diet option #2, which was (2) protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and then a salad with proteins, such as hard boiled egg, deli lunch meat, tuna, etc. I also too, with the advice from Dr. Miranada, Nutritionist, to take (1) Metamucil capsule at 10am and 3pm to curb the hunger pains. I also take the chewable Centrium Multi-Vitamin as per her suggestion. I drank water AND protein water. AFTER my first week of clear liquids, I was getting the headaches, dizziness, stomach growling, etc, but never had any diarrhea. I was told I was low on protein, which is the key to any kind of diets. Also, if you drink a lot apple juice, full strength, this can lead to diarrhea too. If you do, dilute with water. But please, contact your dr or Nutritionist and let them know what you are experiencing so they can guide you properly! Good Luck!!

LOL...Kim, you shopaholic!!! ((HUGS!)) Glad to hear you are doing very well! And thanks for letting us know of Donna and Salena! Hope fully we will hear from them soon enough. You are doing EXCELLENT with the walking! Remember, to continue to SIP, SIP, SIP and follow the guidelines Dr. Miranda had given us before our surgery. Use the calendar too to "cross" off the days...it helps! You may not feel hungry but it's important to get your nutrients in you. Also, drinking the liquids will help aid you in flushing you from your surgery. OK...report tomorrow of your yet another 'shoe' adventure! LOL Need any matching purse to go with them? HA! Have FUN!!

Hi Happymom! Click below on this link to julieburns' list. This should be helpful for you. http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=7005 Congrats and Good Luck! It's the best decision I've ever made for myself!

Who isn't affected by today's economy? We all are...just have to adjust and adapt to the best we can right now. I am a firm believer that things happens for a reason and therefore go forward in a positive way. Yes, we each will have some issues to deal with it...but be positive and smile. Utilize your old things, recycle, don't go overboard, be alert at your job, use the things you have at home to make unique gifts, choose wisely when you buy things, get together with family togetherness for a card game or charades, the list goes on and on... Things will get better soon...and who knows, the change will do some good!

NICE post Jann ~ I totally agree with you...

YAY Donna!!! WTG and WELCOME to Bandland - HOO RAH! I know the feeling about your whirlwind experience - I had the same thing too! I was in and out so fast...it was hard to believe I had the surgery! LOL OK...remember, to SIP, SIP, SIP and WALK, WALK, WALK off your gas bubbles! Keep us posted and see you on the next post! ((HUGS!))...Jude

Donna...you will love it. I was on both the Carnival and the Holland cruise to the Mex Riveria. The first one was on the Carnival and went to Cabo, Puerta Vallarta, and Mazalan. The 2nd onw was on the Holland for a "Spritual" cruise with Sylvia Brown (OH YES!) and went to Cabo, Puerta Vallarta and Manzanilla. Let me know how you like your cruise...take lots of pictures too!! Enjoy your 'feast' as you choose your own and on my next cruise, I am definitely going to use the gym on board! Enjoy!!!!

Very intersting and good info for me. Another page for my binder! Well done Jann!

Oh I am goin to have this either tonight or tomorrow night before my first fill on Saturday! Thanks Cara! Hmmmm...I can just taste it now!

Wow Marta...I guess your doctor knows what's best for you...still, be very careful because your band still needs to heal properly and don't want to risk of stretching out your pouch so soon. I am amaze that your doctor doesn't allow more time to 'progress' to solid foods. Try a different source of vitamins if you like. I take those chewable Centrium Multi-Vitamin. I also take the chewable Fiber Choice, one at 10a and another one at 3pm for the hunger pains - works great! I also take either the powder or chewable Benefiber for the rotor rooter job! Another option instead of taking the Fiber Choice is the Metamucil capsules...they work great too. I switch off between the two of them to 'change' around. But you do what is best for your body...just wanted to give you some alternative suggestions. Keep us posted on how your are doing! Good Luck!

WTG Kim! WELCOME to Bandland!!! Glad to see you are doing fine and dandy! Amanda...it's your turn babe...you will do just fine too! Good Luck!! See you soon too! REMEMBER...to sip, sip, sip and WALK, WALK, WALK!!!

Heidi...sweetheart! You've made yet another GOOD decision! WTG! I'll say an extra prayer for your journey. I don't smoke but I get the secondhand smoke, if you know what I mean. By you stopping smoking is another form of "cleansing" yourself of impurities. Now, you will be able to smell the foods and aromas much clearer, your taste buds will broaden, your clothes will be brighter, save the money for the new clothes you will be buying as you lose clothes, and yes, setting an example for your kids so they will have a healthy lifestyle too. Good Luck Heidi!

WELCOME Kristy! You are not alone either and I congrats on your decision to go forward on YOUR decision. WTG! Wait until a year from now and SEE how your life is going to be! You will amaze yourself! You WILL be the talk of the town with your new figure and lifestyle you chose!!! I don't know what I would have done without this forum because of the honest-to-goodness people here to support me while I am starting a new life with my band. It's awesome to hear testimonials of others and countless of suggestions to help aid you in your time of need. What works for one, may not work for you...BUT there are other options available. Good Luck to you Shanalee and Kristy! Keep us posted

AWESOME Donna! Happy Bandiversary to you! So, where are you taking me to? I LOVE cruises and so far have gone to Alaska, the Western Caribbean, and to the Mexican Riveria...twice! WTG Donna!! A great way to celebrate your bandiversary and show the new you!!! ((HUGS!))...Jude

GREAT post Jann! I am always looking for good quality choices of protein now. Protein is such a huge thing for us bandsters. I don't always like sweets for my 'snacks' and want something salty, crunchy or chewy and now that I am starting to 'act' the health nutritionist at home, I am forever reading the Nutrition Facts before I buy. I recently found a real cool source of protein. SOFT "Beef Steak NUGGETS" (instead of the rough beef jerky) at a Super WalMart. The brand is Jack Link's and the flavor I tried was Teriyaki. It's actual tender cuts of beef steak, mesquite smoked and dried and is 96% Fat Free. So, for 3 nuggets, it's 70 calories, 1g of Fat, 5g Carb and 10g Protein. Not too bad. I discoved this while at the Cattle Call Rodeo and I had taken the beef nuggets as my 'snack' while others were having their hot dogs, cotton candy, etc. I took a protein water (Special K20) and I was all set. I didn't feel deprived or anything and I stayed within the guidline of my diet. I am proud of myself! I actually had this for lunch one day, with a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, raw brocolli and my water...again, good choices of protein for my quick lunch for me. I LOVE beans ~ all sorts of beans. I have some kind of bean with one of my meals every day for my health. I can see my hair and skin a-glowing and know my muscles are firming up with all this walking I am doing as well (thanks to Taz's walk challenge). Again, great post Jann!

EXCELLENT reminder Jann! A tip from a trainer I know...drink warm or room temp water BEFORE exercising and cold water AFTER exercising. It's easier and quicker to drink the warm or room temp water in you before you exercise and retains some water inside you while you are exercising and sweating out. Afterwards, your body has a quench for liquids that cold water will retain in your body longer and at the same time, cool your body off.

EXCELLENT post Jann! Shanalee...YOU are first and foremost! YOU are what you are fighting for. YOU are making the BEST decision of YOUR life! Don't ever regret this decision and don't ever let anyone tell you differently. No one can tell YOU what you need to or shouldn't do. YOU decide. If you have done your "homework" and browsed through these posts...you will KNOW that the majority of these bandsters are Tijuana bandsters and we are still here! Nothing bad or wrong has happened to us. YOU are not answerable to NO one except YOURSELF! Believe in the band and be positive and motivate yourself for a complete successful goal for yourself. Isn't this exciting!!! I am so happy for you!!!

Shanalee - WELCOME! So sorry you are still sad and know that you are NOT alone in this venture! I, was banded last month, Oct 8. I was to have the surgery on Oct 9 but was bumped up a day. My husband came with me for my support. I WAS alone when I had my surgery. I really felt alone because everyone talked about their "band buddy" and how they keep in touch, etc. BUT, I had/have loads of people on THIS forum beforehand and supported me and helped prepared me and got me ready to go for an amazing adventure of a lifetime! I didn't know a sole there UNTIL after the surgery where there were a couple of other gals who had surgery there too, Mary Beth and BeBe, and we started talking and next thing I knew...I WASN'T alone! I smiled and while walking out my gas bubbles, I would visit them in their rooms and chatted and then went on my merrilyy way...then they came and visisted me. So, it's not a lonesome time...TRUST me, someone there will have the surgery at the same time as you and you will bond like so many of us. Now I find that I really have other 'bondship' bandsters who had their surgery a week earlier and a couple day s after my surgery. As time went by, then it was like the whole forum is my family! WTG and deciding to keep going with your decision. WTG for posting this message for us to come to you to wish you GOOD LUCK! I am really looking forward to hear about YOUR surgery, as we all have something a little different than the others to share...some are funny ones! So please, be our friend and come to us on this forum and let us hear you! We are ALL here for all of us, both new and old bandsters. Ask...and remember, NO question is silly or stupid. It's the unknown we don't know about and who better to ask?...US on this forum! NOW, a warning (smile), since you've posted this message, I guarantee you, YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE AGAIN! ((HUGS to YOU!))...Jude =)))

Hi everyone...Chef Jazzy here! I, too, am going to my Mum's, as we usually do. You know that thing call "family traditions"? It's going to be quite interesting for me too, as I will have my first fill this coming Saturday and be on liquids for a few days and then progress up to solid foods, which will bring me to Thanksgiving day...I hope! Our traditional Thanksgiving day is an all day affair with the family, from before sunrise and way past sunset. My Father passed away 8 winters ago, so the oldest son will continue to be the "head" of the family. This year, it wil be just my Mum, 3 brothers, my husband, my daughter and myself and a friend. The other 'kids' have their own family to do their traditions with as well. Just like all of youse, it gets crazy with laughter, fun, and dashing around "preparing" the food throughout the whole day. We start early, around 6 am to get the homemade 'brine/juice" ready for the turkey, homemade stuffing and gravy making. We have the usual sweet potatoe souffle and yam slices with honey and butter, creamy cucumbers, green bean casserole, homemade breads, and, of course, the condiments of cranberry sauce, applesauce, the relish tray (pickles, olives, etc). For dessert, we will have a homemade pumpkin pie with cream cheese and an dutch apple one too. We make our own whip cream so that would 'top' both of them nicely. I like melted cheese on my apple - yummy! While cooking and baking throughout the day, we make time to play card games. Music is played in the background from the livingroom while the critters are dashing around the house, kids of all ages, in and out of the house. Drinks are toasted throughout the day as we think of our loved ones in heaven and back home in New York. somewhere in between someone is always taking pictures...especially at dinner time with food in our mouths! HA! At least this year, you won't see me stuffing my face with a huge forkful of food! As we all sit down for dinner, we say our grace and toasts. During this time, we all say at least one thing what we are 'thankful' for this past year and this year, I will be thanking my opportunity to have this wonderful band AND this forum, whom I've made several friends for always and forever ~ you are my family! TIP ~ When roasting your turkey, baste often and cover your turkey (I use foil, with the shiny side IN) to keep in the moist. Watch your heat, as all ovens are NOT the same. Before stuffing the bird, rinse the cavity well and lightly salt it, then put in the stuffing and sew each end well. I sometimes add small chopped apple in the stuffing as well to add applie juice to give a more moist flavor throughout the turkey meat. So, HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season to all! Jude ((HUGS!))

You feel silly for losing 58 lbs and can wear your old coat? DON'T BE! You are doing awesome and, of course, it's an emotional moment...but a real good one! Pictures...post them so we can see you in your coat!!

Mindy ~ WOW...Congrats! I am so proud of you! That is just ONEDERFUL!!!! You will be reaching your goal in no time girl!!!

Buttercup...I understand you had your surgery in Canada and congrats. You caught yourself and that's a good thing. Now you just need to get back on track and continue forward. Are you taking those new chewable Fiber Choice for hunger pains? This is a good one to go on. You take one at 10am and one at 3pm. You don't want to risk a band slippage or stretching your pouch. You will do fine as long as your follow your dr's post op diet plan.

Were you banded at OCC in TJ? What were your Dr's instructions of postop diet? Get back on track and stay with it until you can have solids. You paid good money for this band and you don't want to jeopardize it's benefits for you!