JazzyJude

You are right Julie! I am starting to do the same thing, but I do things inbetween...but don't want to start thinking, "What am I missing?". Once I get myself out of the 'newbie' stage and feel confident I can start on my own with all your suggestions to get me going, I will probably do the same as you. Question - WHAT is a WII FIT? I've no clue what this is? Way to go Julie - do what you have to do to be happy and safisfy! Jude =)

I am very interesting inany ideas or recipes you may have! I had my surgery last week Wed, and I am on day 6 with the clear liquids, then the next 2 weeks with creamy soups, but starting day 22 is when I will be starting solid foods...I want to prepare myself with some ideas of what to eat. Thanks for any suggestions! Jude =)

OK folks...sorry to be ignorant, but what is a Wii Fit? How will it benefit me? Jude

NO WAY Cathy! My goodness, you are stunning! And in a black and white picture too! Seriously, I thought your 'current' side picture was taken at a different time...much later in time! Well, nevertheless, you are doing so well with your weight loss and you are another bandster to follow up with. As I am just a newbie, I can see all the hard working tasks you all are doing. THIS is what I need, mentors to keep me focus and believing what I am doing for me is worth it! Thanks for inspiring me too! Jude ((HUGS!))

Thank you everyone! This is a very emotional time for me because I am now on the other side and it's also the reality of it all too. I know from time to time, I will need advice as you all been through this too. Reading the posts has been very helpful. Thank you for being my newfound friends! ((HUGS!))...Jude

Shelby honey...this is the one time you got to think of yourself and only yourself. I, too, am a workaholic and hardly ever take time off work. BUT, we got to think of ourselves...the job will still be there when you get back...so stop worrying and relax. I had to remind myself why I am doing this and, of course, the reality of it all came back and I don't feel guilty of taking some time off for me. This is a new adventurous road for me and it's worth it to me to have a healthier lifestyle! Hope this helps you! Jude =)

Did you follow the directions exactly...with only 4 cups of milk? Was it too runny or what?

EXCELLENT Big Daddy! You will not regreat this decision at all! I just had my surgery Wed, and I feel great! I made the right decision because I need to control my own life and have my own goals. You do what ever it takes to meet your goal...we are here to help you along the way. Keep the focus and believe in it. Just remember, the band is a tool and we do the work...but it's a wonderful way to work our way to a healthier lifestyle change!! WELCOME! Jude =)

Thhis would be an awesome appetizer before the main dinner for our Thanksgiving feast. Thanks for the recipe Jann! Jude =)

GROAN! I am on my 5th day ofpost diet and then the next 2 weeks of creamy soups and such. So, starting day 22 I could have this delicious recipe or is this something I would need to wait for months later? It sounds wonderful!! Where did you get this recipe Jann? Thanks for a forthcoming heavenly dinner! Jude =)

Wow Cathy! You are awesome! I see your personal pic on the left side...but your now picture is much better! Each month of your picture, you can see how elated you are and there's that special glow too! DON'T LOSE THAT GLOW! You are doing wonderful and I am so proud of you. You are now inspiring me to post monthly pictures...once I know how to do it! You are one gorgeous woman Cathy! WTG Cathy! Jude (( HUGS! ))

I, for one, wouldn't do the TT just yet. It is just too soon for the reasons what the good surgeon said. Don't rush into something right now, where later would improve your looks much better. BUT, then you need to do what you need to do. If you are really wanting to do this, go for a second opinion and really research it more. Listen to what the the 2nd surgeion says and compare with your first visit. It's obvious you are going to do it but it's the timing right now. You are doing just fantastic with your weight loss! Take the time for this next lifestyle change too and make the best decision for yourself, for your life... Take care and good luck! Jude =)

Happy Thanksgiving! I can only imagine what you're going through, as it's coming up for me next month and by then, I can have solid foods. But it will be kidbits and bits for me and lots of chewing. Including that homemade pumpkin pie! But you gals deserve a small break...just don't overdo it and keep your goal in focus...enjoy every morsel!! Jude =)

OK folks...I am so new with these posts, so bear with me! So, I was prepared to come to pre-op on Wed, 10/8, then go to the hotel and have my "last supper" per se, then Thurs morning, someone would come and collect me and then I would wait in the lobby area, along with anyone else who were going to have their surgery, and stay the night and then go back to the hotel the next morning and rest and go home on Sat...piece of cake! Everything was all planned out... WELL, it didn't quite go that way. My hubby and I were late in being picked up, but no fault of Franscisco at all, but a lady who got lost at the airport and Francisco was NOT going to leave until she was in his van! But an hour later he comes by and collected us at the Park and Ride and we all got to OCC in no time. We were all 'shepherded' (only 4 of us) into the lobby area there there wer others already there. Gloria gave us newcomers instructions all at once - filling out forms, etc. I interrupted and said, "Oh, I am only here for the preop and my surgery is for tomorrow". Gloria, with that cute smile, just said, "No problem, just fill out the necessary form to get you started today". I thought, 'OK, I am ok, we are on track'. Well, the good Dr. Ortiz came in the lobby area and looked at the patients of the day and smiled widely and chatted a bit with them and off he went. Not 5 minutes later, someone came for all of them to prep for their surgeries, including the 2 gals that came with me today. Then someone (forgot his name...sorry!) came out for me to follow him for the 'preop screening'...which I passed! "YEA!" I said! Then he asked me if there was 'time' for Dr. O to do my surgery today, would that be ok? I was stumped and stammered, "Um, ok". Then he asked me to wait out in the lobby area again. I told my hubby telling him I might have the surgery today!?! A few minutes later, Dr. Miranda, came to get me and we went over the "dos and don'ts" and I got weighed again - YES! I lost another 2.5 pounds! I jumped up and down for my joyous challenge. Then she said I was for sure going to have my surgery in about 30 minutes. She lied - it wasn't even 3 minutes when "So" came to collect me and from then on it we were on fast forward on a tape! I remembered getting those cute little blue booties on, shuffled down the hall to my 'room' for the night. On the bed was my gown (enough room for two really - did I lose more weight than I thought?) and blue cotton thongs to wear - oh my... SECY! WOO HOO! To top it all, I even got a pair of white thigh highs to match the stitching to my gown and thongs! All I needed was a cool pair of white stilletos and I was on the way to a parade! Seconds later...and I mean seconds! In comes So and "Jose" (for Josephina) and I was asked to hop onto the bed, pills under my tongue 'to relax' while I was getting my IV in my hand. Not 10 minutes later, Dr. Ortiz came in and I was just blue bugged eyes at this handsome fellow in front of me! I couldn't speak! He shook hands with my husband, who was sitting in a chair on my right and Dr. O was sitting on my left. He asked how I am and asked how I came to be here and I told him about our son, daughter in law, her sister, and our grandson all been banded on July 2 and Aug 13. He remembered them (How, with soooo many he has done!!) and asked how they are doing, etc. Then as Dr. O sat back more against the chair, one leg over the other leg, with a cup of his Espresso, he started talking with my hubby about 'interests' and they got into a subject they both liked and that relaxed me even more. I said something and he just said, "I like this woman!". This lasted about 20 minutes non-stop talking and finally he said, "It's time!". He was all smiles! Then before I knew it, I was to get off the bed and Jose gave me a real, good rub down on my back! OH, she was hired! It felt soooo good! I was wheeled into the room, not even 10 feet away and then we entered and got the ball rolling. Next thing I knew...someone said "Hello" and I was instantly awake and off I went back into my room. I was ok! Truth be told, no pain whatsoever. Everyone was saying sip, sip, sip and walk, walk, walk. It seems as though that was their motto. I swear I was hearing them chanting this because at 2:39am, I got my IV stand and I took us a walk up and down the hallway 2 times! I did this a couple of more times and met my 'neighbors' and off to my room and try to sleep. I had a good sleep and the care of the nurses and doctors were wonderful! I didn't have a care or worry at all. They were constantly looking at all of us and we were all in good hands. Later in the evening, after the surgery, I just had to go on the forum and tell everyone I was in TJ and had the surgery a day earlier...but somehow my words I typed were in so foreign language because I couldn't even understand them! But Julieburns and Kittycat thought I was high on drugs...but it's cool! I tried! HA! The next morning, us gals all kind of gathered together to 'compare' how we feel, etc, exchanged names and numbers, to try and keep in touch - which none of them been on the forum yet. I suggested to do so as you all have helped me both mentally and physically to get ready for this lifestyle change! Because of me walking as soon as I could, I didn't have too many gas and that was a good thing. Next thing, we all got dressed and was ready to go to the hotel and Francisco was starting a brand new day with new bandsters! Sorry this is long, but I needed to say all this and I know there are other things I didn't post but this is a start of my new life and wanted to share this far with you and even though I had my surgery a day earlier...all the better to start sooner! I had a wonderful experience and yes, I would do this again if I had to start all over again. Thanks for listening to my Introduction chapter of my book... JazzyJude ^,,^

Excellent Teyann! I am doing the same. My surgery is this thursday...so I should be prepared! Practicing is a good motivational thing to do right now. Getting into the habit forming of portion control is very important as to not stretch out the band. I, too, got a small plate and that has helped me a lot when I was doing the preop foods...it was a wide awaken thing too! So small!! LOL BUt if that is what it takes to get myself going, then so be it! Wishing you luck on your surgery! Jude =)

Hi Denise! WTG!! That is outstanding! You are so determined and that is good. Keep up the good work! You are inspiring me as I am going for my surgery this Thursday and sooooo looking forward to it! With you all cheering me on, I know I can do this. What would I do without this forum!!! It's unbelievable of the support that comes from all of youse! I feel very lucky to have you all...and hopefully I will be able to send posts of my process...good or bad, I will be learning the ropes to change my lifestyle for life! Congrats! BE PROUD OF YOURSELF! Jude ^,,^

Hi Tara! You have all the right to feel so jubilant! I am so very happy for you and you should be PROUD of yourself! What an accomplishment! I can't wait to do the same thing!!! Happy Days are here again! Jude =)

Hi Heidi, You've made a decision and that is good. God will see you through this so you will not be alone. Know that you have friends here to listen to your 'rants'...as we do that same. You have a goal in mind, stick with it and things will work out the way it will. My prayers to you and your family. Jude =)

You are destined to stay fat if you think it! Get out of that mold and start thinking positive. Like the others said, you've spend your money to imporove your lifestyle and changes goes with it. So, today is a brand new day! Get back and start with the shakes to get your body going and to remember what it needs to do. Do the soups, a variety of soups. If you can't drink it thru a straw...don't eat it! It takes time and you have to make time for yourself for this committement from here on out. Trust yourself...as one says. If in doubt, don't do it. Drink LOTS of water, protein water. Walk around to keep busy. Learn the portion control of foods that would help you. YOU CAN DO THIS! This is YOUR life and only YOU can do it, no one else. Try reading some motivational books to keep you thinking positive...this is a start. Picture yourself thinner, better yet, get an old lpicture of yourself and put it somewhere to remind you of what your body is going to look like (smile)! Hope this helps. I am going for my surgery this Thursday and I am ready. I can see the thinner person I am going to be. I am going to take small positive steps, but they will be successful ones...because the bandsters on this forum is here for me and everyone else, newbies or oldsters! Jude =)

Jann! Thank you so much for this useful info! Jude =)

Kimmy - by 15 'dips' on the park bench, you mean to face out and put your arms on the bench and bend your knees and squat down...doing this 15 times? Thanks for you feedback. I purchased one of those simple stretchy bands too. As I stretch out, the resistent is here and it too can help with the chess muscles. Thanks all for the tips! Jude =)

Hi Tara, I am going thru the post and saw this! I am so interested in your recipe please. My surgery date is this coming Thurs, 10/9! YIKES!! Anyway, I love tomato soup...and the added cream chesse sounds really scrumptous! If you need my email address, it is jamf8@yahoo.com. Thank you Tara...when were you banded and how are you doing with it? See ya around! Jude =)

Well, I don't know whether to cry or not! Oh I did the same with the beer to swish it around the mouth and excused myself and went into the loo a spit it out...all the while thinking, "NO one would know! BUT I will!"...so down the dump it went. It was a sad moment to me but it was so real and what I am about to do when I go for my surgery this thursday! It's reality time. So, when dinner came on...it was agony for me...BUT, I DID IT EVERYONE! I am on the pre-op diet, so I took a teeny, weeny bit of brats, potato pancakes (groan! my fav!!!), german potato salad, and sweet and sour cabbage, and a few other stuff. Before I got to my Mum's place last night, I stopped at a 99 cent store and bought me a real cool SMALL dessert plate and that is what I put my food on. Again, reality settled in while I am looking at my pitiful plate. BUT, the plate was covered and that was important to me right then, unlike the empty spots if I had used a regular dinner plate. As I was eating, I realized that I would eat like this for awhile after the surgery...so I thoroughly chewed my food good and really appreciated my food. You know, believe it or not, I actually left a few crumbles on my plate! I didn't feel too bad...but it was a start for me. Anyway, this is MY memories for Oktoberfest 2008! Jude =)

Well, golly gee whiz! I guess I am the only one who is having their surgery this coming Thur, Oct 9! I'll be coming in on Wed, Oct 8 for the pre-op from San Diego, where I live. So, if there are anyone of youse going to be there, let me know so I can give you all a HUG support! I can't wait for this magical day to start my dream to come true!! Jude =)

Hi All! I am not going to miss anything either! My Mum has already made some wonderful German food already since last week...liver dumplings, potato pancakes (being made today), german potato salad, brats on the barbie, beer, and so much more...we are having our 'feast' tonight as a celebration for me when I go this Thursday to have myself banded! NOT to worry...I'm only going to have a tiny taste of all and will toast to ALL of us. Enjoy! Jude =)