JenniferJS

Awww, Dawn, thanks! I'm slowly becoming more comfortable in front of the camera and not just behind it. (I'm a photographer) And thanks for your input on the never ending protein issue. Makes sense. Hugs, J.

Hi there I registered my trip back in January and also prepared a contact/info sheet for my family I was leaving behind. I think most do. I didn't think to share this info so bless you for doing so! It will be helpful for those with upcoming travels.

I asked this same question about a month ago. I didn't understand why people were consuming the protein shots. When I tracked my food on sparkpeople.com, I was surprised to see the numbers add up (protein, carbs, etc.). I don't think I need the protein shots and haven't bought them. However, I do sometimes wish I had them on hand, when I'm having a day where everything seems to be getting stuck. But a BOOST protein shake usuallys works just fine. I enjoy it and it gives me 15g of protein. I may buy the shots at some point, tho..maybe when I start working out extra heavy?

Hey Sabrina...let us know Good luck, hun!

Yay for bewbies!!! I have implants and LOVE THEM. I got them when I was at one of my skinniest weights. (I was never 'skinny' but at 5'9 I think I was like 170lbs when I had them done 5 years ago.) Wow, cannot believe it's been 5 years! I had a few bumps in the road with PS - My left implant never 'dropped' so the surgeon went back in to make the pocket bigger to acommodate the implant. I was less than an A cup prior to the boob job. Then last year, my implant ruptured. EEK! It wasn't a result of impact or anything...as a matter of fact, it just started shrinking! One day, I was drying off from the shower and realized that my left one was significantly smaller than my right. I had the surgeon replace it (Mentor covered the actual implant - I only paid surgeon and anesthesia fees). After reaching 240 lbs (my decision weight for lapband) - they are not as pretty and perky as I'd like. So I will probably get a lift or go bigger or something once I'm at goal weight. A gift to myself I'm all for PS - if it makes you feel better about yourself, heck yeah! To the OP, I'm happy to hear you had minimal discomfort and are doing well. Again, YAY FOR BEWBIES! xo Jennifer

AHahhahha! It was my TOM (guys, stop reading here! lol) - so I kept my panties on and put those on over it. I woke up with just those paper panties on...hah!

Gives me hope!

SUPER BIG HUGS BACK TO YOU, ROBBYN! Read my post above for the details

Hi Diana! I have lived in FL my whole life So first fill down! Where do I start...guess I'll just ramble about like always. Fill itself, totally easy, painless, quick! (Oh and super cute fill doc! Is that a requirement for bariatric surgeons? It must be. I swear!) I'm having some trouble with solids (well the good for you solids - junk goes down easy!) Not that I eat junk often but sometimes its tempting to have chips because they just go right down, no problems! I wasn't even a chip eater before lap band...weird! I cooked on a weekend and packed my lunch - tender meat and a veg each day. I can only eat maybe 1/2 cup of food (still not measuring!) Most meat is just to difficult and gets stuck (which is kinda did before my first fill anyway, so not that new). Now I know why people look for alternate protein sources! Now it makes total sense! Oh, I love fish - its always tender and tasty but I've learned this is one food I DO NOT NEED TO CHEW THOROUGHLY - it just gets too dry after so much chewing. It seems to stay more moist with regular chewing (still super small bites of course). Veggies seem to go down okay (MINUS ASPARAGUS! It WAS a fav). Veggies just take SO much chewing! I have been getting belly aches ALOT! Not anywhere near my pouch or port. They are very low (almost could be menstrual cramps but they are def not). That is so strange to me. I'm regular (thanks to BENEFIBER!). White wine will cause a belly ache every time so I've switched to red only and have it just on occasion. So far I've PB'd twice (once before fill with pork chops that I wolfed down - DUH ME!) and then after fill with the asparagus. UCK!!!!!!! GROSS!!! This has made me SOOO TIMID about food. Which is good (don't even wanna bother with most stuff cuz I hurt just looking at certain stuff like bread, cake, meat..etc.) I do spit alot cuz things get lodged for a few minutes. I attribute that to not chewing good enough and not enough time between bites. There is such a learning curve with this band! I understand that restriction means getting full faster. Restriction is not PBing and sliming/spitting. Maybe a pound weight loss But I'm not disappointed...I know where I'm lacking (exercise!) So, I told you I would ramble! Thanks for checking in on me!! Hugs! Jennifer

I saw that you are from South Florida...as am I. I just wanted to reach out. I did not travel alone (I convinced a very good friend to come along). However, it was a beautiful experience, a great trip. I was scared as well but it was pretty tame! I think you will be fine. What airline? Flying into SD airport? The two drivers for the OCC are FABULOUS. They know we are nervous and are somewhat supportive (they were quiet). They will treat you well. I felt that if anything were to go wrong, they would 'have my back.' But again, it was very very tame. Nothing weird. The small area of Tijuana seemed fairly safe. I refused to go anywhere but the hotel and clinic. Oh, well I did venture out to Starbucks across the street from the hotel...the only scary thing was TRAFFIC. You feel like Frogger (from the 80's video game)...lol....I think someone said that on here...lol. I will pray for you. You will do fine. I had my surgery January 19, 2009. So my experience was recent. I think the scary new reports stem from the Texas/Mexico border. I have heard very little about the borders we crossed. That is not to discount any violence that does occur there. Again, I really think you will be fine! On to your new life.....! Now go and get banded! Have fun! BIG HUGS! Jennifer

Yeah!! Love it! I had the same thing recently....its AWESOME! Good for you on your weight loss.

I don't know you but I do know that you are an amazing man and you have a very lucky wife. May each step of this process be that much brighter having each other for support, love and encouragement! Hugs! Jennifer

I'm guessing that BP'ing means Bingeing and Purging. It does sound as if she is getting the lap band to prevent that horrible cycle. I guess even at goal weight and all that exercise she does and all that nutrition info she harbors, she is still struggling? I'm not sure either. I have noticed that during my short time on this board I've run across "psychologists" and exercise gurus basically advertising their profession here. It is smart marketing, we are their target audience. I am skeptical about them, personally. But maybe I'm wrong, maybe they are posting to benefit themselves as well...and not in any sort of financial way.

PIC! PIC! PIC! PIC! Soooo happy for you - 50 lbs is a huge accomplishment!

I have had zero constipation. However, I have made Benefiber a part of my daily routine since my pre-op diet days. It is a wonderful product and I will take it every day forever, I think. I am perfectly regular. {who knew I'd ever be sharing my BMs with the world wide web?!} lol

Ohhhh BIG HUG, babe! Soooo sorry you are feeling this way. But like the other 2 replies..you have not had your fill yet! Go easier on yourself. Sending love...

Isn't it so weird how we are so very very critical of ourselves?! You look amazing and have changed quite a bit and it is hard for you to accept mentally. It is a very difficult aspect for some, this change physically can really mess with us! Great job and just keep doin' yo thang, girl! You will start to acknowledge your changes soon, babe, I'm sure. Let it sink in.... Its all good! :D

PROFOUND! Love this. This is a process, for sure.

OH wow....I really enjoyed your post. I, of course, deeply sympathize with the loss of your mother and the haunting dress. In that order ; ) Isn't it funny how we are all here with different stories to share but all with a similar theme... BIG HUGS

Thanks, BrandNewDawn... I plan to hang in there! I appreciate you sharing your experience with Dr. Romero...isn't that so weird that so many are told (or hear) different things!? Thanks again!! Keep up the good work.

Hi Barb I get ya when you say a "good" fill. Altho I have big expectations for my first fill, I understand it may be my 2nd that will 'do the trick.' I am fitting MUCH better in clothes...so I guess I'm doing some things right! Thanks for the reply!

Awwww MagnoliaGurl - Thanks!! SO sweet of ya! I SOOO get ya about the "I told you so's" - I told very few people and did tell more people as time has gone on. I think they are looking at me like "well, uh, why aren't you skinny yet?!" But maybe it's my own insecurities (probably!) - I too had huge expectations about my weight loss but am realizing this will take a good year or more....and I'm becoming okay with that! Ditto to exercise! Gotta get on that hard core! Good luck, hun!

I said I would stick to not drinking with food. (???)