Questions I haven't found answers to...

[JennHB]

Ok I have been looking at the message boards and still have a few questions.

1. In the pictures (before and after) I havn't seen many with the droopy arms, I have big arms and my goal is to lose about 60 lbs, is the weight loss slow enough (as opposed to gastric bypass) that your skin has more time to "shrink" or do most people still have to have cosmetic surgery?

2. Also, I realize people lose in different area's at different times but I love my boobs and just was wondering if I should expect them to look "deflated"...have many needed to get a boob job?

3. What are some good solid foods to start with once you are at the 6 week mark, I read mashed potatoes and peas somewhere but wanted some more idea's.

4. I read someone pays $100 when they go do their fills because it is done with flouroscopy, what is the alternative that is included in surgery costs?

5. Can you recomend protein or meal replacements that taste good. They are pretty pricey and dont want to stock up on a nasty one.

Thank you for your help, I am getting banded on January 2nd and am trying to have all of my bases covered. :-h

Current Weight: 202

Goal Weight: 130

[Jnlebean]

Those are great questions. I can answer this one for you, as i am waiting to have my surgery on Jan. 16th!!

5. Can you recomend protein or meal replacements that taste good. They are pretty pricey and dont want to stock up on a nasty one.

I really like the myoplex shakes. They are thick and creaming tasting. If you find them to thick you can add a little more milk or water to them. Whats also great about them is that they are filling too!

Good luck with your up coming travels and life journeys with your new body!

Jenelle

[Kim2BSlim]

1. In the pictures (before and after) I havn't seen many with the droopy arms, I have big arms and my goal is to lose about 60 lbs, is the weight loss slow enough (as opposed to gastric bypass) that your skin has more time to "shrink" or do most people still have to have cosmetic surgery?

My arms look okay, but I do have some hanging skin.

2. Also, I realize people lose in different area's at different times but I love my boobs and just was wondering if I should expect them to look "deflated"...have many needed to get a boob job?

My boobs are AWFUL. I need a lift and implants.

3. What are some good solid foods to start with once you are at the 6 week mark, I read mashed potatoes and peas somewhere but wanted some more idea's.

I was scared to eat so I mainly moved on to chunkier soups to start.

4. I read someone pays $100 when they go do their fills because it is done with flouroscopy, what is the alternative that is included in surgery costs?

Do you plan to go back to the OCC for fills? I can't really answer this because I use a local fill Dr.

5. Can you recomend protein or meal replacements that taste good. They are pretty pricey and dont want to stock up on a nasty one.

Your best bet here is to find one you like. Some of them are really nasty! Try a couple different ones before you stock up.

[JennHB]

Thanks for the answers so far! I was also looking at my bank account last night and realizing how much money I spend on fast food, I cant wait to save that money on more healthier choices! Its pretty embarrassing...

[jarvis]

Thanks for the answers so far! I was also looking at my bank account last night and realizing how much money I spend on fast food, I cant wait to save that money on more healthier choices! Its pretty embarrassing...

Hi Jenn,

It seems as I've tried about 6 protien shakes. The best I've found (and it's as good as a milkshake) is Atkins. Chocolate (not the dark, yuk!) and vanilla are really good. Right now, you buy one, get one free at GNC.com. I bought the 24 pack, with the get one free I ended up paying .87 cents each.

Cindy

[JazzyJude]

1. In the pictures (before and after) I havn't seen many with the droopy arms, I have big arms and my goal is to lose about 60 lbs, is the weight loss slow enough (as opposed to gastric bypass) that your skin has more time to "shrink" or do most people still have to have cosmetic surgery?

This is an individual thing as every person's body is different including how old you are. The older you are the less elasticity your muscles have. I do lots of wall and bench push ups and I've noticed a difference in looks already. Many people, down the line, are planning to have TT (tummy tucks) and LBL (Lower Body LIft) and others.

2. Also, I realize people lose in different area's at different times but I love my boobs and just was wondering if I should expect them to look "deflated"...have many needed to get a boob job?

Again, everyone is different. I am losing the sides of my breasts but still have the same deep cup size so far. As I am doing daily exercises, I am noticing I am firming up.

3. What are some good solid foods to start with once you are at the 6 week mark, I read mashed potatoes and peas somewhere but wanted some more idea's.

At OCC in Tijuane, we start our solid foods on day 22 post op. It wasn't so much of being scare to eat, but WHAT. I started off with softer foods and then progressed up. My first day was an egg omelet with real bacon bits and cheese with salsa for breakfast. For lunch, I had pinto beans and cheese from Taco Bell (great source of proteins!), and for dinner I think I had chicken and veggie (or did I finish off my Creamy Potato and Cheddar Cheese soup?). LOL...too long ago to remember now! But I did have a fudgesicle for dessert later on that evening! So, basically, just remember to get in your proper food guidelines and MEASURE 2-3 oz of meat/poultry/fish, 1/4 cup veggie/fruit and 1/4 cup grain/starches per meal, 3 times a day and no more than 1200 calories a day. When you start doing regular exercises daily, then increase your calories to 1500. Make sure you eat in that order too...proteins is ALWAYS first, then veggie/fruit and then grain/starches

4. I read someone pays $100 when they go do their fills because it is done with flouroscopy, what is the alternative that is included in surgery costs?

At OCC, you pay $100 for the fill with fluoro, or FREE with NO fluoro ~ your choice. My first fill was with fluoro so I can see my band and be relieve all is ok. Dr. So did my fill and he had no problem getting to my port. In fact, I may just get a blind fill (fill with no fluoro) and see how it goes.

5. Can you recomend protein or meal replacements that taste good. They are pretty pricey and dont want to stock up on a nasty one.

This is a huge subject and everyone has different taste for their shakes - some like it, some don't for the same brand. Like Kim says, you will need to try a few and see how you like them yourself. I personally use the AmazeRX I saw on TV informercial and it's thick and creamy and tastes like a milk shake to me. You can go on their website for more info. The important factors you need to consider is high protein and low sugar content. Once you figure out which one you like, then stock up for future use for during your 'creamy soup' stage, or after you get your future fills, or just to have a shake because you are way too busy and don't have time for a breakfast or lunch. BUT, do not use this aa a meal replacement all the time. Once you hit your solid food days, you are encouraged to eat food all the time.

[jhawkchick75]

Absolutely true! I did the same thing and realized how much I was spending on fast food and I about died! Last month, I was worried I hadn't paid a bill because it felt like I had too much in my account and then I realized it was because I was eating so much less and not going out to eat. The healthier food costs more, but it still is cheaper than what I was spending. Just another perk of the band!!!

Thanks for the answers so far! I was also looking at my bank account last night and realizing how much money I spend on fast food, I cant wait to save that money on more healthier choices! Its pretty embarrassing...

[jhawkchick75]

Great questions! Here are a few thoughts from me:

1. In regards to droopy arms, I am pretty sure I will have this issue. My arms are naturally bigger and even though I haven't lost that much, mine are already sagging. I'd rather deal with that though than a larger body! Ive been reading up on how to avoid this and i'm making sure i'm drinking lots of water and i'm looking into weights exercises that might help.

2. On the topic of the girls, I hear most women lose there first. A lot of it depends on the ratio of fat/muscle in your breasts. I am large chested but when i've lost in the past they did not get any smaller. Around wise yes, but not in cup size. I've been as low as 140 and they haven't gotten much smaller. Just depends on your make up.

3. After the 21 days, I worked my way up over the first 2 days. I started with some mini raviolis and then my next meal was not my choice I was at a meeting at it was pizza. I just took it slow and ate small bites. Before you start getting fills you won't have any restriction, so you should be OK. But still watch your portions. Your stomach will have shrunk so much from the liquids that you won't need to eat half of what you did before. So don't push it! I really like to do refried beans as well as egg beaters.

4. I recommend doing flouro the first time just so you can put your mind at rest that all is OK. Then after that it will be up to you really how you do it. Whatever makes you feel comfortable.

5. Everyone is so different on the shakes it just depends on your taste. I personally like the Atkins the best. The vanilla are too sweet for me, but I like the chocolate. I also can do the EAS shakes. I have a busy schedule so I didn't have the time to make my own shakes, but I hear those are better.

[JennHB]

Before you start getting fills you won't have any restriction, so you should be OK.

So when you get the surgery it is the band only with no silicone in it...or just not that much?

Thanks everyone for your replies!

[JazzyJude]

So when you get the surgery it is the band only with no silicone in it...or just not that much?

Thanks everyone for your replies!

At OCC, they just put the band on with no fill at all. This is just so that you and the band can adjust and you start learing to eat properly with the proper portion control measurements/

[Guest CaraMBA09]

GREAT QUESTIONS Girlfriend! JnleBean...LOVE those EAS Myoplex shakes..yum

1. In the pictures (before and after) I havn't seen many with the droopy arms, I have big arms and my goal is to lose about 60 lbs, is the weight loss slow enough (as opposed to gastric bypass) that your skin has more time to "shrink" or do most people still have to have cosmetic surgery?

I was VERY thin before gaining all my weight. I have been told by a plastic surgeon that if you take care of yourself (ie. Lifting weights, lose weight, AND the kicker...AGE..your skin will shrink back down. He said that when you hit about 40-45 (menopause for some ladies) THAT is when $ hit hits the fan...

2. Also, I realize people lose in different area's at different times but I love my boobs and just was wondering if I should expect them to look "deflated"...have many needed to get a boob job?

Cannot help you on this..sorry. I am getting a self-imposed REDUCTION..I hate my double D's - I want cute, perky C - Cups so I can fit into ANY cute Dress, TOP, bathing SUIT...suit Jacket, etc.

3. What are some good solid foods to start with once you are at the 6 week mark, I read mashed potatoes and peas somewhere but wanted some more idea's.

My husband made me his Hometown world famous garlic mashed potatoes. They were DIVINE!...I ate them twice and moved on.

4. I read someone pays $100 when they go do their fills because it is done with flouroscopy, what is the alternative that is included in surgery costs?

BLIND is $175.00+

WITH FLUORO...first time 375.00, then 150.00...then 150.00 for this third fill....BUT...MANY people POO-POO Fluoro. I on the other hand SWEAR by it. I am now up to 4.2 ccs in a 4.0 Band (read my other post) . If I had not had fluoro, I would not have KNOWN or SEEN the LACK of restriction that was going on, which I would be BACK for another fill at $375.00

You must do the math and logistics. I did not like this last experience as my nurse is gone. Next fluoro will be in TJ...I could use the sun anyways, it is pretty miserable here right now. (okay, that is my excuse)

5. Can you recomend protein or meal replacements that taste good. They are pretty pricey and dont want to stock up on a nasty one.

<http://wholesalesupplementstore.com/myoplexlite.html>

I swear by this. ALSO. I am going to add at the expense of being crucified. I am sick to death of the people saying they "hate protein shakes...or it tastes like 'cake batter'...or it is too thick...blah, blah, blah..."

Here is my opinion.

Fat chicks got fat because they think SLIMFAST is nutritional and to compare an actual nutritional shake to 'cake batter' is NOT retraining your mind OR your body

THEREFORE, why are you doing this surgery?

If you do not get on board and research nutrition (seriously come ON)

Rethink how you EAT

OR that you cannot get off your BUTT and do the work..you are fooling yourselves

The band is a TOOL. It is like a high maintenance PORSCHE that requires a tune-up every 6-10 weeks. If you cannot commit to it...do not do it or stop the bitching about changing your habits.

Caio Ladies, C

*(PS...I know those who KNOW me will understand what I am saying...those who are newbies might be a bit "sensitive" to my direct approach)

Jann...Kat...where are you when I need you...LOL

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