Hola Alina, So glad to see another Cubana here! Thanks so much for the compliments on my profile page. I am just starting to learn how to add pictures and images, and I am having a blast. After the surgery there are many restictions which you must follow. One of them is not to have caffeine because it can cause ulcers in your pouch (that's what they call your stomach after the surgery because it will be about the size of an egg). Each surgeon has different rules and restrictions they want you to follow. Here are a couple of websites that may help answer your questions better.... http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass/HQ01465 http://www.obesity.org/education/advisor.shtml You can also go to your state messageboard here on OH and find out if there are any support groups in your area, or get information on who are the good surgeons. The surgeon's office may be able to direct you to a support group too. Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Please just put in the subject area "obesity help or OH" so that I don't SPAM you! Best wishes in your quest. Take care and I hope to hear from you soon. Hugs, Rosa

Hi, Rosa. Today is the first time I've ever been on the OH website. It's a great resource. I'm just looking into surgery. I came accross this board 'cause I'm also Cuban. You have a wonderful profile page - love the pictures! Thanks for all the info and motivation. What's this I read about not beeing able to have cafe con leche? Where can I get info on the food restrictions after surgery? Thanks for your help and keep up the good work!

Hi Joe, Welcome to the Hispanic/Latino board. It is not a very busy board, but hopefully that will change as more people join us. Sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work and come visit us often. I miss my cafe con leche and rice. Beans you can have and they are a great source of protein. Being Cuban, I like black beans best of all. LOL. Hope to see you posting again soon. Hugs, Rosa

Hi everyone Just thought I stop by the site to say hello. My Name is Joe and I live in colorado. Im 43 yrs old. I had the Lap band done on 12-13-05..and my weight was 320 lbs ( during my conselt on Sept 07, 05 it was 339 lbs). Back on 1/1/05 my highest weight was 362 lbs..... As of today 3/19/06 I am @ 267.6 lbs.. Not doing to bad.. My goal is 200 lbs..... I do miss my rice and beans, but hey gotta do what I gotta do. Cant wait to go to New York to see my mom..She has always told me to lose weight.. I was 200 lbs a long time ago ( back in 1979/1980 when i was in the Army). Cant wait to reach my goal... Hope to me new freinds....I have met several already.... Joe

Rosa, HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE HAVING SURGERY? I am a month out and just beginning to notice some things. Here are a couple of things that have changed...good & not so good: 1. I have never had to take so many pills in a day. 2. My bath robe actually fits like it's supposed to. 3. I feel like this is the first time I am actually going to lose weight & keep it off. 4. I really like the way my eating habits have changed...no more fast foods for me 5. I can smell foods that look tasty and not feel the need to want to eat them. 6. My stomach doesn't growl all the time like it used to. 7. I love that I only have to take a few bites to feel full & satisfied. Right now it's a small list but I know in another month I will have more to add to it. Elisa