Just got banded on May 6th. My surgeon wrote a book and suggested I read it prior to my surgery. Read it once pre-op and reading it for the second time post-op.They say that one of the emotions we will go through is sort of like an amicable divorce. Just like you described, losing a good friend. I am discovering this right now as well. My best friend was food for 30 years so I am a little mad at myself for fostering such an unhealthy relationship. One reason why I found out I had this close relationship is becuase it was so dependable. Now, I really need to focus on other resources and supports to lean on to get me through tough situations. And this outlet (blogging) is a BIG one. My goal is to keep posting and getting out thoughts in writing - even if I think it is stupid or worthless. Using my fingers for typing rather than putting food in my mouth is a positive action toward my goal.

I pray for your steadfastiness in this journey and look forward to your next post!

FHL! (Faith, Hope, and Love)

Butterfly 10

I was banded 4-28 about the same time as you. For several days now I have been making my own pureed soups and they are really delicious. I add egg and beans and blend which gives a great flavor and texture and more protein which is more satisfying to me. If you want recipes let me know. It helps me a lot to have good healthy soups along with the protein drinks and water because they taste so good and I don't feel as deprived. I also got the chocolate calcium chews from Costco. They taste kind of like a tootsie roll and I just suck on them as they dissolve and that helps my chocolate craving. Also, I have fruity chewable vitamins that taste like candy to me. I went to a Mother's Day dinner at my friends house and they were eating hamburgers, hot dogs, tri-tip and chicken along with salad, potato salad, fresh fruit, etc. To avoid the visual temptation I drank a protein shake before I went so I wouldn't be hungry and brought my soup. As is turned out I didn't eat my soup I ate my first solid food, some potato salad as it was very soft. I mashed it like mashed potatoes and it went down easy and was so yummy. I passed up everything else and was okay. I am having shakes, soup and yogurt or whatever when I feel the need as now is about healing. We must make healthy choices so as not to deprive our bodies of the nutrition they need. This is a process and I think everyone has to adjust individually. I know I am able to eat more now than right after surgery because I am healing inside and have lost about 14 pounds. It is all normal from what I have learned. Hang in there and don't worry, you will be losing weight.

Thanks Butterfly!

Great to get motivation from fellow recent bandsters like you. Having a much better day today. Was really bloated yesterday - guess my body wasn't ready for all the sodium in the soup I had for lunch. Am going to make my own today. On the plus, very plus side, I went through my closet and tried on clothes that were just a little too tight to wear and guess what?....they fit! My plan is to stay away from the scale except once a week. I know the speed of losing has slowed, as it should, and I don't want to lose motivation. I am starting back into my exercise program which should help (fingers crossed). thanks again, plugging away!

Just got banded on May 6th. My surgeon wrote a book and suggested I read it prior to my surgery. Read it once pre-op and reading it for the second time post-op.They say that one of the emotions we will go through is sort of like an amicable divorce. Just like you described' date=' losing a good friend. I am discovering this right now as well. My best friend was food for 30 years so I am a little mad at myself for fostering such an unhealthy relationship. One reason why I found out I had this close relationship is becuase it was so dependable. Now, I really need to focus on other resources and supports to lean on to get me through tough situations. And this outlet (blogging) is a BIG one. My goal is to keep posting and getting out thoughts in writing - even if I think it is stupid or worthless. Using my fingers for typing rather than putting food in my mouth is a positive action toward my goal.

I pray for your steadfastiness in this journey and look forward to your next post!

FHL! (Faith, Hope, and Love)

Butterfly 10[/quote']

Hi Lola'smama !

Great coping strategies, thank you. I was so excited to make soup, it's one of my favourite meals but my first two recipes were a bust. Go figure. Anyway, I will perservere - tomato bisque tonight! Love the chocolate idea. Maybe some diet hot chocolate as well. Better day today but still finding that I am constantly thinking about this thing inside me. I feel it a fair bit which is unnerving but I trust that feeling will dissipate after the swelling goes down etc. Would love recipes!!!! thank you:redface:

I was banded 4-28 about the same time as you. For several days now I have been making my own pureed soups and they are really delicious. I add egg and beans and blend which gives a great flavor and texture and more protein which is more satisfying to me. If you want recipes let me know. It helps me a lot to have good healthy soups along with the protein drinks and water because they taste so good and I don't feel as deprived. I also got the chocolate calcium chews from Costco. They taste kind of like a tootsie roll and I just suck on them as they dissolve and that helps my chocolate craving. Also, I have fruity chewable vitamins that taste like candy to me. I went to a Mother's Day dinner at my friends house and they were eating hamburgers, hot dogs, tri-tip and chicken along with salad, potato salad, fresh fruit, etc. To avoid the visual temptation I drank a protein shake before I went so I wouldn't be hungry and brought my soup. As is turned out I didn't eat my soup I ate my first solid food, some potato salad as it was very soft. I mashed it like mashed potatoes and it went down easy and was so yummy. I passed up everything else and was okay. I am having shakes, soup and yogurt or whatever when I feel the need as now is about healing. We must make healthy choices so as not to deprive our bodies of the nutrition they need. This is a process and I think everyone has to adjust individually. I know I am able to eat more now than right after surgery because I am healing inside and have lost about 14 pounds. It is all normal from what I have learned. Hang in there and don't worry, you will be losing weight.