gotmyeyeontheprize

I have another yummy recipe to share. I put 3 frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker and covered them with a can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup, a can on Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, and a can of Campbell's Cheese Soup. I cooked it on low for about 7 hours and it was delicious!!! The chicken was supper tender....so tender I could shred it with my fork so it was considered "mushy". I know a lot of us aren't suppose to eat rice, but I think it would be yummy to eat on top of white rice covered with the soup. I plan on trying that for my hubby and kids the next time I make it!

I have another mushy food recipe that is yummy!! Mix together a can of chicken (drained), Texas Pete Wing Sauce to taste, Ranch dressing to taste, and shredded cheddar cheese. Microwave for 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds.....YUMMY!! I actually used about 2 tsp. of wing sauce and Ranch, but adjust according to your taste. Very filling!!

My surgery was on November 22nd. I arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. for early admission. They took me to a room around 6:15 a.m. and the nurse gave me a shot of lovenox (blood thinner), a patch behind my ear for nausea, and a nausea pill. She took all of my vital sounds and had me change into the lovely hospital gown and slipper socks. My husband was allowed to come in the room and hang out during surgery. By 6:45, a nice young man came to wheel me back to pre-op. Let me just say that the pre-op area was like a complete zoo, organized, yet chaotic! There were patients everywhere being prepped for various surgeries. I had never seen such. Next, the anesthesiologist came over to speak with me and go over my chart. Then, I know 10 other nurses came by to check on me and go over my chart. Over and over again, I had to repeat my name, birthdate, what procedure I was having done, when the last time I ate was, etc. Then, a sweet female anesthesiologist came to start my IV. She was wonderful! She gave me a nice numbing shot before she did the routine dig for a vein. I was very dehydrated and she said my veins were flat. Even so, she got me on the first stick. Impressive! I was warned that my IV may need to be moved if that vein didn't cooperate, but they would move it during surgery. (They moved it two more times during surgery!) I hung out with the sweet anesthesiologist and her cohort for what seemed like a good twenty minutes. We all chatted and had a great time. My surgeon came by to see if I had any questions before we started the surgery. Then, he went on to prep himself for the operation. Next thing I knew, the anesthesiologist was giving me a nice cocktail to calm me as she rolled me into the OR. I was in the OR for what seemed to be about 5 minutes before they applied the mask and told me I would start to feel sleepy. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery. I felt good, but very groggy. They gave me a nice injection of morphine. So, pain was the least of my concerns! The recovery area was just as much of a zoo as the pre-op area. Maybe that is the norm with a large hospital in a big city. Finally, I arrived back in my room where my wonderful husband was waiting. The nurse came in and brought me some ice chips and water to sip. That was the best thing in the world as I felt as dry as a camel in the middle of the sandy, hot desert! The anesthesiologist had ran an entire bag of fluid through me during pre-op and the surgery. Then, I went through another entire bag after surgery. Yes, I was that dehydrated! My surgeon came in to check on me and said I did great in surgery. I had a lot of scar tissue from a previous gallbladded removal and he removed it all. He also informed me of some massive scar tissue in my pelvic area from my three previous C-Sections. He didn't clean that area out. I also received a visit from the Hospital Pharmacist. He wanted to discuss my medications and how to take them. He also went over the meds I was already taking and informed me that all of them could be crushed. Let me just say that there is a reason they make medicine in pill form and not powder....NASTY!!!! I continued the day by getting an IV of antibiotics, walking the hallways, and trying a zillion times to pee! My surgeon requires you to be able to hold down liquid, walk, and pee before you are allowed to be discharged. You would think that with ALL of that fluid, I would have to pee. Nope, not me! It was around 4:30 p.m. before I was finally able to use the restroom. Once again....that dehydrated! Once that was over, my nurse had me sign all of the discharge papers. Then, I asked for some pain medicine for the ride home as it was an hour away. So, I went from around 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. without any pain meds. To be honest, I really didn't need them. Overall, I had a wonderful experience. My surgeon, the nurses, anesthesiologist, etc. were great!

I am finding it hard to get the required amount of protein in during the day and am feeling the effects of this. I have tried to get in the protein through protein drinks, but I can't stomach that many in a day. Also, I have tried eating tuna, refried beans, and eggs, but I honestly do not have an appetite for them. Is anyone else having this problem? Any suggestions on how to get adequate protein?

How do you make your protein shakes? I am very interested in a good recipe. I don't understand the no fruit either except that fruit contains a lot of sugar. So, that may be why he doesn't allow it. Also, do you mind sharing what you add to your omelet and how you make your stir fry chicken? Both of those sounds yummy!

I also appreciate all of the experienced bandsters posting this information as I am only a week out and constantly stress about what to eat. It seems that I can eat anything I want to as long as it is in moderation. I never have looked at it that way. I am limited to 3 ounces of protein per meal and was wondering how to enjoy that protein. Now, thanks to the veteran bandsters, I realize I can make that protein taste good!

Good luck on your banding tomorrow. Mine was done this past Monday 11/22. Some of the things that I have eaten are refried Beans with some shredded cheese, Ragu spaghetti sauce mixed with ricatto cheese, tuna mixed with ff mayo, and right now I am eating a can of chicken mixed with some Texas Pete Wing Sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Of course, I heated all of those with the exception of the tuna. To be honest, you probably won't have much of an appetite for the first couple of days. I lived off of Protein drinks, ice chips, Water, and sugar free popsicles. Actually, my surgeon wanted me on liquids for the first five days. I wish you the best of luck and hope that all goes well!

Lori, thanks so much for the info! My in-laws bought me some vanilla whey Protein from GNC today and it was $67!! That stuff better be made of gold. I may return it and try the protein you suggested. What do you think about the taste of that Greek yogurt? I have not tried it yet and am not a fan of yogurt anyways. Does it come flavored?

I had my surgery on 11/22 too, but did not have any glue on my incisions that I know of. My incisions have steri-strips over them, and I was told they would come off between 2-3 weeks. One of mine came off on Friday and the incision is closed and fine. When I had gallbladder surgery a few years ago, one of my incisions actually opened back up some. So, I simply used a butterfly closure to "seal" it back shut. You may want to try that.

Bless your hearts! I was banded on 11/22 also. Fortunately, I did not suffer much gas pain. For the first two days, I faithfully walked for 5 minutes at a time every 15 minutes. Also, I would use 2 Gas-X Strips every 4 hours even if I didn't need them. I used that sparometer (sp?) thing that they sent me home from the hospital with that you take deep breaths from 10 times an hour. I don't know if the combination of those things is what helped or not, but I easily passed gas within 24 hours of surgery. Once I relieved that gas, the swelling in my tummy went down. You might try those things and see if they help. It surely couldn't hurt. I hope everyone feels much better soon.

I found this on another forum and thought I would give it a try. It was wonderful!! I spread a tablespoon of Ricotta cheese in the bottom of a small microwave safe bowl. Then, I poured some Ragu Traditional Spaghetti sauce over it for taste. I added a dab of salt and a dab of garlic powder. Then, I microwaved it for 30 seconds.....yummy!! It is like lasagna without the noodles.

Who knows?!?! There are a lot of restrictions on food that is handed down by my surgeon. I can't have pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, etc. until I have lost 75% of my excess weight. So, all these recipes for yummy sandwiches are out!

What kind of protein powder did you get? I think I am going to have to break down and do the same thing. Thanks for the advice!

Congratulations!! That is an absolutely wonderful accomplishment! Keep up the good work.

Well, let me say that I am in a major panic mode right now. My kids and I went to my friend's house last night. Now, her entire family has the awful stomach virus. Her toddler has it the worst and she was drinking after me!! I have only been banded since Monday and am scared to death that I am going to get this mess. What do I do?!?!

Well, that stomach bug is getting closer to me! My sweet daughter came down with it early this morning. So, please keep your fingers crossed that I don't get it.

Well, it seems there are a lot of us being banded on Monday. So, what all is on your pre-op shopping list? I went to the store this afternoon and got some of my vitamins, diet Sprite, diet Ginger Ale, sugar-free popsicles, and Crystal Lite lemonade. I have some sugar-free lemon jello on hand too. I have to do a clear liquid diet all day Sunday and Monday after surgery.

Too funny! I bet that was absolutely delicious. I would love to add some meat to it, but I am not allowed any red meat or pork for the first year. I guess I could make it with ground turkey, but I am not a big fan of that stuff.

Today is the 3rd day after srugery. I am wondering how my fellow November 22nd bandsters are doing. Any trouble getting in all of your Protein and liquids? I am not able to drink the 4-5 Protein drinks my surgeon wants me to. It is just too much for me. Honestly, I think I am simply tired of the protein drinks since I have been on them since November 8th! This morning, I woke up and was in sort of an anxiety attack. I think it really kicked in mentally that I was now banded. I'm not sure if this is a normal reaction a few days out. Also, I was a bit nauseated this morning. It may have been from the anxiety I was experiencing. So, I took a pain pill and my nausea meds and went back to bed. Since I have woken up, I feel much better. Another issue I had this morning was with phlem. I was sent home with a breathing apparatus that I am reguired to take in deep breaths 10 times an hour. I love it because I can feel it opening up my lungs. Even so, this morning it caused me to cough real deep and some nasty, thick phlem came up! I am assuming this is a good thing and this breating apparatus is helping to keep my lungs clear.

You need to consult your surgeon or nutritionist as everyone's pre-op diet seems to be different. I was limited to 3 protein drinks a day, unlimited broth, unlimited sugar-free jello and popsicles, 3 cups of juice per day, and as much sugar-free drinks as I would like. I could not have anything SOLID at all.

I think everyone's surgeon is different regarding when they can eat things. For me, I can not have any bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc. until I have lost 75% of my excess weight. I can have salads about 3 weeks post-op, but only after I have had my 3 ounces of protein. So, there may not be any room in my pouch to hold a salad. The only option I have is to add some shrimp, crab, chicken, etc. to my salad to get the protein in too. Good luck!

Welcome tigger and congratualtions! This forum is full of wonderful people who are more than happy to offer support. I am glad you have joined in the fun!! Stephanie, I know what you mean! I teach 5th grade and don't have to chase any kiddos around. Even so, there is a lot of standing involved and the added stress. I may attempt to take my son to the movies tomorrow. If so, I will see how that goes then make up my mind.

Very true! I am so glad that you are feeling well enough to get out and do things. I may need to "bite the bullett" tomorrow and at least ride around a little bit. My husband is working twelves through the weekend. So, he hasn't been here to make me get out and go...lol! I would love to be a part of your side job. Decorating houses for Christmas sounds like so much fun! Do you decorate houses for the rich and famous?!?! I love, love, love Christmas decorations!

Thanks for the advice. I tried to call my surgeon's office, but they do not have any after hours service. My surgeon gave me a prescription for nausea medication the day of surgery. I feel a bit nauseated right now, but I really think it is all in my head. The fear of getting sick. So, I went ahead and took a nausea pill to be on the safe side. Also, I decided it may be best for me to go back to liquids until I see if this virus hits me. Maybe that will prevent so much pressure if I do get sick.

Congrats and welcome to the other side! I was banded on Monday and am feeling great. I started mushy foods yesterday and did fine. Best of luck!!