TerriDoodle

Well, it sounds like all those who got banded this week are doing just great!! Congratulations to you all. I'm here at Day 9 and feeling 85% back to normal...so hang in there just a few more days, girls! I joined a gym and hit the treadmill for 35 minutes tonight...even broke a sweat and everything! :clap2: Feel so much better now than I did when I got off work. It's a wonderful gym with everything you could want... showers, lockers, heated lap pool, sauna, spinning bikes, basketball & racquetball courts, aerobics, aquatics and yoga classes, all the machines (of course) and personal trainers everywhere! Best of all, it's only about 1/2 mile from the house and $30/month. I really think I'm going to like it there. Other improvements are that I have just about weaned off of caffeine entirely. I used to drink 4-5 cups of coffee and 1-2 glasses of iced tea/day. Even the smallest amount has been upsetting my tummy this week and I found that I really just preferred plain old water. You people just don't have a clue what a turnabout this is for me!! I'm telling you, this is major. Once I get completely off, I will try my best to stay off. It just makes me hungrier. Now that I am past most of the pain and almost past most of the fatigue, I am really, really getting pumped about all of this....the 10# drop doesn't hurt either. This is looking like it's going to be a very, very good year. SARA - Congratulations on finishing your project!!! That must be such a load off your mind. Please take good care of yourself this weekend, ok?..and get more rest than you think you need. It's not easy going back to work...the days are long and tiring. TRACY - thanks for noticing the ticker I keep waking up, stepping on the scale expecting to see it bounce up a pound or two...but it doesn't!?! I'm trying not to get too excited and bracing for a bit of a gain. ONWARD!!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/search.php?searchid=708638 This link will give you a place to start searching the forum for doctors in Chicago... best of luck to you. Sounds like it's a good idea you switched. I'd try to get my $375 back if I were you!!

Don't rush into anything -- take a month or two at the very least to carefully make your decision. It's a big change.

Trish, every day you will feel better. Those first 3-4 days are pretty hard. Lots and lots of gas and a swollen tummy. Just drink your fluids, walk, and rest and you'll feel much better VERY soon. I think between day 5 and 6 was the turning point for me. Best of luck to you!

Sara -- I heard from the start that rice was a big NO NO. I haven't had that happen to me, but I have felt at times that if I were to burp at that moment, it would come up. I have had the pain in the sternum thing after my first solid food (fish). I have pretty much stayed on full fluids this whole time. I haven't said anything because I thought you (and your doctor) know best, but I have thought that you seemed to be eating more solid foods than I could have handled. No, you haven't had a fill but you are most likely still swolen...and if you're eating solid foods as well, I guess it could make the swelling get aggravated (?). Why don't you try just staying on full liquids for 2-3 days then with just a BIT of soft solids every few days or so. I had fish and mashed potatoes today, but that is the first solid food I've had since 4 days ago....and I take it very small portions. Oh, and besides, you said you're stressing too!! That'll aggravate your stomach and esophogas, too. Be careful and go slow!!

Yes, i was told the same thing by the patient advocate who came to visit me in the hospital,but other than that I haven't seen or heard much about this issue.

I posted a wonderful jeweller for charms, although he has gotten kind of expensive, the quality is top-notch and each piece is had finished. I've been to the workshop in Kerrville. (Mr. Avery was actually working behind the cash register!) www.jamesavery.com. You can also do a search for James Avery on Ebay as there are many items there, too. As far as that goes, you can search just for 'charms' on Ebay and find some real bargains. I really like the idea of organizing instead of eating, too!! I did that to the garage the week before surgery because it was driving me CRAZY! Kity - going back to work is OK. I wish I'd taken 10 days off instead of 7, though. I would have felt much better sooner, I think. Love to all of you!! XOXO

On the subject of STRESS -- One of the best things I ever did for myself in the past was to take (and study) yoga. Practicing yoga gave me many tools for de-stressing. The emphasis is placed on proper breathing...which may not sound like much but, believe me, it has the power to calm your nerves in a flash. It helps you learn how to be more aware of your body and how to 'check in' with it every so often. You learn how to detect what is out of whack and you learn how to fix it with just a few moments of breathing and focus. I highly suggest it for all of you with stressful lives. If you can step aside for just a minute or two, close your eyes and take inventory of what's going on in your body, take 5-6 proper deep breaths, clear your mind and get centered...you will be ready again in a short time to get back to the task at hand. I stopped going to classes when I got too fat to not embarrass myself...so I just switched to tapes instead. Any beginner yoga instruction is good, some may even be geared toward teaching relaxation and that would be even better. The practice of meditation is also really effective...and you will learn some of that in yoga.

So how do you FEEL when you drive by those places or see those commercials? And does that feeling last? Are you experienciing any kind of regrets? Every once in a while I do, but they are fleeting. I remind myself that I will be eating my favorite foods again soon...it's ok....just be patient. How's ur soreness?

Total: 808 Fat:45 405 51% Sat:18 163 21% Poly:4 40 5% Mono:12 106 13% Carbs:44 150 19% Fiber:8 0 0% Protein:60 239 30% 8 days postop and Ruh Roh. Bandster hell is coming.... I'm getting hungry!!! BUT...I eat a cup of full fluids or mushies and and I'm ok for 2-3 hours....and still only getting in <900 calories, but just spending more time hungry than I was. It's all good. I scheduled my appt for my 1st fill for May 4th. My soreness is almost all gone but still get tired easily. Grateful the wknd is coming. Incisions are looking good. Signed up with a gym today and I'm really excited about that. Hit the treadmill tomorrow. Tried scrambled eggs tonight and they went down fine. Man, did they taste good!! I can SERIOUSLY see how my relationship with food will be changing. Now, when I'm hungry, I get kind of sad that I can't go out and eat a plate full of enchiladas or a nice sandwich or a steak or even my favorite salad. But it is precisely at that moment I am grateful for my new tool. I can't overeat even if I wanted to. So I shrug my shoulders, go have a 1/2 of cottage cheese and Voila! My hunger is cured ....and so is my sadness (that I can't have enchiladas). I sometimes miss that FULL feeling I used to get....but not really. Not after I've cured the hunger with even a small amount of food. I'm over it just like that. No regrets, no more mourning. This is certainly going to be an interesting journey.

Total: 808 Fat:45 405 51% Sat:18 163 21% Poly:4 40 5% Mono:12 106 13% Carbs:44 150 19% Fiber:8 0 0% Protein:60 239 30% 8 days postop and Ruh Roh. Bandster hell is coming.... I'm getting hungry!!! BUT...I eat a cup of full fluids or mushies and and I'm ok for 2-3 hours....and still only getting in <900 calories, but just spending more time hungry than I was. It's all good. I scheduled my appt for my 1st fill for May 4th. My soreness is almost all gone but still get tired easily. Grateful the wknd is coming. Incisions are looking good. Signed up with a gym today and I'm really excited about that. Hit the treadmill tomorrow. Tried scrambled eggs tonight and they went down fine. Man, did they taste good!! I can SERIOUSLY see how my relationship with food will be changing. Now, when I'm hungry, I get kind of sad that I can't go out and eat a plate full of enchiladas or a nice sandwich or a steak or even my favorite salad. But it is precisely at that moment I am grateful for my new tool. I can't overeat even if I wanted to. So I shrug my shoulders, go have a 1/2 of cottage cheese and Voila! My hunger is cured ....and so is my sadness (that I can't have enchiladas). I sometimes miss that FULL feeling I used to get....but not really. Not after I've cured the hunger with even a small amount of food. I'm over it just like that. No regrets, no more mourning. This is certainly going to be an interesting journey.

8 days postop and Ruh Roh. Bandster hell is coming.... I'm getting hungry!!! BUT...I eat a cup of full fluids or mushies and and I'm ok for 2-3 hours....and still only getting in <900 calories, but just spending more time hungry than I was. It's all good. I scheduled my appt for my 1st fill for May 4th. My soreness is almost all gone but still get tired easily. Grateful the wknd is coming. Incisions are looking good. Signed up with a gym today and I'm really excited about that. Hit the treadmill tomorrow. Tried scrambled eggs tonight and they went down fine. Man, did they taste good!! I can SERIOUSLY see how my relationship with food will be changing. Now, when I'm hungry, I get kind of sad that I can't go out and eat a plate full of enchiladas or a nice sandwich or a steak or even my favorite salad. But it is precisely at that moment I am grateful for my new tool. I can't overeat even if I wanted to. So I shrug my shoulders, go have a 1/2 of cottage cheese and Voila! My hunger is cured ....and so is my sadness (that I can't have enchiladas). I sometimes miss that FULL feeling I used to get....but not really. Not after I've cured the hunger with even a small amount of food. I'm over it just like that. No regrets, no more mourning. This is certainly going to be an interesting journey. I seriously can't keep up with who's doing what anymore....we've got such an active board! Jenn- Did you say you're having surgery on Monday and returning to school 2 days later? That seriously may not be feasible....maybe I read that wrong. Sara - you sound like you're doing alright!

That argument always cracks me up, Tracy. Oh, puh-leeeeze!! The mere fact that the dietician doesn't acknowledge that we each have unique metabolisms....some do better with more carbs, some with less....would tell me that she doesn't know sh** from shinola!! Time to move on!

I have seen people do well by simply adding more vegetables (and fruit) to their diet. If you evaluate what you have been eating, can you say that they are whole and healthy foods...or more pre-fab & unhealthy kinds. If you find yourself lacking the micronutrients that only whole foods can provide, maybe this is something you should do. I just did the numbers...and by my calculations I see that you are losing at a rate of 3.5#/week. I can see now why your dietician said to eat more. This rate is almost twice what doctors normally recommend.

Down another pound today to 206. Yesterday (Day 7) was my first day back at work and it was pretty tough. Didn't get enough sleep the night before and was really tired. Didn't realize how much I wasn't moving around until the gas started REALLY bothering me. I think caffeine is a problem now...or maybe just coffee. Don't like the way it settles in my stomach 1st thing in the morning. Amazing how I am weaning off without even trying. Am starting to prefer water. Cool. This is yesterday's counts (all liquids): Total: 775 Fat:37 331 44% Carbs:80 267 36% Fiber:13 0 0% Protein:36 146 20% 122

Down another pound today to 206. Yesterday (Day 7) was my first day back at work and it was pretty tough. Didn't get enough sleep the night before and was really tired. Didn't realize how much I wasn't moving around until the gas started REALLY bothering me. I think caffeine is a problem now...or maybe just coffee. Don't like the way it settles in my stomach 1st thing in the morning. Amazing how I am weaning off without even trying. Am starting to prefer water. Cool. This is yesterday's counts (all liquids): Total: 775 Fat:37 331 44% Carbs:80 267 36% Fiber:13 0 0% Protein:36 146 20% 122

I started a James Avery charm bracelet for my daughter the day she was born!! Hers is beautiful already....and she's only 13! I'm back at work today. Wish I wasn't!!!!!!! It's beautiful outside! Going tomorrow to join LA Fitness! I have a center very close to work AND to home! My company offers reduced membership fees, too! Can't beat that deal! It gets soooooo hot in Houston that you almost HAVE to have a gym. LA Fitness is really nice, too. I think I'll enjoy it there. I realize now that I'll be putting a very low priority on eating and will have lots of extra time on my hands. I mean, why not go work out and grab a protein shake for lunch now?? Way cool!

If ya'll want some great charms (and other beautiful jewelry), you should visit a James Avery store or visit his online store. All jewelry you see comes in either silver or gold. He started his jewelry business in Kerrville, TX like 50 years ago or something and everyone in Texas loves James Avery jewelry! He's starting to spread to other states now, I think. Check it out: www.JamesAvery.com

Dana - I'm perfectly content with my hunger level right now, but I'm only one week post op. It's blowing my mind how little I am eating and how 'satisfied' I feel. As I understand it, when the swelling goes down in a few days I will start to feel hungry again. I will just have more to eat...or rather, drink! I'm trying not to focus on my weight right now, but will after my 1st fill.

I know quite a bit about nutrition. I studied it in college as well as doing a great deal of additional new research during my low-carb days. Sorry, but I don't agree with you. My goals are for 1000-1200/day and I do plan on loading up once a week with 2000 calories. Shooting for 100g protein; <75g carbs. I am not concerned about fats one way or the other, except that I do know they help to maintain the blood sugar levels I have had issues with since the age of 16. My bariatric doctor's guidelines are 1000-1200 a day as well.

Had a quiet day at home yesterday. Pain is almost gone. Incisions itching like crazy!!! Took a 20 min walk. Had trouble getting my food in 'cause I'm getting bored with everything I have in the pantry. Protein was horrible, fat was way high, calories too low. Will try again tomorrow! Total: 728 Fat:40 357 49% Sat:21 189 26% Poly:3 29 4% Mono:11 96 13% Carbs:63 224 31% Fiber:7 0 0% Protein:36 144 20%

Had a quiet day at home yesterday. Pain is almost gone. Incisions itching like crazy!!! Took a 20 min walk. Had trouble getting my food in 'cause I'm getting bored with everything I have in the pantry. Protein was horrible, fat was way high, calories too low. Will try again tomorrow! Total: 728 Fat:40 357 49% Sat:21 189 26% Poly:3 29 4% Mono:11 96 13% Carbs:63 224 31% Fiber:7 0 0% Protein:36 144 20%

I'm not eating a lot of soups...maybe once a day. I have smoothies, pudding, applesauce, cottage cheese & yogurt mostly....

Ok, I'll give it a try. Immediately post op...they woke me up from the anesthesia...and I'm quite sure there are no pain meds in my system since they are trying to wake me up....and when I was in that fog my first thought was that it was hard to breathe and there was a pretty darn intense seering pain in my belly. Once they saw that I was awake they put oxygen on me and shot me up with morphine and I was OUT in lala land. So that pain only lasted maybe a minute...tops. I was VERY groggy for several hours. I had anesthesia, phenergan and morphine....so you can imagine. But the nurse and my DH would wake me up often to drink, eat jello, take BP, try the bathroom, etc. So during this time I think I rated the pain at a 5 or 6. I didn't have any trouble sitting up or walking around, but I was really sore and the incisions hurt....but I was comfortable enough to sleep easily. They gave me another shot of morphine before sending me home. Once home I slept well but had to get up several times to use the restroom and drink water...and to take pain meds every 4 hours. They did fine to control the pain to a tolerable level. It just feels like you've done a 200 situps and more of a burning type pain at the port site and another site on my lower left side, under the ribs. It hurt to lay on my left side. The next day I started dealing with the shoulder pain that everybody talks about and it can be pretty intense too....so much so that it drowns out any concern about your belly! It is definitely a concentrated stabbing pain in the front of my left shoulder ...BUT... it rarely lasted at that intense level for more than 15 mintes at a time. It came and went with no apparent pattern. It was a nuisance but not intolerable at other times. Since then it's been the incision pain that has been most bothersome. Again, not intolerable at all, just getting kind of tired of it at this point (6 days). I was on pain meds for 3 days, then took a shot last night too. I will probably take another one before bed tonight. Overall, I'd describe an average pain level of about a 4. So see? It's not bad!! And, for whatever it's worth, this was my first surgery. I have given birth twice ...the first birth was far worse than this surgery, let me tell you! 9#5oz boy and I pushed for 4 hours. The after=affects of that birth was about an 8 for several days.

Well, the thing is that I don't think anyone here will advise you to go against your doctor's orders. But maybe you could discuss it with him? Tell him about your activity on this board and ask him for the rationale behind his instructions. Maybe if you understand his reasoning it will make it easier to follow the diet he has outlined. I don't think you'll need to worry about being hungry on a liquid post-op diet...that won't happen. You may get plenty bored, however! My doctor is one of the most experienced in the country and seems to be quite liberal. He only requires liquids for 24-48 hrs after surgery. For the next 4 weeks it's on to soft foods. This is my last day off but I think I will be ready to go back to work tomorrow...will have to give some thought as to what to bring for lunch. Pain is much, much better this morning. down another pound! Well, I'm gonna get my walking shoes on and get after it today! Ya'll have a good one!