TerriDoodle

I am just trying to get in ENOUGH calories and protein at this point. I'm 5 days post-op. So I'm eating whenever I feel like it. Today managed to get in 850 cals. I personally don't feel that is healthy and am shooting for 1000 to 1200.

Pamela - you can go to my LBT journal and watch my calories, etc....I have them posted there and probably will be for sometime. I cut and paste them from www.fitday.com where I track all that stuff. I am trying to get my calories UP to 1000-1200 but haven't made it yet. I am sure it will get easier once I get to regular foods again. I'm finding it really hard to get the Protein in 'cause I'm not loving the shakes. Had to resort to pain meds again today. Incisions/Stitches were quite painful all day. DD and I had laughed REALLY HARD at a television show we were watching last night, which hurt quite a lot, and I actually feel like that didn't help matters. So take note pre-banders...only watch not-funny stuff. Also, do whatever you have to do to avoid sneezing! OMG!! Panda - You are gonna be one foxy chick (what can I say, I'm a child of the 70's) when you drop that weight, 'cause you're already sooo pretty!! Oh, to be 25 again!! I'm glad for you that you're getting this done now. All of you who are yet to be banded: Try your best to put your anxieties aside and trust me when I say that this surgery is really not that hard at all. You will all do just fine. That's a promise.

Today was a painful day. Tried to just stay with Tylenol but it didn't do much good. Finally broke down at 7:00p and took pain meds and feel sooooo much better. Duh! Sutures really felt like they were pulling...best way to describe it. It hurt! No problems eating today or getting liquids in. A good day. I think that caffeine is not agreeing with me. I LOVE iced tea but it is upsetting my tummy & making me hungry. Will observe this closely in days to come. Taking Gas-X a couple or three times a day and it's helping. Gas is much better. Starting to feel 'skinnier' :rolleyes I only have one more (scheduled) day off. I hope it's enough. Will try to take a nap or two tomorrow. Maybe the extra rest will help. Didn't do any walking today except around the house and with DD at Old Navy for a bit. Bkfst: Cream of wheat w/ butter & skim milk - 1c Lunch: Broccoli & cheese soup - 1c Snack: Yogurt/protein smoothie - 1c Dinner: cottage cheese 3/4c w/ 2 sm canned pears Total: 808 Fat:32 286 36% Sat:17 157 20% Poly:3 28 4% Mono:9 84 10% Carbs:78 293 37% Fiber:5 0 0% Protein:54 217 27%

Today was a painful day. Tried to just stay with Tylenol but it didn't do much good. Finally broke down at 7:00p and took pain meds and feel sooooo much better. Duh! Sutures really felt like they were pulling...best way to describe it. It hurt! No problems eating today or getting liquids in. A good day. I think that caffeine is not agreeing with me. I LOVE iced tea but it is upsetting my tummy & making me hungry. Will observe this closely in days to come. Taking Gas-X a couple or three times a day and it's helping. Gas is much better. Starting to feel 'skinnier' :rolleyes I only have one more (scheduled) day off. I hope it's enough. Will try to take a nap or two tomorrow. Maybe the extra rest will help. Didn't do any walking today except around the house and with DD at Old Navy for a bit. Bkfst: Cream of wheat w/ butter & skim milk - 1c Lunch: Broccoli & cheese soup - 1c Snack: Yogurt/protein smoothie - 1c Dinner: cottage cheese 3/4c w/ 2 sm canned pears Total: 808 Fat:32 286 36% Sat:17 157 20% Poly:3 28 4% Mono:9 84 10% Carbs:78 293 37% Fiber:5 0 0% Protein:54 217 27%

I called my dr's office about my bandages today too...'cause they're bothering me!! I have dissolvable stiches, covered by surgical tape with bandaids over that. They said I could discontinue the bandaids but the surg tape should stay on 7-10 days. Grrrrrr. 2 more days. My postop diet calls for at least 40g of protein/day! I'm drinking full liquids (smoothies, hearty blended Soups, etc.) adding unflavored whey Protein whenever possible and as much as possible and barely getting it in. I def. think you need to call your dr. to make sure you've got the instrux right!

Oh, Sara -- I can relate to your experience with your DH!! Of course, I find myself talking constantly about it too, but I DON'T CARE!! Know why? Because this is a MAJOR LIFE EVENT for me and I have to sit here and listen to my DH talk constantly and for years about golf, baseball and business!!!!! We're not even close to being even!! LOL! I'm so pleased everyone is doing well....and that we have each other!

I decided to write my post without reading what the others have said...because I didn't want it to influence what I have to say. I feel like I was in exactly the same position as you....4 years ago....except that I wasn't considering surgery at that point. But I HAD made all the discoveries that you have made about carbs and hunger and clear thinking, etc. I lost the weight and was really exercising for the 1st time in my life and I was within 8# of goal and easily maintaining that weight. I had it all in the bag!! Along the way I had even given away every single stitch of "fat clothes" that I had in my closet. I had nothing but size 10's, 12's and M's in there now. I was a clothes buying fool and was having the time of my life. Then, little by little, the carbs started creeping back in. And I quit smoking. And menopause hit. I gained 65# in 2 years .... to the highest weight I have EVER seen on the scale: 215#. And no matter WHAT I DID, not a pound would budge off. I finally came to the realization that after 38 years of battling this MONSTER I was sick and tired of it. I needed some real help. I went through the process. And I joined this board. And I had the very same jitters as you. I am so happy I had this done. Maybe it's too early to say that...and maybe I shouldn't....but today I am ecstatic! I'm not going to tell you what you should or shouldn't do. That's not my place. But I just wanted you to consider my story and see if there's anything you can relate to. I wish you the very best of luck in whatever you decide. The very best.

I told my mom, who is quite elderly, that I had hiatal hernia surgery (which is similar). I didn't want her to worry about all the banding pros/cons, etc. but I had to explain my absence for those few days. People at work, I only told my boss...said was having 'minor surgery' and would be out for a week; people who didn't need to know anything I said I was just going to take some vacation for a few days...and some of them are my very best friends!! Only told hubby, kids, and 2 girlfriends....all very supportive. Best of luck to you.

Last night I ventured into the world of real food again. According to my post-op diet I can have fish and cooked vegetables...so I went to Luby's and ate about 1-1/2 oz. of baked fish, maybe 12 green beans, and 2 tbsp. of mashed potatoes. Yes, I was a little scared to swallow. But I chewed the tar out of that food and I had little problem. And I sure didn't eat very much. In the hours that followed I did have 4-5 short bursts of pain in my sternum area but it was no big deal. It did, however, give me a glimpse of what it feels like to get something stuck. Motivation enough to chew, chew, chew let me tell you! The most amazing thing was how this little bit of food kept me satisfied all night long!!! :omg: I realize it won't always be this way, but it was an interesting view of things to come. I dropped another 2 lbs. This is the coolest thing ever. Slept really well last night but had the STRANGEST dreams of my life. OMG!! And they just went on and on and on and on. Can't go into details in a public forum but let me just say they involved everything from bugs in my poop, to working with the FBI to nab a former neighbor, to being unable to properly care for a baby, to being named an executive in a new corporate merger. Hey, they're just dreams, right??? :rolleyes This morning have a good deal of pain at port incision and lots of pulling sensations when I cough or sneeze (OMG!!!), etc. Also, still constipated after taking two rounds of milk of magnesia :puke:. Gas is better this morning. Much better. Will try to move around more today....go for a longer 30 minute walk....maybe even 2x!! That would be really good. counts for yesterday: Total 638 Fat:21 190 30% Sat:10 93 15% Poly:3 29 5% Mono:6 54 9% Carbs:71 272 43% Fiber:3 0 0% Protein:43 171 27%

Last night I ventured into the world of real food again. According to my post-op diet I can have fish and cooked vegetables...so I went to Luby's and ate about 1-1/2 oz. of baked fish, maybe 12 green beans, and 2 tbsp. of mashed potatoes. Yes, I was a little scared to swallow. But I chewed the tar out of that food and I had little problem. And I sure didn't eat very much. In the hours that followed I did have 4-5 short bursts of pain in my sternum area but it was no big deal. It did, however, give me a glimpse of what it feels like to get something stuck. Motivation enough to chew, chew, chew let me tell you! The most amazing thing was how this little bit of food kept me satisfied all night long!!! :omg: I realize it won't always be this way, but it was an interesting view of things to come. I dropped another 2 lbs. This is the coolest thing ever. Slept really well last night but had the STRANGEST dreams of my life. OMG!! And they just went on and on and on and on. Can't go into details in a public forum but let me just say they involved everything from bugs in my poop, to working with the FBI to nab a former neighbor, to being unable to properly care for a baby, to being named an executive in a new corporate merger. Hey, they're just dreams, right??? :rolleyes This morning have a good deal of pain at port incision and lots of pulling sensations when I cough or sneeze (OMG!!!), etc. Also, still constipated after taking two rounds of milk of magnesia . Gas is better this morning. Much better. Will try to move around more today....go for a longer 30 minute walk....maybe even 2x!! That would be really good. counts for yesterday: Total 638 Fat:21 190 30% Sat:10 93 15% Poly:3 29 5% Mono:6 54 9% Carbs:71 272 43% Fiber:3 0 0% Protein:43 171 27%

Tracy -- Where are you???? Yes, I had real food last night and yes I was a little scared to swallow. But I chewed the tar out of that fish and I had little problem. And I sure didn't eat very much. In the hours that followed I did have 4-5 short bursts of pain in my sternum area but it was no big deal. It did, however, give me a glimpse of what it feels like to get something stuck. Motivation enough to chew, chew, chew let me tell you! The most amazing thing was how this little bit of food kept me satisfied all night long!!! :omg: I realize it won't always be this way, but it was an interesting view of things to come. I dropped another 2 lbs. This is the coolest thing ever.

Where are you located? I live in Houston...and I remember when I first started out I just googled "lap band Houston" and found several doctors that way. Then when I visited one of the doctors website, he had a link to Obesity Help.com which has a forum (like this one)....I browsed it for awhile. I eventually found this forum and looked at hundreds of posts. I searched for the names of doctors I had found from my previous google and got info on 3 surgeons in my area that were all highly qualified. Googled their names and found out all I could about them. Went to one seminar for Dr. Spivak and signed up right there and then. I self=payed and one month later I am banded. Voila! That's how I did it! Good luck to you!!!!

I had REAL food tonight! (which is allowed on my post-op) I had about 1-1/2 oz of baked fish, about 2 Tbsp of mashed potatoes and 4 bites of canned green beans. I chewed and chewed and chewed and chewed and chewed!!! :bananajump::bananajump:

Dave, if your doctor did not prescribe breathing exercises maybe he should have. Mine did and it helps. Every 2 hours or so take 5-10 SLOW deep breaths...as deep as you can....and do this for a 4-5 days. This helps to prevent pneumonia...and you don't want that!! Are you taking Gas-X or Digel for gas? That might relieve the burping and tightness you're feeling. I have a lot of gas too, and I take that stuff regularly but I think moving around, especially going for a 15 min. walk 3-4x a day, is the best you can do for it. Oh, I've had my share of shoulder pain. It comes and goes with no real pattern. I'm making yogurt protein smoothies, cream of wheat, and cream soups. All about 3/4c at a time, eaten slowly. I think I might try a little fish and canned green beans (just a few) tonight, but I think my doctor's post-op diet is more liberal than most. Sounds like you're right on track!

Dynamo - You are so right about everything you said. This truly is a sanctuary of understanding. Really, don't worry about the surgery itself, it is not really that hard, especially after the first couple of days. Today I just feel like I've got a bit of indigestion and my incisions ITCH, and I am constipated but beyond that I am quite well. I could easily go to work but glad I don't have to!!....not 'til Wed. I know from my experience with my low-carb board that staying active means the difference between success and failure. There is no doubt that it keeps you on track when you are accountable to others. Thank God for the internet, eh?? Oh, and for the moderators and whoever else is responsible for keeping this board alive and running!!

((((TRACY))))!!! You poor thing! Just breathe and go to your happy place!!! You are really being strong...stronger than I could EVER be so there is victory in that. You are entitled to be cranky so forgive yourself right now. Why don't you just get in your car and go for a little drive?

Thank God I'm not alone!! I was beginning to worry...... (Teachlady, I like you. you're funny!!!)

Congratulations! I canNOT wait!!!!!

I'm day 4 post-op. Starting last night I feel like I have a little heartburn or something. I thought maybe it was all the meds/vitamins/milk of magn I've been taking on an empty stomach that may be giving me the trouble. Any suggestions out there? Also, woke up this morning with a new tightness in my chest...high like in the breastbone area, almost like there is something stuck in my esophagus. I'm sipping on some warm coffee now but it's not getting better yet. Can someone tell me what that is? Thanks you guys. I know you've answered these same ol' questions a million times. I appreciate your time and patience.

Yeah, I paid for mine too. I didn't want to hassle with insurance approval and risk getting denied because of my low BMI. Although it would have been nice to have it paid for I was willing to cough up the cash to get on the fast track. So far I'm really glad I did it this way. So you live in your motorhome, eh?? My best friend has got her house for sale in Galveston and working toward making that same move. Sometimes I think she's crazy and sometimes I think it's the most wonderful thing in the world!! How long have ya'll been doing it? Is it working out like you thought? Enjoying it?

Hi - I was banded on the 4th and sounds like our experiences are similar. It's interesting how everyone's diets are so different! Mine was Clear liquids only for 24-48 hrs, then on to full liquids for 4 weeks. After that "mushies" for a couple of weeks, then starting on solids. I had no pre-op diet orders except to eat low-carb. Come join the April 07 thread -- we're all banded in April! Good luck to you!!!

Very nice post , Lunasa. Thank you for thinking of us and lighting a candle for us...that's special. I'm glad you're thinking about these important issues now and in the coming weeks. I was told to expect a period of depression later on and I'm sure it's coming for all of us, but we'll get thru it together. ((Hugs)) Judy - We'll be thinking of you and will be anxious to hear from you when you return. Be patient the first couple of days....it gets much, much easier after day 2 and that's not long...it goes by quickly. Safe journey! Mazie - sounds like you and I are in the same place. I think I'll try to eat a little more today than I have been. I'm also going to take a nap. I haven't been sleeping well either -- waking up very early and several times per night. (Can't wait for this apnea to go away.) I'm learning that the clues for 'fullness' are very subtle and to pay very close attention after each bite. This is so foreign to the way I have eaten for the last 48 years -- cleaning my plate and not feeling satisfied until I was "FULL". Interesting process that definitely requires mindfulness. The penalty for absent-mindedness is pain. Pain = bad. Happy Easter Everyone! God Bless Us All.

No pain meds in my system right now at all and I'm feeling some new soreness. Port pain and incision on left side (2 largest) are pretty sore. I've been fighting headaches for the last 2-3 nights...very persistent...even when taking hydrocodone. Woke up with a new tight feeling in my esophagus at the breastbone area....like there's food stuck there or something. Also experiencing a slight heartburn. Will try to get answers & suggestions from the board today. On the bright side, I'm down another pound -- to 210. It has really been so long since I saw the scale go DOWN that it is freaky to me. It's a great feeling but a very small voice of panic is in the back of my head. Have no idea what that's about except maybe the concern over how little I have been eating. Odd. Will try to sort out those feelings today. It's Easter Sunday, in the high 40's, windy and wet outside. Very, very odd weather for us this time of year. I'm feeling like a crappy mom because i've been so focused on myself that I didn't do anything for the kids for Easter. But they're teenagers now...hopefully they are not taking it personally. DS is no problem, but DD might be a little miffed....but she would never say anything. She had a fun day yesterday tho...out with Mia all day - Jillians, beading, dinner, movie, beading, sleepover. She'll be ok. Had to confront DS about some paraphenalia I found. We had a good conversation, but I don't need this stress right now. I pray that he stays on the good path he's set on with the new job, new car, grades are way up, etc. Oh, how I pray. I think it's medication issue - hopefully can be resolved with appt this week.

No pain meds in my system right now at all and I'm feeling some new soreness. Port pain and incision on left side (2 largest) are pretty sore. I've been fighting headaches for the last 2-3 nights...very persistent...even when taking hydrocodone. Woke up with a new tight feeling in my esophagus at the breastbone area....like there's food stuck there or something. Also experiencing a slight heartburn. Will try to get answers & suggestions from the board today. On the bright side, I'm down another pound -- to 210. It has really been so long since I saw the scale go DOWN that it is freaky to me. It's a great feeling but a very small voice of panic is in the back of my head. Have no idea what that's about except maybe the concern over how little I have been eating. Odd. Will try to sort out those feelings today. It's Easter Sunday, in the high 40's, windy and wet outside. Very, very odd weather for us this time of year. I'm feeling like a crappy mom because i've been so focused on myself that I didn't do anything for the kids for Easter. But they're teenagers now...hopefully they are not taking it personally. DS is no problem, but DD might be a little miffed....but she would never say anything. She had a fun day yesterday tho...out with Mia all day - Jillians, beading, dinner, movie, beading, sleepover. She'll be ok. Had to confront DS about some paraphenalia I found. We had a good conversation, but I don't need this stress right now. I pray that he stays on the good path he's set on with the new job, new car, grades are way up, etc. Oh, how I pray. I think it's medication issue - hopefully can be resolved with appt this week.

Jennifer - Are you better now? If you're taking hydrocodone or vicodin that definitely can make you nauseous.