Nechama L

Weird, I wasnt told no anything when it comes to seasonings...

What an absolutely beautiful post, I am actually crying. You are a real inspiration and I hope your family appreciates what a truly amazing person you are.

Awesome!!!

You may want to confirm with the actual surgeon about that. There are many times that the nurse practitioner does not relay the correct policies.

Have you tried the Myoplex kind? I also found other shakes to be awful but the Myoplex one has really grown on me!

So is Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.

I add one whole packet of Equal to any of the Chobani yogurts I have and I have found it to be the perfect level of sweetness. Even though the ones I bought have the fruit on the bottom, I need that extra sweetness

My cycles have been so incredibly screwy since I got the band and I wanted to know if anyone else has been in this situation. I am 3 weeks post surgery and have had a couple 15-20 day cycles. Anyone else in this boat?

Wow, if I was older I would totally go that route because I am also done having kids. I am only 34 so unfortunately it's not an option for me. I guess I should speak with my OB about this because maybe it isnt so normal....

My surgeon allowed me to make a choice based on my own research, however, she did caution that she would make the end decision when she saw the size of my stomach. That leads me to think that the stomach size is really the deciding factor. One of the main differences between the Realize and the Lap Band is the way in which the port is affixed into the stomach and the other, of course, is the size of the band itself. I would suggest you get brochures for each and do your own research so you can be most informed.

I think this is something that is particular to each individual surgeon and anestheseologist (or however you spell it) so really no one can answer this but them. Good luck!

The one I drink does not seem to be very well known but you can find them in GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe. It is called EAS Myoplex and I love it, for both flavor and lack of major aftertaste Good luck finding the right one for you!

I will be honest with you, I have seen nothing but struggles on these boards for people who don't have a pre-op liquid diet. At the very least, do yourself a favor and do it for a couple days so you can see what it is like, otherwise it can come as quite a shock.

If you just started exercising and are doing that much exercise, you may not be "losing" because you are building muscle.

I had the same thing, but as time and healing went by, I found it to be less and less of a problem. I think you will start to see an increase in your intake, especially when you start on mushies and move on to solids.

What are you eating when you eat? Is it protein rich or food that you ate before your surgery? Also, you should be taking about a half hour to eat 1/2 - 1 cup of food. Even if it is mushy, dont gobble. Take a bite, put down your fork or spoon, wait 30 seconds to a minute, and repeat. Don't drink with your meals, 1/2 before or after your meals. You will find the time between meals will be longer and you will be more satisfied.

Isn't there someone monitoring this site to keep out spam posters? I seem to see one or two a week that come in my RSS feed...

Great job!! I also was told today "You are looking thinner" and it is just so nice to hear (though hard to know how to take a compliment, know what I mean?)

If you havent already bought it, they have a pocket size reference book that is very useful.

I just tell people that I had surgery. I know some people are sensitive for various reasons about not sharing that they got the band, but I feel like I would rather educate people about obesity as a disease than hide from it. For example, if, G-d forbid, I did have cancer and lost my hair from chemo, I wouldn't hide behind jokes like trying to look like Senead O'Conner because I always feel that people can learn from other people's experiences and that would be a way for me to teach about cancer.

I think you will be able to enjoy a meal, just not the same quantity and probably not all the dishes offered. I have a friend who has had the band for 5 years and we have eaten out together many times, you would never know the difference!

I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain you feel and hope that all of you will heal in time.

A lot depends on your rate of healing and tolerance for pain. I did two loads of laundry and the dishes by the next day! I had my surgery on a Thursday and returned to work the following Tuesday. I have a feeling you will be just fine If you can tolerate children all day long you can do anything!

Go to the food section and you will find some great ideas! Good luck!