BeckyJane

All of your comments are really helping me to stay focused and not to stress over the little pangs and setbacks. Thank you! I see my family doctor tomorrow for a three week after surgery check up. My first fill is Oct. 26 and until then I'm on pureed foods and eating about 700 calories a day. If I overdo it, I know because the incision for my port starts hurting. I use it as a gauge to when I need to stop and rest. Today I went for a 35 minute walk in the beautiful IL fall and had no pain. Yes! For the most part, I am not feeling the hunger between meals and can stick to the suggested amounts without a problem [2-3 oz. meat, 1/2 c veggie, and/or 1/2 c. fruit with tofu pudding and kefir smoothies] and am getting enough protein and fluids. I am still taking Tylenol morning and night - junior chewables - because i find I sleep better and get moving faster in the morning. My only real problem is feeling light headed or dizzy when I stand up - I think I will talk to my doctor about whether it is blood sugar dips or maybe blood pressure lows - and see if any meds can be adjusted. My doctor/nut are pretty strict about no carbs - no bread, potatoes, corn peas, etc. and no fresh fruits or veggies during the healing time. I really want a fresh apple! I'm wearing an outfit today that I couldn't wear last fall - and it feels good to know that I've lost enough weight to be able to move down a size or two. And my bras are very uncomfortable - either because of the incisions or because they don't fit anymore - but I really hate to spend money right now on clothes. Bras are NOT something to find at resale shops! I guess i will have to go out and get at least one I can wear! [sorry to the guys for TMI] Sitting at the computer is still painful after an hour, so I better get off and go upstairs into the recliner and rest! Remember that the Lap-Band is NOT the only answer - it is a tool! And as our bodies are healing, the band is not yet working to its optimum. We just have to work thru this 6 weeks until the healing is done adn the band can be fine-tuned to do the work it was designed to do. Eat what is healthy, safe and good for you - it is only a month more! [i'm saying this to myself you understand!]

The Flat Out bread sounds luscious, but I'm not allowed carbs yet. Only protein, veggies and some fruits - all pureed. So no potatoes, corn, peas, butternut squash, breads, rice, etc. I forget when I get to add those in. My pureed chicken is getting tiring. Today has been hard - a bit down. I don't think it's the surgery unless it's the 'I can't do all I want' syndrome. On the plus side - I'm still loosing weight - another three pounds. Most of my clothes are very baggy and I think I'm a bit embarrassed to be seen in public. I have class tomorrow - maybe that will get me out of my funky place.

I agree! Hummus without crackers or baby carrots is not worth it to me. Same with baba ganoush!

A good day. I'm off benedryl from the allergis reaction. The fog is gone! Went for a 30 walk and then drive my car! Got some more Vitamin zero to drink as plain Water grows tiring. I have lost another three pounds. I read of those who have stalled so I'm preparing myself for the same. I do remember in my research that the first six weeks after surgery are not the time for regular weight loss. I thought it wasnt until our bodies recovered and we got a normal fill before weight loss became regular, so hang in there and stay on the diet you've been given. I'm not feeling hungry between my three meals a day but I have increased to 3 oz pureed meat and 1/2 c of veggies. So my calorie count is finally going above 600. I think once the carbs get added in I should be around 1,000 calories a day. Now I just need to get more active!

Surgery 9/19 I just realized I haven't posted for a few days! So, I got a UTI last week and the antibiotics caused a number of problems. First I had to go back on liquids because the heartburn happened for pureed. then I had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. I woke up Tuesday with a red bloom rash on my abdomen. The doctor said to stop the antibiotics and start benedryl. So all week, I've been on benedryl 24/7. the incisions got it the worst and are still red from the reaction. The benedryl has slowed me down - can't drive, I'm foggy and I sleep more. I saw my surgeon on Wednesday - he is happy with how I'm doing and put me on pureed foods - protein, veggies and canned fruits. I think that is it weren't for the benedryl, I'd be up and moving and going places right now. Hopefully, today or tomorrow will be the last days of benedryl. I'm finding that the band is working - my surgeon starts with a little fill - and I feel full and stay full on three meals a day. I'm still entering my foods on MyNetDiary and it shows that I'm eating about 500 calories a day. If get any hungries between meals, I have applesauce, soup or jello and that holds me until mealtime. The nutritionist says that its normal to eat this little after surgery. I'm assuming that as my body heals and swelling goes down, that I will have more hunger until I get a fill. I'm still working on patience and endurance to go thru this month of pureed foods and looking for ways to add variety. But I don't find myself thinking about food al the time, which I consider a blessing!

Surgery: Monday, Sept. 19 I've been a part of the Pre-Op September Bandsters, but found out today that there is a Post-Op September Bandsters! My doctor said I could do the pureed or liquid diet until I see him this week. I find that the pureed makes me feel so full, and seems to cause more GI issues, so I'm back on total liquids again. I ended up at my doctor's on Friday for a urinary tract infection, so now I'm on antibiotics. I seem to have developed a diarhhea problem since then and that is keeping me close to home, for sure! I can't have dairy [pre-surgery issue], so the yogurt and easy to obtain Protein drinks are out for me. I'm primarily on Isopure Zero Carb for Protein Drinks. I don't really feel hungry, but I know I have to get in my liquids and protein, so I do make myself drink, slowly! Probably my biggest issue is that of walking! Staying close to a bathroom is necessary and it is raining and cold her for the next three days. I'm not driving yet, so going to a mall isn't an option yet. I just pace around in the house several times. Very boring! Healing takes time - I have to keep reminding myself of this truth! Patience, rest and not getting too involved in activities has to be a high priority. I know I've lost weight - but it seems to flucuate right now from day to day - I assume due to retaining fluids and gas? When I have my 1 week check up I'll see what the doctor's scales say. I know that this time of post-surgery is NOT the norm for the next couple of years! I am ready and keep reminding myself: I'm on my way to better health and a size 12!

Jason, You've been through a lot! I've never heard the 6 month rule - my doctor does first fill at 6 weeks. Hang in there, and keep us posted on how you're doing, OK? there's lots of folks dealing with issues, sucesses, questions and suggestions on this forum. I know I've learned a lot. I was banded Sept. 19 and am still in post-op diet and limitations. One thing my doctor has required is that I first get my 64-80 oz. of Water in, get my Protein in, and stay away from carbs - which included the cereals you mentioned. But I've seen other bandsters mention cream of wheat as part of their diet, so this may just be my doctor. Medical insurance issues can be a real limitation! I'm glad you've found a doctor, gotten it set up and are on your way to success!

I'm still only on my iPhone fir updates as my computer is downstairs. I can read your posts but not reply to specific ones easily. I am four days post-op and on a combo liquid/pureed diet. I do like my isopure zero carb shakes but can only do a half portion at a time right now. I sometimes add cinnamon or PB2 powder (google it-low fat peanut powder that is very tasty!) Tonight I had 1 oz pureed chicken and 1/3 cup chocolate banana tofu pudding. Yum! Recipe: 1 pkg silken tofu, 1/3 c cocoa powder, one small banana and 2t vanilla all in the blender until mixed. I can't have dairy so yogurt and sugar free pudding aren't on my list of options. Ended up at the doctor today for urinary tract infection. After first dose of meds, symptoms are relieved. I'm finding it much less painful to walk and the gas continues to pass every time I get moving. On my way to health and a size 12! I even went without Tylenol mist of today.

My Lap-Band surgery was yesterday morning and all is well. I'm still in hospital and will likely stay another night. Yesterday was nothing by mouth. Today is clear liquids. My surgeon is conservative. He wants the stomach to rest and recover and then take it slow. This is fen with me! My lungs have needed breathing treatments every four hours. I've been up walking and am sitting Ina chair right now. The incisions hurt and I'm thankful for pain meds! Deep breathing is painful. All in all, the experience has been good and I lime my surgical and nursing team and the hospital. I will list again when I get hone and can catch up with everyone else! On my way to a size 12 and better health!

Surgery Sept. 19! Pre-Op diet for 11 days now! I think I'm over my duldrums and looking forward to starting my life banded. In the home stretch now, for sure. I know I can do two more days. Got called to day and found out I'm scheduled for 8am Monday morning. I know I'm staying at least one night at the hospital. Got my liquid diet supplies and even some chicken "liquified" and ready to go. Getting the laundry done and getting my overnight bag packed. Ready to join those of you who have gone before this month. Thanks for all your input, thoughts, sharing and helps! It has calmed me down on more than one occasion! Becky

It's a busy day on Monday. I've been on a Pre-Op diet for a week and a half and have my surgery on Monday as well! Keep us posted on how you do! Becky

Welcome! I have my surgery this Monday, 9/19. this forum has a LOT of info from those who have gone before us and those who are about to step into this change. Read up, ask questions, and keep up posted on how you're doing! Becky

from my blog today: I got my PB2 today. Adding it to my protein shake makes a nice peanut butter/chocolate flavor. Cause I'm getting bored of just plain chocolate and vanilla. At GNC, they suggested adding cinnamon. Now that also makes a nice change to the flavor! It is a quiet day. I think I'll take a walk. I have a bit of shopping to do later today and a therapy session on my relationship to food. It's complicated, that's what I'm finding out. It does no good to get a band and then still struggle with the same old food issues that have caused me to become obese. Sometimes it seems like too much. This is lot of weight to loose. I've tried it before. What makes me think it will be different this time? A friend gave me this Bible verse: "For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope." Romans 15:4 AMP I need endurance and hope. Both have to come from God. That is my prayer for today, that the God-who-loves-me, Yahweh, will give me endurance for the race and hope for the finish!

Had my pre-op testing yesterday. As far as I know, all is still a GO for next Monday! One thing I haven't seen anyone talk about yet - eating disorders, bad relationships with food, bad habits. That is what I'm going to think and meditate and pray on today. I am seeing a therapist [for about 8 weeks] and most of my issues seem to be when I confuse emotions with hunger. Mostly, I tend to "hide" the emotions, but act them out in eating. So we've been talking about how I feel when I eat. How I feel when personal relationships or life cause stress. How I eat when I'm stressed - and more. I hope to go for prayer ministry later today - I am a firm believer in the ability of God to heal us and restore us - so I'm thinking about these issues. Any of you gone to counseling? Uncovered any "reasons" for weight gain? Had any healing or restoration in your relationship with food?

Surgery Date: September 19 Day 3 of 14 Pre-Op Diet My best news so far - on day 3 of the 14 day pre-op diet - is that I can stop the metformin now rather than after surgery. Maybe my blood sugar won't dip quite as far these next few days! My not so good news: I have a sinus infection and a skin cyst, so I'm on anti-bitotics. Me and anti-biotics don't have a good history - when they upset my stomach, I eat carbs. But not this time! However, if the skin cyst gets infected, I can not have the surgery and it will have to be postponed. I'm not happy as there is really nothing I can do other than hot compresses and the anti-biotics. And patience. I'm really enjoying all that everyone has shared. I think it is giving me a more realistic idea of what to expect - but it also is giving me hope and encouragement. If you can keep on the diet, I will try to do so as well. If you are looking to forward to the new start, it reminds me of why I'm doing this. And if you are in pain from gas, I hear some of the solutions to try for myself! Thanks September Bandsters!

I started a blog about my walk through this banding process. I hope to do daily updates as well as stay in touch with all of you! Banded Becky

Surgery: September 19 Pre-op diet Day 1! The insurance company approved my surgery and I am no longer "penciled in". I will have the Lap-Band surgery on Monday, September 19. Today I started the two week pre-op diet: two Protein shakes, two very small Snacks and a small dinner for about 1,000 calories a day. Oh my. I didn't go "all out" this past weekend, but I did have some special meals with special people and I did ask for a few chocolates from my husband's secret stash, so I guess I splurged a little. So I begin my journey to a smaller me. And better health. And to a more active lifestyle. Whew! I feel prepared, educated about the procedure and life after as a "banded" person. This two weeks will be the hardest as I don't have the band, but I have to eat like I do. I have to say NO to the desire to eat and I have to live through any emotions of life without turning to food. Should be a good training run, I'm thinking. I can only do this with prayer and patience. From me and from you. The Lord will be my strength and I will walk through this change with Him at my side. Future, here I come!

Surgery Date: September 19 Pre-Op Diet starts September 7 I just got the letter from my insurance company and I am approved! On Tuesday, I will call and make my penciled in date final. I start the pre-op diet also on Tuesday. I went out and got my Isopure Zero Carb powder and the things I need for my 100 calorie snacks and the only "dessert" I'm allowed: sugar free popsicles and sugar free jello with fat free cool whip. Yum! I go into to Chicago on Monday to have lunch with my daughter - last restaurant visit for a while. I have to make an appointment to see the surgeon one more time and I will see my GP next week for the 'health and physical' the hospital requires. Countdown begin!

Go to tickerfactory.com and go to the 'weight loss' item. You can choose the design, set up an account and input your data. The site will give you the code to paste into your lapbandtalk profile.

Surgery [penciled in] Sept. 19 Pre-Op diet starts Sept 7 Well, the insurance company again has all my papers - they said they will have a decision within 5-7 business days, so I'm going to start my pre-op diet as scheduled next Tuesday. I got the diet my surgeon wants - two protein shakes a day, two snacks [about 100 cal each] and a hi-protein/lo-carb dinner. I can't handle dairy, so getting my protein in without cheese/yogurt or milk is hard. I have limited protein drinks I can have, but Isopure powder is on the list and I like the taste. I've found some 100 cal snack bars with good protein and with fruits and nuts will have the two snacks taken care of. Eating liquid/light meal for 2 weeks will be the hardest part of the banding - I think. It will take a great more discipline to reign in the eating without a band to help. But all of your comments have encouraged me. It is only two weeks. Oh, and NO caffeine, carbonation, sugar and the like. Those around me in the morning will be sorry about the no caffeine part :-)

Negative Nellies abound. When I do tell someone about the surgery i have planned, I usually say that I don't want to hear about their opinions and that I've researched and have looked at the pros and cons. I ended my Facebook note with: "I know some of you will be of the opinion that this isn't necessary; that all I need to do is what a friend of yours has done. Look at the stats. The percentage of people who diet AND loose all the weight AND keep it off is not high. My aging body needs to loose now while I'm still young enough to enjoy the freedom and ease of movement. :-)" Sometimes you just have to head off the comments by holding firm to the research you've done and your life situation.