jenn_nyc

Hey Everybody I am experiencing a very thick, clear slime following any food or beverage. I haven't had a fill in over a month and it became more pronounced AFTER I had my most recent follow-up appointment with my surgeon on Friday (no fill, I'm at 6cc's in a 10cc band and this is where I will stay for awhile). It is also TOM so I'm curious if I'm a little tighter combined with some allergy mucus production. I will PB to move the mucus and then get food down. But I'm not getting much food or beverage down (which is fine with me) But I'm not sure this is normal protocol. Is this something I should call the Dr about or is this normal during allergy season? Maybe I wait a few days til TOM passes? What are your experiences with this crazy, heavy, plopping, sinking nasty slime? Thanks all for input.

Hi All Was banded 11/10 and got my first fill (3.5 cc's in a 10cc band) yesterday. I drank half a dixie cup of Water before I left the office and it went down slowly but OK. The rest of the day I drank my prescribed liquids with no problem. Today, my Soups went down like nothing, I could have gulped them down if I wanted. I also experienced hunger (2nd day of post-fill liquid diet protocol, 2 days mushies next 2 days) I experimented with a spoonful of cottage cheese and that went down no problem. I don't feel any restriction. Should I ask for a top-off? Or wait until 2 days of 1/2 cup mushies? Am I in Bandster Hell and you old-timers are laughing at me? Thanks to advise O Wise Ones! Jenn

Thanks Everyone for your replies. I've calmed down a bit Going to enjoy my first day of mushies today and remind myself that this is an ongoing process. I do have pals here that got their first fills using the 'fill it all the way until you can swallow water' technique and they are so happy, so I'm wondering if I can ask for the same thing. Thanks again for your support and have a good day. Jenn

Good evening bandsters! (Preface:OMG I have typed this twice only to have my crap computer or this site timeout and wipe out my entry) I am on Day 5 of my 14 day pre-op liquid diet and hanging in there. Of course it isn't easy and I didn't expect it to be but today as I was walking home from work I fell behind a woman carrying a Dominos Pizza and it smelled so good I wanted to ****** it from her! I have not told anyone at work about the procedure even though I work in the food/wine business in NYC and it will soon get difficult to dodge events during the holiday season and spit wine out at tastings instead of swallow it. I am confident I can manage the privacy issue at work even though we are quite nosy about each others lunches. However, my family is another story. I made the choice to only tell my 2 sisters but not my parents. All 5 members of my family live in different places, none close to me. My parents don't have the resources to come stay with me through surgery/recovery. I don't want my parents to worry unnecessarily about the procedure or my support after recovery as I am confident in my surgeon and the 2 local friends I did tell who will be here for me as I continue this journey. Today my sisters called me to say they would like me to tell my folks because they are feeling burdened by keeping this secret from my parents (what if there are complications? they say what if they get mad because we knew and didn't tell them? they ask) For now I still stand firm in my choice to not tell my mom and dad because as 'the day' gets closer and the emotional stakes get higher, I don't want to add any unnecessary drama to my pre-game positivity strategy. Has anyone else had a similar situation with privacy with family members? How did you deal? thanks for reading - medical clearance from PCP yesterday, PST at NYU tomorrow morning - wish me luck jenn

Hi Everybody! My name is Jenn and my lap band surgery is scheduled for 11/10/11. I start my pre-op liquid diet tomorrow. Thank you for being a great resource and a safe place for questions and sharing. I'm also looking for friends also getting banded in November. I've found so much useful information in my planning and I plan on reciprocating by sharing my journey. Peace and protein shakes Jenn

Good afternoon bandsters This morning I had my pre-surgical testing (PST) at NYU (surgery scheduled for next Thursday 11/10). My appointment was at 9 and I was out by 10:40 which was amazing. Even more amazing is that I've lost 9 pounds in 6 days. Even more amazing is that I followed the directions for once in my life and it is working. 5-6 Protein shakes a day (i'm alternating between Glucerna, Slim-Fast + Isopure juice-like drink with 40g protein), low sodium broth and 2 cups max of green vegetables. Yes, I've been hungry. Yes, I was super-crabby when I had to skip happy hour with my gay boyfriends on Friday and Halloween parties on Saturday and didn't host my usual Singletons Sunday Supper. But I've deep-breathed through moments of self-pity and anger and just reminded myself: this is for your greater good. And today was the payoff that the PST appointment. 9 pounds in 6 days and 8 more days to go. I *got* this! (until Friday when Happy Hour rolls by again without me LOL) So I'm here to say to everyone on the Pre-Op diet: You can *do* it Also, try to keep it moving. I've done 3 30 minute cardio sessions and 2 yoga classes in the last 10 days and the extra activity, has forced me to get out of my apartment instead of sitting around feeling sorry for my shake-slurping self which has helped my mood immeasurably. Onward! jenn

Oh, you make a really great point there! I *would* be bothered if she didn't tell me. On the other hand, my mom's best friend's nickname is 'Town Crier' and I really don't trust her to keep the secret. There's a reason I live 600 miles away from home thanks for the food for thought jenn

I really appreciate your input Dawn and validation on the NY team. Thank you. I was just there for my PST and was bowled over at how pleasant and smooth it all was. Thanks again for reaching out and congratulations for coming so far on your own journey! jenn

Hi! I'm getting banded the day after you. So welcome and good luck! I just got active on this site last week and have found it to be a wealth of information and good peeps. best, jenn

Catherine - I ventured out into the snowstorm on Saturday to GNC to grab a few of the Isopure gatorade-ish drinks you recommended. They are such a nice change from the Glucerna shakes I've been chugging! Thanks so much for the tip. I signed up for GNC's gold card and am about to order a case of Isopure to be delivered to my office this week (those bottles are heavy!) thanks again jenn

2 weeks of 1000 calories a day to come from 5-6 Protein shakes. Up to 2 cups of 'permitted vegetables' Low-sodium broth. sugar-free popsicles + Gelatin permitted. My surgery is scheduled for 11/10. Today is Day 3 of my liquid diet and I am hungry and angry Headed to the gym now to put some cardio between me and my hunger pangs. Then I will reward myself with a cup of half-caff with skim milk and Splenda.

Cool...I made a note to try the Isopure when I can do a big shop this weekend. Trying not to become an online reading addict on this thing - I can tell it is already going to be a problem

Thanks Lisa! It is nice to feel a sense of community here. I have been rooting myself in good self-care practices as well as researching all the different things I can do to help myself on this journey. I know the surgery is just the beginning of a lot of changes. Hope you are feeling great 6 weeks out. Jenn

Thanks for saying 'hello' ! And for validating my NYU choice. This practice really has it together. I feel good whenever I interact with anyone there. Well, Protein shake number 2 down the hatch (Slim-Fast) I had a Glucerna for Breakfast. Trying to figure out which ones I like best Have a good day. Jenn

Hi Catherine Thanks for the advice on before photos and measurements. Good idea! Took a brief look at your blog last night as well - thanks in advance for the resource I am sure it will be Cheers on this rainy Thursday Jenn