prk1116

Any other MI banded people out there?

I just can't seem to wrap my mind around how in the world we can consume only 1/2 cup of food at each meal (3 times a day), and still get enough calories, protein, etc.? Does anyone have a typical menu for a day?

Pre-band breakfast for me use to consist of "Oreo" Cookies dunked in coffee. Now I have a can of "High Protein Boost, Chocolate" every morning. I still have coffee after, and then a few hours later at work I'll have yogurt, or maybe some trail mix. I have not had a fill yet, and my Dr. doesn't see a need. I tend to agree as a slow weight loss I've heard is best. Snacking to me is entirely necessary. I don't eat enough at one time to consume all the needed protein. I have three Snacks, and three meals a day. I'm 44 years old, and have been eating whatever I want for at least 30 of those years and truely do not want to "control" how often I eat. The band is really helping me with portions, and content which is what I wanted it for. No more 4-5 slices of pizza (I do still eat pizza, but mostly just the toppings, and one or two "crusts" out of 3-4 slices).

I was in the hospital over night, surgery lasted 2.5 hrs. Was off work for 5 days, could have probably gone back in 4.

Pictures really do tell the story don't they! I can really tell a difference, keep up the good work Mary!

I've been using chop sticks for some dishes. My kids are even getting a kick out of using them. They really make me slow down because I have to concentrate on just using them!

Wow! I'm very happy for you, you must be feeling good. Are you still happy you have the band? 352/311/<200

The week before was harder than the week after for me! It will come and go very quickly though. Good luck!

I'm using "Boost", High Protein. Am post op since 7-22-03 and still have one for Breakfast, chocolate mostly. Tried vanilla but didn't like it. 352/311/<200

I visited my MD yesterday for a post op check up, blood pressure, cholestrol, etc. Their scales registered a loss of 37 lbs (since September 2002), that was very exiciting, but at one point during my visit I was alone in the examining room just kind of having happy thoughts about my weight loss and realized that I had sat down in the waiting room chairs and crossed my legs! I haven't been able to do that for years. This realization had more impact on me than the weight loss!! I am again so impressed with how much difference even this amount of loss can make in how our bodies function and am looking forward to what else I'll be able to do again! Dr. Pleatman 7/22/03 352/315/<200

I was very confused about what "clear liquids" meant. My surgeon explained very well it seems to me... "Anything you can suck through a straw" I was thinking it had to be clear in that you could see through it, but what he meant was clear in that there were no pieces of anything like meat, or vegatables etc. Happy Holiday! 353/320/<200 Banded 7-22-03

Have never been a big milk drinker, but am using soy milk in my smoothie along with low-fat yogurt. My son and I have been experimenting with different fruits and flavors. I love the new sugar substitue "splenda"!

Thank you all for the response to my question. As the days go by and I add different foods back to my diet I am beginning to see that the calories really can add up. Sill struggling with the protein, and may continue using the liquid substitutes for a while, my daugther (the dancer) even seems to like these drinks, and I have a heck of a time getting her to eat meat, cheese, and forget about ligumes!

I started mushy foods a week after banding on 7-22-03, and have added some meats since then. I think that the restriction at first (I could barely drink water!) is because our stomaches are a little swollen from surgery. I do have to chew, and chew, and chew before swallowing or it hurts like heck 353/325/199

I really enjoy diet pop too, but have only had one since my banding on 7-22-03. I'll probably have more in the future, but will make sure that it's in between meals, and that it's sugar free. More like a special treat than part of my daily menu.

Two weeks pre-op sounds odd. I was on clear liquids the day before only. I'd be starving too without the band. Maybe check with your Dr. to make sure?

And was I excited to hear my growling, empty stomache? You bet! It told my that my choice was working, that my body would realize that if there wasn't any new food in there, that it would have to start withdrawing from those long stored cells of fat on my hips, thighs, stomache, etc......

I've always found it hard to drink enough water too. Since I've been back to work after banding (7-22-03), I brought in a case of bottled water, drink one in the morning, one in the afternoon. Then I have a case of water at home, and just have to drink one more bottle to get my daily quota. These are 1.05 pint bottles. I am still struggling with weekends, since my time is not so structured. I don't drink when I eat (of course I'm still on soft/liquid anyway), but only wait one half hour after eating to drink water again. Good luck with you H20 quest!