horsegirl315

I bought a case of the Isopure rtd and I HATE IT!!!!!!!! glad I'm not alone! They sure as heck dont taste like candy!

http://m.walgreens.com/mt/www.walgreens.com/store/c/thick-it--regular-strength-instant-healthcare-food-thickener/ID=prod384427-product Here's.a link to the thickening product!

They have this thickener at walgreens that is specifically for that purpose...it is sold with the diabetic/special diet stuff. As far as another Protein shake, I really like zero carb Isopure in chocolate, two scoops is 50 g protein and it tastes pretty good when made with milk, ice, and powdered Peanut Butter (85% less fat that regular pb!). I just ordered some samples from juven to see how those taste, 100 cals and 20 g protein a serving. For more protein, you can find protein "bullets" that pack 42 g protein in just a few oz. But i would save that for a day where I was falling short on protein, as I believe they are expensive.

I would probably become addicted to buying craft supplies. I'm hard wired to shop. LOL!

My instructions: day before surgery-light breakfast, then clear liquids all day, nothing after midnight. Good luck!

"I'm amazed I had time to eat. That's not true" LOLLLL This entry had be giggling all the way through, thanks for the laughs, I look forward to more entries!

If you suspect you are pregnant, make sure you are taking your vitamins and getting balanced nutrition (which is probably currently better than you were eating before). Then, call your Dr immediately. I don't want to scare you, but I was just reading last night that nutrition-related birth defects occur in the first two weeks of pregnancy, which is why it is so important to plan your pregnancies, and if you THINK you may be pregnant, see your Dr immediately. Don't wait. Let us know how you make out!

I can honestly say I think I will be addicted to shopping before I would be to working out--don't think that will ever happen...have you ladies tried crafts or scrapbooking? I have heard a few ladies on here say they have become addicted to that, and it is something easy to pull out whenever you have a craving...maybe you could even make things to SELL...then you would be MAKING money! lol

Seems a little early for solids, especially the ones you have eaten. I havent been banded yet, but my plan from my Dr is liquids week one, then alternating liquids and mushies week 2, then after that I believe it is full mushies...then week 4 is creeping back into solid foods...I know it is the holidays (or was) but try to keep in mind that your body is healing, and probably will be for some time. That being said, I have had instances where alcohol has given me some of the symptoms you listed (even without being banded), so maybe it was that...no alcohol for at least 6 months after surgery is what my doc recommends

Good for you, they have had some pretty funny commercials lately!

Wow!! Almost a pound a day! Exercise must be a lot easier when you know you're gonna see results!

All the power to you if you choose to do this without fills, but I didn't go through all this preop crap for no fills! Sounds like whatever way you have chosen to do it, its working!

Hi there, and welcome to the boards! I do not forsee your prior surgery having any bearing on your ability to have lapband. Oftentimes, a hiatial hernia is repaired during surgery, as it is a common occurrence. Always best to ask a Dr though!

BCBS of RI approved me in 32 days, hope you get a faster answer than I did! Good luck!

My Dr only requires me to do clear liquids the day before surgery, but I may start a few days ahead of time because ill probably be too nervous to eat anyway! Different doctors require different things, I have not been able to figure out why some require a liquid diet for two week, some for one weeks and some not at all

Actually, I thought if I had some self control, I could consider following the lap band diet and amounts without actually having the surgery. But who am I kidding I HAVE NO SELF CONTROL! A test run, now that I may be able to handle!

Lol @ Shirley and the fat cells. Hang in there Shirley, you can do it!!!

My nutritionist, who is affiliated with my surgeon, specifically said NO ice chips after surgery :-/ I wonder why! Waah!

Good luck, let us know how it goes!! With cold and flu season at its peak, im sure its something they deal with all the time!!!

let me know how it works, im not banded yet so I look forward to seeing if this is something that will work for me later on!

Day 1 & 2-The first two days are all liquids. You can have as many low-carb Protein shakes as you like to satisfy hunger or cravings. In addition drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of Water each day. The purpose of all liquids is to break any snacking, grazing or processed carbohydrate habits. In addition the liquids will work to cleanse your system and prepare you for the following three days. Try to reduce your caffeine intake as well, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey or you will feel sick and frustrated potentially losing the desire to continue with the pouch test. It is very important to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. This will prevent dehydration, will help curb cravings and will flush your body of toxins and fat. Sufficient water intake improves kidney function and cell processes. Day 3: Soft proteins- The next three days you get to eat as much as you want as often as you want! But there's a catch: it has to be solid Protein and you only get 15 minutes each time you sit down to eat. No drinking 30 minutes before or after meals and no drinking with your food. A dry pouch will hold your soft protein longer helping your to feel full and fed longer. Protein Recommendations: canned fish ( tuna or salmon) mixed with lemon and seasoned with salt and pepper, eggs cooked as desired seasoned with salt pepper and/or salsa, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy), baked or grilled, and lightly seasoned. This starts your program with "soft" protein. Measure your portion (1 cup volume or 4-6 ounces weight) and eat only until you feel full, not overfull. Remember, no water for 30 minutes before or after you meal, and no fluids with your meal. We are going back to the beginning and fluids will prevent you from feeling the pouch. If you need to add a moist condiment ( Miracle Whip or mayonnaise) to the canned fish I understand, but keep it to a minimum so the meat is not too moist. One reason we lose the sense of tightness in our pouch is that we eat "--URL::9afd69233af0e2304bef654138afbccf-- slider foods" -foods that are too moist and do not stay in the pouch very long, they slide right through the stoma. Cottage cheese is a good protein and you can include it on day 3. To firm it up a bit you could add a chopped hard cooked egg to your cottage cheese. And yes, during the liquid phase chicken boullion with added protein is great. Day 4 Firm Protein- Protein Recommendations: ground meat (beef, turkey, lamb) cooked dry and lightly seasoned, shellfish, scallops, lobster steamed and seasoned only with lemon, salmon or halibut steaks, grilled and lightly seasoned. By now you should be experiencing that familiar tightness that will reassure you that your pouch is working. Remember to drink plenty of water between meals. Take some time to meditate and rediscover the wonder of your pouch. Often we don't like that uncomfortable tightness of the pouch, which is why we gradually move toward slider foods that don't make us uncomfortable. It is always my preference to eat moist protein so I don't get uncomfortable, but doing so allows me to consume more than I should. Rediscovering the pouch with this 5-day plan reminds me of how the tool really works. I hope by now you are rediscovering your tool and enjoying the hope and excitement because your pouch still works. Day 5 Solid Protein- Remember to chew chew chew. Measure your portion (4-6 ounces) and eat only until you feel your pouch tighten. Remember, only 15 minutes per meal, so you'll have to work fast to chew your food completely. By now you should be out of any carb cycle you were in and perhaps you have lost a pound or two. You will have new confidence in your pouch and your ability to work the tool for your health and emotional well being. Don't go hungry! Remember, you can eat as often as you want as long as it is solid protein, consumed without liquids and measured in 4-6 ounce portions. ***Found this post from one of the forum members, thanks Pamela!

I have been at this for 6 months, and my surgery is scheduled for Jan 30, which would make 7 months. Good luck with your journey, and if you need us, we are here for support!

Like the others said, YOU are not a failure!!! Forget the past, and figure out what you need to do to move forward. I have seen many people recommend the 5 day pouch test (www.5daypouchtest.com)...it helps you learn to "feel" your pouch again. That site directs you to something where I think its an ebook or something, I have seen the actual 5 day diet here on the forums, I will see if I can find it, and post back here in a bit!