daisychains7

I am excited to finally start regular foods today, but I am not sure what foods to start with or what to get at the grocery store. Do I cook "normal" recipes I would've made pre band, and just stick to my small portions? I am pretty tired of the chili, ground meats, soft fruits/veggies and yogurts I had while on soft foods. I don't know when to start testing things like salad, grilled meat, whole wheat carbs (in moderation) and am overwhelmed. Do I just jump in? Help!

Would a mixed green or spinach salad count as a leafy green? I assume skin and crust on meats is a no-no? Before the band i cooked fairly healthy for myself (I got fat by going out to restaurants/drive thru/take out every single day). I used to grill a lot of meat and have salads or mashed sweet potatoes. chicken in crockpot. Also liked whole wheat pitas in the oven w/ meat, veggies and some cheese on top. Whole wheat spaghetti, etc. Thank you for all your tips. I will remember to chew and I am definitely going to try new things at home... My biggest fear is vomiting or getting stuck... But I guess this trial and error period means that's bound to happen at some point. it's overwhelming to go from liquid and safe mushies to so many options.

It's hard to describe. I'm about a month out of surgery and can't feel the band in there most of the time. When I drink though, I can definitely feel the path of the liquids as it goes through my body though. Something I never felt before banding.

I think we have all had that thought. My biggest fear is that i will never be able to feel like a normal person again who eats food she enjoys. Everything feels like work right now, even getting through a 1/2cup meal. You cant live in fear of the complications. Remember you did your research and it is WAY more dangerous to remain obese than to have a band. If major complications come up, I find comfort knowing my band can be removed as a last resort, unlike with other WLS.

I am so proud of you Debbie. Your clothes must be falling off of you! lol. Sleepyone, wish you the best at your doctors appointment. I am excited because yesterday I went to the Gap and bought a few XL tshirts. They fit just right. I haven't shopped in a regular store in years.

I think it's normal. I gained 7.5lbs in week 2. I don't plan on weighing myself at all til the first fill. Hang in there.

6/5... I can eat regular foods now. FINALLY!! But now that it's arrived, I'm not sure what to eat. I am going on a cruise in a couple of days so... I dont want to eat the wrong things and be vomiting. Do I just cook what I would have pre-band and just eat less? HELP! Anyone have suggestions? Breakfast - 1/2cup activia lunch - 1/2cup greek yogurt, 2 slices deli turkey dinner - 1/3cup tilapia w/ chipotle tabasco (yum), 1/4cup mixed veggies I didn't meat my Protein or Water goal today and I can tell. My hunger was extreme today. Gotta do better tomorrow Exercise - 30 min walking

Hey Shelley. Recovery is pretty quick but what exactly do you do for work? After surgery, no strenuous lifting for about a month. They stitch the band to muscles in your abdomen.. It is hard to bend over for a couple weeks. Also your energy may be quite low for a week or two due to the liquid diet. I think 10 days off is plenty of time if your boss lets you take it easy on the physical work, otherwise, a few weeks.

I hear ya. I'm struggling to get back on the horse after surgery. I just bought a new workout DVD I am going to try today and signed up for a belly dance class. Could you sign up for something fun like Zumba? Bring a friend! Also something as simple as downloading some fun workout songs helps.

Thank you for the suggestions. Can't wait to try these!

Breakfast - 1/2 cup activia lunch - 1/4cup egg beaters scrambled w/ salsa, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt dinner - 1/4cup diced peaches, 1/2cup beef chili Tried MIO liquid Water Enhancer today... Not bad! And I got a new exercise DVD I am going to try tomorrow. Going to have some Water or iced tea with miralax before bed.

That just made my day. Eating is still not comfortable for me but I am working at it. I am trying to understand my body all over again. It helps to know we are in the same boat together! You will be off the liquids in no time

What a great idea! I would love to see what recipes everyone is using. Any meal plans? I am in the soft foods stage right now, but will be on regular as tolerated starting 6/5. Some foods are still hard for me to get down so I am not sure where to start. Here is the white chicken chili recipe: 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken 2 (15 ounce) cans navy beans 1 (15 ounce) can hominy 1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning 1 (4 1/2 ounce) can of chopped green chilies 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth 1/2 cup sour cream chopped green onion (optional) monterey jack cheese (optional) - Place chicken in a 4 quart Crockpot. - Top with beans and corn. - In a medium bowl, combine taco seasoning, chiles, condensed soup, and chicken broth. Pour over top of ingredients in the crock pot. - Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. - Before serving, stir gently to break up chicken, then stir in the sour cream. - Serve topped with green onions and jack cheese, if desired. Just FYI this recipe isn't light, so be mindful of portion and we can always substitute w/ lighter cheese and sour cream.

That must've been an awesome feeling. Congrats to you!!

I'm an F cup and I want my boobs to keep shrinking. I hate the back pain, and they get in the way. Hopefully when I'm at goal I will be able to buy a bra at Victorias Secret for the first time.

Been there. Some of those seats are too tight for me. Airline seats are always painful, and I have been asked to get off several roller coasters because I couldn't fit. It sucks but its something you can use as motivation on your weight loss journey.

What is the link for your blog? Would love to read it.

The first few days after surgery, when I'd drink my stomach would feel very bloated and I had tummy gas that I couldn't seem to expel. It will pass! Sip very slowly and try hot liquids instead of cold. Ice cold water just seemed to make my gas worse. Be patient with yourself. You will be healing for the next 6 weeks. Life with the band will not be like this forever.

Went to a party Saturday night. Made chili for everyone, something I knew I could eat. Brought a diet snapple for my dessert. It was REALLY hard to avoid all the candies and Cookies I used to eat so freely before. Even though I never want to get out of control again, part of me misses being able to graze as I used to. Being around food stresses me out now cuz I feel like I need to be on guard. Anyway I ate very healthy and avoided temptation. Breakfast - 1/2cup activia yogurt lunch - 1/2 boca burger (not easy to chew.. Probably won't try again for a whole), 1/4cup peaches dinner - 1/2 cup white chicken chili, 1 small watermelon wedge snack - 1 bottle Trop A Rocka diet snapple

Yes, I guess I don't understand those who say they can keep eating and eating. Lately after 1/2cup I feel uncomfortably full! I start burping and my stomach feels stuffed. How small are the bites you guys are taking? I am taking 45 mins to eat a small amount yet got some shrimp stuck yesterday so my only issue is, I get stuffed from a small amount, but I'm hungry again 2 hours later. I don't have a blog but I would totally read yours. I was watching YouTube videos this week and they were so inspirational and relatable.

Number 1 thing for me right now... I wish I had known that constipation would be an issue due to changes in my diet. It took an ER visit to understand why water intake is so important. Those of you about to be banded, please be aware of this and stay hydrated

You can't drive while you are taking the pain meds. I didn't drive til about a week post op because it was uncomfortable sitting behind a wheel.

My childhood best friend told me not to get the surgery, and that it was the easy way out. However, a couple of weeks after surgery she texted to check up on me. I was surprised she came around. So, don't give up hope. However, always remember NO ONE knows what it is like to live in your body. They are in no position to judge you. This is for the better of your health. Keep your chin up.

Thank you so much for the prayers. I know how you feel when you say you didn't even want to go because of the pain. The day after I got home from the hospital due to the bowel obstruction, I was able to pass it... however the pain was horrible again. I think I'll start taking a softener every other day too and starting having Activia for Breakfast in the morning. The doctor said if Its been 2 days and I haven't had a BM, I need to take a laxative. Debbie are you on regular food now? Did you have any issues eating salad? I start regular foods in 3 days. I am little nervous considering I am only able to get down 1/2 cup right now, and got shrimp stuck today :/

I was banded on 5/8, age 22.