A New New Dawn

I agree with the above posts. In the morning, many of us tend to be a bit tighter so may need to go easy in the a.m. Also, for me, no matter how small, slow, or how much I chew, scrambled eggs and I do not work. However, if I have regular grilled (over medium) eggs, I am able to eat those. I get "stuck" every time w/ scrambled eggs. Also, I do sometimes have a cup of decaf coffee first to help loosen things up in the a.m. before eating and that helps. Make sure you keep to no more than 1 cup of food per meal. I am almost 6 months out and still learning how to eat w/ the band. Trial and error, learning from others, etc. is helping. Good luck to you!

The skinny cow icecream bars on ocassion are yum a dum, I also like the SF creamer for my coffee (pumpkin spice or carmel macchiato), Jello has SF choc mousse which I really like. However, I do indulge from time to time on a snack size piece of candy (1 or 2 pieces) of hershey's kisses or a snack size candy bar (like the Halloween ones). I count it in my daily calories and don't do it all the time but once in a while, it's yummy. Also SF jello w/ light whipped cream is good too.

Hang in there! Try to up your liquids too, to help appease your hunger.

Definitely call your insurance and ask them what their requirements are. Also know that BCBS is not all the same. Each state, etc is different and your employer may not cover the procedure. You won't know unless you call them. I have bcbs of il and agree w/ the earlier posts that they dropped many of the requirements.

I am soooooo happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing !!!!

Congrats on your pregnancy. Also, since you will be eating more and likely snacking more, make sure you are choosing healthy options. Have fruit, veggies, etc. not junk and you should be ok and not gain excessively.

Sorry, just saw this... I did an internet search of animated graphics. For example, I wanted an animated bee so I searched animated bee graphic. Also, after I found the image I wanted, I click on it (to open it) then I go on here to my settings and go to my signature and under edit, I go back to the animated image and right click, then copy, then go to edit signature and right click and paste the image into my signature. It is the easiest way and the only way it seems to work. I see you have a profile pic now too!!!

My NUT told me I COULD eat between meals; however, to eat if hungry. She also told me that if I feel hungry to drink something and then in 15-20 minutes if I am still hungry to eat something. She said often we confuse thirst w/ hunger. I think either way is fine and it is what works best for you! As we see so many VARIED opinions from people's doctors and NUTS, it seems clear to me that it isn't an exact science and more a set of guidelines for us to follow what works best for us. Either way you handle it, if you are still losing and not hungry, seems like a success to me.

Hey PKB, I had the same trouble uploading my profile pic (changing it). So i went to my profile and right clicked on "change photo" on my profile picture, then open in new window, there it let me upload (going to "browse") my new picture. I was able to click browse to find the photo I wanted as my profile pic. It didn't show up but I clicked "save" anyway and went back to my profile and it updated it even though it didn't appear to be working. It was the only way I was able to upload it. this site definitely has technical issues, great support and people but technical problems.

We have all struggled after surgery but you MUST follow your surgeon's instructions, especially during the healing process. You are healing right now and could cause some serious harm to yourself by eating too soon. The band is still healing as are the stitches holding it in place. You could cause the band not to heal properly or to slip because your stomach is churning and digesting food it shouldn't be. Please, no matter how hard it is, don't disregard your post-op instructions. You did not go through all this to have to go back in for surgery for messing it up. I am not trying to sound mean, but this is very serious and you could do serious harm to your healing process. We have all been there and it sucks but you will get through this. If the food around you is bothersome, then avoid it. If it means you miss out on a gathering because you cannot handle being around the food, then so be it. Your health is far more important than cheating or harming yourself. The habits you set up now too can impact your future success as well. Please, please, no more food until you are "allowed". Your health depends on it.

Definitely worth talking to your doctor about or making a call into their office. No harm in asking and better safe than sorry like Maddysgram mentioned. Congrats on 1.5 years!

how often are you having this?

Well said, Sojo.

Sorry you are frustrated. I think many of us are hoping to drop the weight very quickly and some do. However, the expectation from my doctor was to lose 1-2 lbs per week. Your surgery was about 3 months ago so from my perspective you are doing quite well and even better considering you have no/little restriction yet. Hang in there and I hope you can cheer up. We are all eager to drop the weight quickly. You appear to be right on track.

Congrats! That's awesome! I was just commenting to someone that I have lost weight in my neck too and what a great feeling.

I think I have been crabby at times. It is a HUGE life adjustment. Also, before if I was frustrated I would eat. Since I am not doing that then I have to deal w/ the situation and that can be stressful. Plus, just the changes we are undergoing and lifestyle changes play havoc w/ our emotions.

Well on your way to being well! Congrats.

Actually, what's meant by proteins once you are on solid foods is SOLID proteins. For instance, Greek yogurt is a good snack between meals; however, during mealtime you should focus on solid proteins as those will keep you fuller longer (per my nutritionist). Some people think having a protein drink can replace having a meal. I know some people feel "tight" in the a.m. and prefer this as their morning "meal". I think if that works for them, it's great. You wouldn't want to do that for every meal thought. To really stay fuller longer, eggs, cheese, etc will keep you fuller and satiated longer. Since you mention being vegetarian (mostly), have you tried quinoa? It is packed with nutrients and protein. I have a recipe that my family loves made with vegetable broth, black beans, cilantro, etc. Just another thought....

Yay for JCAHO certified!!!

Polly me too! I have been trying to change mine for a few days and it does nothing. I tried from work computer and home. Ugh!

If you would like, PM me next week and I will see if I have anything for you. I plan on going through my closet this weekend. I am into 18s and almost 16s now so I should have some 20s to share. I say PM me though, so I don't forget.

I agree w/ the other posters, it does get better. If you have to take it hour by hour, do so. Also, if the pain is that bad, do you still have pain meds from the doctor? I was given liquid pain meds that helped. I tried to only take them if it was really bad. Your doctor said only liquids for a month? When are you allowed mushies? Also, are you on clear liquid or just liquid now? Make sure you are doing protein drinks so it helps keep you full and helps the healing. Also, make sure you are sipping your liquids as if you are drinking too fast, that can add to the gas discomfort. The first weeks aren't fun, but they are so worth it. This will pass!

I don't find it to be superficial at all based on your reason for it. I am nowhere near close to goal but even w/ the 60 lbs I have lost, the girls are sagging. I don't need nor want to look like Pamela Anderson but I would love to feel good about them again and will likely want a lift when all is said and done. I am noticing sagging skin already too and, while I feel good about losing weight, it doesn't feel good to look at the sag. You have worked your tail off and if this is the final piece to make you feel even better, go for it!! It's also awesome that your hubby loves you unconditionally and yet is supportive of you doing this for you! Congrats and that is too funny the thoughts of going boob shopping!

Congrats on your upcoming surgery. I commend you for doing this at a young age and before you have kids, etc. It's easy to let "life" get away from us and time passes by without doing anything. Many of us wish we would have done it sooner so it's awesome you are doing this now! Best wishes!

In the beginning (before getting fills), I did ok w/ rice. Now, Pasta or rice doesn't work well. I would highly recommend trying quinoa if you haven't before. Rice has no nutritional value (for the most part) and is just carbs. Quinoa is cooked like rice, reminds me a lot of rice but has a ton of protein and nutrients. I can tolerate quinoa but not rice.