A New New Dawn

Great attitude! I am still inspired by your story and your success! You CAN do this!!

Did you try these before you had surgery to see if you liked them? I ask because if you did and they tasted ok, it may just be a mix of not feeling well and nothing is going to taste good. If you hadn't tried them, then you may want to try another brand. Everyone's tastes are different. The recipe I used was a bit of a homemade one (recipe from my surgeon's office). I used 1 packet (or serving) of Carnation Instant Breakfast NO sugar added (comes in blue box), w/ 1 c. skim milk, and 2 1/2 T of non-fat powdered dry milk. It is about 20 gr of protein and tastes GOOD. I still enjoy them. They have a lot of vitamins in them too!

Yah, what they all said. You also may consider getting a flu shot. I also asked my doctor about throwing up at my appt. earlier this week and he said it would take a lot for that to happen.

Happy birthday to you and congrats on all your success!!

Good topic! I feel a renewed sense of self. It has been YEARS since I have been motivated to exercise, eat healthy, etc. I, honestly, have just fallen into that pattern now by going through with this procedure. It has renewed my belief in myself and given me a new excitement about what tomorrow brings. I am no longer going through the motions, I am steering my life forward to healthier, happier days. On a physical side, I am one of the most squeemish people I know. I don't know how I got there but I have issues eating foods of certain textures/smells, etc. I wouldn't eat turkey, seafood, rarely eat pork (other than ham), etc. I am amazed that knowing they are healthy for me and my options (by cutting off junk food) are streamlined... I need to venture out more. I bought salmon last week and enjoyed it and had turkey meatloaf with cauliflower mash on the side for lunch today. I even LIKED it. My kids and fiance are shocked that my taste buds are changing and I am able to try foods I would have never touched! For me this is a HUGE win!!! My daughter, who is away at college, said she has to see it to believe it ~ LOL. I LOVE MY NEW BANDED LIFE! Congrats to everyone for the changes they, too, have made.

Good for you! That's why we have freedom of religion, press, etc. We don't all have to agree with your beliefs, nor do we have to read them; however, to berate you for your beliefs or what keeps you motivated is unnecessary. Just move on and don't read them! It's not that hard. Who are WE to judge. Glad YOU are happy and doing well!

Good luck!

I am 6 weeks post op and (Linda) you seem to be right on track with where you "should be" considering that everyone is different even you are still right in the same range as most. Try not to get discouraged. Are you drinking enough? I notice several people say if they don't they feel hungrier than they should. Also, yesterday I went for my 6 week checkup and first fill (I have lost 23 lbs post surgery on 7/25). They asked about my exercise. I said well, I had been walking except the past week it has been raining, etc. (justifying it in my mind). The nurse followed up with well, is there somewhere nearby you can walk indoors with winter coming, etc. I said, I know, I know.. I am only 2 miles from the mall and can walk there. She said she was just planting a seed for me to think about but it was a little "aha" moment for me that I was making excuses as I really could have been walking if I wanted. You are doing well and there are ways you can help aid the process too (ie. cleaning off the treadmill, or walking at a local mall or gym, etc). Try not to put so much pressure about your trip though and take each day as they come. You are not a failure. There are things you can do to help aid your weight loss but certainly are doing well. As for your portion sizes, I would suggest measuring out your cup of food, putting that on your plate and that is what you eat. When you freely serve yourself you will overserve/overeat much easier. If you measure it, eat what you measured/served and that is what you can have. If you are really physically hungry (not head hungry) between meals, try upping your liquid intake or have a small healthy snack in between (hard boiled egg, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc) so you don't get to the point of "starving" and wanting to gorge at your next meal. Good luck ~ look forward to the trip in excitement, not angst.

Please let us know how you are. I hope all is well.

Try not to fret. As long as you are doing what you are supposed to, you will be FINE. It is RARE that it happens and I have only heard of it happening when someone ignored the diet and continued eating normally.

So, I am not proud that I was attempting to cheat on my 'diet' (hate that word) today. After one of the most stressful weeks I have had in years (personally), I decided that I was going to have a treat today and tomorrow would be a better day. Woe is me and emotional eating and momentary weakness was taking over. I was frustrated at myself for succumbing to that after I have done so well for 2 months. However, I also felt that it would be ok "this one time". I know one time turns into two, etc. and am not proud or justifying it but also not ashamed as tomorrow really is a NEW day. All I can say is I LOVE MY NEW BFF ~ my LAPBAND! My attempt at cheating was just that. After taking in a small bit, it decided it wasn't having it, didn't want it and told me a thing or two (ouch). After just a few bites, and pain that followed, off went the junk food and in came water!!! Thank you lapband for tonight ~ you saved me from myself!!! You kicked my @#$ in line when I didn't have the strength to keep myself in check! Tomorrow it's you and me ~ working TOGETHER this time.

Btw, be glad you haven't had a stuck episode. It is NO fun.

I can relate to how you feel. I am 6 weeks post-op and lost 10lbs during the pre-op diet and 25 lbs post. I know my clothes are looser, people at work have commented. For the first week or two, I was "feeling it" but now feel like I look the same as I did 35 lbs ago. It's weird to explain, as I know I have lost; however, I feel like I look the same. I am hoping another 10 lbs will do the trick to make me start getting into it more. Don't lose faith, just pounds. Great wishes sent your way!!!

So sorry to hear that! Stay strong and try not to let that get you down. Remember, you deserve this and you have come along way to go back. This is about making yourself and your health a priority. I would be happy to chat further, if you are interested you can PM me and I will ck it tomorrow. Good luck ~ find a distraction or something to divert your attention elsewhere. You are stronger than you probably know.

I had my first fill today too. They told me liquids today, mushies tomorrow and regular food Thursday. Definitely start with liquids (they should have told you). I forgot and took a bite of something without thinking and it HURT. Good luck to you!

that's awesome and also how supportive your husband is!!! hooray and happy anniversary.

Did your doctor tell you only to have 3 ounces of the drink? I was allowed 1 cup of it when I was on liquids for each serving.

Congrats on your first fill. I am 6 weeks post op and had my first fill today. I was talking to my surgeon about this forum and telling him it was interesting seeing how every doctor and patient is different. He said well, it is a great forum for support; however, for the medical aspect people need to trust in the team they are working with. I wholeheartedly agree. Your doctor knows you, your circumstances, etc. the best and is the best person to let you know if you are on track or not, etc. Did you notice any difference with the fill?

good luck to you!

You remind me of all the emotions whirling around when I began this journey. It can be a bit overwhelming thinking of all of it. Admittedly, part of me also felt almost "ashamed" through part of it and even right after surgery that I had to resort to this extreme because I couldn't manage my own eating habits. I have gotten past that but it did weigh on me a bit. As for your daughter, personally, I don't think it is a mixed message regarding her loving her body at any size. We should love our bodies at any size; however, I stressed with my kids this is for my health first and foremost not just appearance. As you mentioned you have back issues (if I recall correctly from above) and that alone could be improved by losing weight. My daughters have been very supportive and proud of their mom. Even in their late teens they were worried a bit about me having surgery so I tried to make light of the situation that I wasn't worried and would be fine, etc. One thing that I have struggled with my younger daughter is she wants me to try things, like when we are out or for her birthday or when I made her cupcakes and she was a bit bothered that I wasn't having one. For her it is "just one bite" and I have explained to her that that theory doesn't work for me and I am better avoiding all together. She is becoming more understanding of that. We told my fiances kids (who are 11, 13 and 15) and they were very understanding as well. It is definitely a learning experience for us and for those around us as we adjust to our new lives. I, too, have been selective in who I have told. I wasn't looking to be interrogated and, to some it is too extreme so I anticipated they wouldn't understand or wouldn't be supportive. In some instances, I just didn't feel people needed to know. My father has been very supportive, but my stepmother feels she needs to monitor everything I eat or don't eat now when I see her. They are both very excited though to see the results as I am only 6 weeks post-op and down 36 lbs. already. My dad's side is very thin and fit and my mom's side is mostly overweight. One side understands my struggles the other cannot understand why I don't just have better eating/exercising habits. As for your friend that is using the hormone drops, I have seen many people use that and drop the weight. The problem is as soon as they stop the weight comes back and then some. I don't believe it teaches you how to eat and most of the weight loss is because you are only consuming 800 calories. The band is a permanent tool that helps us change our eating habits for a lifetime. Also, you mention about having to eat alone. I can see how you may feel that way initially. From people I have talked to though, it is actually quite the opposite. Because they are full so quickly they still finish their meal well before the non-banded company they are with. One person told me, he has resorted to more of a "host" role when having guests over and offering people more food, cleaning up, etc. so it isn't so obvious that he is done and has nothing left to do at the table and is keeping himself busy. I think your gift to gab could work in your favor so you are finishing your meal in the same timing (give or take). I don't know if the chew chew chew aspect ever becomes 2nd nature. I have noticed several people saying they have to really pay attention while they are eating so they don't eat too fast, etc. My dietician said you should chew each bite 25 times (and she admitted she tried and it was exhausting). Nonetheless, the behavior modification, with the aid of the lap band is worth all the rewards! Before the band, I hadn't tried to diet in years. I wasn't interested as food tasted better than the concept of dieting felt. I had 0 willpower and almost 0 motivation. I have been pleasantly surprised how "easy" this journey has been so far. I don't want to eat junk or overeat. I smell things (like the birthday cupcakes I made, pizza at the ballpark, etc) and have a brief lapse of how much I would love some, yet, my body and my conscience won't let me-phew. When I was craving a piece of chocolate, I grabbed 1 Hershey's kiss and was satisfied. I am walking faster and farther than I have in years, and just a renewed excitement about life. Physically, I already feel much better too. I wish you the best on your journey ahead and I am very happy to hear you have supportive parents cheering you on! There are hard days ahead but not insurmountable and when you start reaping the rewards it will be the greatest journey (outside of motherhood). Best wishes to you!

My surgeon told me to work up to getting the 6-8 glasses of water and 60 grams of protein. You are still very swollen after surgery so you have to build up to it. Do as much as you can and gradually build it up each day. Congratulations!!

Try not to be discouraged, it WILL happen!! Definitely get more protein in. You would be surprised where it can be hiding. I add powdered non-fat milk powder to my morning "shake" or to creme soups to add more protein (I couldn't stomach protein powder). The first couple weeks when I moved onto mushies, even spaghettios snuck some protein in my diet. When I was having trouble getting shakes or anything down, my dietician said even drinking just some skim milk was better than nothing so I did that too. Be creative. I also found that my weight loss got stagnate when I was eating too few calories. I felt less was more (even though I knew better) and my weight loss stopped. I was told to stay around 1000-1200 calories and that has helped. Stay strong - YOU GOT THiS!

I go to my surgeon Tuesday for my 6 week follow up. I have lost 25 lbs since surgery so I am afraid he may say I am doing well and don't need one. I notice I am really struggling the past week or so wanting to snack as I can feel my hunger increasing. I have been able to keep it in check but it's been a challenge recently. I found some Special K baked crackers that I have a few here and there (only 110 calories if I have whole bag and I make it last for a few days). It is helping w/ my "I want a salty snack" craving. I hope I get a fill. Please "fill fairy" let my dr. give me my first fill. Good luck to you!

So sorry to hear that. Also, don't worry about the weight gain. That is normal from all the fluids they pumped in you and trauma from surgery.

Did they send you home with pain meds and have you taken them? Good luck and feel better.