gowalking

I'm presuming you mean two weeks post op. If yes, I doubt if noodles are OK. Every post op diet seems to be a little different depending on the surgeon, but most of us were still on basically liquids at this stage. Some were eating thicker or pureed Soups, but not actually chewing anything yet. I'd check with the nutritionist or go back to the directions you were given for introducing foods after banding..

you have a beautiful smile in both pictures. congrats on your success.

FYI, everyone has a different story to tell. I was banded on January 14th of this year and have not experienced bandster hell. I've not yet had a fill but I still find that I can eat my 1,000 calories daily and not be hungry between meals for the most part. Sometimes I have cravings...but I find something to take my mind off of them. I've dropped 34 lbs. since the pre-op diet started....it's not a huge weight loss as others have had, but it's been steady and I'm happy with that. Much of this journey is about changing the head along with the stomach. Feeling full is gone...don't expect it, don't look for it. Learn to feel satisfied, or 'not hungry'. Make the choices each and every day to avoid those foods that are not going to help you. I've still got some Cookies and ice cream in the house but have not touched either...I'm working too hard to slide back into bad habits. No chips or other junk food either. Again...it's choices you make every day....the same choices thin people make too. We have to start thinking like people who do not have weight issues. Stop eating once you are satisfied, make food part of your life, not the focus of your life, and remember that we are like any other people with addictions. Know your triggers and look for other ways to cope with the bumps and bruises life has in store for all of us. I know it's silly but I've stopped watching food related TV shows. What's the point? Would you watch a story about how cocktails are made if you are an alcoholic? I think not. I avoid the food related articles in the magazine's I read as well. For me, the band gives me the restriction to not overeat. That helps me to control myself. It reminds me of when I stopped smoking. I used Welbutrin to stop the cravings. I was a smoker for more than 35 years and I loved to smoke. Once the cravings were gone though, I was able to walk away from the cigarettes. I'm hoping the band sort of works the same way. If I'm not craving food, I can walk away from the table. So far, it's working for me and I'm grateful for it. OK, done with my speech...sorry about that but I did want to say congrats to you for starting the journey towards better health and better quality of life.

I just started taking them a week ago. I don't care about the few extra calories....they are so much better to get down than those huge pieces of chalk I've been struggling with these few weeks. I was being non-compliant because I hated them so much. FYI, I bought the vanilla and chocolate and so far, have just had the vanilla..

actually no...I am so thankful that a small portion of whatever I eat is enough to satisfy. My knee feels better 32 lbs. down, I look better, and I'm walking a little better. That's worth everything to me. Even when I pass a restaurant that looks interesting, it reminds me of when I stopped smoking and saw others puffing away....just a thing of the past for me now..and no regrets. Don't get me wrong, I eat out...but it's not a priority...just a part of my life. I've just started my weight loss journey so I'm hoping this feeling never goes away.

I was banded on January 14th by Dr. Ren. So far I am very happy with the practice, and with the surgery itself. I had some pain obviously, but nothing like some of the experiences I read on this site. I stayed overnight and that was the right decision for me. The NYU staff were very good and I was taken care of right after surgery by a nurse who never left my side. I email with Despina (the nutritionist) when I have a question or concern and she always gets back to me.

went to the seminar in July, saw the surgeon, nutritionist, and psychologist in August, had to do three months documentation from PCP on weight loss....was approved shortly thereafter....went for pre-op testing including cardiac stress test...was set for surgery in November, and then mother nature intervened. The hospital was badly damaged by superstorm Sandy. Had to wait for January before being banded. Was a long journey...lots of paperwork, phone calls, etc. but more than worth it. Am down 32 1/2 lbs. and am on my way to a healthier life.

I feel very fortunate. I was banded on January 14th and since I started the pre-op diet on Dec. 31st, I'm down 32 1/2 lbs....17 prior to the surgery. I did not have a fill on my last appointment and I have another appointment on the 15th of this month. So far, I'm staying around 1.000 calories daily without much of a struggle. I'm hungry before meals, but satisfied after. The doctor says as long as I'm not hungry otherwise, and not snacking/overeating, I should not bother with fills. I find that if I eat slow.....really slow....I'm good till the next meal or the next day if I've just had dinner. I can take an hour or more sometimes to eat. I'm hoping to lose around 100 lbs. so I know this is not a race and it will take a couple of years at least to reach my goal.

I do the scale once a week. I weigh my food and put whatever I eat into the fitness pal ap to keep track. Then I don't stress even if the scale doesn't move or even might go up. I know the ship will right itself. A few weeks ago, just when I was starting on mushies and real food, the scale didn't really move for two weeks. Then the weight started to drop again. I was 17 lbs. down when I was banded after two weeks on the pre-op diet and since then, I've lost another 12 lbs. Nearly 30 since January 1st. I'm very pleased with that.

SageTracey is right. I'm sure you can get yogurt for breakfast. You can eat that easily in the mushie stage. For lunch, ask if you can have soup. Then you'll be fine. I'm almost six weeks post op and had my first off site meeting Tuesday/Wednesday. Plus I didn't eat because I was flying....liquids only. I was surely nervous, but I did really well. Went for Japanese one night and had miso soup and a few slices of sashimi. Yogurt for breakfast, grilled chicken with salad greens for lunch, and then I was home for dinner. It's a big hurdle...eating out or eating with work colleagues but you'll do great,dolphintatoo, I know you will.

same here.. 23 hours still considered 'same day'. I have bad arthritis in my right knee and both the doctor and I felt it would be better for me to stay overnight so I could have a nurse help me walk around, get in and out of bed, etc. it was the right thing for me to do. I didn't sleep well obviously, but there was a certain feeling of security knowing I was where I needed to be in case there was a problem. plus I got the blood thinner shots regularly and pain meds regularly as well.

don't you worry one bit about how your are feeling. It is so normal. I too, did not understand how and what to eat, even with a handout from the doctor's office, and I met with the nutritionist at my first follow up after surgery (I'm a month post-op) and I cried because I was so afraid to put anything in my mouth. Get info from the NUT, read the posts and threads on this site...it has been a godsend for me...and I promise, you will start to eat, find out you can eat just fine as long as you take it slow...and the fear will subside. Congrats on your decision to get your life back and wishing you all the best on this journey.

was scheduled for my first fill today but am down another 7 lbs. and not having hunger between meals. Staying around 1,000 calories a day so dr. said to leave well enough alone and come back in a month to reassess. I'm actually fine with that plan.

Big milestone today. I went out to dinner for the first time since being banded about a month ago. I did good. Ate about 3 oz grilled scallops and about 1/4 cup sauteed spinach. I took a roll when offered and never touched it. Did not feel hungry or unsatisfied...and I don't think any of my dinner companions noticed my cutting the scallops into small pieces or that I was waiting between bites. They didn't know I had the lapband, and I didn't want to talk about it either. oh...and after dinner, we went to see Barry Manilow in concert. He was terrific, sang all his hits, and had the audience singing along with him. Mostly though, it was really nice for me to have enjoyed the show more than focusing on the meal beforehand.

I also suffer from bad arthritis in the knees and I was off NSAIDS for two weeks prior to surgery. Was in so much pain that I worked from home because walking was torture. Talk to your doctor again about going back on NSAIDS. As soon as I got home the day after the surgery, I was back on the NSAIDS and got relief within a couple of days. Also...as other posters have said, use a pool if you have one available. I've joined the local 'Y' so I can use their pool. It's the only way at the moment for me to exercise without pain.

Preop diet started on December 31st. Most of my 24 lb. weight loss was prior to surgery and while on liquids post op. Since the mushie stage, and real food, only another 2 lbs. down. But remember...none of us should be hooked on the numbers...I am following a sensible food plan and eating 1,000 calories or less a day. I know the weight will start to come off as long as I stick to the plan. Most of the time, this amount of food satisfies me...I'm due for a fill on Friday but not sure I will do it. I'm not in lapband hell like so many others are. I'd rather put the fills off till I truly feel I need them. Will see what the Dr. says on Friday and make the decision with her input. I think we panic when hunger returns but I don't think hunger is abnormal as long as satisfaction comes when the meal is over. I'm never full...I don't think I will ever be full again....but I also think that thin people are never full either. I'm trying to think like a thin person...and am hoping one day that I won't have to weigh my food and will be able to eyeball portions. I'm so used to eating so much food that my initial reaction is that the amount of food I put on my plate now will never satisfy me....and yet for the most part, it does every time. This journey is truly a life change, not just a food change....and I'm understanding how much the band really is just a tool. Every piece of food I put in my mouth...and every piece of food I do not put in my mouth is a decision I make at every meal. I expect that I will be doing this the rest of my life...like most people who are not overweight or obese do. I think that's the key to this....learning that food is just food..and not letting it rule our lives anymore..

Hi Steelerfan. I'm in a similar situation. Lost 23 lbs from pre-op diet to eating mushies...which was 10 days after surgery. Since starting all foods...about 10 days ago, a loss of only 1 lb. I've been following a food plan...around 1,000 calories a day so I know it's not because I'm eating too much, or the wrong foods. I've seen other posts where folks say they have stopped losing, or have even gained. I wouldn't worry about it if you are following a sensible diet. Look for those NSVs instead..are your clothes looser? Can you move easier? I had a great NSV at work last week. Before the holidays, I got a lamp for the desk in my office. I couldn't get under the desk to plug it in...till last week when I could finally bend enough to reach the power strip. Those are the kind of little or big things you look at when the scale isn't moving.

it could also be a fear of the unknown. I know that was a big problem for me. How would I feel? Would i feel the band? Will I ever eat like a normal person? Will this work?....lot's of those questions. I was banded on Jan. 14th so while I've not had any fills yet, I find that I am not nearly as hungry as I was preband and I am able to stay on track regarding portion control and staying away from foods that won't help me....sweets, chips, ice cream, etc. I'm also eating carbs sparingly. Once you get into a routine, alot of the worry and stress goes away because you realize this is do-able.

that's wonderful. Can't wait until I am able to walk like that. I've made progress as well. I walked two avenue's yesterday from Sixth to Eighth. I know for most people that's no big deal, but for me with my arthritis, that's a huge milestone. I couldn't have done that a month ago.

congrats! couldn't help but notice your Rutgers sweatshirt. I used to live in the area...my son went to Middlesex CC.

glad you are doing so well moses. I'm a week behind you so I'm almost three weeks out. Went back to work last week and so far so good. Even took the Path and walked up/down the stairs instead of going to Penn just so I could take the escalator/elevator. Took it slow, but made it. I'm weighing my meals...no fills yet so I need to make sure not to overeat. Most of the time, I'm satisfied after eating and am good with that. Just started 'regular' foods on Thursday and have had no issues. Not sure of the weight loss...every scale is different but am somewhere between 20-23 lbs. down. My first fill is scheduled for the 15th. What about you?

thanks for letting me know your experience honk. the goal is to lose enough weight to be able to get off all nsaids but I know that will take time so I'll speak to my dr. about this.

I have arthritis and have been taking diclofenac for a couple of months after the ortho dr. said to stop taking so much advil. i switched to naproxen for a short time because it was crushable and the diclofenac wasn't but I've since gone back to the diclofenac with doctor's approval. just shows that even doctors have differing opinions. probably comes down to risk/benefit...same as with all meds.

good for you kelsey!! welcome to the other side. my surgery went well, the recuperation better than i had hoped for and have been through the liquid and mushie stages. have been on regular food since Thursday. using all the tips I got on this site.....baby fork/spoon, timer for between bites, nutrutionist said small bites, and chew well. it takes me more than a half hour to eat, but who cares....so far no problems. heading back to the office on the 15th for my first fill....maybe. I'm doing well so far, and once I eat my portioned amount, I'm OK so I may wait on the fill if the doctor agrees. every scale seems to be different but since the pre-op diet I've dropped somewhere around 20-23 lbs. Very pleased with my progress so far. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

I read this and am so sorry that the person who should support you is not doing so. I have a similar issue with a family member. I get support on the surface but sabotage is lurking nearby. I'm no therapist but I bet your hubby is scared that things will change and you will change. Just try to focus on your success and I'm sure once he sees the changes are good ones, I bet he backs you 100%.