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oh, and the only way I've been successful with the protein is to go ahead and use fat free milk in my protein shakes that gives me 28g each time; then I drink ISOpure protein water as much as possible, though usually only finish one (and sometimes only half) in a day (40g/20oz) The mangopeach is pretty good, sometimes I cut it with water.

Hey Bluehen, how's it going today? I'm eating cream Soups too - the Campbell's Select are quite good, have avoided any tomato ones so far - maybe too acidic? What do you think? I notice in my program that I'm supposed to have clear broth (not cream soup) but I'm thinking how does my tummy know whether or not I'm having clear broth chased with a Protein shake made with milk? I think this is the lesser of all evils, don't you? If I'm pushing it with the cream soup, then so be it. Do you have kids? I have an 8 yr old and an almost 2 year old. So I'm surrounded by food - if it's not on the table, it's smeared into something. So far I've resisted the urges to finish their plates, etc....realizing how way too often I did that! I'm down another couple pounds; and to get personal, if I could go to the bathroom more, I might lose even more.... Not sure I want to take Fiber right now though.... Hope today's going well for you -- weekends are a whole different game; more free time so got to keep busy and sip sip sip. ttfn!

Bluhen95, I was banded 7/11 - how are you feeling? I'm a bit moody, okay cranky, today, a couple days ago I was on cloud nine. I'm sure it's food related; I've not been able to get all my Protein in each day, how about you? I'm not hungry though either, mostly just "wanting" food -- Good luck to you -- I'm very pleased that I can already see results and my clothes are starting to bag.... Keep in touch!

I didn't tell anyone except immediate family, based on my {petite} mother's reaction, I didn't want to risk any other judgments. Luckily (or not depending on how you look at it) I work from home and interface only via phone and email with coworkers. I told them only I was having surgery and would be out a couple days (which turned to 3). They probably assume it's a female thing (they are all guys) and haven't even asked, except the general, "how are you feeling". My moods are up and down -- checking the threads daily to keep motivated -- feeling a little alone in all this. Didn't really realize how much our lives revolved around where to eat, what to eat, etc..., until now - since I'm not eating (liquid stage). Tried to go out to dinner with the family the other night; what a waste, no soups on the menu, so just sat there watching them eat (and eat and eat it seemed). I wouldn't mind a glass of wine; but that's a nono too. ho hum....

sounds exactly like my program (US Bariatric-FL) I'm 1 week postop and would really like to chew something! My appt is next Fri; I'm hoping he'll ramp up the program for me, though doubt it - regardless of how many times I promise to chew!:hungry:

I'm wondering if there's anybody out there that was banded by Dr. Kim, US Bariatric, Celebration. I was banded 7/11. I live an hour north of Celebration and would love to connect with some people. Getting to the meetings may be tough at times, and it would be great to meet some people to get together locally.

Hello all, I was banded 7/11. I'm feeling nearly normal today. The first couple days were rougher than I expected. Mostly due to not tolerating the lortab and having some nausea and vomiting. That scared me, but it was short-lived. Couldn't even sip much til Saturday, then finally managed a protein shake. Today I was able to eat a whole yogurt (took 45 min) and a protein shake. I find it funny how different everyone's dr's orders are. Mine wants me on liquids until my appt next Fri (2 1/2 wks postop). I miss food, but not nearly as much as I expected. I find myself fixing really GOOD stuff for the family now - overcompensating I suppose. Today I felt like I didn't have a band - found myself chugging a bit on my water instead of sipping. Felt a little hungry, but that went away pretty quick after protein shake. Had no problem drinking the whole protein shake today, though I took my time. I'm still having trouble finding a good sleep position; trying not to stay on side too much. I have superglue holding my incisions (soluble staples on the inside). Getting a little itchy, don't hurt too much anymore. Haven't had any pain med since day one (made me too sick). I'm so glad I did this! I checked the scales, and if they are correct, I've lost another 13 lbs since my pre-op appt (6 days before surg)!!

Does anyone know if we can apply heat or cold to the incisions? I'm swelled up in a lumpy way; just hoping to help reduce swelling -- I'm guessing cold?

I'm 3 days post-op too; spent the first night, sleepless, couldn't take the pain med, ended up heaving, but got up every hour and walked and waved my arms (family thought I was nuts) and peed. I had my surg early a.m. and of course didn't sleep well the night before so I was dead tired, but so uncomfortable from the gas. I think what helped me was the hourly trips to the bathroom and the flailing around. The gas has subsided, I feel pretty good. Today was better than yesterday, only a little liquid able to go down then(nurse said ok since overhydrated in hosp) but today 2 protein shakes and several waters. Does anyone know if heat or cold application would help with the swelling of the incision areas?

Erikag, do you have a lumpy belly? My incisions, especially port are huge!

I'm 3 days postop; my surgeon gave me 2 RX at my pre-op appt. Thought I wouldn't need them, but the little angel on my shoulder made me get them anyway; THANK GOD. One was a suppository anti-nausea; the other liquid lortab. Take the suppository BEFORE you feel sick. Take it when you get home and take it every six hours (or as prescribed). Day One the lortab made me sick and yes, I puked. Scared me to death. It happened on 3 separate occassions. Of course I'm worried I dislodged the band; but nothing can be done about it now. Called the nurse and she made me feel a bit better, not to worry about dislodging, the swelling probably would have held it in place the first day. So, now to try and get something down....:cry

Bamalama, Thanks for the encouragement, and kudos to you for being so disciplined. My surgery is Wed 7/11. I'm on the pre-op liquids, but only since Friday (my pre-op appt w/surgeon); prior to then pre-op portion reduction, carb reduction. I think I'll do fine as well. (Plan to).

DollyRose, love the ticker - just like mine! I was looking for a bikini to use, hoola girl was the closest thing. I'm hoping to have the body and the courage to go to the beach again once I reach goal!

I too am on 2nd day of preop liquids. And am feeling blue; I know it's because I am mourning my good friend, FOOD. It's been tough fixing the kids dinner; last night I served up pizza - caught myself licking my fingers....twice. I couldn't wait to go to bed, just to stop thinking about it. I made it through day one, day two is almost gone. Without getting gross, has anyone else had diarrhea? My doc suggested I get fiber supplement (benefiber) and at least as of now, I am SO glad I haven't taken it - I probably wouldn't leave the bathroom if so.

I've been reading and reading and keep seeing stuff about the dreaded PBs. Can someone translate that for me?

Lynette, we are starting about the same for weight. Did you or your surgeon devise a goal weight? How are you getting around, ok? Any pain?

For those of you already banded; how are abdominal exercises with the port? Any issues? Most of us probably need a lot of work on our middles. Just curious how long before we should consider doing any crunches, etc.

I'm hoping I'm luckier still; surgery date 7/11. Yep, I'm nervous. Hoping to get through the 1st 3 weeks of liquid diet (per my surgeon Dr. Kim in Celebration) without killing someone. I'm already missing my wine with dinner; heck anything to drink with dinner. And wondering when I'll "get" that sipping is necessary....realizing how much I gulp now. Just think though, this time next year.............

This may sound really wierd, but it sounds like you might work outdoors or in a factory? If so, my DH has a "camelpak" that he uses when he bikes. It's a backpack with a bladder tank for water (or I suppose anything) with tubing as a straw. This way he stays hydrated and isn't reaching for a bottle constantly.

After getting sidetracked by an abnormal EKG (that turned out to be nothing, probably old equipment at PCP!); I have my surgery scheduled for 7/11! :whoo: Tomorrow is my nutrition class (required) and Friday is pre-op appt w/surgeon. I know I am not the only one who is second guessing this decision. I haven't told anyone I work with; since I work from home and interface only on phone/email; I'm hoping to be able to work immediately (in my pj's from bed if necessary) Can anyone tell me their experience with the pain? Did you need to take something stronger than Tylenol? I guess I'm worried about being out of it............

Thanks to everyone - and for those of us with lucky 7/11 date like me; fingers crossed all goes according to plan! Good to hear those of us that don't whine on a normal day may do great! My pain tolerance is up there -- (at least based on my 2 kids' births) so I'll plan on being able to take it. My pre-op appt is Friday; just had the nutrition class. After 3 weeks it seems like it'll be smooth sailing -- just another day in dietland (but this time with real results!) ttfn!

I've done the same thing (binging)........hopefully won't pay for it...my blood work showed my liver is normal size... (they can tell that from blood?) My problem is that I'm right AT the correct BMI to qualify for the surgery, so losing before seems contradictory (particularly since insurance is paying) I keep thinking if I get rolled into the operating room and no longer have the right BMI the claim won't be paid; probably a stupid thought..... The pre-op diet was basically cut your portions in half and reduce carbs. I have a week -- I'm going to try very hard...

Serene, you are a week postop how are you? The 1st EKG is probably going to be a self pay since I likely got a little overzealous and made the appt as soon as I had nursing assessment. The approval didn't get processed for another day or two. Oh well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed on everything else. Interesting thing is once I got the letter, it stated "this is not a guarantee of claims payment". Whatever, I'll do it and if the insurance doesn't pay, they can try to get the $ out of me -- prison food will probably be okay after the first 6 wks right? :omg:

Thanks to all - I'll hope for quick healing. No surgery date yet, so I may miss swimming season anyway.

Sounds like a silly question, but I've got kids signing up for swimming lessons that are parent interactive. Does anyone know what I can expect for recovery (incisions) and being able to be in a pool?