HotButterFly

Some would say: "follow your doctor's advice", but I would do a full liquid diet (some vegetables ARE allowed during this phase, so it isn't "exclusively" liquid) my sister's surgeon didn't even require a pre op diet... I was like: WHAT?!! I told her to do it anyway, so her liver could shrink.

That's my plan, to share with the people on a "need to know" basis once I'm close to goal.... Until then, I can count on my hand the people who know.

Fat free, reduced fat, & low fat are foods that should never enter you body (in my humble opinion). Why? Full fat foods are less processed and have less industrially engineered ingredients/chemicals. If you're making smart choices and working with the band, I don't think you should worry about those products.

Good luck with dating, it's brutal out there, but much better than staying with the wrong person... and it can be so much fun!! When planning dates, chose a place or activity that doesn't require eating, or at least doesn't FOCUS on eating... Visiting a museum, botanical gardens, bowling, sight-seeing, roller blading and similar things. Dates don't always have to be dinner & a movie. As far as friends & family, simply tell them you're eating less and making healthier choices. <3 !

I'm 17 days post op and I must say... I enjoy chewing my food till its technically "liquified". I don't mind taking my time, and I enjoy what I eat so much more than when I used to swallow it practically WHOLE. Chew. Chew. Chew.

Actually, sometimes I DO forget to chew chew chew. What I'm trying to say is that I thought it was going to be nuisance to chew so much, but it actually isn't bad at all. My hubby is on my *** every time I put something near my mouth asking: "can you eat that?" "Don't eat too much!!" Which sort of bothers me, but I know where his heart is, so I let it slide. I told him last week that I will follow every rule and only eat what I know is allowed, and that I will listen to my body; that he shouldn't worry. I told him I needed help in reminding me to chew chew chew That's a good method, GuyMontag, but feel awkward do it.

My little one was randomly recording on her mini tonight and she caught me on video (and some pics). I was mortified when I asked to see what she had recorded.... I never really knew how effin' B. I. G. I really am!! The reason for my ignorance is because I'm never IN the pictures/videos, I'm always filming them!!! The mirror lies, folks!! And I can only imagine what I looked like BEFORE the pre-op and the 25 lbs I've lost. In the last three weeks and a half.

Yeah.... It's evident!

AMEN TO THAT, sista! I will never look like that again! I have some pics in which you only see my face or upper torso with my daughter.... But I have so few pics with hubby that it makes me sad. But I'll be sad no'mo because I'm on my way and determined. I was out with hubby & daughter today, they got hungry and wanted pizza but hen said NO, because of me... I said, heck , NO! Lets go to the pizzeria. They sat and ate their chicken & ziti slices and it didn't phase me one bit!! (Even though I WAS hungry!)

Can you elaborate more on what it is you feel/ felt? During those first days, I had to take TINY sips and pace myself. It took me 40-45 minutes to down a Boost shake. I'd take a zip, close the bottle... Wait and take another sip. Regardless of how careful I was, I would sometimes feel a little pain in the center of my chest, like a gust of gas trying to come out, but wouldn't get passed my throat. It has gotten much better as the days go by thank God.

Can you elaborate more on what it is you feel/ felt? During those first days, I had to take TINY sips and pace myself. It took me 40-45 minutes to down a Boost shake. I'd take a zip, close the bottle... Wait and take another sip. Regardless of how careful I was, I would sometimes feel a little pain in the center of my chest, like a gust of gas trying to come out, but wouldn't get passed my throat. It has gotten much better as the days go by thank God.

Classic foot-in-mouth! I did it recently. I walked into my daughter's school, and I'm very cool with the security people. As I was waiting for my daughter's class to come down, I got close to one of the security officers and said: WHAT'S THATS MELL?! IT SMELLS LIKE FEET (thinking it was one of the hormonal teenagers around us) she said: What, my Chinese food? And pointed to it.... I almost died!! I tried to play it off and say, nooooo, it CAN'T be your food, I think someone is eating Doritos. LoL.... And if you wanna read a horror story, read my post titled "I'm A Whimp".... It's similar to yours, except your old boss' intentions might not have been to hurt you, unlike what happened to me.

Absolutely!!

Before I became a BANDit, I also had the same issue (banded for only 17 days) I realized I was BORED most of the time when I grazed. I don't get that urge anymore, but during my pre op diet, when I got the urge to do it, I just drank a cup if iced tea, and found something to do (most of the time chores or yard work). Also, believe it or not, I set my timer to ring every 4 hours during the day so I can remember to eat (because I'm almost never hungry). Try it, and say to yourself you won't eat until that timer goes off, unless like GuyMontag said, it's close enough to the time, and you know you could eat a whole meal. Good luck, hunny!

You said you hear from the dietitian.... What about your surgeon? Does he/she know what's going on? I would definitely make an appointment to see the surgeon. And if you feel like you should be living off liquids only, how about an unfill instead o a fill. A band that's too tight can lead to stall or worse, weight gain. I know it's tough and disappointing when we expect one outcome and it doesn't materialize, but DON'T GIVE UP!! There will always be people who will wanna kick a horse that's down, SPECIALLY those closest to us. Don't let that defeat you... You CAN be a success story, but never give up. Keep searching and searching until you find an answer. Just because right now you're not in a good place doesn't mean you won't find your way... Just keep swimming!! ((HUG))

I was almost embarrassed to read some of the responses to the original post. Megan, no matter what people say, your story and experiences DO matter-- thanks for sharing. It's insulting to think "newbies" will run away because they read about your negative experiences; after all, we should all "bat for both teams" when doing our research. I don't think you sounded "preachy" like someone implied, I think you are genuinely concerned, and just want you story told. On the other hand, there are people who may (or may not) have a "wealth" of information but EVERY TIME they comment on a post, they come off as too-into-themselves-know-it-alls (at least to me)... And like someone said: if the shoe fits....! Thank you to those that also made their feelings be known, but at the same time showed compassion, understanding, and most of all respect for the original poster. And, Megan, I wish you all the BEST with your revision!! XOXOXO

The only other way a person can lose 23# in a month is by losing a limb and an eye. I think you're doing just fine! LoL.