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To all you MUSHIE STAGERS!!! I think I had my first blockage or stuck food! I know now what the feels like! I was eating dinner, I tiny piece of fish (1-2 oz) and a 1/4 cup of brown rice. I think I ate it to fast, but I was really trying not to and WHAM! I got up and walked around and around then bent over on my deck and some saliva out and thought I would barf, but didn't. the food passed! I have some questions for those at the same stage as me. I am not sure how to get in all the food they are recommending if I am only to eat 3 meals a day. Or am I not to stick to the 3 meals during this stage? I am to have more than one serving of protein, fruit, vegies, grains, fat and milk in one day. However if you are only eating 1/2 cup at a sitting, how do you do that? It is frustrating figuring it out, but at least I know now to SLOW DOWN OR DON'T EAT RICE!!!:cry

To all you MUSHIE STAGERS!!! I think I had my first blockage or stuck food! I know now what the feels like! I was eating dinner, I tiny piece of fish (1-2 oz) and a 1/4 cup of brown rice. I think I ate it to fast, but I was really trying not to and WHAM! I got up and walked around and around then bent over on my deck and some saliva out and thought I would barf, but didn't. the food passed! I have some questions for those at the same stage as me. I am not sure how to get in all the food they are recommending if I am only to eat 3 meals a day. Or am I not to stick to the 3 meals during this stage? I am to have more than one serving of protein, fruit, vegies, grains, fat and milk in one day. However if you are only eating 1/2 cup at a sitting, how do you do that? It is frustrating figuring it out, but at least I know now to SLOW DOWN OR DON'T EAT RICE!!!

To all you MUSHIE STAGERS!!! I think I had my first blockage or stuck food! I know now what the feels like! I was eating dinner, I tiny piece of fish (1-2 oz) and a 1/4 cup of brown rice. I think I ate it to fast, but I was really trying not to and WHAM! I got up and walked around and around then bent over on my deck and some saliva out and thought I would barf, but didn't. the food passed! I have some questions for those at the same stage as me. I am not sure how to get in all the food they are recommending if I am only to eat 3 meals a day. Or am I not to stick to the 3 meals during this stage? I am to have more than one serving of protein, fruit, vegies, grains, fat and milk in one day. However if you are only eating 1/2 cup at a sitting, how do you do that? It is frustrating figuring it out, but at least I know now to SLOW DOWN OR DON'T EAT RICE!!!

MintyFresh - I don't really understand what you are planning to do, have two June threads or sub titles with in the June bandsters? One the way it is now, and one monthly updates for those who don't read on a regular basis?

Gina Is that a pic of your doggie? I meant to ask? I have two dogs, a Golden retreiver, Maddy, and a mut, Ace. We adopted Ace from a rescue at Petsmart a year ago. He is a trouble maker, I tell him we saved him from the gaschamber!!! Maddy is 6 and a loving dog, gets along with the other dogs that come in to stay and visit! If I could have afforded another golden that is what I would have done, but my step daughter felt we should adopt. Its all good!!! How are you doing?? I am trying to figure out this soft food menu which is not easy. Talk to you soon.

Hello all, I am a June Bandster, banded June 7! One week out and started mushies this week. I wanted to ask you guys since you are one step ahead of us June bees! When you go to Mushies, if you have a protein shake, like a powder in a smoothie, or a slimfast, does that count as one of your proteins? I think this is going to be hard. It is like learning to eat in baby steps and you don't know what is to much!! I don't feel really much restriction, and I won't have my first fill until mid July!! Thanks for your insights!! You all are May fantastic!!!!!!

Rhonda Where you are is very frustrating! You have received great advise; eat more, exercise and drink your WATER!! It might not shed 4lbs a week, but you will start shedding! bkat I was fortunate to have a weekend end and 4 days off from work before I returned from my surgery last Thursday. I did great at work yesteday, I was not tired, actually I had to be there at 7 am for a Board meeting and did not leave until 5:30! I felt fine. You will be ready to go to events that you want!! Toni I agree on the drinking change. I wish I had this info prior to my doctor appointment on Wednesday. But I only sipped the one time with a dry mouth. But I will follow my doctor's directions now. I am also on food sooner than some, so I really don't want to pop my band or anything! How is your new gismo!! I love the bullet! My son said, IS THERE ALCOHOL IN THIS!! IT WAS A PINACOLADA PROTEIN SHAKE WITH STRAWBERRIES, YUMMIE ( no rum this time! ). I will get the name from a coworker. I only brought home a scoop to try it. She ordered it on line. I just wish it did not come in those huge containers!! Laughingbird and Kland GOOD LUCK TODAY!!!!!!!

Mary and Luvink Glad fo finally talk to some Virginians!!! It seems that so many posters are from out West! Or that go to Mexico. I do not go to Dr. Shroder, but Commonwealth Surgeons, Dr. Batista. However, Dr. Batista and Dr. Shroder combine their trainings meetings and support groups at St. Mary's. Their Dr. offices is in the North building office entrance. Is yours? Well, I had my surgery last Thursday, June 7! I can't believe that it is a week already. I had to go back for my follow up on Wednesday and I am now on Mushies! I did stay overnight. For two reasons, I beleive it is what Dr. Batista likes and it garentees that your insurance pays the maximum. If you are outpatient, you could be stuck with a larger bill! That does not make sense, but I researched it and then called their business office before the surgery and they explained this was one reason we stay overnight. I am glad, I really needed it! I did not have my surgery until late afternoon on Thursday and was very ill from the Morphine. I did not feel great on Friday. The hospital overall was GREAT, and I had great nurses through out every stage. I felt the staff at the hospital to be very nice. Let me know if you ever plan to attend a support group. We can meet up!! Every day I felt better. Now I feel great! Are you both on the June thread!!

Hang in there all your preopt gals/guys!! It will go fast, and you will lose some pounds...it is all going to pay off. I beleive I cheated a few times, but with little amounts, so don't go overboard there, you want your LIVER to shrink! Kt/Huntersmom - I started the mushies yesterday and it has been different. I dont' feel any ristriction. I plan to use my old weight watchers log book to keep track of what I eat. I am scared about the weight loss too. I agree, that exercise will help alot!! My son's wedding is July 7, so for now, I am happy not to have my fill until after that. I plan to have my first glass of Vino this weekend!! Toni I saw that item in the Macy's ad and I meant to post it on here! Of course I bought the bullet the day before! I took a few sips during dinner because I made fish and felt that the food got dry in my mouth, does that happen to anyone?? Insub are you working? How are you feeling a week out? I started back to work today and felt great. One of the ladies in my office that had the gastric bypass a couple years ago, could not beleive I was at work and fine. I do feel great today. No gas, but stomach pain a little! Huntersmom, I would NOT weigh every day because your body fluctuates and you will get to discouraged. I would weigh once a week. That is my thought. Welcome Carie and Dru Good Luck Beckie!! You will do great. This was a busy thread today! I think three pages or more. Hope everyone has a great night!!

bbay- I agree with Toni, great about the sips! I was just at the doctor's today and she gave me the 30 minute rule,which I already knew about. I too have my port centrally located above my navel. So, who knows. Have a great night, I am off to bed for back to work tomorrow.

Lucy wow, sorry to hear about your throat. That sounds awful! When I had my tubes tied a few years ago the anestiologist said that he had a hard time getting in my tubes in. So, this time I told the doctor and he gave me some drug that drys your throat( which you would think would make it harder) and I heard there were NO problems. Maybe next time you will have this information up front! Quad Great to hear from you! You should be good to go of the dance event. Evaughn In our training class they said no limits on sex, saying " You don't have to lift anything, do you???" So go for it when your ready. Rita wow, what a story. Sorry to hear that you had such a situation, but now you know it was there and it is gone. I can't beleive if you were born with it, how doctors never knew it was there in 63 yrs? Maybe this will help you lose weight too. How much did that weigh? Maybe there is a silver lining! Best wishes. I went to the doctor today and I am on food!! Anything soft/mushie stage. She gave me a three page list of do's and don'ts. I am so excited. I went to Costco and bought fish, salmon, canned tuna, strawberries and melon. I don't mean to make you guys hungry, but you will be here soon. I then bought a fatfree frozen yogurt for the ride home. For those of you Costco goers, it is big. I was walking out thinking, what did I do, I can only eat a tiny bit of this!! I put the rest in my freezer. I am down 14lbs. I go back to the doctor in 3 weeks at wich time they will schedule my first fill! She said she does it in xray for the first time. All is good. Back to work tommorroww, boohoo. I was enjoying being off. Missy Good luck tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

Suzanne, wow, treadmill! That sounds great! I hope to exersice more soon. I was wondering too about how many fills you would need. Maybe it was just that dinner? Did they say it could feel different at different times? I won't have my first fill until Mid July! Which is after my son's wedding, so I am happy, I will be able to eat at it! you would not all beleive this, my DH's back went out on Monday, or something. He could hardly walk, could not sit or lay with out severe pain. So, here I go, taking him to the doctor's and hospital, etc. they gave him the same pain meds I have...lol. I told him it happens to us old folks in pairs, but he is only 44! He stayed home yesterday and went to work today. He hasn't heard yet from the doctor on his tests. Woman never get to be the one ill, or pampered!!! He wanted me to pick up a case of Water yesterday when I was at walmart, but I told him I could not lift it, well, neither can he!!! it is pitiful. Gina how are you this week? how is your exercise? Ticker issues!!!! I have a question for both of you...I have been having problems. I can't edit my ticker. I have been given info from other banders, when you put the mouse pointer over the ticker it is suppose to change to a hand so you can click on it and edit there. I noticed that for Gina, this works, but for Suzanne it does not??? It won't do it for me either!!! Suzanne you are the only other person I have tested that doesn't. Are you having problems updating?? I can't even delete the current ticker on signature edit and start over. I am so frustrated. I think it has to do with the lower part of the set up, the Url or the bb code thing? If any of you or your DH have any hints let me know. I have emailed the web master for lapband. help!!!!

BECKIE, I AM GLAD YOU DID NOT CANCEL!!! YOU HAVE COME A LONG WAY! IT WILL ALL WORK OUT. MY GRANDAUGHTER, 18 MONTHS CAME OVER LAST NIGHT, FIRST TIME SINCE MY SURGERY. SHE RAN TO ME. I SAT DOWN AND THEN PICKER HER UP TO MY KNEE. PROBABLY STILL A NO NO, BUT I DID NOT WHIP HER UP LIKE I WOULD BEFORE! OR I HAD MY DH PUT HER ON MY LAP OR IN MY ARMS....FUNNY, WE ADJUST TOO. FRIENDS ALWAYS PREVAIL....

Marlyn I am not sure what the feeling is. Have you talked with your doctor or a nurse at their office? Maybe they can help?Insub I agree with both of you about the hunger vs full. I am not sure I feel hunger yet. I know that sounds weird. I will find out more today at my follow up visit. Toni I used my Bullet last night, I will say this is my first experience with protien powder, boy does it make it thick!! I guess the ideal would be using it in a shake. Or something you are not whipping? just stirring it in. ticker...ah, what can I say. I can't even delete it and start over. I wrote to the web manager of this site and I will keep trying. I did lose more weight!!! But for now, it wil say 10lbs, not 15!!! Dan wow your job sounds cool. Your weight loss too! I was banded June 7, 6 days out. wow it is going fast, and exciting. Hang on for the ride!! I to was worried about my BMI because I started at 35, then went up which was crazy on my part. But the nurse practitioner and the psychologist both said, you can lose. I was worried to that my insurance would turn around and say, no. But they submit your numbers for approval based on the start!! So you should be fine. Jeri welcome!!!!! GOOD LUCK TO OUR SMALL GROUP TODAY.... HAVE WE HEARD FROM THE GROUPS OF YESTERDAY AND MONDAY??? WOW, WHAT A GROUP.

Good Luck tomorrow Tammy!! You will do great Terry, I had no staples, just super glue! I don't know how it works, but it did! I go back tomorrow to the doctor, and I am hoping to have mushies? but maybe not? I am wondering if the soup I had for dinner was really a liquid or not? I shall see.

Annie I think this is a good plan. If you feel up to it you can always return to work. Good Luck!! Danielle I also had an hour drive. The ride went fine. All your feelings are normal. You will do great. Concentrate on the goal of a thinner life. Jackie great to hear from you. I am glad you are home. My surgery was 6 days ago and I am finally feeling better. The gas is less,just can't bend over very good. Like you andVP I had a hiatal hernia repaired. I never had acid reflux or any indegestion problems, so I had no idea it was there. I have no pain from that? when I go to my doctors tomorrow I will ask. bgbaby Welcome back! It must have taken a few hours to read and follow the thread, it is growing every day! I had a good day. I bought the Magic Bullet at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It was 59.99 but I had a 20% coupon. I also bought soy whey protein. I mixed it up with a tomatoe soup packet, water. It was thick, but tasty. I used the bullet! Very cool.

Thinner1 Hi, I post on the June bandster site with you and saw you were from VA too. I see you were banded at St. Mary's too! I do not have the same surgeon, I went to Commonwealth Surgeons, Dr. Batista. The hospital blends both surgical groups together in there support groups and educational center. Did you attend the nutrician and education session in May? We may have been in the same class. How was your experience at the hospital. Over all mine was great. I only had a delay in my surgery time due to my doctor. I was a bit frustrated. I did not want to know what happened in the prior surgery that took longer. Where do you live in VA? I live in Stafford, which is about 60 miles north of Richmond. I chose the hospital and Commonwealth Surgeons because I knew of others who went there for bypass. Have you gone to any support groups? I beleive there is one this week, which is to soon for me to go and then next month it is the week after my son's wedding, so I am not sure if I will get there. It would be great to meet up with folks we talk with on line. Hope all is well with you. How is your diet going? I go back to the doctor tomorrow for my follow up visit. I think I start mushies then... I am excited about that.

ANNIE welcome to a great site! You asked about going to work, I am not sure, others have done it and did fine. It is really an individual thing. I had my surgery last Thursday and decided to keep my week that I originally put in for. I have my follow up with the doctor on Wednesday. I am feeling great today, gas pains are there, but not as bad. I probably could have gone to work today. I had the weekend after my surgery which did give me an advantage!! Good luck! Stef -Great weight loss!! Kland - I would go on the trip. I agree with the advise of taking stops to stretch and walk a bit to move around any gas or giving your tummy a strectch. Pack your Protein Drinks and Water in your cooler. Have fun!! Suzzie I agree with the lapband long term success. I have 3 people at my office who have had bypass they are all doing fine, however I do know of others who have gained weight back. There was a person in my surgeons orientation session who had the bypass, and he even said he would be reluctatnt to perform the band on someone who had bypass and gained it back because the person did not change their behaviors. This is all true. I had my first cup of coffee today and it did not tast that good. It was decaf but still! Maybe I will be turning a new leaf! Hope when I have my first glass of wine it feels good though..lol I am off today for a pedicure and nails and a bit of shopping, GNC and hopefully find my bullet! Have a great day.

TONI AND OTHER TICKER EXPERTS!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE CORRECT, I CAN MOVE THE MOUSE ON OTHERS TICKERS AND THE POINTER/FINGER COMES UP, WHEN YOU DO THAT ON MINE IT DOES NOT. I AM THINKING IT HAS TO DO WITH HOW I SET IT UP WHEN YOU SAID THAT THE URL, OR bb thing was the tricky part. Did I not do that? ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED, MAYBE FROM THE NEWBIES WHO HAVE THE SET UP FRESH IN THEIR MINDS. I HATE BEING COMPUTER FRUSTRATED ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS PROBABLY AN EASY STEP I MISSED:help:

Toni, Do you mean go to change signature and do that? I tried and nothing happens when I click , right or left to take me there? I know I had problems before but finally did it. I will keep stabbing at it!

Hello everyone, my day today was very eventful. I am off until Thursday this week, I decided to take the week, to really heal. Hopefull the gas will be gone! Or less anyway. Well, my DH woke up in severe back pain and could not get out of bed. I had to take him to the doctor and then to the hospital for xrays. He was given pain meds,just like me! I told him Old people get sick in pairs! (he is only 44)In some ways it was good for me to get out of the house and driving and walking. And kept my mind off of food. He is off with me tomorrow, I think I am in better condition than he! Woman always prevail! Glinda,Juleeann and bcrazy - WELCOME!!!!!!! Minty Fresh- I can relate to your thoughts of questioning your decision. I felt the same way, and my DH did not understand either as to why I needed the surgery. I was also worried if I could be happy giving up everything, but I knew I truly wanted this and needed it. Just remember why you started the process and you will do great. My DH has turned around after the surgery, he is proud of me and of the committment. Remember this is not the easy way out! Dawn- when I read your post, I wished I could have responded to your immediatly. I am so sorry you are feeling so scared. Just pray and know you will be ok. Think about how all the people on this site that have had the surgery with success and little complications! Hang in there! Heather-great to hear from you, those eggs sound great, maybe I will be joining you on Thursday:clap2: Rita/ Minty Fresh/driveb- I looked up the bullet on bed,bath and beyond and they say they have it. I never saw it at Costco and we are there all the time. I wasn't looking either, so I will look for it! Thanks. I went to Target today and did not see it. Toni-I remember you saying before about the support group at a Mexican Restaurant. I could not beleive it then, still don't. it is one of my redflag foods. I love it. I will stay a way for a while. Good news to Holliw. I also heard that junk food goes down easy, however that is not a good thing. Well, long post, I also lost 4 lbs!:clap2: I now have to figure out how to update it again. It is hard. I feel so computer stupid!

I think we need a Ticker expert! I to have had problems and when I have to change the weight again( which I hope is soon) I am not sure I will remember how! It was not easy the first time! Drive- what is a Bullet? What is the full name? I think I recal someone mentioning it before. Pippz- hang in there! Yes, I felt nervous and stressed up to the time they took me in, but I kept it to a minimum. I kept self talking, " this is what I want, this is going to be great", etc. It helped! I am glad you went to NY and had some friend time! Lucy- what is miso soup? I need to find some options. Insub- I to have taken pills whole, but last night when I took my pain meds, even cutting them in half, I think I took them to fast. Just take your time. Thinking of the Monday crew!!!!!!!!

Good Luck to everyone tomorrow!!!!

Hello SElaine, Cindy and others. I am home and recovering, my surgery was on Thursday, June 7. I have been reading all your posts since then, and so much to follow! You guys are a great group. I wish I read more experiencing less GAS Pain, It is a kicker! My surgery all went well overall, I stayed over night and went home on Friday. I have had port/ incision pain and gas. I have been trying to get around, walked yesterday and did some chores today, taking the stairs more. I need to walk later. My biggest challenge is the gas pain and the " what to eat" or not! I have been good with the fluids, but for those of you who have to stay on liquids for 4-6 weeks, I would be struggling. I wish you all the best. My post op appt is Wednesday and I think I will be on mushies then. I am not sure who posted about the support group and getting discouraged with the limited weight loss. I think when we look at the total we wish it would be more, but they are probably the average. I knew when I decided to be banded, that the weight loss would be slower, but I also think it depends on each one of us. Exercise, food choices, age, etc. Just like it was prior to banding. I to hope it comes off faster than that too, however, a loss of 45-60 lbs is better than I did last year! I am sure I will get discouraged too. That is what makes this sight good. Have a great day everyone.. hang in!

Heather, Hang in there!! Do you need the Protein powder as much if you are eating mushies? I am thinking that the need for the protein is more when you are on liquids. I did not want to buy anything until my post op doctor appointment on Wednesday. If I think it will be hard to get in my protein, then I will get it. I pureed chicken noodle Soup, low sodium, and could get down a cup. I am sorry, my brain can't wrap around that. It was not good to me. I will have to figure out other options! I love black bean soup and refried, fatfree vegie ones, which I think I should be able to eat next week. then I read someone who baked ricotta cheese with sauce. That sounds good too. Have you thought of those? I had to get out of the chair and had wedding duties to do. So I baked three batches of these gooyie butter squares. Cutting them will be the challenge!!! I asked my DH if my breath smelled, he said nothing more than usuall!! Isnt' he a comedian! I guess it is ok for now, but I taste a difference. Good luck with your excercise Minty Fresh, it will all pay off on surgery day!!!