mommytokk

LauraP, Great info! I too fall into several of the categories...weight loss, hormone changes (my period has been out of whack! my gyn put me on BCP's for 2 months because of it), surgery, stress...no wonder my hair is falling out!! Thanks, it makes me feel better!:waytogo: Kathy

METALBAND, HA! You crack me up! I guess I'm tired or something, but I really got a chuckle out of that! and Cindyluhu...I guess we're all experiencing the same thing. I didn't think about the vitamin issue. I have not taken ANY vitamins yet...guess I'll start tomorrow. I have not been the model bandster as far as food choices. I TRY to eat good things, but it's hard when I continue to lose when I eat what I want (usually includes something in the chocolate food group!). I know it will catch up with me, so I need to get serious and start eating better! Thanks for all your answers. I feel better, although I'm still not sure what to expect. Hopefully it will stop. If anyone has any other info, please share! HAVE A HAPPY WEEKEND!!! Kathy:)

:help: Hi all! I haven't posted in a long time, but knew I could come here for some insight. My question: has anyone been losing hair??? I have lost just over 50 pounds now, and suddenly my hair is falling out (thank goodness I have lots of it...but I don't want to lose it all!) I am not very good at eating as much protein as I should, and I am trying to get more each day, but I still am a little nervous. Anyone else??? My weight loss has slowed down quite a bit (only about 5 pounds a month in the past 2 months). I am a little frustrated, but happy it is still going DOWN and not up! Hope all are doing well, and I am sorry if this issue has already been addressed. I just haven't had time to go back and read all the past posts. Thanks in advance, Kathy

Sue11, METALBAND, sjrgilman: Thanks for your responses! I feel better already. I have an appt set up on Monday with my ob/gyn. The nurse didn't seem overly concerned, but thought I should be seen next week. I know I'll feel better after that. Thanks again...I really appreciate your input!:eek:

Hi to all A-MAY-zing bandsters! I haven't posted for awhile, but try to catch up on everyone periodically. I have been busy with typical summer things... travel, ball games, work, etc. It's been hectic! I have a big question (guys, you don't need to answer): is anyone having unusually heavy or prolonged periods????? I was late for my period this month (probably by about a week...I'm not good at tracking it). Anyway, when I DID finally start, it was lighter than normal. I typically have a light period - about 3 days, with only the 2nd day being anything significant. I can usually wear just one tampon throughout the day, even on my heaviest day (I know, not a good practice). But, this was lighter than normal...THEN, the flood gates opened! I have been bleeding for at least 7 days now. It is heavy (for me)...and shows no sign of stopping. I guess it is considered prolonged, not neccesarily heavy. I am not crampy, no pain, etc. I also have lots of large blood clots...eeewwww! Any ideas?? I have been doing some reading, and it seems like this is not uncommon. But I have not missed a period (other than when pregnant) or have been unusual since the 1st time I started at 12 years old. You could set calendars on my cycles cuz I'm so regular! HELP!! I have called my gyn...her nurse will call me back today. I guess I am just looking for some assurance. My hubby is out of town this week, and I need some uplifting! As far as the band goes, I'm doing well. I have lost 40+ so far, and am wearing clothes that I haven't been able to wear in years! It feels SO GOOD!!!!! I hope all of you are doing well...it's great to have all of you out there! Blessings.....:confused:

jsrico I had my fill with Dr. Spivak today...it was NOTHING!!! I honestly didn't even feel the slightest stick or anything! He fills you in the room, then takes you to the fluoroscopy thing and you drink barium. I could tell right away that it wasn't going down, and you could see it on the screen. So, he removed some of the saline (he uses a VERY small needle in that is hooked to a small tube, connected to a syringe...that way he can adjust it while you are in front of the fluoroscope...it just hangs there when you are drinking, etc)...as soon as he took some out, you could see the barium going through. He was happy with it, and took the needle out. It was the simplest thing ever! DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT! It was so very easy. You will do FINE! Hopefully now the scale will start to move again. I have officially lost 15.5 pounds since my 1st meeting with him. He rocks!

I go in for my 1st fill today (hope I see you there, Stacey!). Does anyone have any experiences with it (good or bad)?? I read somewhere to eat softer foods on the day of the fill, and to be prepared to do liquids for a day or so afterwards, followed by mushies, then solid food. I am SO READY to eat a salad!! :hungry: I have been able to eat most anything, as long as it is not doughy, and if I eat s-l-o-w-l-y! I know I am supposed to be on mushies still, but if you chew your food 7,000 times, it IS mushy!! HA!! (I know I am rationalizing why I ate some things I shouldn't, but I just could NOT do the Protein Shakes anymore!) I have eaten some crackers, chips, and crunchier things, but try to stick to yogurt, sf puddings, mushy chicken salad, and Soups. I really don't care to see another pile of mashed potatoes again...or at least for awhile! I have lost 14 pounds since the surgery, so I feel good about that, but the scales have not moved (have even gone up & down) for the past week. I am soooo ready for a fill! Like Samiam, I could also eat a horse! (as long as it is not served with mashed potatoes) Please let me know what your fill is like, and how you are doing since. I know some of those who had their bands placed before I did (on the 11th) still have not gone in for a fill. Dr. Spivak says you have to be 4 weeks out...I guess other dr's recommend waiting longer. Hope everyone is doing well!

susaninnkc, I am SOOOO sorry to hear of your complications. You sure do have a great attitude, and I am SURE you will heal soon. Please take care of yourself! ragdoll, I really didn't experience any port pain OR swelling. My port is about 2 inches below my bra, smack dab in the middle! I know a lot of people have the port on the side...I wonder if one is more uncomfortable than the other??? Have you tried OTC pain meds, like liquid Tylenol?? Or is it even the kind of pain that is fixed by that?? (I feel like if you have muscle pain, ie if it hurts when moving, the pain meds dull it, but doesn't take it away). Either way, I sure hope you feel better soon. And you have every right to have a big 'ol pity party!! You have been through a lot, and deserve some slack! Keep your chin up, and good luck! Samiam, I think you're right!! I DID read something in Dr. Spivak's info about a recommended glass of wine, or was it a margarita?? or was it a dream??

I want YOUR doctor!! Just kidding...I think Dr. Spivak is awesome, but gosh, a REQUIRED glass of wine sounds GREAT!!!

Maalani, I said a prayer for you this morning. Try to stay positive, and take care of yourself.

Hey...my mom told me about Muhammed Ali's daughter...she was on Good Morning America this morning talking about the gastric band she got. She has written a book about her experience...there is an excerp on Good Morning America website. I am 11 days post surgery, and honestly, I feel completely normal. I have no pain at all, unless I take too big of a drink of water. There really isn't pain, just some of the shoulder discomfort again. I have hunger now, but find that I am satisfied with just a little bit of yogurt, oatmeal, etc. I HAVE cheated some though (ice cream goes down pretty easily...UGH). I need to get a fill SOON...I can see why this period is frustrating for people. I feel that I can eat more solid foods, but resist because I am supposed to be on mushies for 4 weeks. I have lost 11 pounds since surgery, which is good, but it has slowed down a lot...I haven't lost anything in the past 3-4 days. I know a lot of that was water weight, but I feel like I should be losing because I am eating SO MUCH LESS than I ever did before. Oh well...I just keep plugging along!! Thanks to all for the posts...I learn so much from everyone, and feel like I have my own little support group! Y'all are great! Good luck to those who are still being banded this month...just think...in several weeks we will all be talking about how much we are LOSING!!!!!!! WOO-HOO!!

Hi all! (and hey to my roomie in the hospital...samiam!) I guess I need to go get some of the whey Protein. I am NOT doing so well at getting in my protein. Some other things I have eaten on the mushy stage: tried instant oatmeal today...the Heart Smart one has less sugar and more protein. It went down FINE! I felt pretty weak today at work...just NO energy. I felt MUCH better after my oatmeal. I think I just need some energy (ie calories). I also had soft green Beans tonight at a BBQ restaurant. I avoided the little pieces of ham, and just ate the beans, slowly and thoroughly. Again, did great. I am just NOT a fan of Protein drinks. I guess I'll have to find other ways to get the protein in. (I can't wait till I can have some chicken, or chopped turkey, etc). Hope all are doing well...good luck to those who are to be banded soon! Remember, you are in good hands!

thanks! we have Kroger here (Houston)...I'll go look for it. Is it in the health food area (ie near the pharmacy)??

Laura P, That sounds yummy! I have been eating the sf puddings with a little lite cool whip, but I hate it that i am not getting the ptn. Where did you get your vanilla protein powder?? Do you know...are there ones that taste/work better than others?

ragdollx19 Where do you find these?? Do they taste good? and are they like water, or more like a crystal light??? thanks! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Legster, THANKS!! I'll check it out!

Boy, this thread is getting interesting!! It's great to see the transitions everyone is making, from the pre-op stages, to the surgery, to post-op! What a great group! I wish everyone getting banded this week the BEST of luck! I know you'll do great! I have a question for those of you on the "other side!" I am in the mushy stage right now (was banded by Dr. Spivak on 5-11). What are you eating?? I'm not a big protein drink fan, but will drink them if I need to (I get full on them really fast, and the only reason I drink them is to get the protein...therefore I don't get much protein because I can't drink them all!) I know how important protein is at this point, but Dr. Spivak's instructions said to eat things of baby food consistency, ie pudding, yogurt, jello, soups, etc. He also said NO MEAT (yes, it was in caps!). But, do you think that means no solid meats?? Like would a blended meat be ok?? He said fish is ok, and I tried that today...NOT GOOD! I ate about 4-5 bites (the size of a 1/2 dollar), and the pain was pretty intense. I felt sharp, gassy pains in my stomach within 4-5 minutes, and had to stop. I even felt a little nauseous, but just burped a little gas, and that ended. I guess I'm not ready for that type of food yet. It's funny...I can eat hot and sour soup with NO PROBLEMS! Maybe because the food in it is chopped up fine. It seems heavy to me, but I guess it really isn't. It has lots of tofu and egg whites in it, so I know the protein is good. Anyway, does anyone have any good advice for the mushy stage?? I did a search for recipes and have gotten some good ones, but oftentimes they contain meat (that is blended). I'm confused! :help: I know I am supposed to get lots of protein in, but how?? Jello and pudding just doesn't cut it...I start to get hungry now, and I know the protein will help. Please let me know if any of you have any ideas. Maybe we should publish an A-MAY-zing Bandsters Cookbook and make a fortune! Thoughts and prayers to everyone getting banded today and tomorrow! YOU WILL DO GREAT!!

I was in for just day surgery. I had Dr. Spivak, and he recommends clear liquids for the first 24-48 hours, then a mushy diet for 4 weeks. That is anything like creamy soups, yogurt, SF pudding, SF jello, or anything of baby food consistency. We can also eat veggies, as long as they are chopped up small (or blended), and well-cooked (so they are soft). I got a call from the dr's office today, and asked the nurse about it. She said it was great (the hot and sour soup)...but I did NOT eat the meat in it. I have felt great, and hope I'm not doing anything wrong?!?!?

Good luck to everyone being banded this week! Thoughts and prayers are going your way! I can't believe I was banded only 3 days ago. I feel great! The gas pains were AWFUL, but that was BY FAR the worst of it. My incisions feel/look good, and I am really starting to have more energy. Oh! and I am starting to have hunger pains! I have been drinking broths, ptn shakes, and water. Last night I ate hot and sour soup, and it was DEVINE! I just avoided all the meat in it, and ate the rest. The tofu has a lot of ptn, and the veggies were cut up real small. It was so filling and satisfying...good thing I love it! I have been trying to find recipes for the mushy stage. Any ideas?? I have read where people make soups (ie tortilla), and just run it through the blender. But I wonder how you do that if you are not supposed to eat meat yet? (except fish). I'm trying to think of good things to eat. Today I had some mashed potatoes and gravy from KFC. I know they are not very healthy, but I don't know what else to do (other than soups and ptn drinks). If anyone has any insight, I'd appreciate it! Thanks!

Crabcake, Here is my recipe...I do it a little different each time, but this is pretty close. I made it one summer when we had a lot of fresh corn (my hubby and I are from Nebraska originally, and after living in Texas for several years, we moved back...we were there 2 years, then returned to Texas). Anyway, here it is: Saute 1 small onion and 1 red pepper in about 3-4 Tbsp olive oil (I chop the onion and pepper really small because I can't stand big onion chunks). Add 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp parsley, 2 tsp black pepper, and 1 Tbsp chopped garlic...let them all simmer in the olive oil for awile...it brings out the flavors of dried spices. Add 2 cans cream corn, and 2 bags fresh frozen corn (or use fresh corn if you have it). Add one large can chicken broth (the BIG one...equals 4 or more soup cans). Let simmer until completely cooked through. Carefully add soup (in portions) to a blender...puree well, and add back to the pot. Once all has been pureed, add 1 cup heavy cream (can get FF cream), and 1-2 cups lump crab meat. I add pepper if needed, and salt if you like (I like black pepper to flavor things better than salt). I'm sorry if the measurements are iffy...I usually just do it on my own. You can season it however you want...I tend to like spicier flavors, thus add the cayenne. It is really good, and so satisfying! Let me know if you need any other directions...and if it seems to thick, just add more chicken broth. If it is too thin, add more corn. Good luck! <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hi all! Happy Mother's Day! (KadrianMatthews and Kacee...I was banded by Dr. Spivak on Friday. He is so nice. Overall, I had a great experience at the hospital - ParkPlaza. I would recommend him highly.) Ok...the surgery went fine. I got to the hospital at 6:30, into surgery around 9:30, woke up in recovery (in PAIN) around 11am. They gave me something in my IV, which helped, but once I got up to my room, I needed some of the liquid Lortab. That took away the surgery pain, but the gas pain was (and has been) AWFUL! I wish I could say it's not so bad, but it was! I have had 2 C-sections and my gall bladder removed (laproscopically), and this was much worse than any of those. I am able to move around easily, I sleep well, I just can't get the gas pains to go away. They seem to subside after walking and rocking in a chair, but come back full force! Anyone else?? I have been taking Maalox (liquid)...the GasX strips did nothing. It IS getting better, but I didn't think the gas would be here after several days. Oh well...other than that, I feel pretty good. I have lost over 10 pounds so far! WOOHOO! I have not really had ANY appetite so far...this morning my stomach was growling for the 1st time. I had a cup of tomato soup...tasted good, and went down fine. I am trying to think of things to eat these next 4 weeks. Dr. Spivak recommends a liquid diet for 1-2 days, then a mushy diet for 4 weeks...ground food, soups, soft veggies, etc. The only meat allowed is fish. I wonder if I could eat crab meat?? It is small, soft, etc. I make a corn crab chowder that is very filling (I blend the corn, so it is all pureed). I hope all of you are doing well. It's good to be on the other side! For all of you having surgery soon, just take it easy, walk as much as you can, and have someone there to help support you for a few days. One of my good friends just came and sat with me yesterday while my hubby took the boys to their bb games. She helped me clean up a bit (betadine is a hard thing to get off your skin!), and did some of my laundry too! What a great friend! (I told her she has crossed the line...she has see my scars AND folded my underwear!) Good luck to all!

Well, I'm done counting down the days...now I am counting HOURS. I got a little emotional when I put the boys to bed tonight (6 & 8 years old). My oldest one knows what is going on, but the little one hasn't a clue. Now I'm scared. I have been so excited...I guess the jitters are setting in. Also, a very dear friend who worked in our office for the last 5 years died yesterday. She had a meningioma, and had been going downhill for the past year. Still, it was such a shock, and I am just so sad!! I know I am emotional about all that is going on, so it is even worse. My surgery is tomorrow morning, and her funeral is Saturday morning at 11:00...anyone think I can make it ok?? I just can't imagine missing it. The only solace I have right now is that I know she is with Jesus in heaven, and is out of pain. She was the most selfless person! And such a strong Christian. I will miss her dearly. Sorry to go into all that...I guess I just felt like I needed to acknowledge her. It's hard to be so excited for the surgery, yet so sad for Hanna. I'm a mess!:cry But...I know she would be so proud of me, and I know she is looking down on me. I have to get to bed, get a good night's sleep, and wake up to a brand new life!!! (or is it a band new life!) Good luck to all who are getting banded in the next several days...I don't know when I'll be up to posting again. Wish me luck!

cindyluhu and cfred, good luck tomorrow!! hope all goes well...please let us know how you do! amy...boy, I WISH I had that nesting urge!! My house needs some work! I am too excited to clean (maybe a little nervous too!) I've been tired also, because I am having trouble sleeping at night. I think I am just getting anxious for it to be over. I'm from the south too...Houston area...what about you? (only 2 more days!!!)

mammalee, thanks for the food info...very informative! I think I'll print it out and use it as a guideline. (....2 more days!)

Congrats, Melissa...and less than a week away!!! WOOHOO!