C.N.

Is there a college cafeteria handy? My son is in college and he will eat at the cafeteria on occasion. They might have cottage cheese and some other early bandster foods. I am leary of Subway. I am afraid with the meat and veggies - and starch (bread/wrap), I wouldn't chew well enough. But that is just me. The other idea I have is Carnation Instant Breakfast has just come out with ready made shakes in a bottle. You could try that. Or natural peanut butter on crackers. Good luck - I know with planning you can find some decent choices. Oh and good luck with your spring semester. C.N.

luvsrocks - I have been doing a bit of walking - but definitely not enough. I have a long hair chichuahua and he definitely is inspiration to walk. I have a group of friends that exercise together 2x a week. I am concerned about going because of the abdominals. Does anybody have any guidelines about when bandsters can start doing situps? C.N.

Just wanted to say hi to all of you over 50's bandsters. I was banded 12-12-07 and have lost 27 lbs. I was happy to see this forum - because we do have different problems and needs. So, with that said - I look forward to the posts. C.N.

All I can say is OH MY GOSH! C.N.

Two weeks would have been hard for me too. I started mushies on week 2. Hang in there. This too shall pass. C.N.

lachica - my only concern would be that you should track your protein intake. It will help you heal better. I strive for 50-60g/day - but I know alot of others have a much higher protein goal. Congrats on your weight loss - all the best. C.N.

My husband and I have used stevia for years off and on. It is good in most things. But, I find it isn't good in oatmeal. I bought a stevia cookbook and made one recipe. It really wasn't all that great. Don't know if you have Vitamin Shoppe by you or not - but they have a store brand that is made by Sweetleaf and is considerably less expensive. Stevia is a good thing. C.N.

mamato3, Thought I would just say a quick Hi! and wish you all the best with your surgery on the 7th. I am from Virginia and live in a rural area east of Richmond. Was banded on 12/12/07 at St. Mary's. Haven't been to their support group yet - probably because it is quite a drive and don't like driving at night. Hope your pre-op diet is going well (if you have one) C.N.

That is terrific. But please take care not to over do. Welcome to the other side. C.N.

Liz, I was pretty tired after surgery too. Don't push yourself to much. You do need to get that protein in 50-60 g plus. I don't eat 1000 calories/day and I am 3 weeks out. It takes some getting into the groove of the proper timing before and after your meals - that is according to your doctor. Yikes! ham - a bit too soon. From your post it appears you are on full liquids and some soft food. I started real food at 3 weeks. Hope things get better for you. Take care of your new band. C.N.

Thanks Karri. I tend to be cautious too. Better that than sorry. C.N.

Okay, I have finally started walking for some exercise. Not that I wasn't walking before - but now it is a concerted effort. My question for you exercisers is this: How long after surgery did you wait before you started exercising your abdominals? Any help would be appreciated. C.N.

Ah, Twigs, So sorry you are feeling badly. This too shall pass. It is suchhhhhhhhhhh and adjustment to eat such small portions - my eyes are bigger than my pouch thing. Just know we are here for you. and - remember why you did this in the first place. Keep your eyes on the prize. C.N.

Yes - I have to leave that dry sirloin burger alone. Trouble is I live in a kinda rural area and its about 30 minutes to get fresh fish. There is a Trader Joe's about 45 min. away and I know the frozen fish there is decent. Any suggestions on frozen fish?

Chris, What a terrific weight loss in just one month. You go girl. I see a definite difference in your before and after. The pictures are a definite inspiration. C.N.

Is this product something that you could use throughout the day. I like to use Isopure - but dilute it over ice and drink it throughout the day. That is when I am not waiting before and after meals. C.N.

Fellow Merry Losers, Can you still feel your port? I am 17 days out and right after surgery, I could feel my port. Now, I can't. How about you? Hoping all is going well with everybody. I love this December 07 Bandster forum. It is so good to be able to talk, with others that are about the same bandster age. Have a good day everybody, C.N.:whoo:

Congratulations, Roberta. Take it easy and take care of you! Wishing you a speedy recovery. C.N.

Yes, I have the left shoulder pain. I was banded 12/12. It isn't intense but it wears on me. A heating does help. C.N.

P.S. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Best of luck to you. C.N.

I have started that process too - at least getting the summer clothes that I wore. It feels good to clean up the closet a bit. Getting ready for that new wardrobe. Listen to me and I am only a little over two weeks out. But my total so far - including a 2 week preop diet is 19 lbs. I'm happy. C.N.

:girl_hug:Well, caffeine wasn't totally restricted after 1 week. I was amazed. I figured I would have to do without. But, I have 1 cup in the morning - no other caffeine. What I miss is my Half and Half. Can't have that now and the Fat Free stuff doesn't cut it. But, I guess I eventually learn to love it. My abdomen is still swollen. I sticks out in my tops. I was banded on 12/12 also. Be blessed to day, C.N.

Roberta, So many feelings you go through before the surgery. Wishing you all the best with ease of recovery. C.N.

This new way is much easier to decipher. Thanks for taking the time to reorganize. C.N.

I'm from Virginia. The first from VA on your list! C.N.