Taynuh

Grits are akin to corn meal and polenta... basically its a corn meal made with hominy (dehulled corn...either white or yellow... I prefer yellow, but white is more typically found outside of the south). Americans (and people who make polenta) basically make it up with milk and/or Water. You can make it thicker or thinner. Some eat it with sugar and milk like cream of wheat and some like it with cheese, sausage and gravy, various other toppings/additions, etc...me I like it best with bacon and eggs or with butter and salt/pepper. Leftovers can be poured in a pan, left to harden, sliced and fried and served with syrup.... It can also be used as a starch side dish in stead of potatoes. It's also very good with ground beef, browned with seasoned salt and soy sauce. It's basically a very versatile...starch dish... cheap and affordable. Polenta is a more gourmet version... grits are more "soul food'.... Tina

I went with Dr. K in Colorado.... check out his site...www.lapbandrockies,com... ya know, he is priced similar to Mexico, but with all the safety of going American... there's an entire string of his patients under Doctors and Hospitals... called considering Dr. Kirschenbaum (spelling)...anyhow, I just like the safety of being in country, with medical standards, pre and post care for 3 months, legal recourse, etc.... also...many people are flyin to CO as opposed to Mexico... I felt safer with my choice... And airfare is cheap.... Tina

Seriously... I'm on day 19 post-op (9/5)... I did Clear Liquids for 5 days, then full for 5 and soft foods for a week and now I am eating (well chewed and slowly) regular foods...mostly easily chewed stuff... My doctor's philosophy is, everyone heals at different rates and can tolerate different foods at different times... the goal he said was to let the stomach heal and to NOT throw up for at least 21 days... when I went from full liquids to soft foods I did things like scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, enchiladas (gr. beef...not shredded), etc.. Wendy's chili... Yesterday, I had pizza for lunch ...well chewed and slowly... and shake and bake boneless skinless chicken breasts... with stuffing.... Lasagna is good too. I would not tackle a steak though or chewy drier meats... meatloaf is easy too.... I have not gained any weight either (my portions or small...I do feel full fast, despite having an unfilled band)...but psychologically, I feel happy... I do get a feeling like an egg going down whole if I do not chew slow and really well... but that's uncomfortable and a quick reminder to behave... My first fill will be 10/2... Each doctor has their own approach... but overall they all want the stomach to heal well and to have us avoid vomiting for 3 weeks or more... oh and for us to shoot for like 60 Protein grams a day. When on soft foods...my favorite Breakfast is grits with cheese and scrambled eggs... and a spoon of plain whey protein (I grew up down south...I LOVE grits!). I hate Protein shakes...so I also loaded my creamy Soups and oatmeal with Protein powder, so I could skip the shakes... and I drank V-8.... like liquid veggies... When I get my fill and my volume is further reduced...I'll go low carb... and make better choices... I'm kinda digging this phase, pre-fill, and my only goals are to not throw up and not gain weight...although I have lost 11 post-surgery...mostly during the two liquid stages... so far, so good... Tina

Kelli, I'm on solids now... like I said, I pretty much eat what I want...avoiding the foods that Paula (nutritionist) said were problematic (even though with no restriction, I probably could handle them).... I dunno, I do not think it's PB-ing... maybe its that "golfball" thing... that's what I am thinking... Anyhow, I am just trying to really chew and to eat slowly... seems to avoid the issue... Tina

Okay, so I'm like pretty much able to eat what I want...(its day 18 post-surgery) just not as much as I used to eat. Dr. K said I shouldn't have any restriction until my first fill. Still, lately when I eat, if I swallow too much or do not chew my food into a puree, I get this feeling like I swallowed a whole egg and it hurts going down (very uncomfortable)...okay and I seem to salivate a lot (like my body is trying to lube my gullet to get the "egg" down). It takes like 10-15 minutes until that awful feeling goes away. It's really not a nice thing and it has made me chew my food much more carefully... but still, I keep forgetting and sometimes I eat too fast and then yeeoooowwww...:omg: Is this normal? I'm really trying to remember to chew, chew, chew...slow, slow, slow... but sometimes, I 'm apparently on auto-pilot... Tina (otherwise enjoying the band thing, happy and starting to look forward to "working" it...) :whoo:

Ya know, bandsters-to-be, even after the surgery, I am still occasionally regretting my decision, pouting about my new "eating to live" vs. "living to eat" lifestyle which will come with the first fill. I think I always will...and I suspect I'll always want that $10,000 (who would not) in my bank account (okay most likely in an investment account)... but I also know I want to be healthier and that for me, this is what it takes. I am also realistic about this band being a tool. I am going to have to work it and work it well to make the weight loss happen and to keep it off. But, I do think for me -- I'm a bulk eater who likes feeling full -- that this is a better tool than any of the diets I have tried...and the thought that I spent $10,000 (over a year of daycare expenses... or a good chunk towards future college expenses for my daughter) is an incentive for me to "work it". I will only fail if I let me fail. I won't be able to blame the band or the surgeon. It is now up to me. So now, I'll combine my new tool with the low crab eating lifestyle and some exercise (yup, gotta exercise eventually...it's not a magic wand)... and give it my best shot. I am prepared for bad days and temporary lapses of bad behavior... but just like one or two warm days does not make it summer, one or two lapses won't make me a failure... the key will be whether I dust myself and my emotions off and get back to working it. I am pretty sure this will be a difficult journey, but that it can be easier depending on my mindset... but I am human and I have an unhealthy love affair with food and I know I will fall and have doubts... but I also intend to work through it and recognize those doubts, fears, regrets, anger what-have-you...as what they are... the very same obstacles I have had pre-band days and the very same ones I will have post-band days. For me, I am just going to have to come to grips with the child within me who is always saying, "its not fair, everyone else seems to eat what they want and why can't I"? The reality is, it just seems that way... thinner people eat like me only "sometimes"... if ya watched them every day/every meal... they approach food and eating differently... okay, and they have a better genetic setup...lol So yep, get comfy with regrets and doubts...recognize them for what they are... and kick them to the side when ya see them and work that tool! And think about the lower food costs amortized over your life and lower medical costs... you'll be getting your $10,000 back sooner than you think (not to mention, you can itemize your taxes and take the deduction if ya hit the 7.5% of AGI Mark!!!)...woo hoooo... Tina (still wrestling with regrets and doubts, learning to focus on the positives to come...)

Okay, so here it is day 9, post-banding ...so tonight we went out to dinner (something we used to do like 4 nights a week...man, think of the money I am saving in dining out....maybe it will balance out the self-pay!!!!!)....I figured Mexican was good for the "soft foods" week. Anyhow, it was not too bad... I had refried beans with melted cheese, 6-8 incredibly chewed up (like into powder) tortilla chips and a small ground beef enchilada (not bad, the soft corn tortilla I chewed into oblivion and the ground beef middle was almost like a puree anyhow). I saved the tamale and other half of the refritos for tomorrow's dinner... Okay, so I am thinking soft foods can be manageable...and this was my "free day". I skipped the rice...asked for more beans (toot). I kinda figure, in a few weeks I'm going to have restriction and such things (tortillas) will be out...so I might as well splurge (although normally I'd have cleaned the plate and eaten a basket of chips and salsa too...so not that evil). Yeah, and I rationalized that "its about healing and not throwing up right now...not about weight loss". Besides, I was very good all day otherwise (hmmm, this is sounding like a public pleading of my rationalization...hehe)... Regardless... I'm just freaking happy that I had an almost normal meal and dining experience... I think it may be easier when I have a healed tummy... I will just have smaller portions... and well-chewed ones, with no bevarage during my meal... okay, maybe never totally the old "normal" experience, but rather the "new normal experience"... Tina

I dunno, by the card I got post surgery says I have an AP lapband...so, I am thinking he gave me one.... I was banded on September 5th by Dr. K. says Large AP actually....

Marcy, Thanks for the response... not walking yet, but its planned... I am just trying to recover at this point and heal my newly configured stomach... plus also, I am trying to keep my caloric intake to about 1500 calories a day (or less) for now (without feeling like I am starving). I was just worried I was eating way too much volume wise... but its good to know I can hold more (although I won't do more just because I can... too much money invested in this, so I plan on working it as well as I can). Actually, I kinda feel that my 8 ounce smoothie and cup of soup has pushed me into the discomfort zone...so maybe I overdid it a bit. Thanks again! (By the way, one of my best friends was from Nome... way back in the day, when I was a college student...I think she's in Bethel now...)

I have a question... I've been reading other posts on this forum...some of the lapband FAQ stickies... anyhow, people say they are only doing their liquids and creamies in very (very!) small portions (like an ounce or two)... but me... after the first few days when I was doing like a few sips of H2O and all at a time, and then like a 1/2 cup at a time... I can now do like a can of V-8or a soup-in-hand can, etc., with no issues... that's okay right? Cuz, I thought we have no or very little, if any, restriction until the first fill? So, really, we can still hold quite a bit at a time... just avoiding solids and things that get the stomach moving and contracting? And now, I can eat a normal single-sized serving of grits and an egg, no problemo, at breakfast... Okay, I admit, I fill full after, but not uncomfortably or anything... certainly nor stuffed... strange, cuz normally, I used to do two eggs, two grit servings, bacon and 2 pieces of toast in one sitting... sounds like a lot, but then again, that's why I had the lapband, to prevent that kinda thing. So, is it okay to be doing like a cup and a half at a time in volume right now? Inquiring minds wanna know. :biggrin1: Tina

Wow, today is the first day where I feel like I finally reined in my uncontrollable hunger... part of the issue for me was I just hate protein shakes... and I wasn't finding food choices that worked for me (I'm not a sweet tooth person, per se). Anyhow, I'm digging the microwavable campbells soup-in-hand soups...obviously the creamy ones and the campbells selects...yum on butternut squash!!!! Especially cuz I can blend in my whey protein powder and it works with their flavors pretty well. I also like the V-8 juice (wow, 3 servings of veggies in one can). And, now I can have scrambled egg (well chewed/pulverized, of course) with my grits... Although they a re getting boring, I may start doing oatmeal... So finally, I feel like I am eating things I like... I kind of did not have a realistic expectation on the hunger issue and what Dr. K calls "lapband hell" until my Monday appointment. For some reason, I was not expecting to feel normal full-strength hunger with a tummy that was only going to be able to handle non-solids (clear and full liquids and coming very soon....soft foods!) for like 3-4 weeks... Anyhow, got my head straight, figured out things I like to eat that work and life, emotionally, is way better... physically, the band thing is not bad at all... way less discomfort or issues than I expected... it was the emotional/mental stuff that took me by surprise. Like, I especially enjoy cooking for Paul and Tessa foods that I love that I cannot eat (right now anyhow). That's really cool.... Interestingly, my two year old...she likes eating "my" foods too... that cracks me up...she thinks she's missing out! :eyebrows: Anyhow, just thought I share my new bandster prospective.... Question, Did anyone out there think water/beverages felt kinda "fuzzy" for awhile. For some reason water seems "thicker" lately when I drink it... and makes my mouth feel foamy at times. Maybe it's just me? :guess Tina

I did switch to the fuller liquids and I'm feeling much better.... so I'm pretty happy again. I had my grits with butter, salt and pepper and I feel renewed... also, been forcing down those ensure high protein shakes (gag)... so I feel like my calorie intake is back up to a more energizing level. I'll probably do this for another day or so, then move up to soft foods... plus I can eat like a full portion of each without issue so I am good. Just trying to watch the overall caloric intake.... :whoo: Regarding carbs and pre-op diet... Dr. K told me, I could have low carb tortilla's... in fact he recommended the whole wheat LaTortilleria brand...they are big, with only 3 net carbs each... I had one each morning with my eggs...and another with lunch or dinner... they are awesome as a sandwich wrap... yum with tuna. He said it was really about eating the right carbs... so my second pre-op diet I just avoided bread, pasta, spuds, rice, corn, peas and beans... I lost more weight the second time (First surgery was rescheduled cuz I had a fever and was catching a bad cold...Doc's orders). I also got more creative...Labor Day we BBQ-ed... I made fake potato salad with steamed cauliflower florets (soft but not mushy) and the regular potato salad ingredients. I have to say that it was awesome.... I think its the eggs and mayo...anyhow, the texture and flavor was very satisfying...I'll continue to use it instead of real potatoe salad... even Paul liked it! Anyhow, the point is, Dr. K basically said I did not have to be as strict as Atkins, as the goal was to shrink the liver... the tortillas made me feel like I could stick to the diet better... I lost 10 pounds in 10 days doing it that way the second time, only 7.5 pounds when I did the Atkins thing the first time. I also snacked on pork rinds (not everyone likes them, but I like salty, crunchy snacks) and beef jerky. I ate what I made my family for meals...basically substituting cottage cheese for their starch...although one night I did a half cup (cooked) of whole wheat pasta with the meat sauce I fed them... surprisingly it was yummy too. Oh and I was way into smoked almonds...(again I like salt and crunch...not that big on sweets...). When I ate lunch out... I did salads with grilled chicken and either ranch or blue cheese dressing, buffalo hot wings with a side salad, or a burger or grilled chicken sandwich with no bun and added a side salad... Hot wings (bone -in non-breaded) are awesome, I felt like I was cheating, but I was not... and the celery sticks were good with the blue cheese! I also did shrimp cocktails as appetizers... Deviled eggs are a great snack too... I ate cheese only with breakfast and as cottage cheese...otherwise, I got constipated... Basically, that's how I made the low car dietwork for me... Tina...happy now that she is on full liquids!

Hi, Jenn... I'm doing okay...I stopped taking pain killer Thursday night (the 6th)...that was my last dose. I really hate how drowsy and out of it they make me feel...plus, while sore when setting up or getting outta bed, I'm pretty okay otherwise. Heck, I am back to sleeping on my side too...I hate sleeping on my back. For me, the worst part is...I am just freaking hungry constantly... tomorrow is the 4th day and I am planning on moving from clear liguids to full. Since I grew up in Florida (Ft. Pierce until 13) I am a big grits lover and am looking forward to having some grits, since they are on the list for the "full" liquids... and soup...creamy kind...and pudding! Compared to these last few days, its gonna be like feasting! Okay and some protein shakes. Jello, popsicles and juice just don't make me feel any better. For everyone else already banded... Is it okay to have a little blood pooling under that clear plastic tape on the incisions? Its not much, probably like a 1/4 teaspoon at most...it just grosses me out when I look at it ... it does not go anywhere...just sits there soaking my incisions... I see Dr. K for post-surgery follow-up on Monday... I know its about healing right now...but I did lose that 3 pounds I gained right after surgery...and another 6! (No surprise, since I am freaking starving)...(but sipping water and tea left and right)...Psychologically its a much needed boost because I have been kinda depressed about what I just did to myself and how unfair it seems (major self-pity party going on right now)...Still, I think once I'm healed and can sample the foods I am missing I will be able to work the band properly and accept it much better...but right now, I'm really feeling kinda like "what did I do?!"... Buyer's remorse, I know...like buying a new car...you wonder for awhile if ya chose the right one... later you love it (well, okay, I have never learned to love the minivan/bus I am now driving...lol)... That's the scoop on my progress...physically and emotionally... Tina...looking forward to having full liquids! :hungry:

BTW - can anyone tell me where the surgery center is???? I see a hospital (Parker Adventist) right across from me but I really didn't think that was the right place. Maybe I'm a huge dumbo... I'm afraid I don't know where to go tomorrow! LOL ==================== Same place....go in the main entrance and read the directory....but basically same place. I'll be getting there around 12 tomorrow for my 2 pm surgery... Gotta bring my kiddo though (no babysitter)... Maybe, I'll see you... Tina

Littleroo, I am sorry to hear about the failed adoption, that's got to be hard. I know, even with an International adoption (where mothers changing their minds is very rare) it can and does happen and I worry about that all the time. I always tell people, I do not consider him mine until we are on American soil... still, its hard not to let them into your heart while you wait and to feel that they are yours... so I know you must feel that loss. Fortunately, our ability to love is not limited and the baby that is meant for you will be there when the time is right... someone special must be coming in the near future for you and your husband. I'm also a big believer in Karma and timelines being right when the time is right. What is meant to be will be. blah blah blah Well, I thinks its cool about having the same surgery dates too... Mine is at 2 p.m. (so I get to be awake and hungry longer...lol...then if it were in the morning). I think it's at Parker, because Marilyn said she'd have the center hang onto my documents... of course, I'm going to have to refill my Keflex (antibiotic) prescription as I guess the liquid form expires within 2 weeks of mixing... Fortunately, it's a generic... besides, I have decided to use it for my sinus infection... Anyhow, I am using my time to recover and also, am getting ready for baby Tanner's arrival (got a dresser to paint and all... with baby #1, I went with everything new...this time around, I'm a little more practical). Woofay, Thanks so much for your very kind words... and yup, I was frustrated and a little let down...especially because I was mentally ready for it to be done with, but I agree, things happen for reasons...so that is what the cards held for me that day... and look, I'll be having my surgery on the same day now as a fellow adoptive mom-to-be too.... how cool is that?! Tina :hungry:

Hi all, Major bummer, I am now being banded the 5th of September, I was supposed to be banded yesterday, but I had a fever, post-nasal drip, sore thraot and a cough (my two year picked up a cold at daycare...apparently, she does not mind sharing some things), so it was a no-go... So now I wait another month...oh well. On the bright side, I lost 6.5 pounds on the pre-op low carb diet (which I probably gained back when I hit Crabshack Joe's ...across the street from the Parker CPSC...) I will go back to low carbing (just not so diligently, until 10 days before)...just to try to maintain. I was doing the Atkins law carb deal and Dr. K says, you only really need to avoid white foods (pasta, rice, spuds, bread and sugars....oh and corn, peas and beans...you can even do an occasional low carb tortilla!)... Anyhow, that's what I will do until 10 days before and then, I'll kinda go Atkins again..... I'm a little worried because the timing of surgery date number 2 is tight...I am adopting a baby boy from Guatemala (that's where my two year old daughter is from too)...anyhow, we are getting very close to the expected timeframe for finally being able to bring him home... although the adoption process is so variable, it could be even several months beyond September... Still, I am hoping I can recover fast enough (for baby lifting/carrying purposes) before we get to pick him up.... (I just visited him 2 weeks ago...he's such a cutie patootie...5.5 months old and got his first tooth already!) Anyhow, that's my new hiccup...although I am glad Dr. K decided not to go ahead if everything was not 100% before operating...made me feel better.... Tina... was gonna be a "crazy ate", now, going be a September gal I guess...

Well, how about 3 weeks after surgery? My significant other, Paul, has to go overseas again for a few weeks...so, I will be home alone with my daughter... I don't have to do a lot, just in/out of the car seat, tub, changing table, dining chairs, etc. Ummm, okay, maybe quite a bit... She is in daycare M-F, 9-5, so, that should help? Tina

I've been in Longmont about 7 years...I'm actually a transplant (big surprise here in Colorado) from New England. I'm originally from Bangor, Maine... But, I love Longmont! Even if I do have to work in Boulder... I have a question for anyone who might have an answer... Do you think lifting a 27 pound two year old will be a problem after surgery or like 2 weeks after? Thanks, Tina

Hi all, I'm Tina and I am from Longmont, Colorado. I just scheduled my lapband for August 9th (wanted to go sooner, but I have some travel and visitors in June and July...). I am excited about the whole concept. This is my 45th ( ) birthday present to myself. I'm mom to a recently-turned 2 year old with another baby coming this fall (adoption)... so I think I'll be needing some more energy and also, I need to make sure I am going to be around to see a grandchild or two. I'm having my surgery done by Dr. K in Aurora. I'll be a self-pay and will try (I hear they've never paid for one yet) to get Anthem BC/BS to reimburse... Anyhow, I've read the entire thread and think it's a great group! Your comments make me feel much better about my decision and make me feel like being more "normal-sized' and fitter is a real possibility. Tina