Kathybad

Hi Everyone, I just got back from camp. I'm exhausted, but we had a great time. I didn't do very well on the mushies though. The menu for the weekend had very little that could be mushed up in my magic bullet, so I just chewed like hell. I have discovered that I can pretty much eat anything, as I have no restriction whatsoever. I was very careful with everything I ate, and kept it to 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup servings, but I know I could continue to eat, and eat, and eat if I wanted to. I did drink quite a bit of alcohol thought... I guess that is a bit of a VOICE camp tradition, as the kids are being entertained, us adults are enjoying our own version of entertainment. Wine passes through just fine!! I've decided that since my first fill isn't until Sept 10th (my doctor waits 6 weeks, as that's the manufacturers recommendation), and I have no restriction, that my goal this month is to eat healthily, start a real exercise program and just maintain until the fill stage. I don't intend to try to lose weight right now... just maintain. After all, I got the band to assist me in the process, and it can't really assist me right now until it's filled. I've tried to catch up on the posts, but sure I missed some things. So here goes... Lynette.... CONGRATS! $9,600 of new found money. Don't let your DH spend that... put it away for yourself to use on something special as a reward when you reach your goal. Marcy... Oh you are so lucky. I love crab, salmon, etc. I've also always wanted to visit Alaska. Must be amazing. Sunny... Hope you're doing better in the hind end situation!!! Jeanie... Miss you sis! Everyone else, hope you are doing well!!!

Dini, yes Sarah gets weekly visits from physio, occupational and speech therapists. Thankfully they all go to the daycare, so I don't have too many appts each week. Once a month they come to our home to give us progress updates. They have helped so much, its amazing. Our son, Jesse, also gets weekly occupational and speech thereapy while school is in. We have to attend the speech sessions with him, and monthly for the occupational therapy. Makes for a busy life, but worth it.

Thanks Cazulay! I am very proud of them.

Do you mean thos fallic looking bullets! LOL. That would be a hoot to take with me.

:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce: :bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce: This is from my son. Jesse.

IndigoGirl, I had the "liquid in liquid out" thing going on while on clear fluids. Once I moved to full fluids it started to "bind" up a bit. Now I'm fairly regular, but light. I would suggest you speak to your doctor about this. It might be normal, but then again, it might not.

Dini, sweetie. My little girl's name is Sarah. She is 3 years, 4 mths old, but was very premature, so would have just turned 3 a few weeks ago if she went full term. We got her just before her 2nd birthday. At that time she only had 2 words "hi" and "thank you". Now she talks up a storm. She's still a little delayed, but I don't think it will be long before she's all caught up. It is so cute listening to her babble and learn more words and speak in sentances. Also, when we got her she had just learned how to walk. She has a mild form of cerebral palsy where her muscle tone is very loose (hypotonia). This causes her to be really floppy and uncoordinated. We just got her out walking everywhere, which helped her gain some strength and endurance. Now she's running everywhere. She still falls down a lot, and won't be a ballarina, but she's strong and determined. She is really an amazing little girl, full of energy, curiosity and determination.

Thanks Chimboree, I'll make sure I bring some canned tuna with me on my trip. eggs won't be much of a problem in the morning, as they always have scrambled eggs at Breakfast. Dini, how are things going? Are you still too restricted? How's you princess? I just put mine to bed. She hates going to bed. She must think we stay up and play all evening and she's missing out. She'll be so tired and still say "no bed, no bed". Its too cute.

Vacation is going really well. It rained all day today, so we took our son and our friends son indoor "glow" mini golfing and then to see the Simpsons Movie today... not really my cup of tea, but they thought it was funny. Tomorrow we're off to a waterpark. I don't think I'm supposed to be swimming yet, but my scars have all healed, with no scabs, so I'm going. Its so hot here.. not sunny though. Really humid. I'm still on liquids, but I did chew up some popcorn at the movie today, and it went through fine. I'm not overly hungry, but when hunger hits... IT HITS!!!! I feel like I'm out of touch with everyone, as I don't really have the time to read everyones posts. I think someone was asking about band type and size... mine is a Midband, same as Peaches (we have the same surgeon). I think its a 10 cc band, but not sure. I know its Dr. Yau's preferred band right now, but he chooses the band for the patient once he's inside and can see what would work best for them. This weekend we are off to Bark Lake, which is a private campground that has lots of rustic cabins and a lodge that is like a rustic hotel. Every year at this time our association, Voice for Hearing Impaired Children, arranges a family weekend at this camp. About 60 families from all over Ontario meet here. Its a lot of fun for everyone. While at camp our meals are prepared for us and served cafeteria style. I'm thinking it might be difficult for me to find mushy food at each meal. Any suggestions? I really don't want to bring baby food, but could bring my magic bullet. I could also bring some prepared food, but not sure what I should bring. It will be my first mushy food. What's working well for everyone on mushies?

I'd wait to until Transformers is on DVD. There's a lot of adult time in the movie... not sex, just adult conversation. So He might lose interest during those points. But it was a very good movie!

Peaches, I love the sound of this pumpkin recipe. I'm going to have to try this one!

Hi Everyone, Had a great day with the family. My girlfriend came to drop off her son, and she stayed the night. She was banded 7 years ago and has lost all of her weight. She is such an inspiration to me. It's great to hear her story and to know I will have the same success. My niece came in to babysit my daughter tonight, so that we could all go to see a movie. We took our son and my friend's son to see "Transformers". Although it's aimed at boys and men, I have to admit, it was a very entertaining movie. Really great effects and not bad acting. It was a fun evening out. We also went out for dinner to Jack Astors (Canadian restaurant I think). I was able to get their "Beer & Cheddar" soup, which was pureed. It was excellent. Again... I was a cheep date (as we all are)!!!! Hope everyone's well. I tried to catch up on the notes, but I'm sure I missed some. Sounds like our first bandsters are now getting their first fills. Hope all are going well and you are feeling some healthy restriction. I'm 11 days post op now and feeling pretty good. I don't seem to have much restriction (at least not for the liquids). I'm going to start mushies in 2 days, so will see if there is any difference then. Take care.

Only, I'm glad you liked it!!! I'll keep posting any recipes I try.

Morning Everyone, I've been really busy on my vacation. I now have a house full of guests (all sleeping in). Still on liquids, but I don't really mind it much right now. I love soup, and I've been making some yummy soups to keep me happy. I've lost 22.5 pounds so far, and feel great. I walked about 2.5 miles yesterday, and plan to go golfing tomorrow. If I can't swing, then I'll just walk with everyone. Hope everyone is well. I didn't have time to catch up on the posts. Take care, I'll check in again in a few days.

Hi Everyone. I had a great trip to Port Huron today. Except for the 3 hour wait at the border :cry. The traffic stopped about 7 km from the bridge, and cars were parked forever. Most of us were getting out and socializing while we waited. We finally got through customs around 6pm. We did a little shopping for the kids and then went to Olive Garden. I'm still on liquids, but I remember someone saying "as long as I can sip it through a straw, its a liquid". So I had a frozen drink... yummy! And I asked them if they could puree the minestroni soup for me, which they were happy to do. So I had a great meal. I love Olive Garden. We used to have them in Canada, but they closed up in the mid 1990's. So whenever we go over the border for shopping, we go there for dinner. MMMMM Jeanie, I'm sorry I missed you. But really glad to hear from you. I hope your daughter heals up quickly.

Morning everyone. I was told by the dietician at my clinic that many bandsters feel "tighter" in the morning... more restriction. I thought she was crazy when she said this... but its true!! At night I can eat 1 cup of soup or yogurt. In the morning, all I can get in is about 4 spoons of yogurt and I'm full. Cool. Anyone else get this? Where are you Jeanie? Haven't heard from you since Wed. I'm off for the day. We're taking the kids to Port Huron (just 45 min away and over the boarder) I like to shop there in August for school clothes and last minute summer stuff. I'm probably going to eat at Olive Garden (we don't have those here in Canada, and we love them), but not sure how successful it will be since I'm still on full fluids.

Dini, if I stopped, I might never start again!!! You know what its like with a very active child. LOL Seriously, I think you handled the situation really well with Adam. And you are not bringing us down when you unload. We care about you. That's what we're here for. I agree with Danny, though. He can't communicate his true feelings. However, if he has to plan his move based on his paycheque, not on what is right for the situation, I find that sad. Surely he has friends or family that he could turn to. Take care of yourself and your princess first... everything else can wait!

What a great day to start my vacation!!! Yeah, 2 weeks off work! I feel great again today. I took off my steri strips last night, probably too soon on one of the scars. I should have let it fall off. There was a lot of dried blood on that one, and when I took it off, the scab stuck to the strip, so now that scar is a bit open. I think this means the scar will heal but will be wider or more visible. When do you think I would be able to golf? I'm day 8 post op? I feel fine, but don't want to tear or pull anything.

Dini, sweetie, I'm so sorry you are living through this huge emotional roller coaster! As you said, you know what you need to do. I would like to tell you that you're over reacting, but your 6th sense is probably right. I loved Danny's advice to be direct. Once you do that, you'll know. Be sure he knows what's at stake. Then, once the decision is made, and if it is to go your separate ways... please, please remember Adam is Annafranchesca's dad. He deserves to be part of her life and she deserves to have him in it. Whatever is between the two of you is not between the two of them. It is not going to be easy, he will never really be out of your life in this situation. But if you love your daughter you will help her to have a good relationship with her dad. One big no no... even though you may be justified, never express your true feelings of anger or dislike towards him in front of your daughter. That catches her in the middle and she will side with you, but in that she will lose a bit of herself. I don't mean this to be a lecture... just my own reflection as a child of divorced parents. I am so lucky my parents followed the above advice, and I was able to form a great relationship with both. Not so for many of my friends. Good luck Dini, and you know you can draw emotional strength from us.

My niece said yes!!! I get to take my hubby with me to Palm Springs!!! :whoo::whoo::whoo::whoo::whoo::whoo::whoo::whoo: Happy Dance!

Chimboree: I think you and I are very alike, can't sit still!!!! Have to keep busy, and keep pushing ourselves regardless of advice. I have to admit, when I hit the energy wall on Tuesday while organizing my friends retirement party, it kind of scared me. I've never done that before. I've always had energy reserves. But do you think I'll learn from that experience... no way! LOL. Thanks for the info on the reduction surgery. Who knows, maybe one day!

I spoke to my BF tonight and she has agreed to babysit my daughter over part of my trip to Palm Springs and then my brother has agreed to let his daughter stay at our house to babysit her for the rest of the week. Our trip is from Oct 6-11, which is Saturday to Thurs. Oct. 6-8 is our Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, which my BF is going to cover. Then my niece can take over from Monday night to Thursday night. Yippie!!!! I just have to confirm with my niece that she will do it, which I know she will. Once that's done, I'm going to have to surprise my DH with the news. I was thinking of getting a printout of the hotel, and creating a gift certificate sort of thing, then putting it into a card to say I love him. Any other suggestions? This will be our first trip away since our son was born in 1998.

Hi Sunny! my doc is more restrictive. I was on clear fluids for the first 4 days, then full fluids until day 16, then mushies until day 30. I can't start on solids until day 31. I also don't get my first fill until 6 weeks (Sept. 10th). I know he has done more than 2000 bands in the last 7 years, so has this down to a science. But I will probably progress the mushies up a bit, as I'm going away next Thursday, so will start it then instead of Sat. How are you feeling... energy good? pain gone?

Chimboree: 4 hours in a car anytime is enough to wipe me out, let alone being day 8 post-op! Take a break! BTW, were you happy with the reduction? Did it hurt more or less than the band?

Only4me, I didn't have much restriction at first, so don't think I'm a good judge. My dr. told me that some people's stomaches will swell after surgery and can take several days to come down. This will increase your restriction. For now, I would suggest you concentrate on getting in enough calories each day to function. Take it from me, if you don't get enough, you hit a wall really quick! If it's a choice between the water or the meal replacement, I personally would choose the meal replacement. But don't push yourself to eat too much. You don't want to stretch your pouch. Take it one step at a time!