Kathybad

That's for sure! I'm completely energized today. If I didn't have my scars and steristrips over them, I'd wonder if I even had surgery a week ago. I'm actually feeling some restriction now that I switched to some thicker stuff. I added unflavoured protein powder to my broccoli & cheese soup. It had a weird kind of foamy texture, but no difference in taste. I think it will be healthier for me too.

Are you on full fluids? If so, try using thicker soups, yogurt, protein shakes with a banana pureed into it. These seem to "stick" with you a bit longer. I was in hunger hell up until yesterday when I started using more protein and thicker stuff in my liquids. Seemed to work.

Beginning of Pre-op is what I did. Afterall, I gained the weight, it was my highest point and had to lose it.

Thanks for the advice Dini. I did finally relax yesterday by staying home from work. It did me a world of good. I feel great today, just like I did before surgery. My scars feel fine, no pain and no aches. I've got some energy back and a little bounce to my steps. Must be the weight loss!

Icy, you can have mine!!! LOL. I'm the other way, I'd love to get a reduction job on mine. Even skinny I'll be a DD cup. I hate it. As for the belly ring, NO THANKS! Although my DH has bugged me since day 1 of dating to get one... for some reason he thinks they're hot! LOL.

Icy, I know you will get to that goal!!! I have a similar goal in my closet, just not as sentimental... but still motivational. You can and will do it!

I've just made broccoli & cheese soup. Yummy. I've added the recipe to our recipe thread.

Ok, another great soup I just created... sorry for all the soups! Can you tell I'm in the liquid stage! LOL 1 head of broccoli, trim off all icky parts, cut up 2 cups of chicken broth 2 tsp Italian Seasonings 1 tsp garlic powder 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups cream (light cream or milk) Simmer broccoli and spices in broth until really tender (about 30-40 min). Puree with an emersion blender. (Broccoli is stringy, so won't puree purfectly until you add cheese and cream.) Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Stir in cream. Puree again with emersion blender. Reheat and enjoy! Use more or less broth or cream to get thickness to where you want it. Use more or less cheese as desired. Also, vary the cheese if you like. I like sharp cheeses like Stilton, which would work well. My DH hates sharp cheese, so I stayed with cheddar.

Bless you CeCe. I love your list!

Ok, I thought of a question for today. This is a bit recycled, but when it was asked a few weeks ago, many of our newest members weren't here and most of us weren't banded. So, for those of us suffering with REAL HUNGER, and those of you who have plateaued waiting for your first fill... let's restate what we are looking forward to as we and when we lose weight... could be motivational. My list Fitting into an airplane seat comfortably Not always so concerned about food when at a party Shopping in a normal sized clothing store Running & catching my kids Climbing up & down stairs without pain in my knees Wearing shorts that don't ride up while walking Sleeping better BETTER HEALTH How about the rest of you?

Jackie, sorry I forgot you in my note above. CONGRATULATIONS!!! 10,000 steps today. You did it!:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

Jeanie: Hi sis. Hope your evening's going well. I signed on and missed you . Chris: Congrats and welcome to bandland. Glad your stay in the hospital was good (except the cath exp.). Hope your next few days at home go well. I'm day 6 post op and feel great now. Chim: Mushies tomorrow!!! Lucky you! Ssankofa73: Welcome to the lucky 7's. Glad to have you here. Sunny: I keep missing you today! Lynette: Now that your computer's fixed, I still haven't seen you much. I know, you're all healed, filled and not :ranger: anymore! You've got a life! LOL. Take care! Dini: Where oh where is our Dini girl? Everyone else, hope you're well. Any questions of the day circulating?

Sunny, so sorry about the floor $$$ scam. I honestly don't know how people can sleep with themselves when they do this sort of thing. However, once it's done... you'll love it. I love my kitchen!!! :clap2::clap2:

Welcome Donna! Congrats on the weight loss.

I did something in my email, which I think unsubscribed me from the thread, so I'm just posting again...

Sunny, my band sister... it's so nice to see you are doing so well. How's the walking around? I don't think I've won any distance races, but I'm feeling able to walk a lot farther today than on Sat. Good luck tomorrow on your dr. visit.

Marcy, love the tatoo! Hmm did someone mention hot jungle love? I had my first post op this afternoon!! I think my DH is happy again! LOL. Blue Eyed Baby, love the research idea. If you ever do find anything out, I'd be interested in knowing the link!!! JeanniePanni, welcome to the Lucky 7's. Where are you from? Jeanie, how's your afternoon going. I'm so glad I stayed home today. It was exactly what I needed. Head hunger vs. real hunger? I'm sure mine is real. My stomache is growling very loudly and it feels empty. Of course, its 5:25 right now, and I last ate or drank at 1:00, so that would seem right. But, I think my satiated feeling only lasts about 2 hours.

Wow!!! That's amazing. You've dropped your meds so soon. I'm so proud of you!

I just spoke to my sister, and she said "No". She can't babysit my daughter while I'm in Palm Springs. I understand her reason, and really can't blame her, but bummed none the less. I really wish I had more people to call upon to babysit so that my DH could come with me. I did tell her about the sugery though. She had showed up at my house on Sunday while I was resting, and caught me off guard. I gave her the story of having a hiatal hernia fixed, but since she's a nurse, I figured she didn't buy it. So when I called her today, I decided to tell her. Surprisingly, she was very supportive and understood why I didn't tell her, but wanted me to know she was really happy for me. I felt really good about that. But still bummed about needing a babysitter. On another note, has anyone been overly emotional after their surgery. I can't stop crying. At a moments notice, not even when I'm really sad, I just lose control and start crying. I don't really understand it.

I've added a new soup recipe to the Lucky 7's recipe thread: Curried Pumpkin Soup. I also noticed I made a mistake on my Butternut Squash Soup recipe, so I've edited the original post (page 1 on the thread) so it is correct now. Enjoy.

Here's another Soup I created last night for the full Fluid stage onwards. 2 tsp oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 tbsp curry powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp salt 1 large can of pumpkin puree (just pumpkin, not pie filling) 2-3 cups broth (beef, chicken or vegetable) 2-3 cups cream (coconut milk, milk or light cream) Sautee onion in oil until tender. Add spices and sautee for a few minutes until spices and onion are well mixed. Add in pumpkin puree and broth. Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste, while cooking. Puree mixture using an emersion blender (works best). Add cream and blend. Enjoy. Note, the above seasonings make it spicy! For less heat, but good flavour, start with 1-1/2 tsp curry powder and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Then adjust upwards as you like it. Also with the cream mixture, I used a can of coconut milk which is 2 cups, then added about 1/2 to 1 cup of cream on top. Once I've had my first fill, I'll probably switch to milk instead of cream. But right now, I'm consuming so few calories, I think I need the fat!!!

Now that I pulled off the retirement party for my staff member yesterday, I think I'm going to call in sick. After all, it was because of her that I went back to work so soon. And I did overdo it yesterday. I'm feeling great this morning... and seems like my DH is in a much better mood than he has been since Sunday (and he's not working today). Hmmm, maybe I need a little more time to heal. Yup, stayin home! See y'all later!

Marcy, I'm hungry too. Really, really hungry. I can gulp water. I ate a full bowl of soup. My stomache grumbles all the time. It's really driving me nuts. I'm still in the full fluid stage, so I blame that on not being able to eat anything that stays with me, just passes right through. I actually had a dream last night that I was eating ravenously... Chicken I think... doesn't matter. I was just being a huge pig. I woke up feeling somewhat satisfied! LOL As for the anklet idea... love it. But can we change it to having a really good looking guy with a smooth sultry voice call us. Using a video phone of course. Saying "Oh my dear... you really don't need that extra 20 calories. Stick to clear water instead. I believe in you!!" HAHAHAHA

Sunny, I know... I keep forgetting that it is only day 5. At least my boss is really supportive. She kept asking me yesterday and today how I was. If she had been in the room when I was setting up the party, she would have told me to stop. I've read your's and Jeanie's posts about this bean mistake. Now I'm going to have to go read the recipe to understand it. I love Beans, so might make this mistake too.

Marcy, You're doing amazingly well. Don't worry about losing weight yet. Remember, until your first fill, you are healing. The real weight loss time starts after your fill. Fresh blueberries.... mmmmm. I think our's will be ripe in early August, so I plan on picking lots. They're great in smoothies and just about anything. I usually pick enough to keep us the year, freeze them right away. Salmon.... mmmm. That has to be my favourite fish. I love it grilled on the BBQ, either on a cedar plank or just with some spices. Can't wait until I'm back on solid food. I think Salmon will be my first protien.