JDKsbGirl

Strained cream soups (cream of chicken is yummy) with some extra skim milk worked well for me. Also, campbells select soups (butternut squash and cream of mushroom) are also good. Good luck

I made the following that I just love! 2 sugar-free fudgesicles some skim milk a scoop of choc. protien powder 1/2 frozen banana 1 tablespoon of reduced fat Peanut Butter Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Dini-I am sorry. You have a ton of support here! Keep your spirits up! I see 7 day Carribean cruises (inside double cabins for appx. $620-$1000). There is a great website called: Discount Cruises, Last Minute Cruises, Cruise, Cruise Line, Cruise Vacation If you decide on the cruise you are interested in and gather how many people will be going, my dad has a "hookup" at VTG and can get you some onboard credits and maybe even a room upgrade. Let me know.

I've been on a couple. I have cruised: *Carnival on a 7 day Mexico trip when I was younger (very young crowd and a real party, sometimes obnoxious!) *Holland America on a 21 days Panama Canal trip for my Honeymoon (much older crowd, great food and ornate ship, not what I would consider a party) *Celebrity on a 14 day cruise from Vancouver through Alaska to LA (middle age crowd, the inbetween, good food and service)...owned by Royal Carribean I believe Where is it that you want to travel and when? That will help give me a ballpark to look in and get you an idea of cost. Toodles!

So, I have been really bad about doing protien shakes b/c to me thay all taste terrible. I never use measurements when I cook. I go by how it looks and tastes and here's what I threw into my Magic Bullet this AM and loved: 1 scoop of Chocolate Protein Powder 2 sugar free fudgesicles 1/2 banana (you can freeze them in plastic wrap and they are great) 1 tablespoon (or so) of low fat natural peanut butter Some skim milk (enough to make it blend smooth) Blend until smooth. It was the best tasting thing I've had so far! My port area is still sore, but I am able to do a lot more now. Best of luck to everyone! P.S. I've been on many cruises, so if you need info, just ask! I am also great at booking vacations...want to open my own travel business!

Hi Gia and D and all the Lucky 7's, I was also banded on 7/3. I am feeling so much better today. Moving around even when I didn't feel like it or it hurt seems to have made the difference for me. I can't believe it has been a only a week! My port area feels really sore, but I am able to get in and out of bed easier. I even made my husband a beautiful lamb dinner (I was a little jealous I couldn't have any) and also sat down on the floor and played with our golden retrievers. I have not had any difficulty with foods or liquids, except that brick in my chest when I need to burp (walking helps this). At this point, I am allowed to eat: *everything on the clear liquid diet *broth and soup as long as there are no chunks *yogurt and pudding *Carnation Instant Breakfast *Vanilla ice cream/sherbert *Cream of wheat Weeks 3 & 4 post-op, I get to add soft shredded cheese, canned or cooked fruit, cooked veggies without skins or seeds, mashed taters, moist rice, macaroni/noodles and eggs. I am concerned that I will be gaining weight during this phase instead of losing. Would you be concerned as well? What is your eating plan? Do you have an excercise plan as well? Thanks for the advice! Jessica Banded 7/3 by Santiago Horgan @ UCSD Medical Center, San Diego $16,500 self pay...I am worth every penny! PreOp/Surgery/Current/Goal 250/232/229/140

I am a Lucky Seven as well! My surgery date was 7/3. I am feeling ok. Lots of gas and soreness, but nothing uncommon for this surgery. I too had the breathing issue on the morphone drip. I am just feeling really sluggish, but walking really helps to move all of the gas around. Ill keep you posted! Good luck to all! Jessica $16,500 Self Pay Banded 7/3 by Dr. Santiago Horgan - UCSD Medical Center PreOp/Surgery/Current/Goal 250/232/???/140

Hi all! I was banded yesterday and I am so excited! I have had no problems drinking liquids and urinating which is good. I am just really sore on my left side. It feels like I have a knife through my body still. I have the heavy chest and bloted tummy, like everyone else. I have been taking Gas-Ex and trying to walk as much as possible. Any other suggestions? Thanks for the support! Jessica Pre Op/Surgery/Goal 250/232/140