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Of course.....that makes sense. I guess I just assumed the incision was over the port itself. I didn't think that it could be inch or so away from it. I guess maybe the harder spot I can feel right above the incision is the port itself......DUH! Gwenn

Sounds great. Which chat rooms do you monitor? I haven't tried that yet. Yes, I'm in LA also. I live a few blocks from Cedars-Sinai if that gives you an idea. I just looked at your profile and noticed you're a legal sec. Another connection. I'm a fundraisering director for The Jewish Federation, and my area is attorneys. That's all I work with. Isn't that funny? Are you with a firm or solo practice? Gwenn

I've been buying my husband sushi......the first 3 weeks I was on liquid and not hungry so I didn't care. Now, I'm on mushies and hungrier so you're right- I wouldn't buy it for him so fast. I have to find a sushi place that makes it with brown rice on request. My fav place used to do so, but stopped recently. Hope I can eat rice. A lot of people seem to have issues with seaweed. Gwenn

Congratulations. Wow, you're doing great. I so wish that I'd been smart enough to do this before my weight went as high as it did. But I guess all in our own times, eh? Gwenn

Good on you!!!!!!!!! I can't wait until I can say the same. Soon. Soon.

Welcome new guy. Great to see you here. I'm moving toward 4 weeks and I can tell you that much of the discomfor is gone. I haven't been the fastest healer, but eventually, we're all fine. Terri's got it right....walk, walk, walk. And I'll add a "walk" to that. It made a big difference for me. And Terri's right again about the gas pills. They also help. Hey Terri- how are you feeling? Do you know, I still have one incision that's giving me a little backtalk? It's way under my breast and there's like a little piece sticking up- like a mini skin tag. It hasn't been absorbed into the scar and so when anything hits it, it bothers me. I'd love to pull it off or something, but I don't want trouble so I'll bear with it until I go for my fill on June 4 and then ask the surgeon to "trim" it or whatever. I tried covering it with a bandaid, but the sticky stuff causes a small reaction on the skin. Another tiny frustration. On the funny side.....tonight was the first time I threw out food because I was full and knew it and decided to not finish my food. Mashed potatoes. They have been helping my stomach come back - I finally decided to treat myself the same as if I'd had a bad stomach flu- and I had a tennis ball sized dollop along with my 4-6 oz. pulverized salmon pate. I looked down and saw 1/2 was still on my plate. I actually looked up at my husband in amazement and said....oh my G-d, I'm going to have to decide whether to overeat or not. So I conjured up my courage and tossed the mashed potatoes. Reminded myself what I never really believe......I can make it again....there will always be more potatoes down the road. VERY pleased with myself on that one. It's a first. Anyway, hope you're all having a great memorial day!

First of all I think you should be very proud that you didn't put all of the weight back on. In the circumstances you describe that's pretty amazing. I doubt I would have done that well. If it were me, I think I'd check with the doctor as you have, and at the same time, I'd work the insurance end. First, to find out where you stand, and second, to see if your new company has other bariatric surgeons who could see you. My advise, gather information and keep your options open. Best of luck-Gwenn

I'm finally feeling better with food. Guess I'm so old that it's taking a while for my system to kick back in. I've added baked potato and whole wheat crackers to my world and I think they're helping. Switching back to sweet pots soon. I'm finding myself on something close to South Beach. High protein, whole wheat, etc. Enjoy Memorial Day.....watch out for the bbq sauce! Gwenn

My husband says that at night, when I'm asleep, my stomach is making wind tunnel and hurricane sounds. I've heard it too. It's hilarious. I'm was down 29 but now it's 28. I'm adding foods so I guess my body has to settle back down. I'm not complaining. We took a good walk today. I went a mile and a half, which is a big jump for me. And outside, not on the treadmill. Feels good to be tired. Hope everyone else is doing well on MEMORIAL DAY. Don't eat too much BBQ! Gwenn

Hi Terri and Ddem, Terri- Good to see you and hear you're doing well. I'm so happy for you. Yes, scrambled eggs, I have heard since, are too rubbery. Also, I forgot that I'd always heard that eggs were harder to digest than most foods. I didn't do anything but make it through that horrible day. I'm doing a little better, but still burpy and get tightness after eating sometimes. A burp takes care of it. I've read more and more that the first few months can be tough and up and down (Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies) and that calmed me down. I'm realizing that I am who I am with my own age and anatomy and I'm not someone who can go out and eat sushi a week after banding. Maybe that's for the best anyway. Ddem- I've heard about the meat tenderizer and warm Water. Good to know but hope I won't need it because it sounds dreadful. I've also heard that very warm water itself can help as it soften the band. I've heard some people use a little warm water if they are at a party or something and want to eat a little more than usual. Amazing that people figure out whatever they can to get around the band. Last night, I got tired of feeling icky and decided to do what I would have done if I'd had a bad stomach flu and hadn't eaten in days.....I had a baked potato. I've been trying to stay away from many carbs, and meet my Protein without eating more than the 4oz the books say....but you know what? I'll lose weight if I eat 800 calories rather than 600. Even at 1000, I'll lose. The potato was wonderful and really helped. It moved gas and it help me "move" LOL and it filled me up a bit. Now, I'm going to have a half baked or sweet potato with my main meals. I think I was actually eating too little and things like salmon, which is so healthy and so high in protein, was a little to oily for an empty stomach right now. Today I had my cottage cheese with a few blueberries, and I'm going to have a soy shake as a snack and then two protein meals with 1/2 potato. I think that sounds like a plan. I'm going to start a food journal today and keep track of calories and approximate protein. This way, if I'm having any trouble, I can show it to the dietician. And then I don't have to keep track as much. Anyway, see you all later. I'm going out with my husband to do some errands and get a CD to watch tonight. Gwenn

Once you can have solids again, I have an even better recipe, one that even my dietician at the surgeon's office asked me for. It's brownies made with black beans and eggs. Good protein source and it tastes delicious: Black Bean Brownies (TRIED AND TRUE) 1 15oz. can of UNSEASONED black beans - drained and rinsed well. 4 large eggs (or 2 eggs and ½ cup of egg beater type product) 1 cup Splenda 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder –darker is better. 1 tsp. baking powder 2 tbsp. oil (I use olive oil- 2 FULL Tablespoons- I even let it spill over as I fill them. 1 Tbs Vanilla ( I let this run over also) ½ tsp baking soda chopped nuts or a handful of dark choc chips- optional Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a food processor or blender- blend very very well. Pour into an 8x8 baking pan sprayed with cooking spray or oiled with canola or olive oil. Bake for 30-40 minutes. (til toothpick pulls out clean). Outer edges tend to be a little dry but it should be nice and moist inside. Variations: Ice the brownies with lite film of peanut butter or sf ff chocolate sauce. Peanut butter inside gets too dry. Or, make with white beans (no cocoa of course). Many people like kidney beans(with the unsw. chocolate) and you get a sort of red velvet brownie. If you can find sf marshallow fluff (like Walden farms), pour ½ batter, use white beans, drop in some of the marshmallow, then add balance of batter. Sort of an SBD “Twinkie”.

I had a different post-op diet. 3 weeks clear liquids which to my surgeon also included protein shakes and milk. And cranberry juice. I wasn't told when to drink what. Just to get 75 grams of protein a day plus other fluids as much as possible. I sipped all day including the shakes which are filling. I used Atkins, but Slim fast now has a low-carb shake without sugar that has 20 grams of protein in each. So you don't need as many. I also had permission to use the 25 calorie no sugar hot choc my supermarket sells. That was actually very satisfying. I wasn't really hungry. When I was, it was gone in a few sips. If you really are hungry, you should check in. Maybe he'll move you forward faster. Gwenn

Thanks for info. Now if I can just get back to food without the gas and discomfort I'll be one happy girl Gwenn

I'm heading towards mashed potatos. I had good luck with pulverized chicken, then a little less wiht very delcious and nutricious salmon. Made it into a pate. I just think that it's bit oily for an empty stomach. It's hard because what I feel like having is toast and jam with tea. That would settle me down nicely. I think I'm going to do some mashed potatos and slammed chicken tomorrow. I don't eat much at each sitting, but I've got to stop the gas pains and feel a little better during the day. Thanks_Gwenn

I love Brandy. No, the problem is that they hear this stuff everyday so I think that eventually, try as they do, they don't always get the very individually nuanced issues. But in general, everyone there is really nice. I especially like Brandy(not crazy for Karen) and a couple of the dieticians as well. I'm just having all kinds of stuff like not getting back on foods easily- I'm sure all normal. I truly think the best place to come is here, because no one minds the same questions over and over. This is great support. Dr. Khalili is terrific. So are the others on his team. If you come across Dr. Eraj Basseri, tell him Gwenn Drucker (the woman from Federation) says hello. He's one of the wonderful residents who work with Khalili. They think so highly of him- Basseri told me that Khalili is the "Michael Jordan" of weight loss surgery. LOL. The nurses up on 7 South are terrific. I can't remember all the names but there wasn't one nurse or aide who wasn't lovely to me, didn't find time to get me what I wanted, etc. The rooms up there are as you may know, all singles (all of Cedars is) and that's very nice. They're all recently renovated as well, and I don't know it that matters to you, but to me, a spotless room that clean and fresh and new makes me more comfortable. My surgery was early AM so I was actually there all that day and night, and then not released until about 6PM the next day, so for me it was 2 days and one night and I was very happy because I felt well cared for there. WALK. WALK. WALK. And walk. And don't stay in bed much. I actually slept in the chair on and off. I couldn't sleep much the first night so every hour I got up and walked. It was easy once the IV was out. I did 2-3 laps around the floor each time. It eliminated almost all the discomfort. My shoulder was painful- very common. But walking helped get me moving and made a big difference. My first fill is scheduled for June 4th. Ask me anything you want- I had a very positive experience and am happy to share it or help you out. Gwenn

Hi Lizalee, I used to be on a board at South Beach at knew their system for adding stuff to the posts like tickers, etc. Is there anywhere on the site where I can find out about adding stuff? Or would you be kind enough to take a moment to tell me and send me anything I'd need.Thanks so much. Down 29 since banding on April 30th. Gwenn

Okay, I know I'm being a BIG baby (no pun intended). I'm seriously depressed today after my mistake with starting soft foods yesterday with a scrambled egg. My esaphegous is inflamed (nurse at office over phone) and I'm still uncomfortable and belchy and really down on myself. I'm back on liquids today but can try again tomorrow, and now I'm scared to eat anything. I'm making pureed Soups for future use - sweet potato, and also cauliflower with Black Beans. They'll be delicious, but for now, I'm a silly silly wreck. Why write it....I guess I'm looking for some sympathy. And some ideas on what I might try tomorrow as I give it another go. The nurse keeps saying "food PROTEIN", but I feel like a small mashed potato would be better plus my Protein drinks. So what if for a day or two I don't get in 75 grams of protein. Any ideas out there? I have a tricky stomach at best. What do you think? A small piece of flounder or sole? Pureed tunafish? Just the mashed potato the first day? I'm beginning to strongly feel that the best advice is here, not the doctor's office. Thanks, Big Baby Gwenn

Hi- Your pulverized chicken was a winner. Even with mayo it is a bit dry, but I added the broth and then was fine. Yesterday was great and it really made a difference all around. Mood also. I'm also a Protein girl. Today I tried to move outward a bit... mistake. I ate more than the 4 oz and felt over done. Then a couple of hours later was hungry (not sure if head or body) so I took another spoonful of chicken and when it happened later I did it again. Diet wise not an issue. Just proteina nd my calories are so low it really doesn't matter. But the dry stuff stuck a bit. I had ices and now made dinner. I used salmon instead of chicken, same pate concept. Delicious too. Ate a little while cooking. Now- HEARTBURN. Burping, burping. I guess the salmon might still be little too oily for me? Just guessing. It sounds like I ate a lot more today but actually I didn't. Just spread it way out, spoonful at a time. Now I"m enjoying a cup of peppermint tea to see if it will sooth. And a gas pill! So, I'm still a bit behind, but gaining a little momentum and that's good. Gwenn

Congratulations! Isn't it amazing. One minute you're waiting and then suddenly it's an hour later and you're banded. Sounds like you're doing okay. Keep walking! Gwenn

Yes, maybe try to stay more awake during the day....that might help. But just do with the flow. Right now, your body needs what it needs. If you're off kilter remember you've got drugs in you from surgery etc. I get on line if I'm up during the night. I play free cell until my eyes start to close. It works for me. I have to say that in the past when I've lost, I've promised myself to never see those higher numbers again. This time, when I said good bye to 300 and then to 290, I said to myself that this time it's really going to be true. It's a lot to take in. But good. Going out for a walk and to return a video. See you all later. Gwenn

Sounds like you're going through all the aches and pains that are normal. My surgery was about an hour as well. In fact, my surgeon told me they all tend to run between 45 minutes and and hour and a half. My liver had a lot of fat around it (big surprise), but I've known that for a while. Most if not all obese people have that. Supposedly, that will decrease over time. My brother in law told me the reason his surgeon has his patients on the 3 week PRE surgery liquids is to "flatter the liver". So I don't know but it seems to me that the liver is an issue all around. Good for you on the treadmill. Listen....I am walking daily, and I'm only doing 1.5. I don't care. In the past, I've always done too much too quickly and ended up hurting myself and then quit. This time, as long as I'm losing (29 POUNDS AS OF THIS AM), I'm staying in the slow lane. I sleep on my back- almost sitting up. Helps my back and helps me breathe. After the surgery, I slept sitting up and in a comfortable chair with my feet up. Do the pain pills help you fall asleep? I didn't like the Lorutab. I asked for Darvocet, because it makes me feel "high" and then after a while I nod out. The other I find makes me depressed. I had to crush the Darvocet, and man, was that bitter, but it really helped. You sound great. Take care of yourself. Gwenn

you're going to have to tell me what hte "friends and contacts" thing is. I checked yes so I'm on your list (or you're on mine-not sure), but I haven't a clue what it is and I can't find anything that tells me. Let me know. Glad you're doing well. I am finishing my first real day of mushies. Had mushed up pulverized chicken, a big of sweet potatoes and cottage cheese today. WHOOOOOPEEE!. Now let's see if it settle my stomach and bowels over the next few days. I know it all went down well and I didn't get sick or nauseus. Take care of yourself. Don't rush anything other than keeping active. Gwenn

My surgeon has his patients do their liquid diet after surgery. I'm having trouble adding foods and it's not only depressing, it's making my tush and belly hurt. It sounds like so many people just go right to foods easily and boy am I feeling envious. Is anyone else having my problem? What are you doing to transition? Gwenn

I like the protein shakes too. I really like the atkins, but it's not doing my system any real good. I have used them for years, but maybe one a day as a breakfast or a snack when I was watching my weight. I know it's difficult, and sometimes I know I can't the future very well, but even my Brother in law, who has lost 118 pounds, went through tough times at the start. Now he really really eats almost everything- just less of it. We have to hold on. I thought the chicken would be awful but it's not. Only problem is that even with mayo it's dry cause you don't want to use a ton of mayo.So if you boil the chicken in broth like I do, use the broth to make it wetter. It surprised me just how good it was. I wish I could eat more but I really can't do it. And that is a blessing. Gwenn

YAY Terri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats. If you're up writing on-line, you're doing good. I am going to give you some advise....WALK WALK WALK WALK WALK and walk. It made all the difference for me. I walked every hour (I slept at the hospital). Walk around the house, around your garden, or up and down the hall if you're in an apartment building. I did. Up and down the hall 50 times when I got home. If you get gas pain in the shoulder it will help it go away sooner and it really makes you feel great. I promise. Got to go now.....I need to take my walk. I'll check in later. Gwenn