"Just" Paul

Happy for your PB?!? OK. Me too.

Sounds Yummy. What Brand is it? I'll have to look for it.

YAY! It is great to get started, you'll do fine.

Sorry Jack. Skylab fell years before Mir did. Neither is up there. Skylab fell to earth in July, 1974, showering debris over uninhabited parts of Australia and the Indian Ocean. In Mar., 2001, Mir fell to earth, the largest spacecraft (143 tons/130 metric tons) ever to decay, showering an estimated 1,500 fragments of 44 lb (20 kg) or more over an uninhabited area 120 mi (193 km) wide by 3,600 mi (5795 km) long in the South Pacific. I still love the analogy though, Vines!

534.5424 scoops. WOW, I could open a Baskin Robbins with that much!

YIKES!?!?! I froze myself a couple little containers of turkey, stuffing and gravy for when I get to solid food (I was on liquids post-op during the holiday). Now, I'll be afraid to eat it. YMMV. I'm interested to see what I will be able to tolerate. I don't wanna PB, but I will have to learn the hard way like everyone does.

157....157.... Ah, yes. My left thigh is 157. I knew that number sounded familiar!

Glad all went well, welcome to the club!

Welcome, welcome welcome! Everyone here has made me feel sooo at home, and they will do for you too. This group's support goes a long way to helping to cope, and getting new ideas, and to just talk to folks in the same boat as you. It's good to have another fresh face in the crowd!

Wowzers! That is the best present you could ever give yourself, health and happiness! Who could ask for anything more!

Whenever I want to lose my hunger pangs, I put on the Japanese version of Iron Chef. They make some of the most disgusting things on earth. It's fun to watch, and kills my appetite.

OK. I don't know what is going on, I am eating, but it's still dropping off. I'm down another 6 lbs. 42 total (17 before surgery, and 25 since the surgery). I was just banded on the 17th of November, and my pants are falling off. To quote Keanu Reeves... "whoa"

When not on my current diet (mushies) I always loved Raisin Bran. Turns me into a faucet, though. Think of it as tasty Drano.

Poop shakes, poop shakes, poop shakes! I think I just like saying it!

I think you are right. How many times have I leaned back on the couch after a big meal (like Thanksgiving) and opened the top button on my pants... Hmmmm. The tight pants diet. I think there is a book in this.

I've had similar things happen when starting a new job. Don't be stressed. If they didn't want you to work for them, they wouldn't call. Be patient, don't stress. All will work out in the end. You'll do great.

I add ground psyllium husk powder to my shakes. Just a spoon or so. Adds tons of fiber to your diet, especially if you are having 2 or more shakes a day. You can also add it to oatmeal or creme of wheat. In them it is pretty unnoticable. My wife calls the shakes, "Poop Shakes"

Day 14, and I start mushies today. I had a 4 ounce cottage cheese for Breakfast, and it took me almost an hour to eat it. Believe it or not, I actually feel full! I'm looking forward to some mashed potatoes that I froze on Turkey Day. My aunt makes them like a twice-baked potato, without the skins. Yummy. My port still hurts when I stretch, or try to bend over too much, but overall, I feel great.

Tomato Soup. Add hot sauce, makes it spicy. Add sour cream, for a fun taste. Mix it with milk to make it creamy. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Mix in a little cheese whiz while heating. Make some beef vegetable, or chicken vegetable soup for the family, and ladle yourself out a bowl, straining the solids out. It will have tons more flavor than just broth.

Very happy to hear that you are home and safe. Be well, heal well. All my good thoughts go with you.

**********

Good for You. Make a stand, and don't let anyone back you down. You have the power to control your life, not anyone else. I'm proud of you.

1. What does your handle mean? I'm big, and my name is Paul 2. What book are you currently reading, or did you last read? I don't like to read, I'm a videophile. 3. What do you do for a living? Engineering manager for a defense contractor 4. For what in your life are you most grateful? My wife, my home, my daughter 5. What's one thing about you that you think would surprise other people? That I weigh as much as I do (supposedly I carry it well) 6. One word to describe yourself? Energetic 7. One word others use to describe you? Nuts 8. Would you rather play a game with someone better or worse at it than you? I like to win 9. Favorite movie? Favorite show? High Noon (Gary Cooper), Airport, Lord of the Rings...Star Trek (TOS), Boston Legal, Survivor, CSI, CSI Miami 10. Something unusual about yourself I am writing, producing and starring in a fan-film production recreating the look and feel of the original Star Trek

Best wishes. Let us all know how it went!

I'm a short-timer, but can't be happier. Feel great, and my appetite is for naught. It used to be that I could never get enough, now I have to force myself to remember it is mealtime.