JoannMarie

Great answer, Phyl! I have started eating salads - very carefully - but having no problem. I think each fill will bring new adventures, though! Kinda have to start over each time? Healing is the name of the game now (banded on Dec 4). I am eating just about everything now, making sure everything is cooked tender and very small bites. My first fill is Friday. We'll see after that...

Hi Becky - I'm doing well. Not a lot of restriction, but I can definitely feel a difference. I am supposed to have my first fill on Friday. I am keeping with the plan - Protein first, then vegies, etc., and manage very well. I am not hungry in the morning - I wait a while after coffee then have a scrambled egg and small piece of ham. I always do better with at least a little Breakfast. I love to quilt - have been at it for many years. I took a class from a small shop in Champaign when we lived there in the late 70's and ended up teaching there. I knew right away I had found my creative spirit. I do some traditional quilts these days, but love art quilts and have been dabbling more in that area lately. My advice to you - take a class at a quilt shop! If you love quilts, you will enjoy it - they have the newest tools and the best quality fabrics - and usually have very dedicated teachers. Check out the shops in Springfield - I have not looked lately, but I bet you have several. Check all of them for the style of fabrics you like and people you enjoy talking to - and sign up for a class this winter or spring. Remember - when you are quilting you are not eating...

WOW! I don't know how anyone can resist the bad foods that are in your house! THROW IT AWAY - GIVE IT AWAY - GET IT AWAY FROM YOU!!! My heart goes out to you who have families that still want these foods around, but they have to have some understanding... this is like being an alcoholic with a bottle of booze sitting on your counter! The hardest thing about being addicted to food is the fact that you cannot simply stop eating. Those cravings will always be with you - there are ways to compensate, but you should not have to deal with this kind of temptation in your home. If you are keeping these items for yourself - please - just throw them away. It really is not as hard as it sounds - and it is very liberating. Stock up with snacks you can allow for yourself (as Janet recommends - the SF puddings, SF fudgecicles, etc.) - be creative and come up with your own substitutes. When the cravings hit, you will be surprised at how helpful this can be. Please be kind to yourself and get rid of the things that tempt you...

Thanks Phyl - that is the code I have been cutting/pasting (or copying/pasting, since I tried it over and over again!). For some reason ??? I still get the "invalid file" response and it does not post. I had one earlier that Alex helped me with and got it to post for me, but I could not access tickerfactory by just clicking on the ticker - it would not open. I made a new one - hoping - but get the same invalid file result. I hate to ask Alex again to help me - but I must have some kind of glitch here and can't figure out what I'm doing. Thanks for the info though.

DixieDoo - I have read that bit about protein vs calories, too. From my pre-banding experience, I know I lose better if I concentrate on protein and lo-carb vegies. I think if you are a slow loser you should definitely give the higher protein plan a try. Some ppl suggest adding a few walnuts to yogurt, lo-fat cheese to scrambled egg, lots of small ways to add a bit more protein to many foods. The concern is that many protein foods are also higher in fat, so you need to be aware of that factor. My plan is based a lot on the South Beach diet, as it is high protein, lo-carb vegies, low-fat...basically healthy eating. The limit is on "white" foods - white bread, potatoes, white rice, pasta, etc. Those foods are tough for me - I respond a lot the way others do to sweets. I never met a potato I didn't love, and love, and love. I am better to stay with a little sweet potato (I roast them w/a tiny bit of olive oil), brown rice, whole wheat bread and WW pasta. Not crazy about that WW pasta, but there are some new brands that are a better texture and not as grainy as the earlier brands. (yuch) Read the labels. I do love WW bread, but I'm not eating bread of any kind right now. I will probably try it later on when I'm more confident in my ability to chew and digest it. These foods are also higher in fiber which we NEED! I say GO FOR IT! If it is healthy and you begin losing again, you have won a victory and learned a valuable skill.

Apples - about 5 or 6 years ago my DD's former boss was feeling tired and DD insisted he go to the doctor. He went to his family physician who saw the lab results and sent him immediately to KU Medical Cntr - he had a very aggressive form of leukemia, and the chemo people were waiting for him with a wheelchair as he walked in the hospital door! He and his wife had two very small children and it was the scariest situation you can imagine. Some very difficult months followed with multiple rounds of chemo. 1 1/2 years ago - when DD and her husband were getting ready for their move to S. Korea, we had a party for them at our house. This young man and his family were here - the chemo worked for him and he has been in good health since his initial treatments. He always tells me DD saved his life because she nagged him so much! DD laughs about that now, but considering the urgency of the treatment - he's probably right. Lesson learned - never hesitate to nag a friend.

Lambgram if you go to the FAQ section there was a link to a thread that shows you how to do this in step-by-step pictures. I hope you have good luck with it. I have a ticker out there - on the Tickerfactory.com website, but even though I follow the steps for some reason I get an "invalid file" response every time I try to post it on my signature block. If you have success, maybe you can let me know what I am doing wrong.

About the timing of the different diet stages -- each surgeon seems to have his/her own timeline for these stages. My doc had me on clear liquids for 2 days, full liquids for 1 week, then to mushies and said I should transition from mushies to a regular diet over the next 4 weeks. I am just now (beginning of 4th week) carefully eating small bites of chicken, ground beef, turkey, etc. I have been eating soft fish for the last week. I am careful to make sure the meat is tender. Vegies have been cooked tender. I have had some salad vegies, chewed VERY WELL. The key for each of us is to FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR'S guidelines. If you run into any trouble you want to be sure you have followed his/her guidelines so they can help you with further suggestions. This 4-5 weeks before the first fill is time for healing - don't worry about losing weight during this time. And BarnGal - please don't worry about failure. You will follow the rules, make the right food choices, exercise - and you will be successful. Why do you think we are Holiday Hotties???

Hi Marilyn, I tried that 30 minute thing... 30 minutes turns into 5 hours before I know it! Oh well. The housework can wait a little longer IMHO! I love to sew - can't wait to get back to the projects after all the holiday stuff. First I have to clean off the work table, as it was a gift wrapping station during the holidays and I can no longer see the top of it. My project for the week.

Hi Everyone, I, too, am glad the holidays are winding down. I feel like my real band-life is in limbo right now - not particularly restricted (with no fill) and moving toward a "normal" diet a little each day as directed by the surgeon. I get a bit of a reminder ("hey, I'm here - remember me?") every once in a while, but for the most part I am doing 90% of the work by myself. Its okay - I expected this phase. I don't get hungry often, and portion control has been good. I go in on Jan 9th to get my first fill. I am looking forward to having more restriction and hope I am as fortunate as some of you who have had good restriction with 1 or 2 fills. Our little group has sure had some sad difficulties in the last few weeks. My heart goes out to you who are losing parents, siblings, and other loved relatives. In our 50's we are the sandwich generation - still have children who are trying out their wings and need our care; and parents who are losing their independence, in poor health - and need our care. DH and I have been through it, too, and it is really hard. I miss my mom and dad every day. (and, yes, I talk to them, too!) Charlene, I am sending very special prayers for you and your mom. Mimi, I pray you can rest and regain your strength after these difficult days. Lovin' all of you, my friends,

Oh, girl - that is so disappointing. We have to do a lot of "psyching-up" to get through all this - how hard it is to be told you will have to wait a little longer. I hope everything comes back okay and you will have your band as the new year is young! Please let us know how everything goes. We are still here for you! Once a Holiday Hottie, always a Holiday Hottie!

You are in my thoughts and prayers today, mmnairn. I hope you have a successful surgery and speedy recovery. You are changing your life for the better and I wish you all the best. Food has been a best friend to all of us - and we are all going to learn how to be our own best friend over the next months as food becomes just another part of the day, and a healthy lifestyle becomes our new life goal. Please post soon and let us know how your are doing...

Welcome Luckyjyn. Seems like there is a lot to learn these days! I have been surprised by some very interesting belches the last couple of weeks. I think I might be able to give my son a run for his money in the belching department (almost 40, and still giggles when he belches...) I'm wondering if this is normal??? It could prove embarassing...

I have the Realize band also - PA said the port attaches differently than the LapBand port, and that IS why it hurts for a longer time. It is normal, and (hopefully) will get better with time.

Ladie - you did not say anything about fills, but do you think you need one? I know the band won't do it all - but if you need a fill the band can't help you... I hope you can get out soon - the weather has been so bad for so many around the country! Maybe getting in your walking and/or jogging will get you back on track.

Hi Roxie, I was banded on Dec 4th, and asked that question at my post-op office visit. The answer is YES! I still have to be careful when I bend over and the PA said I may always have a twinge if I bend over just right, or lean over a table, etc. Trouble is, I am feeling so good I forget all about it until I make the mistake of bending at the waist and a little to the left. ouch. The good part? That's the only place I still hurt sometimes. :thumbup:

I've been away from the computer for a few days and had LOTS to catch up on. You are all so good about being here even when you are super busy! We had Christmas at DS & DDIL's yesterday. The house was full of family, dogs, and goodies. I was a pretty good girl, but then I'm watching closely about "mushie" foods and the real thing. I have not had any trouble with anything I've tried to eat. Over the next 2 weeks till my next appointment Jan 9 I am supposed to transition into a regular diet. I do have some restriction, but not as much as I would like. I am watching amounts and stopping when I feel the least sense of fullness. I did have a small treat yesterday - small sliver of apple pie. I was surprised that it did not taste as good as I expected... I am hoping that will be my future! My sincere sympathies to those who have been going through the loss of their pets. The last few weeks have been especially hard on our little animals that we love so much. We are really missing Abbie, but remembering her quirky personality and the funny things she did. Jack was watching us prepare to leave yesterday - laying behind a chair looking so dejected because he was sure he was not going to get to go with us. As we walked to the door, DH picked up the leash and called him - he was so excited! He was the hit of the day - the kids were all over him and he got to play with DS, one of his favorite people. He received a set of tennis balls from Santa and was thrilled to play ball in the house for a change. It was a good day for Jack (and all of us). Happy birthday, Baby Jesus. Love to all my friends here!

I've been away from the computer for a few days - just trying to get the Christmas stuff done. Taking a week or so for surgery and recovery really cut into the prep time! I've been quilting all afternoon - finishing up a wall-hanging I'll be giving to our DIL. I must admit its been fun to be back in the studio doing what I enjoy most. The scales do not show a loss since last week, but my clothes are getting looser. I've been tracking my food and I don't think I am getting enough calories, between 600 - 700. Just not hungry, and more than satisfied with very small amounts. I am pushing the protein, drinking the water, doing all the right things. Since my clothes are looser and I have more energy - I've decided its okay. Flowers, you have a great trip planned. I know you will have fun in NYC and on your cruise. Thanks to all of you for your kind condolences. We are doing okay. We do have Jack (2 year old sheltie) and he is getting lots of extra lovin' these days. He misses Abbie- has resorted to trying to play with the 11 year old cat, who is not particularly inclined to play with him, as that would involve getting off the couch. As soon as the weather warms up a bit and the ice melts Jack and I will venture out for walks and some ball playing. That will make both of us feel better. The good thing about KC winters - it does get cold, but warms up quickly to a tolerable temp for bundling up and walking outside. Christmas week is here - enjoy these days...

Brydie - I heard a good tip the other day. When you are cooking delicious stuff you should not have - chew gum. Maybe that would help you resist that temptation. Myself - I have decided not to bake Christmas goodies this year. I know lots of you have family and friends who expect certain foods from you at this time of year. Fortunately I never got into that role. We will be at our DS's house for Christmas and I will be taking food - but it will be the kind of food I can eat. I love to cook, but right now its going to be cooking for my needs and hoping everyone else enjoys it, too.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and condolences. We miss little Abbie, but know it was the right decision. We enjoyed her sweet disposition, devotion, and unconditional love for almost 11 years. We feel blessed to have had that experience in our lives.

Well - at first it means around the living room! You should increase your walking daily until you are feeling like being up rather than in that recliner for most of the time. Its cold here in Kansas City area right now - as it is many places around the country - so I am not doing a lot of outside walking. I was banded 2 weeks ago yesterday, down about 15 pounds since pre-op, and feeling so much better as this week ends. DH and I did a little shopping yesterday afternoon and had dinner w/friends last night (not too hard to find mushies at a Mexican restaurant, and I was full quickly). Today we did some major shopping and lots of walking! I was really tired when we got home, but a month ago I could not have done it. I am SO GLAD to have this band. I did have an IV - I think it is standard procedure for any surgery - and better than other ways of delivering drugs. Its not fun, but not a big deal either. Welcome to this thread. You have found some wonderful friends.

WOW! Top 10 - that's not bad... We already have a great group in the December bandsters, I guess it follows that we will continue down that road together. Pete - I am wishing I was in Florida right now. COLD in Kansas City area, and the Dolphins are coming to play football with the Chiefs on Sunday - high is supposed to be +5 with a windchill well below 0. With the Chiefs playing as they are and the cold temps, the stands will probably be close to empty. If they were in a winning season the stadium would be SRO no matter how cold! Its not even Christmas and I am dreaming of spring already... Ah... dogwood, redbuds, warm breezes...

Just a little encouragement for our 3rd week bandsters... I am 2 weeks out as of yesterday - feel so much better. The port pain is just an occasional twinge, no gas pain left (tho I did not have a lot of that). I have good restriction even w/o a fill. I think most of my swelling is down, and I simply cannot eat very much at a meal. 1/2 to 3/4 cup is absolutely it. I'm doing lots of soft fish, cottage cheese, refried beans, etc. I'm just trying to get as much protein in as possible. Time to start my exercise program - 2 weeks out and dr advises the recumbant bike, walking, elliptical or treadmill. No weight training for another 2 weeks. I have been surprised at my increased energy level already. Shopped all day with DH today - I was really tired when we finally got home - but I could not have done this a month ago. Good luck to all of you and good luck to the week 4 folks coming to the plate (so to speak) next week. Merry Christmas Holiday Hotties!

We have had a tough week at our house. Since early in the week, our little Abbie has been getting worse, suffering from the cancer that was discovered last month. We had hoped the disease would slow a bit, but Dr. Gary thought it had begun to attack her bones. She was obviously in pain, could not eat - in all she was a very sick little dog. We took her to see Dr. Gary yesterday and the news was so bad - we decided to let her go. I have been taking this really hard. We have been a sheltie family for many years (Abbie was our 4th sheltie) - they have raised our kids, played with our grandkids, been our loving companions and friends - and at this point the only kids left at home. It is very hard to lose this precious little friend. We do have Jack - 5th sheltie - who is now 2yrs old, and has been searching the house all day for his little buddy. I am attaching a picture of Abbie taken two years ago. Its one of my favorites.

Congratulations phyl!!!! 100 pounds gone! You are a rock star!!!