Trishadish

You all are making me want to jump right on my bike! I am going to pump up those tires tomorrow. Hopefully, they won't flatten out! LOL

Hi all! I've been reading, quickly, here & there, and not actually signing on. So I thought I'd catch up a little tonight. (Besides, I'm trying to stay away from food... Hunger is getting to me tonight.) My physician recommended 10-14 days liquids, 10-14 days mushies, then through 6 weeks, soft food. I'm eating most things, but very carefully and chewing thoroughly. I'm sure that I'm tolerating some things now that won't be possible after my first fill. (on 7/28). Like Pasta, bread, etc. Anything that would normally be difficult to digest (steak, fibrous food), I'm trying to steer clear of. I did stop losing when first transitioning to more solid food, but I saw that you are down 15 lbs so far (you go girl!) I had two episodes of pacing the floor in the middle of the night with pain after eating some watermelon and the other happened when in the afternoon I had eaten a little popcorn at the movies and took about 3 sips of soda. I live in Woodstown, NJ. It's Salem county, right near Delaware Memorial Bridge. Moved here last year from about 1 hour north in order to be closer to my job. Not much more to add. I'm down 25 pounds and am really happy about that. It's wonderful to just have hope now that things are going to just get better. I told my Mom yesterday that its a great feeling to not have to say a prayer that "it will fit" as you are putting on your pants/jeans/shorts. No more of that dreading feeling... I'm trying to walk every day. Most I've been able to get up to is 1 mile. I probably could have gone farther, but my kids were wanting to get back home to the computer, and the fat dog (My golden retriever, Cooper, probably weighs about 130 lbs) couldn't make it around the block. Next time, they are all being left at home! I am so happy to be able to chat with you ladies and get the benefit of your wisdom with this journey. Thanks so much for being there. :thumbup:

I just discovered this website as well. www.thedailyplate.com It is a great way to track the nutritional value in everything you eat. I was doing it manually, but this is a better way! I was banded on June 10th. I'm down about 22 lbs and am thrilled. The scale hasn't moved for a week though and I think I'm just adjusting to a more varied soft diet. I'm hovering right around 1200 calories per day. I could easily eat more, but I am trying to be very mindful of my actions. Not easy though! :thumbup: It's been great reading everyone's posts. This is a great way to bond with fellow bandsters on the same timeframe as each other. Thanks to all for keeping it going. I hope we all continue updating and sharing successes! -Trishadish

Have any of you tried this summer dessert recipe? I make the light version but it can also be done with regular stuff. I had this the other day and it was such a treat. I made it will sf lemon Jello and a mixed berry yogurt smoothie drink. 1 fat-free pre-made graham cracker crust (Keebler or storebrand makes these) 1 sugar-free jello (any flavor) dissolved in 1/3 cup boiling Water 1 light yogurt cup (any flavor that compliments jello flavor) 1 container of fat-free Whipped Topping (Cool Whip or storebrand) Mix jello, yogurt and Cool Whip together well. Pour into crust. Chill for a few hours until firm. Yum. :thumbup: (You can also add in fresh fruit or decorate pie with it). Happy 4th!

Hey all, I went ahead and started a July chat for us at "NJ July 2008 chat". (I think I did it correctly!) -Trish

Didn't write too much to start the July chat--I wasn't sure I was creating the thread correctly. Still a "newbie" here! Well, its 3 weeks to the day for me since surgery. Hunger has definitely returned. I am staying between 1000-1100 calories a day. It is quite a rigorous routine of keeping track of things etc. I did start using thedailyplate.com to record my caloric and Water intake. If you've never done so, you should check it out. (I was doing it manually in a journal at first, but this is so much easier!) I have lost about 22 pounds so far. Once I started adding more calories, things have slowed a little. But, I met my goal for June and have a challenging goal of 10 lbs per month. I have a lot to lose (about 130 lbs more), so its in the realm of possibilities if I work hard. But, not only keeping track of calories & water, but its the Calcium, Vitamin, Fiber tabs, prilosec, colace and my thyroid & hbp meds. I feel like a 'ol granny that has to carry all her pills around!!! It's been beautiful here in the southern part of the state and I feel guilty for not getting out for a stroll. This is my first full week back to work and I'm dragging a little at night. Can't even convince myself to shuffle on the treadmill for a few minutes. Well, I hope everyone is well and enjoying the beginning of July!

My protein goal is at least 50 gms. So 100 sounds like a lot! Mushy was not allowed for me until day 11. I like the Designer whey chocolate shakes. I use 1 1/2 scoops with 6 oz milk, splenda, and a dash of light Hershey syrup. It packs in 33 grams with one shake and its pretty good! I'm still doing this for breakfast because I'm not in the mood to eat solid food in the morning. Hang in there! -Trish

I understand how you feel. I had my surgery on 6/10. I am getting through this by reminding myself that I had to resort to SURGERY to conquer this weight problem. In the whole scheme of things, this is a drastic solution. Now that I have the tool, I must use it and not make this all be another failed attempt. (And, yes, I know we don't have full restriction at this point, but building good habits now will help when the band is at optimal fill).

Just banded on 6/10... My surgeon and staff advised 1 week before driving. When you do begin driving, I advise taking a small squishy pillow for areas where the seat belt might irritate. -Trishadish

I definitely get this. A friend got me interested in canning/preserving a few years ago. Haven't done too much, but when I have done it I found it to be such a stress reliever. I think its because you can only focus on what you are doing...nothing else. What happened with Go Tabs? One of my sons is so difficult about swallowing pills--these were perfect. I cannot find them anymore. So, I'm booo hooing right along with ya! -Trish

Hi all, I’m doing fine. Moved on to mushies. Yum. I’m down about 18 lbs since my pre-op visit on 6/6. Doin’ the happy dance here!!! Saturday I hosted an 8th grade graduation picnic/swim party for my twin sons. There were 40+ friends, family, etc. I had it planned before I had my surgery date and didn’t want to cancel. Although I tried to make it as easy as possible (had contracted with a company to pitch a 20x20 tent canopy, got a caterer for the main dishes, etc), there was still so much work to be done. Friends pitched in to help wherever possible. By the end of the day though I thought I was not going to make it! By then, I started walking like a little ‘ol lady all bent over. What a sad sight! Took 2 pain pills, heating pad and went to bed! It was a great day though and beautiful here in southern NJ. I didn’t eat really at all on Saturday. I’m finding that its sometimes easy to forget to eat. THAT’s a surprise! I did take a few sips of a light beer though because I just was too hot at one point. That was one time when I did think about missing Diet Coke. (actually I’m a TAB soda retro girl, i.e. TABaholic, rather than Diet Coke girl and did a pretty good job of still finding it up until surgery). Sherry – it sounds like you had a busy party day too! Diane – I’m an HR veteran, so if you need help with your resume or anything, let me know. Jessica, Eileen – Trying not to stray from my diet too much. Thanks for the encouragement. Donna –You’ll do fine with the surgery. Stay calm, follow orders, etc. When they offer pain meds, take them! I tried to be fine without them after the first few hours passed from surgery, but I think I made it harder on myself. So, take the drugs! (This is why I had pain pills still left over to take after my picnic…) Kat – Believe it or not, we have a Rodeo in my town here in NJ. Runs every Saturday night in the summer. I just moved here 1 year ago and haven’t attended yet. It’s tiny and looks no bigger than a highschool football field and has wooden bleachers. A local public tv station broadcasts the rodeo. One of my sons’ friends from our former home area (an hour or so north) wants to come down and celebrate his birthday there, so we’ll check it out. I went to a rodeo once in my life just 2 years ago in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was a fun night! All – Thanks again for the “hang in there” encouragement. It truly helps! -Trish

Hi ladies, Here I am, 1 week + 1 day post op! Hurray! This liquid diet is getting old all of a sudden and hunger has appeared. I know this is an absolute "no no", :cursing:, but I just sucked on 1 1/2 wheat thin veggie crackers. OMG, just the salt and seasoning was worth it. I have my post op follow up on Friday so hopefully I will get the go ahead to have mushy foods. Just seeing that you all have survived this really helps! -Trish

Hi and welcome. I had my lap band surgery on the 10th as well. There is also a whole group of us in the June 2008 forum. Hope you are feeling well. I'm tired and still dealing with the gas pressure from the surgery. Each day is better though! Good luck on your journey and private message me if you would like to keep in touch. -Trishadish :biggrin2:

Hi all, I'm home. Thanks so much for the positive notes. I am banded, hurting and just wanting to feel stronger. This was definitely not as easy as some make it out to be. And, if you knew me, would know I am not a whiner. But, I guess everyone's experience is different. The gas pain is horrible and its moving no where (I know TMI). I had one of my sons place his hand on my tummy and he was shocked. Had some issues with shallow breathing and very low BP in the hospital (I normally run high), but things have stabilized. (Okay, maybe I'm whining now a little bit). Thanks again. I'm off to get some rest. -Trishadish

Thanks for posting this! I had my lapband done on the 10th and am very at peace with my decision, BUT these first few days have been a little tough. Definitely more than 2 days on the couch needed LOL!

I had my lapband on the 10th. "Home on the couch" as Cathy C would say! Good luck everyone, keep positive!

I'm 2 days away from being banded. MAJOR Jitters. But at peace with the need for this surgery. Can't help a girl from being nervous though! It is blazing hot this weekend. I figured I'd get my first dip of the season in the pool today since I probably will be banned until incisions heal. I HATED stepping outside in my swimsuit especially since the neighbors had company on their back deck. Deciding it would be best to jump in rather than stand there to be gawked at, I jumped right it! Unfortunately, I did it mid-way where the bottom slants down. My legs went right down on it and I screwed up my knee. This should make ambulation after surgery even more fun! I caught such grief from my family because the only reason I jumped in so quickly was to hide from being noticed! Boy, I hope moments like that will be HISTORY! Keep cool all! I'll be back in touch after surgery! Keep positive thoughts and energy for me on Tuesday! -Trishadish

Well, I got my approval earlier this week and a surgery date. NEXT TUESDAY! I'm a June bandster now! Best wishes all! :wink2: -Trishadish

I just ordered a wii for my sons as their 8th grade graduation present. After I drop a few pounds, I think I'll get the wii fit for moi ! (At the moment I exceed their max weight limit).:wink2: UGH. -Trishadish

Dr. Noel Williams, Hosp Univ of Penn in Philly

I just found out that my surgery is the 10th. I jumped at this quickly scheduled date (after months of tests and waiting for that final insurance approval) because I was/am fearful that I would be scheduling many "last meals". However, I have not had an appetite now for the past few days. Maybe its just a realization that we'd just be adding to the weight loss work that we'll be faced with for the rest of our lives as a result of getting this tool. So, yes, I am going through this too. Best wishes on your surgery! My turn in the next day!!! :smile: -Trishadish

Hi to the Jersey crowd-- Just got my approval on Monday (YEA!) and I am scheduled for my band next Tuesday (YIKES). Now the nerves are starting and I just want this done! I hope that I will be as successful as all of you seem to have been. I have a LONG road ahead of me with about 150 lbs that need to GO! I have twin boys (teens) that I need to be in much better shape to keep up with! We've always done lots of adventures but they often dared near kill me as I always forced myself to keep up. I look forward to the day when I can do things much easier than I do today. Please send positive energy my way next Tuesday! Thanks! -Trishadish

Please add me to the list for the 10th! I received my insurance approval on Monday and now am scheduled for surgery just a week later. Yikes! Glad to just get it done after months and months of jumping through hoops... So, please count me in for the June folks! -Trishadish

I know exactly where you are coming from... I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for final approval. I hope I hear something in the next day or two. I'm nervous that I went through the 6 months, the endless testing, etc, for nothing. Even my PCP is getting frustrated because of continually having to give information. (6 months of weight management, several letters, etc, etc!) Did I mention he charges me $ each time he sends stuff. RIDICULOUS!

I'm hoping that I'll get my final approval from insurance this week and then hopefully a July surgery date! I've been jumping through all the hoops too and I'm getting weary. Anyway, here's my 2 cents: Lucky Sevens July Jugs (Just Us Girls) That is if no men choose to join in! -Trishadish