EveB

My 3-month blood results were a drastic improvement from July. I have Type 2 Diabetes and my A1c dropped to 6.2. With my doctor 6.2 is considered a "well-managed diabetic". My cholesterol is still a bit high, but it's only been 6 months. I feel so much better. As to weight loss, I've stalled a bit. Sampling my Christmas baking and other treats did not help, but I sort of think that my body likes this current weight. It's almost to the pound the same point at which I slowed down after having the lap band. I want to go lower, but am relaxing and enjoying the health benefits I already have. I don't want to be a "well-managed diabetic". I want to be NORMAL. I've discovered cooking. My freezer is full of small containers of prepared, healthy food--food that suits my sleeved stomach. I've tried to explain to friends how nice it is to be able to leisurely plan and prepare meals. Before I was all about fast food, because I simply could not cook fast enough to suit the "starving" feeling of my endless appetite. I would also eat ALL that I prepared, and we all know that no matter how healthy the dish, ALL of it is NOT healthy. I think some of you might understand me better than those friends did. Exercise is just not happening for me. I truly HATE to sweat, but given recent weather, I've also discovered that I also hate to freeze. Walking dates are scheduled with my best friend for Sunday's this month. We both hope that our endless chatting will provide the distraction each of us needs to prevent getting bored. I know that I walk longer, further and faster the few times my boyfriend joins me. He talks more then than at any other time and is quite entertaining. All things considered, the sleeve has been good to me. Now I need to be good to me. Happy New Year and New You to All!

Yes! I went out to lunch with a friend on Saturday. My lunch cost between $3 and $4, plus I took some of it home. I'm single and worked long hours, so I used to eat out quite a bit, which can be expensive. But I was SO hungry that I NEEDED food IMMEDIATELY--no patience to wait while I prepared it. Now, in addition to not working, I'm never so dreadfully ravenous. I cook more often and fill freezer with 1/2 cup size containers of "leftovers". Only my pre-Thanksgiving grocery trip was over $50.

I had two separate surgeries too. My stomach was far too inflamed when the band was removed to do anything else to it. I had not been able to swallow much at all. Yes, when I swallowed the stuff for a flouroscope, it stopped at the band. And that was AFTER the band was deflated. Between then and the band removal, even water hurt. I survived mostly on soft ice until at least 3 pm when I was able to eat a bit, generally baked potato. Make sure you do the revision to sleeve as soon as possible. I was delayed by a layoff and some other health problems so that had already gained back all the weight I had lost.

You might also want to think about HOW you get out of bed. I know that sounds stupid, but after my Dad's open heart surgery, they "taught" him how to get up by using his arm/elbow to push up, rather than just doing it "sit-up style" like we do normally. After his stroke disabled one side, the "training" was similar. Basically anything to avoid fully engaging the abdominals primarily.

I'm at day 16 or 17, so we should be similar. My doctor's plan lists the foods you did, but follows by stating they need to be mashed or pureed. The nutritionist told us to think the consistency of applesauce. And that we should be able to mash with our tongues (you know, pressing against the roof of our mouth) any remaining bits. I've successfully had, in 1/4 cup servings, the following after blending with a hand immersion blender. Or you could use a regular blender or a small food processor. 1) oatmeal with 1/2 tbsp peanut butter melted into it--when blending, I had to add a good bit of milk bit by bit because I cooked it too much 2) Hormel turkey chili with beans--but some turkey bits were too hard and I had to spit out (don't eat in front of anyone :-)) 3) Chef Boyardee beef-a-roni--like with turkey, some beef bits were too hard 4) Chicken noodle soup with 1/2 noodles removed to save carbs and then blended. This stays liquid but is more substantial than the strained stuff Things that I DID NOT have the BLEND: 1) Grits cooked really liquid with cheese. I added about 1/4 scoop of unflavored protein powder to add protein. I use Isopure. You can order online. 2) Plain yogurt. Either plain Greek or Kroger Carbmasters (don't scoop up any fruit pieces) 3) Sugar free pudding For some good suggestions from someone who has gone through this, check out www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com I hope this helps you out. Your terrible reaction IS NOT common. I think if you go for softer, but high protein foods, you will feel better.