spayneuter2008

What is country style sausage (for the 5 day ouch test soup recipe)?

I've never heard of the five day pouch test. I will Google it. Thank you. Also, I've been forgetting to take my Benefiber. That's because some of the sugar-free stuff I have eaten gave me the runs, but I'm off of that stuff now. I don't know how to change my name from Spayneuter, but please call me Betty. Thanks. I wish we all lived near each other so we could get together. I live in Germantown, TN. Where do you live?

Yes, I have had that problem for the past several days. I was banded Sept. 30, 2008. That sick thinking overtook me -- I have lost 40 pounds and have 30 (not 20 like I said earlier -- my bad) to go -- so I figured I could do it "my way." Well, my ego got in the way and I gained back 3 pounds. By turning to this group, my head is on straight again, thank goodness. Someone suggested reading your literature again from the doctor -- that's a good idea. It will give you a sense of order and suggestions. I keep a count of my Protein grams and calories every day. All of my food is either fat-free or very low-fat, so I don't have to count fat grams any more. It's so simple when I read suggestions -- drink 64 oz of liquid a day -- one-half hour before meals and one hour after meals -- eat protein first -- no bread, rice of Pasta for me, which I don't miss -- no carbonated beverages (I haven't had one since my surgery). My problem has been lately I've been eating sugar-free and non-fat or low-fat foods, but in quantities that are ridiculous. I just ate them until I had that stuffed feeling -- the feeling that settles any uncomfortable emotions I might be having. I've had to regroup and limit stress as much as I can. Well, anyway, this was supposed to be a "quick" reply. Sorry. Keep coming here and reading. There are some great mentors I'm finding out. So I need to try to give back as much as I'm getting from all of you. Betty 187/147/117 9/30/08 Dr. Woodman, Memphis, TN

You have made a wonderful decision to get banded. It's the only thing that has helped me to lose weight of all the things I've tried in the past. Good luck and I'll be thinking about you on your surgery date.

I agree with Cheryl, Phyl. What you said in your email to Cheryl was just what I needed to hear, too. I had gotten very lax. One thing I had forgotten was so important was to drink my 64 ounces of liquid a day. I drink the Crystal Lite instead of water. My having lost 40 pounds gave me the "big head." Now i'm humbled again. Thanks for being here. Betty

I was banded on Sept. 30, 2008. I have lost 40 pounds and have 20 to go. I 'm 63 and 5 feet tall. My initial weight was 187 and now I am 147. I am binging -- for the past several days -- getting worse. I can't seem to get control of myself. I feel like I'm just going to gain it all back. I'm really scared.

Can you help me?

I was lapbanded about 6 months ago, Sept. 30, 2008. I have lost a total of 40 pounds and have 20 to go. But I'm in trouble. I have been eating like crazy. Has anyone tried Super Hoodia90? (I think that's what it's called.) I'm thinking I may need that to help me decrease my appetite. I will be going in for another fill next Thursday, but now I'm eating a lot of soft foods to fill me up, probably an emotional hunger. I have joined a local athletic club but am not starting with a trainer until Monday. HELP!!!!!!

Your picture is beautiful. You look so happy. I am down 33 pounds. Surgery was Sept. 30th, this year. I just had my third fill. They are taking it slowly with me. I still don't feel the restriction others describe, but am sticking to 1000 cals a day, below 20 fat grams and drinking lots and lots of Crystalite. The only starch I eat is one serving of cream of wheat at night. You mentioned a Protein bar -- which one? Also, what kind of exercise regimen are you on? I haven't started mine yet. I HATE to exercise but know I have to begin. My clothes size is going down very slowly. If you have time, could you tell me what you eat in a day? Thanks, you are so nice and helpful. Betty Dilley Germantown, TN 186/153/117 9/30/08 Dr. Woodman

Yeh, I've been tempted to pull one of the tapes off. Liquid Benadryl helps with the itching.

We are about the same age. I am 63. The bandage that is over the port, do I just leave that on until my six-week followup visit with the doctor?

no gas pains -- i went to the theatre where i volunteer - think i may have done too much -- had to take the pain med just now to get some relief -- i need to start keeping track of my protein grams -- have to be sure i'm getting in 40 to 60 grams a day. popsickles are really helping it's nice that we are about the same surgery-time-wise. take care

Sounds like you're doing great. What is the abdominal band for? I had my surgery one day before you. I'm not getting 64 oz of water in a day, but am getting in 64 oz of fluid; hope that's okay.

This info has been most helpful,y'all. Banded Tuesday, Oct.1. Home that afternoon. Am 63 years old. Doing very well so far. Should I be concerned that I'm not passing gas? I take Gas-X. When should I expect a bm? I'm on clear liquids, go to full liquids tomorrow.

I'm glad you wrote. And I wish you the best with your surgery. I am 63 years old and had my surgery on Oct. 1. I too wanted to stay in the hospital overnight, but my doctor said most people do better (and move around more) if they go home the same day. So I went home around 5 pm after a morning surgery. And I think it's working out very well. I was able to walk upstairs to my bedroom and down again a few times. And the day after surgery I was able to walk on the treadmill and took a walk around my block. I took a hot shower and washed my hair. I didn't think I'd be able to do all that, but actually it made me feel so much better. I am taking my pain medication as instructed; I'm not trying to be a martyr!! and endure the pain. And I think that is what is helping me to move around more. When I find myself sitting on the cough too long, I make myself get up and walk around and get busy doing whatever I can (not too much, though). I hope this has helped you. If you need any other information, please let me know. You can email me directly if you want: betty_dilley@comcast.net.

Hi Patty! I'm glad you're taking your pain meds. After I read your message, I went and took a hot shower. If felt so good. I had just forgotten I could take one--thanks for mentioning it. I've been walking on the treadmill some and now am going to go outside for a walk. The walking is really helping. Please stay in touch. Thanks. Betty

Glad to know you are doing pretty well. I'm having the same problem getting out of bed. Have you been advised to use hot packs or ice packs? Somewhere I read about them, but can't remember. Let's keep in touch.

Have you gone home yet? How are you feeling? I had my surgery yesterday Tues, Sept. 30th, in the AM and came home that afternoon.

Had my lapband yesterday (Tues.) morning. Am home doing pretty well. Does anyone know of anything that will help the gas besides Gas-X and walking?

I wish you the best of luck. My surgery is this Tuesday, Sept. 30th.

Debbie, you helped me SO SO much. I also had my surgery cancelled once. The doctor wanted an esophageal motility test done, and it came back as normal. So my surgery is scheduled for this coming up Tuesday, Sept. 30. I have to be at the hospital at 7:00; am not sure what time my surgery is. I wasn't put on any type of preoperative diet; were you? I too have lost 10 pounds since beginning this journey. I can't tell you enough how much your explaining things to me has helped. I would like to keep in touch with you. What is the best way to do that (if you're willing)? I am 63 years old. I live in Germantown, TN. I have a husband and 7 dogs we have rescued over the years. All our kids and grandkids live elsewhere, so our dogs are our "furry kids!" My husband is 66. We are both retired. I do a lot of volunteer work for a nearby small community theatre. He plays golf, fishes, and goes to garage sales. Anyway, I hope to hear back from you. You have made me feel secure and sane!! Betty Dilley

Well, I read your story again and it really really has helped me. I now have a new surgery date for Tuesday, Sept. 30th. Do you have any pictures posted?

Your story really helped me. I am also 5 feet tall. My lapband surgery is on Tuesday, Sept. 30th. Thank you for telling your story. I have many of the same feelings you mentioned.

Am I glad I read your story! I am also 5 feet tall and am in a size 18-20. My lapband surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 30th. I wish I could be in your audience when you speak. I know everyone there will be very inspired.