boos02

That's a long time to wait. I was told to schedule my next fill appt when I had the first fill. That way, it would be easier to cancel then try to schedule two months out. My doc only does fills twice a month. On another note, I went for the post-op appt today. When the nutritionist looked at my food logs she said I should not be eating more than 1 cup of food at a sitting. She said eating more may stretch the pouch. She said it was better to eat more smaller meals at this point. I'm still on mushies for another 10 days. I thought we were just restricting calories not the amount of food at a sitting. Learned something new! Kathy

Janet - Congrats! We are so lucky to have a mentor like you... inspiring! Kathy PS. Just found out I have a conference in Palm Desert in December. That's close to you isn't it? Maybe we can connect in person!

I'm going to continue to report in case there are those of you reading but not posting. Yesterday was Dr. Forgione's lap band monthly support group meeting. The group continues to grow. Still more pre-ops than post-ops. I feel like it's a "show and tell" but I guess that's normal in the beginning. I'm looking forward for when we can share ideas, motivations, frustrations, recipes etc. Seems like a nice group of people - all with the same goal in mind - to live a healthier lifestyle.

Hi everyone - It's so good to check in everyday. It seems like we've whittled down to a small core group with a few people popping in and out. I'm also relieved that you are all feeling the same way - I can eat more than I thought I would be able to. I'm also trying to keep it under 1,000. A suggestion that was made last night at my local support group was to cook up a bunch of veggies and put them in individual containers. Then when I get hungry I can reach for one - it will take the edge off because of the fiber. I'm still on mushies for about one more week so I'm going to give this a try. Kathy

Janet - Thanks for the reminder. I think we all think it will be easy. I went to my local support group last night and the veterans said the same thing - don't be tied to the scale. I'm back to the gym this week to start working with my trainer again. I'm looking forward to it. Kathy

I agree with Orea and Lyn - we're in the healing phase right now. The other thing to remember is that this is not the magic bullet. The band is a tool. The optimum weight loss is only supposed to be an average of 1 -2 pounds a week. I know we all wish for more, but that is the reality.

Orea - thanks for the words of wisdom! Bev - I have my two week follow-up this week (it will actually be 2.5 weeks). I'm thinking of asking the doc to move up my fill date. I agree with you. I want to get started on this new life. Right now I feel I can eat anything! - Kathy

Janet - Great news. I'm glad everything turned out ok. Long - I'm going to my monthly support group meeting tonight. Maybe I'll seek out a band-buddy too. Great idea! On another note: Did anyone else find they got hungrier once they started eating more substantial foods? I'm on mushies now. I can eat more and am hungrier more often. Is this normal? - Kathy

Orea - I'm 14 days out and once I started eating mushies I found I could eat more than 4 oz (which is what I was told to do too). I'm trying desperately to hold to 1000 calories a day until my first fill - which is not until September! Yikes. I can't say that I'm always hungry, but I never feel full either. - Kathy

The weekends as tough even for us singles! I ate out twice, and I'm still on mushies. It was hard, but for the most part I was successful. I did have some ham, but cut it so small and then chewed the heck out of it! The interesting thing for me is that I thought I ate more than I was capable of eating. I guess that is because I haven't had a fill yet. -Kathy

The thing to remember is that the purpose of the pre-diet is not to lose weight but to shrink the liver for surgery. I think it's hard for all of us because we want to lose quickly, but you need to remember that the pre-op and post-op phases are about getting the band in place and healing. Once you've past those phases you can concentrate on weight loss. Unless your surgeon told you to lose a specific amount of weight pre-surgery I wouldn't be concerned.

Orea, Melanie - Congrats and welcome to the other side! I know those first few days are foggy, but by day 4 I was doing much better. Joiful - I think 2000 calories a day is too much. My doc said I should be staying at no more than 1200. I agree with Kimaly, try more protein and fiber. That should help. Also, you need to keep reminding your self that this first 4-6 weeks is about healing and not loosing weight. That will come in time. Steady loss is better than huge amounts at one time. And, as tough as it is, exercise will actually make you feel more energized not tired. I know this is all tough, but it will be soooo worth it. And as we're constantly reminded at my local support group the band is only 10% and the person is 90% of this whole process. I haven't lost in a couple of weeks either, but I'm not going to beat myself up about it because I know I'm in this for the long haul and not for quick results. - Kathy

Hi Melissa - I have a question. Can you describe for me the full or overeat feeling? I'm still on liquids, but yesterday after having some Soup I had this heavy feeling in my chest area along with the need to let out one big burp! Is that what I can expect to feel? - Kathy

Beckyo - I'm curious about your overeating "feeling". I'm still on liquids, but I think when I take too much in I might be over-doing it. It's like a heavy feeling, and then a burp waiting to happen. Is that what it feels like? Can anyone else describe it? - Kathy

Diane - I was hungry too, but I agree with what Charlene said. I'm shooting for 800 - 1000 calories/day and try to up the protein as much as possible. Also, lots of water. My first fill isn't until Sept too. I keep hoping I won't get hungry again. (PS. By reading the posts, it really does look like you and I are mirroring each other!) Shonda - Congrats! Hang in there. - Kathy

I was banded 2.5 weeks ago. I eat between 800 - 1000 cal/day. I haven't lost much since week one. After attending support group meetings and talking with my nutritionist, I am not going to fret over it. I was told the body needs adjusting and that takes time. Are you exercising? That could help.

I was banded just 10 days ago. The feeling I have is one of tightness in my chest, and almost like I want to burp. I'm told that will go away.

SanDiego - July did go by fast. Thanks for keeping the list going. It was fun to see our list grow and so many people added. I hope everyone is doing well. I'm 10 days banded and feeling great, but ready to get away from liquids! Kathy

Hi July Bandsters - Our last day on the first month of our new lives! PDXBandster: My doc has the same schedule, I've been on fluids since 7/21. I can start mushies on Sat for 2 weeks, then soft foods. It's not been too bad, but like you I'm ready to move on. Joiful: You can probably check-in with your doc about the schedule. Ground burger is not on my list until soft foods. Also, I'm not feeling any pain. My port is on the right side. Hang in there everyone. This is going to be a great ride! Kathy

Melissa - Your advise and theories to Penny are so perfect. I hope to lead the same nutrition lifestyle that you do, with limited restrictions on what I can eat - just healthy and in moderation. Penny - I think we're July Butterflies together. Thanks for getting that thread started! Kathy

Bochs - Congrats on 25 lbs! I'm only 10 days post-op. Still on liquids until next week. I don't get a queezy feeling, but I do get a tightness when I drink liquids. Could that be restriction? Not sure what to expect or what that "full feeling" will actually feel like. Kathy

Ellen - Glad to see the Ticker is working. We were banded the same day but I can start mushies on Sunday - Can't wait! Last night I had to take my elderly dad to the hospital (he's ok). After six hours I was so hungry I went to the cafeteria and the only liquid option was the gravy from the fried chicken meal. I almost ordered a cup of gravy (l0l). But, I didn't and ended up finding some yogurt instead. Janet - it is so heartwarming to see that the people you connected with last year have become friends. What a great way to have a reunion! Kathy

Hi July Bandsters - I thought I would share a somewhat humorous event from last night. First, I'm still on liquids until this weekend when I transition to mushies. Anyway last evening I had to take my elderly dad to the hospital (he's ok). We were there for 6 hours and I hadn't put anything in me. So while he was being tested I went to the cafeteria for something to eat. Of course since I can't eat solids yet my choices were extremely limited. In fact the only liquid option was the gravy from the fried chicken meal! Yes, I was so hungry I almost got just a cup of gravy. But, I perservered and found some yogurt instead. If I was in a different place (pre-band) I may have ordered the gravy for my dinner. I guess I am making progress. Hope everyone is doing well. Kathy

Shiny - I am just about to start a two week mushie phase. Can't wait. I'm tired of liquids! Thanks for your help. Kathy