dj_bryan

It definitely gets better! I am 9 days out and have boundless energy. I took a 30 minute walk this morning, and 2 hours later I was marching in front of the tv trying to expend excess energy. I walked around my yard a couple of times the first few days out which helped too. I have no real pain; only some site soreness and occasional gas pains. Hang in there! :thumbup:

I lost my last post... I hate that.. hope it doesn't show up again so that I sound too redundant! Sherry I really like that triple shot of you. It's like you have the shrinkage factor. :thumbup: How's your reflux? Thanks for mentioning the troups- my nephew is in Baghdad. Diane - I have two weddings for next year already. My youngest daughter and my stepson. It's going to be an expensive year. Did your son set a date yet? Pat - my dinner party went okay the other night although I thought the people were a bit a holish. They kept making Yankee references which got on my nerves. It's over. I think we're going to go to the pier in Glouscester tomorrow night after the cookout and fish while watching the fireworks over the York River. Betty - I made a similar dessert the other night from a Paula Deen recipe. Everyone loved it and it looked more impressive than it was. Trish - did you continue to lose after going on mushies? How long until you can eat real food. I'm 8 days out and its on my nerves a bit; just the repetitiveness of it all. I'm looking for some variety. I see the dr on Tuesday so I assume he'll put me on mushies then. OH.. where are you in So Jersey? Well ladies, I hope you all have a wonderful 4th! Take care, Donna

I, too, have only told a handlful of people. Those I chose to tell were told because I knew they would be positive and helpful to me on my journey. Others were not told because I didn't want the stress of the negativity, or anyone trying to sabotage me. I have only been banded since last week (the 25th), so I reserve the right to change my mind as time moves on. or not.

Thanks ladies for all the worthwhile advice. I'm doing fine and I'll keep experimenting with the different flavors until I find something palatable. Diane and Kat- I bought a few of those Protein shots. It really is an easier way to get in more protein while on liquids. I just pretend it's a shot of liquor, and it goes right down. :wink_smile: (by the way, when can you drink after surgery?) Pat and Betty- I have my bullet. I am anxious to experiment with it more. I don't know that I can have fruits in it yet. That zero butt nutritionist was very anti fruit for some reason; I think the sugars. I'll pick up the whey stuff. I just wish you could buy small portons of some of this stuff so you can find what you like without so much waste. Peanut Butter sounds really good, too! (It's amazing to me what sounds good right now) Sherry- sorry you are still suffering so much with the reflux. I am still taking my nexium and haven't had any problems yet. Of course that may change after I get my first fill. I have become surprised at how much my day had revolved around food. I knew it to a point, but I am having some trouble keeping busy without having to plan for food. Sounds sick I know. Well, we have to give a dinner party tomorrow night for my stepson's future in laws who will be in town. I am practically mourning the fact I can't eat! It is ridiculous that I have been this addicted. DH is making steak and baked potatoes on the grill so I have little to fix. However, it's not even like I am hungry; I just want to eat! I'm trying to take the time now to sort some of this out so I can recognize it for what it is. I'm open to any coping suggestions. Thanks for listening, Donna

I'm not so sure about that. I was banded last Wednesday and I have no problems taking my meds which consist of an aspirin size tablet and a capsule. Of course I haven't had any fills yet, but swallowing has not been a problem at all. I sometimes wonder if I have a band at all! LOL

Hey everyone, I continue to do well after surgery. The only real problem I have is eating all that crap I am not hungry and I haven't been able to find protein shakes/goods that are real enticing. I'm supposed to get in about 100 grams of protein a day. It's only been a couple of days, but I can only get in about 35 grams or so without gagging. Any suggestions? Mushy food is starting to sound appealing. lol I'm open to suggestions fellow bandsters!

Thank you so much everyone for your thoughts and well wishes. I am an official bandster! It was pretty uneventful, actually, which was a good thing for any surgery. The staff there was so supportive, almost like being here on the board with all of you. Of course I'm sore.... but that is to be expected. In every other way I am terrific! I didn't get home until after 2 yesterday and I was fairly groggy. However this morning I've been up and around and took a couple of walking laps around my backyard before it heats up. There was a woman two cubicles down from me who was screaming that the pain was so bad (after having the same procedure!) The nurse said she was told that she wouldn't have ANY pain so that's what is making her so upset. I guess she never had surgery before. DH has taken off the day today to take care of me. I've been up for two hours and he's still sleeping! LOL Pat, lunch sounds good after I can get on mushies. I go back to Dr. Clark on 7/8. Thanks again everyone... all advice is welcome. Donna

Thanks, Pat! I'm fine... I'll post more on the NJ board. :embaressed_smile:

Jetti- your upcoming trip sounds fabulous! It will be wonderful having all that time there to relax, shop and party. Have you stayed at the Occidental before? I was recently researching the Occidental in Costa Rico and it looked wonderful. I am always looking for recommendations for future trips! In my next life I'd like to be one of those people that writes the travel books. That way I could travel and write it all off on my tax return!:grouphug: Enjoy, Donna

Eileen - thanks for the well wishes. I'm sure everything will be fine. Diane - Thanks for thinking of me- I'm sorry the job is so awful right now. You have done a fabulous job on your weight loss despite all the stress. I am a terrible stress eater, which I am hoping to get under control with the help of the band. Trish - I'll be fine.. oh--- don't worry, I have no qualms about taking drugs! LOL Sherry - thanks for sharing about the reflux. I'm currently on 40mg of nexium which seems to keep it in check. I do worry some about it getting worse, but I'll deal with it if and when I have to. Betty- yes, I'm very excited and surprisingly not nervous (yet!) considering it's only 2 days away. :grouphug: Kat - you sound like a terrific granny! You are doing your grandchildren a favor surrounding them with books and teaching them manners. It sounds like Connor may be using his bulk because he can't communicate yet. Pat- I'm not surprised that you drove so soon. You seem to be always on the go! I'm sure I'll be anxious to do the same. Everyone, thanks so much for all the support. It's comforting just knowing you are only a few clicks away. Donna

Hey ladies, four more days until I'm an official bandster! I'm excited. Sherry, did you have acid reflux before the band? I currently take nexium for it, and I'm a bit worried it will get worse after surgery when I read so many posts about it. Jetti, I think you will really love the Domincan. I was there at the end of March. We stayed at Dreams resort in Punta Cana, and it was terrific. The people were really nice. We didn't go off the resort though, and it looked a bit rough and dirty on our way from the airport to the resort. Are you staying in an all inclusive also? Pat, there was a really good band last night at Yorktown beach. They have free concerts there most Friday nights. We bring a smaller cooler with our choice of alcholic beverages and maybe a snack and enjoy! OH>>>I think I'm going through bike envy reading many of your posts! :redface: Have great day everyone. Donna

Hi ladies! Thanks to all of you for making me feel so welcome. Diane, I appreciate you sharing with me. At least now I know I'm not crazy or pregnant! (I hope you're feeling better) Pat, your new do sounds adorable; very fresh for summer. Oh.. and are you sure you're not the one that wants some! LOL Go for it! (a Jello shooter sounds good about now) Jetti, where are you getting to go on vacation? I LOVE to travel! Trish, it sounds like you are holding it together. Don't worry about the crackers; I've licked worse things! LOL Have a terrific Thursday! Donna

wow! what a fabulous transformatiion!

Jetti, my daughter had that problem and used the same Proactive that she uses for her face and it worked. The nutrition class was fine... it was actually in 3 parts with an RN, a nutritionist (Pat you're right...zero butt), and the psychologist. It was okay, although a bit repetitive for anyone who has done their homework. I'm just happy the day is getting closer.

I know how much you are enjoying your nephew. My nephew has been in Iraq (Baghdad) since October and we can't wait until he gets home. He was hoping for Christmas, but now it is not looking likely. We did just get the good news that he was promoted to Captain! and he just turned 25 the end of May! I know you are so very proud of him. :biggrin:

Hey Sherry, my DH and I did Relay for life for the 2nd year in a row and it really is touching. I don't think we have as many activities as you do, though. Of course, we have taken the 6-8pm shift on the Friday night, so things are just really starting to rev up about then. It sounds like you have a really good group. I had my pre op testing this morning, which went well. The only problem was it took three sticks to get my blood and they finally had to go in my hand. :biggrin: Tomorrow I go to that 3 1/2 hour nutrition class. Does anyone know how that is? I hope its not too boring because I'd hate to start snoring in the middle of it! I also have my pre op appt with my surgeon tomorrow, so I'm getting excited that things are moving so quickly now. Have a great day everyone! Donna

Thank you for such a warm welcome everyone. I look forward to getting to know all of you better. Donna

Thank you, Pat, I'm here! I am an original Jersey girl. I was born in Trenton, grew up in Ewing, and then lived in Lawrenceville for over 20 years before moving to VA. I miss the Jersey food, especially pizza and hoagies. LOL I guess that's what has gotten me into this mess! I will be banded in 10 more days and I am trying to stay on the preop diet. Tomorrow I have my preadmission tests, and Tuesday is the nutrition class and pre op dr.s appt. I can't wait to be banded. Pat your pics are fabulous! You look like a different person; too young to be a grandmother! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to sharing with all of you and thanks for any candid advice you can give me. Donna

Thank you so much, Pat. I will be checking out the Jersey girls after this. I love VA, but after spending 46 years in NJ, my heart is still there. I've been voyeuring the site a bit and the girls seem genuine with a great sense of humor like you have. Thanks so much for all you have done for me already. Only 10 more days! :cursing:

Hey signgirl, I'm going to be banded by Dr., Clark on the 25th. I am doing the pre op diet now, though not as well as I should be. I have company this weekend and its hard to make for everyone and not eat anything..or drink anything alcoholic. I go for my pre op testing day. How is WLSC about fills? Are they conservative? Do they put anything in during your surgery?? You've done so well so far! You must be so proud of yourself. Keep up the good work!

I've tried it and I don't care for it alone... tastes like cardboard. However, I put a couple of scoops of it in a slimfast optima, with a bit more skim milk, a splenda, and some frozen fruit..(blueberries right now). It's actually pretty yummy when whizzed in my bullet! :tongue2:

I really like your easy to follow, no nonsense approach. Thank you, you have helped me already and I won't be banded until the 25th!

Oh yes, Kimaly, I know the County Grill. LOL I also know about where Windsor is... near Suffolk. Did you begin your pre op diet yet? Where are you having your surgery?

Indiogirl55, congratulations on how well you have done in so little time! I am 54 and 256lbs at 5'4". I will be banded on the 25th of this month and would love any support you can give. I see you already have a lot of takers! You are such an inspiraton to so many. I look forward to reading your posts and gleaning your advice. Thank you.