JenFenRen

Ok, so I had surgery on 9/21/09... and finally after 8 fills, I am feeling restriction... but yakking (sorry, TMI) a lot of my food up... I am sure that it is due to not having any restriction at all prior to this. I guess I am looking for guidance as to what I should be doing, because I have been kind of half-*ssing it at this point because I could pretty much eat whatever I wanted (there are a few foods I couldnt get down previous to this fill). Interestingly enough, I should have had 7cc's in my 14 cc band and the Dr was stumped as to why I wasnt getting any restriction. So he removed the Fluid which only amounted to 5cc's when there should have been 7. He said it was possible that he had missed on previous fills (which take about 7 stabs for him to find the port) so I am kind of peeved that I paid for 7 fills which really only yielded 5 fills. Anyway, any help is much appreciated!

Were any of you able to eat macaroni and cheese, or rice during mushy stage? I will be starting mushies this coming weekend, and am CRAVING mac and cheese bad!

Hey all, Does your doc let you take ibuprofen post op? I remember we couldnt do it for two weeks pre-op... It's, ahem, that time of the month, and nothing else cuts it.... Thanks!

Though I am not supposed to be eating soft food yet, I am curious as to what slider foods are exactly? Purely, so I can make sure to avoid them. I've read many threads and I am still a little confused. Is this an individual thing?

Thanks for all the info everyone! I talked to my nurse today, she said I could take it that time of the month, but to make sure I take a Pepcid with it and to eat before taking it. There isnt any more risk of ulcers than there was pre-op. It it just more likely to irritate our smaller stomachs now. THANK GOD!

I know that the risk of NSAIDS is potential ulcers, its just that Tylenol does not cut it for cramps! I am going to take a couple and deal with the Dr's office tomorrow if I have to. I figure its only for a couple of days per month, right? My primary did prescribe a mild pain reliever, but it makes me loopier than liquid Lortab! And, I do a lot of problem solving at work and cannot afford to be loopy or hunched over into the fetal position under my desk! Thanks for all the info!

I lost about 8 lbs. But, not a pound since (I am on mushies). This is totally normal according to everything I have read here, and what my nutritionist said. YOU ARE HEALING! And I keep hearing, dont worry about losing weight, give your body time to heal. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint!

Oh and a side note, for those juice lovers out there. Of which I am one, but lust after it instead of drinking it because of the sugar, try Sobe Lifewater. The Fuji Apple Pear tastes like slightly watered down apple juice!

I was banded 9/21/09, and my side effects have disappeared! No more excruciating thirst, peeing every hour, and getting up in the middle of the night to pee. No more afternoon naps because I was so exhausted! I am only 3+ weeks out, and already feel normal again. I dont test every day, just get A1C's. And, I have stopped taking my meds (Glucovance 2.5/500) and my Dr is ok with that. I just cant wait to go in and get my A1C done again!

I got this recipe off of the food Network website and LOVE IT. I made it long before I decided to have surgery. Roasted chicken Sausage Meatballs Serves 4 Preheat oven to 450 degrees 1 and 1/2 lbs ground chicken Black Pepper Salt 2-3 spriggs fresh Rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped 2 tsp fennel seeds (gives it the sausage taste) 3 cloves garlic, grated 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 1 cup ricotta (I always use cottage cheese, I just prefer it) 1 egg (I have used egg substitute before) 1/2 c grated Parmesan Combine the chicken, salt, pepper, rosemary, fennel seeds, garlic, red pepper flakes, ricotta, 1/2 c parmesan, egg, and breadcrumbs. If the mixture seems too wet, add more breadcrumbs. Mix well and form 8 large round balls, about 3-4 inches across. Grease baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil, and coat (I eliminated this part) each meatball with olive oil. Arrange balls on the baking sheets and roast 17-18 minutes until juices run clear. I do not have the Protein amount, or the nutrition information, but if you choose lower fat options, I cant imagine that it is all that bad!

This sucks! I am 2+ weeks out and am starving and the pureed foods just arent cutting it. I have a MAJOR craving for McDonald's. I am exercising, eating what I am supposed to and my weight is stuck. This is why I always quit diets and stop going to the gym. I work hard and eat right and NEVER see any results. I know that others have/are experiencing this, but this is the hardest thing I have done. I cannot wait to get filled. 3 more weeks! And, I may just have a couple of fries.

Hey there fellow September-ers, how do I get added to the list? Banded 9/21!

Well at least the bright side for you is the possibility of less loose skin! Supposedly, according to my DR, the slower you lose it, the less likely the chance. From one bandster to another, hang in there. Even if you arent losing lbs, I am certain you are healthier than you were 2 months ago! Do you have plans on doing any racing? 5k's etc... ultimately I would like to do a half marathon... but I havent even started running yet!

I was sleeping on my side from the day of surgery.. and by day 5 I was on my stomach. I just got into bed very gingerly!

Oh yes, and I am so excited to talk to other ppl from my area!

I am doing great on mushies. My weight loss has stalled, but I think that is due to the fact that I have diabetes. I have some fish in the oven right now :wink2: Please note that I am not trying to take any business away from your Dr's. I am just really pleased with Central DuPage Hospital and Dr Vallina. Again, I have spend oodles of time in hospitals with family members, and I have previously worked in the medical field (NOT at CDH in case you were wondering), and I can honestly say, without exception, that these people are GREAT! Dr Van Vallina - 630-933-6745

Are you referring to sliming? Or productive burping?

FYI - For those of you going to Alexian Brothers... have you considered Central DuPage Hospital? I got banded there on 9/21 and everything went fantastic. I have spent A LOT, and I mean A LOT, of time in hospitals due to an ill family member, and I can say BY FAR, that CDH has the best patient care in the area. It is not as close as Alexian Brothers is for me, but it was definitely worth the extra 10 minutes.

Butsy.. CONGRATS ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS! I am doing really well thanks! I moved to pureed yesterday and am super, SUPER grateful. I stopped taking pain meds the third day after surgery. Besides feeling crappy the day after I got home, I havent had the gas pains ppl deal with at all. My weight loss has stalled. But, I know that now is the time for healing. I have a my post op appt tomorrow and am actually considering asking for a fill. What have you been eating?

My DR has 14 days Full liquids (which does not include eggs, cottage cheese, etc) but does include yogurt and pudding. And then 4 weeks of mushies (today is day 2 woo hoo!)!!!

Would is be possible that it is an allergy to the materials?

Does your Dr allow cottage/ricotta cheese on liquids phase post op?

I was banded 9/21 and have little restriction too! Sometimes I wonder if the band is even there! But I went to Chipotle today, and got a bowl and only ate 1/3 of it pureed, so I know I am somewhat restricted. However, I am usually hungrier before 4 hours is up.

Greg, you are pureeing cottage cheese?

I am 11 days out and and cheated by having mashed potatoes yesterday and today.... I am sooooo freaking hungry all of the time. And, I have had some egg whites....