rondapooh1

Hi everyone! I thought I would pop in and give an update. I finnially hit the 299 mark today. I haven't been as faithful to my diet as I need to be so I'm loosing really slow. I remember reading (before I had the band) that someone had a chocolate shake and it went down really well. I was apalled. I mean...who has surgery and then drinks a shake?? Well...me I guess. I'm craving ice cream in any form. I'm doing reduced fat or fat free...and loving sorbet, but still. Not the best thing in the world. So, to those who I judged silently, I'm sorry. I should know better and now I do. I have had two fills (1cc a piece)so far. In truth, the band hasn't really had a huge effect on what I eat. I can eat anything except really dry meats. I definatly have to chew better though and must drink before eating in the AM. After the 2nd fill a few weeks ago, I'm noticing a smidge of difference in quantity. So...this message is a note to give myself a kick in the pants. So...I vow. I will plan my meals better. I will eat all of my veggies before my carbs. I must drink ALL of my water. No wine until all of my H2o is consumed! I will exercise 30 minutes per day. So there. Take care everyone and best wises for a wonderful spring!!!

Hi everyone! I thought I would give everyone a quick update. I had my 6 week check up with my dr on Tuesday. He decided NOT to do my fill. He said that since I've lost over 30 lbs and lost over 4 inches in my waist that I should wait until January for a fill. He said something about "enjoying the holidays". I can't decide if I'm happy that I get to enjoy food over the holidays or am a little ticked off that I don't have the additional help of feeling full. Either way, I've unfilled still. Sigh. Have a great week everyone!

Hi everyone! I just wanted to drop in for a quick update. My weight has finially started to move again. YEAH! I'm down 32 lbs as of today and hopefully it's still moving. My scale barely moved for weeks!!! I find that I can eat anything excluding soft breads or gummy pasta. Other than that, everything goes down well. My favorite thing right now is chicken salad on low fat crackers and some fruit. I'm eating more though and don't have a tone of restriction. However...I finially went out to a Mexican dinner on Sunday. WOW...I can't eat nearlly as much as I use to eat. Mexican was my cheat food. I would eat so many chips and cheese dip and then eat a huge combo of food or maybe even fajitas with all the trimmings. I did have a few chips and cheese dip, but stuck to a slow roasted fajita mixture without any of the other stuff. I bet I only have 1 cup of food and some chips and dip. However, I counted the calories and wow...it was a ton. So, no more mexican food for me for a while. It's nice to have a cheat sometime, but I can't do it every day. One other small note, I threw up at lunch Tuesday. It was so stupid. I was talking and forgot to chew well. It was only the 2nd bite of salmon, but it got suck. I thank god that it was only a small bit and that it didn't come from the stomach. Lesson learned on my end. Best wishes all!

Hi everyone! I just thought I would check in with everyone. It looks like eveyone is doing well. Thats great! I'm down 29 lbs. The scale doesn't like me, but my clothes are fitting better and I've had several people comment on my weight loss. That is a great side effect. At this point, I am on solids. I can eat just about anything but soft breads or gummy Pasta. I found out when I made my son's birthday cupcakes for school. I decided to have one bite. wow...it didn't even make it down. My mouth felt like it had something that expanded in it. So wild! Needless to say, I won't be trying that again. The pasta thing will probably go away with a smaller pasta. I'm going to try that one again. later. :thumbdown: I'm eating around 1200-1300 calories per day and getting in at least 80 grams of protien. I also do a chewable multi-vitamin once per day just in case I miss something. I'm pretty much off the protien shakes except for putting some in my coffee every few days. I've started walking a bit and even did a deep cleaning this week on my home. I swear...I think I pulled something and probably over did it a bit. I've got my first fill on Dec. 2nd. I need one. I'm starving. I don't get full because I'm terrified that I'll throw up. So, I do find that I'm snacking late at night because I just need something to make it though the night. It's something I've got to work on. So far, I'm eating between 1-1.5 cups of food in the evening and about 1 cup of food for breakfast and lunch. I did have one weird thought this week. I can't eat an entire lean cuisine. WOW. Isn't that bizare? So anyway, take care all. I'm thinking of you guys!!!!!

I completly agree with you on the protien think. I'm getting in at least 77 grams per day which is what my dietician said to do. I'm finding that fish (which goes down wonderfully!!!) doesn't usually have a lot of calories even though it has a lot of protien. So, I'm still trying to make sure I get enough in the evenings. Crazy. BTW, I stepped on the scales again and I'm down another pound. It's nice to know that I do need to eat to loose. No starving for me. As for the shakes, I am having at least one suplement per day. I usually do it in my morning coffee or make protien pudding for a late night snack when I'm craving chocolate. However, I was told that I really needed to eat the protien as much as possible per my doctor and nutritionist. Liquid goes through the pouch and does not give as full of a feeling. This supossedly defeats the purpose of the surgery. I can totally see drinking when we just can't get any food down or if I'm not getting enough protien in the diet. I have tried unjury, but I've found that Syntha-6 has a wonderful chocolate flavor and it's yummy. It's my favorite. Good luck to all!!!

Hi everyone...just checking in. I would be so pissed at that waitress. This is HARD WORK. One day, people will get it. Until then, forget it. We're here for you. :thumbup: I've started into the mushey phase of the diet early this week. So far, I've only lost 1 lb in the past 13 days. Yuck. However, I'm eating. I'm trying so hard to get in enough calories. I'm still only getting in about 850 until around 9pm then I'm stuffing down another mini meal to try to get to 1000 calories. We all know this isn't good, but I figure it's more important to get in the nutrients right now instead of trying to loose weight. I know my body thinks it's starving so I'm not freaking out quiet as much. Thank you all for your kind words BTW. I really appreciate it. Keep up the good work everyone. We are so doing this. :smile2:

I am in West Georgia! Keep going 30 minutes past six flags and you'll hit me. :smile2: Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I'm just trying not to stress and keep on healing. Thanks again!!!

nrpnrp...the book I bought was "Eating well after weight loss surgery". At first, I thought it was way too simple. I mean, I know how to make a fritata and a quiche. Then, I started digging into each recipe. I really like it. It also shows you which recipes you can eat when. As in, no Broccoli during the first 4 weeks due to gas. Yet, zuccuni custards can be had after week 1. Well, that sounds so much better than soup. Yes, you still have to puree, but it's the different flavors and textures I'm looking for. Since the author has a lapband, it also makes me feel alot better. I can actually see myself eating her recipies. YUM!!! She has recipies for soup, beef, chicken, lamb, pork and fish in there as well as really good side dishes. Actually, tomorrow I'm going to make on of the dishes tomorrow for my family. I read it to my hubby and he said "yum." LOL Take care all.

Ha..I use to think that pudding was a treat. Now, it's just something to fill the pouch. LOL. ick. How about trying a custard? I found a few sugar free ones that look promising. I'm going to give it a try tomorrow and see if it's any good. As for those recipies, share girl. We can dream together. hehe. As for the cruise...lucky girl. We haven't went on one in a couple of years and now you've got me in a mood. I think I'll look for one for spring. Have a good night!!!!

Long one ya'll!!! Sorry...ranting. HelloPenny...I hear you loud and clear. Today is the 3rd day that I haven't really lost any weight. I gained a lb the other day on 750 calories and then lost it again. So, three days in a row, the scales really haven't changed. I also haven't eating all of the calories that I am supossed to be eating either thinking that I could loose more weight. I actually caught myself today thinking..."why did I do this? It's not going to work anyway." Here I am whining because of what? Because I haven't lost weight because my body is still freaking out a little bit from the surgery and that I've probably freaked it out from not eating enough calories. Hey...I've lost 10 lbs in what 11 days or so since surgery and I'm still beating myself up over it. I'm being grumpy to my hubby and have no reason to be in a crappy mood what so ever! So, I came to the realization that I'm hungry. Not starving...but just a little hungry for something besides soup and shakes. I also realized a few things about myself today. 1. I accept this fact right now. I am a foodie. I know it...and I'm guessing that a lot of us know it. I also remembered that it's not quantity but quality that I'm craving right now. Ha...take that brain. I would kill for 3 ozs of grilled chicken. Who would have thought it? 2. I can't loose weight if I don't eat. If I eat 750 calories a day for a few days, what good will it do? My body freaks out. So, I've got to eat healthy, good foods and drink my water. 3. I can't wait to get back to the gym. My doctor said 4-6 weeks before I can go back, but I'm betting I can do a little more walking before then. Typicially, I don't want to exercise. Now, I just want to get the scales moving and know that exercise and a better diet is the way to go. So, I gave myself a lecture and went to pick up a weight loss surgery cookbook instead. According to my doctor, I can start adding in (one at a time) a little bit of soft food when I'm ready. So, I think I'm ready. I'm not going to beat myself up, but instead I'm going to focus on all of the great things to come. Hey...I can feed my family wonderful foods. I can cut my grocery and eating out bill too! I bet I can even host Christmas Morning (about 20 people in pj's for most of the day) with healthy foods that even I can eat. It's a challenge...and I'm good with challenges. The bottom line is this. WE CAN DO THIS! WE DIDN'T GO THROUGH ALL OF THIS TO FEEL SORRY FOR OURSELVES. WE ARE DOING THIS FOR A BETTER HEALTHIER LIFE. The band is a tool. The band is a tool. The band is a tool. hehe Ok...sorry guys, but I needed to vent to someone who would understand what I'm talking about here. Go team and good luck to all of those recently banded and those learning to live with our new bands.

Jen, I had the conversation with my doctor last Monday (surgery was 10/21). I was told to experiement a bit...but don't go crazy. Every doctor is going to tell you something different so contacting yours would be a good idea. Also, call your dietician. She should be able to point you in a good directions. I can tell you, my dietician said that if I could fit it though a straw or had the consistency of applesauce...then it's ok. So, I pureed cottage cheese. I purred pineapple with juice and mixed them together. It was almost the texture of applesauce and it worked. Also, have you tried potato Soup? NOT the kind out of a can. I use garlic chicken broth, a small potato that has been cut up small, garlic paste and minced onions. I cooked it forever and then used my bullet to blend it up. It was very satisfying. Another one...I'm a southern girl and runny grits seemed kind of yucky. :w00t: So, I use cream of wheat and use broth and garlic salt. It worked really well too. I use this when I'm starving and need my stomach to be a bit full. One more, bean soups. Pick one...then doctor and blend. Good luck and I feel your pain. Call your dr and ask. Dont' be afraid for him to say no. Ask him what your options are. Just think, it's only a few more days really. You can do it!!!!

Caladonia41, I was actually banded in Anniston, AL by Dr. George Crawford. He's a fairly new surgeon. I think he's talented, but hasn't got the whole after care thing down yet. I am in West Georgia and it's just 45 minutes away at most. I'm having great luck with the foods I have tried. I'm just keeping everything really thin so that nothing sticks. I did have a creamy and thick yogurt today. It probably wasn't the best idea as I didn't finish it and it seemed to be a little hard to eat. I think I'll stick with yogurt smoothies for a while.

I have two questions gang: 1. What type of info did the dr.give you for your diet (ie...is it exactly what the lapband.com website looks like or what)? 2. When is your first post op dr. appointment scheduled? I'm wondering because I basicially have NO real diet to follow except for exactly what is on the lapband website. It's wierd and doesn't make any sense at all. My nutritionist said I could basicially have anything that I could get through a straw...but I'm curious what your dr's have given you. Also, My first apt. is 6 weeks post op. It seem like a long time dont' you think? I believe this will be my first fill. Any info would be great! Congrats to those new banders and good luck next week for those being banded. Thanks! Ronda

Hi everyone! I was banded 10/21 too and am having the lump in my throat too. It's weird. Even a sip of Water does it. I'm finding that if I go really slow, it doesn't do it as much. Also, warmer liquid seems to sooth me more. So, I'm loving all of the cream Soups. I just blend and add more broth/skim milk so that it's really smooth. I think I'm at about 4 oz per sitting and it takes me about 30 minutes or so to eat it. I don't know if that helps anyone or not. Does anyone's stomach feel funny sometimes. Like a "nervous" feeling or like you can feel things passing through. It's another wierd one that I have. :0) Take care!

I had Black Bean Soup tonight and it didn't bother me at all. I pured black beans, some mild salsa, cumin and garlic chicken broth together until smooth. I then cooked up on the stovetop adding in more broth until it was thin enough. At the end, I stired in a little non fat sour cream for flavor. It was really good and very satisfying. This could go over with everyone else if you added some more beans at the last minute that aren't pured, cheddar cheese and more salsa. Hope it helps! Also, I don't have regular stitches. They glued all of mine together. So, no real itching yet. It looks pretty cool though. :eek:

Hi everyone! I'm down a total of 25lbs today from pre-surgery diet until today-4 days post-op. wow. That's a lot. What kind of weirdness is everyone experiencing post-op? I get a weird feeling in my abdominal area when I eat or drink. I'm guessing it's air, but I have a theory that it's the food moving through the pouch. :eek: Who knows. It's not really painful, just really weird. Also, don't you just love all of this gas? I'm eating slow, drinking in sips and I still have so much gas. Oh well, gas is still better than being morbidly obese!!! Take care all and good luck for those banders to come.

Hi everyone...just checking in. You all know that I'm stuggling with my calories from yesterdays post. So, I went to the grocery store today and started experimenting again. :thumbup: I trind the Odwalla Super Protein Vanilla Al'mondo and it was really pretty good. It has almost 200 calories for 8 oz with 10 grams of protien! I don't know about you, but I needed something besides protien shakes and this was really thin, creamy and satisfying. It actually tasted of almonds...not almond sugar free syrup. They have lots of flavors, but I just needed something besides chocolate. Also, thank you for the note on slowing down when I drink. I've been drinking almost normal...so I slowed down. I've felt much better today though I still have lots of gas. ick. Walking has seemed to help so I've been up and about as much as possible today. I'm exhausted now! Take care everyone and good luck to those to come.

Day 3 for me too...and I really feel your pain. :smile: I'm just uncomfortable. I'm taking my meds and trying to figure out what to consume so my head stops swimming from not enough calories. Also, my chest is a little uncomfortable from drinking a protien shake (only a few ounces). As for sleeping, the recliner is my best friend and the only thing I can sleep in. No diareah at this point...but I'm sure it's coming soon. Have you tried liquid Tylenol for the pain? It might not make you feel so bad but might help with the aches.

Did I eat something wrong? My DT said that I could start protien shakes/thin soups 48 hours after surgery. So, I had a little skin milk. I was ok. I had some (2 oz at most) really thin potato soup...felk ok. Then I had 3 oz of skim milk with a little protien powder in it. WOW...my chest is uncomfortable. I'm not drinking much at a time...maybe 3 oz over 30 minutes. So what did I do wrong? Is this normal? How are you guys getting any calories down? I'm at like 235 today...and really don't feel like eating anything else. What is everyone doing?

Absolutely! It matters so much. In bypass practices, they don't spend as much time with after care as lap band practices. You want someone who understands what you are doing and not trying you to talk you into doing something that you don't want to do. Good Luck!

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for all of the prayers and kind words. I got home from surgery last night around 9pm and basicially passed out. I was so tired. Today, I've been lounging around all day having my hubby wait on me. :sad_smile: Nice times. I've been up and about walking the halls today too and all and all, I feel pretty good. I have a bit of port pain, but nothing else really. It's just a bit painful to get up and down, but hey, it's usually hard to get up anyway. Currently, I've sitting on the couch drinking water and playing with playdough with my son. So, I'm on hydrocodone and clear liquids for a few days. I'm hungry though which is weird. My stomach is growling. :rolleyes2: Oh well...liquid goes on. :thumbs_up: Take care everyone and good luck with your surgeries and recovery.

Hi Everyone! Tomorrow's the big day for me too. I'm torn between being totally excited and a little scared. It's silly! I had gallbladder surgery 3 years ago and the doctor said it would be a similar surgery. I was fine and returned to work in 5 days. However...my son will be 4 in a few weeks and all I can think about is what if..... AARRGG. I even wrote my family letters just in case. My hubby read them and said that this was the only time he'd get to read them because he would delete them tomorrow when we get home. :tongue2: So, I'm just venting. I know everything will be fine. So, I'm going to go have my last bit of protien for the day and fold up some towels. You know how it is...can't leave a towel unfolded before vacation. I guess the same applies for surgery. Good Luck to Everyone Tomorrow!

Good Luck to all of those being banded this week. Best wishes to all!!!