MarcyD

Pfunkem, you are looking awesome, girl! You inspire me! I needed to see someone make good progress as I am frustrated in Bandster Hell right now. Thanks for the sneak peek!

My surgeon's nutritionist also discourages gum. The good news is, with the proper restriction, you shouldn't constantly feel the *need* to chew. Good luck on your banding!

Almost 370 scoops for me!!

Hi and welcome! Sorry I can't help with the estrogen questions--Not quite there yet.

Happy Bday, DrewsLou! And congrats on the weight loss. :clap2:

Congratulations!!! I am right behind you and trying to close in fast on Twoterville!

I tried to post this the other day, but my computer glitched and it didn't work. I am 5 weeks out from banding and down 29 pounds. No fill yet. My doc wants to wait til my weight loss slows down before doing a fill. I feel pretty good, can eat a cup per meal during the early part of the day and more at dinner. I am trying to ride my stationary bike 4 to 6 miles a day. Glad to hear most folks are doing well. Robyn, I am so sorry to hear another surgery is in your near future. You will be in my thoughts. Happy losing everyone!

Diane, I am glad to hear you're recovering. Take it easy and keep us posted! I am doing well, 3 1/2 weeks post-op and down 23 pounds. I am on soft foods and find I can eat much more in the evenings (though I try not to do it). I try to ride my exercise bike about 5 days a week, 4 to 6 miles at a time. Hurts my butt to sit that long! :cool: Glad I found this thread. It's good to hear from everyone.

You look fabulous! Thanks for the inspiration!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

I am just 3 1/2 weeks out from banding and obviously don't have a fill yet. I am dealing with head hunger in the evenings and often eat more with dinner than breakfast and lunch combined. Still, I eat FAR less than I used to and feel remarkably satisfied. I am losing weight slowly but surely, which helps also. It freaked me out to finally recognize my addiction to food. I know where you are coming from. Please give yourself this chance-- this TOOL-- to help you win the battle. Good luck!

Boy, do I understand stress eating! It is the story of my life. I am sorry you are going through all of this. Please know that you are in my thoughts and I am sending prayers your way for a good health report. I know it sounds like a cliche, but I have found that exercise really helps with the head hunger I get in the evenings. I ride a stationary bike. Please keep us posted.

My surgeon didn't require a pre-op diet and I didn't really try. I gained 5 pounds in the two months prior to my surgery.

JulieNYC, Sure, I'll race ya!!! My official one month post-op check is next Thursday, so I'll get a *true* reading. I have been guessing based on the difference between my scale and the doctor's. (Of course, the Dr. has me weighing 11 pounds more than my scale.) I am using his numbers as my ticker.

I pretty much told everyone I knew, even the technician who did my pre-op EKG. I welcome the observing eyes, as I think this will help me keep on track.

I am 2 weeks post-op and have started soft foods. It is going pretty well, although I overdid the carbs a little this weekend. They don't seem to bother my band the way they sometimes do other peeps. Too bad, I guess, since carbs are my favorite! I have lost 18 pounds as of this morning! Think I'll go ride my recumbent bike some more. Did 4 miles yesterday. Can't wait to hit Twoterville!!!!

Congratulations on your weight loss. I admire your patience and persistence!

I'm in Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley. I was banded on the 15th and am so sick of pureed foods!!! My doc said I could go to "soft foods" a little early but I am so afraid to screw this thing up. Any others from Virginia out there? Any tips on diet advancing from those of you who are doing it?

Welcome, Darrin to LBT! I am new to the losing side myself. Glad to see you here and congratulations on getting your band date.

Corrinasue, I am fairly new to the banded world myself and have a long way to go. I just wanted to let you know that your weight loss is an inspiration to me, just as your recent struggle is an important reminder of what to watch for. Please come here and update us and vent as needed. Hope you're back to a healthy eating pattern and appropriate weight soon.

I was banded on the 15th. They had a difficult time making the band fit and kept me overnight for observation. My surgeon said the band is very tight on me and it should be a LONG time before I need a fill. He has me on a pureed/blenderized diet for 2 weeks, then soft foods for 2 weeks, then regular diet. I can eat or drink fine, but I sure do get full quickly with the pureed foods. Heresdeb, here is something to consider. I saw my regular doc when I was 3 days post-op and he said I was fluid-overloaded from surgery. He could hear crackles in my chest. He gave me a very strong diuretic and I peed like crazy and lost 9 pounds right away. (While I had actually gained 6 from the fluid of surgery.) Please get checked right away. Good to hear from everyone else. Scout, we share a band-date. Hope you're feeling more chipper soon. I took two weeks off work, so I get a longer break and think I need it, too. Haven't officially updated my ticker yet.

I was banded on Monday, the 15th. The doctor had to remove a lot of fat from around my stomach and said the band was really tight, so they kept me overnight for observation. I am doing well, though and haven't needed any percocet since 5 am. Doc says I will probably have a lot of restriction just from the tight band and won't need a fill for a long time. Sounds good to me! I am on a pureed foods diet. If it can go through a blender, I can eat it. So far so good! I love all the support on this board and am happy to be part of the May Band Crew! :biggrin1:

:help: Monday, the 15th, is my banding day. Took care of the rest of my pre-op stuff yesterday. Now I just have to get through work today and tomorrow and then Sunday is Clear liquids and bowel prep. (Happy Mother's Day to me, right?!) I would appreciate any positive vibes you can send my way. I have never had surgery before and I am starting to stress! TIA!

Hello and welcome, Leah! I am new here myself and looking forward to sharing this adventure. I will be banded this Monday, the 15th. Good luck to both of us!

Sounds like the May Bandsters are doing great! I can't wait to join you. Two more days.....

Cool! Thanks for the info. I'm an obsesser even without the band yet, so I think I'll go check it out.