sharons

Hi All ~ Missed a few days of reading/posting:eek: All is going fairly well. In spite of the horrible week I had at work last week, I did manage to lose 5lbs:w00t: Although I hope not to do this week, what I did last week. I literally did not eat much of anything - not a healthy way to lose weight at all; and boy was irritable:cursing: Yesterday I had my first real meals since surgery. I didn't eat much food, but I felt almost normal again. I actually was shocked at how little dinner I had, but it was a balanced meal and I didn't feel hungry at all a couple of hours later. I seem to do much better when my meals are high in fiber and protein. Starchy foods really give me problems in terms of gas/constipation. I have to start an exercise plan, my idea to join the fitness challenge at work last week - went straight to he**. I just can't get my head into exercise after work and hate to get up really early in the morning. I know, I know - excuses, excuses. Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well. Seems like everyone is on, taking or coming back from a vacation. Please enjoy yourselves and talk with you soon.

Hey all - haven't seen anyone post here in awhile, so didn't really post anything. Doing well. I had planned to go to group on Monday night, but work has been crazy and didn't get out of the office on time. Eating has been lite, technically I'm on soft foods now, but had to back up to full liquids for a couple of days due to bad constipation, but that cleared up and now slowly working my way back to soft foods again. Not really been that hungry, but I know I need to get a little more food in me - not a band problem, just taking time to do it. Seems like body got adjusted to liquids and soups and eating habits still stuck in this mode. Not really a good thing - so need to slow myself down some so I can plan and cook things I can eat, that I should be eating. Haven't done this yet - so mentally I've made myself think it's safer to stick with full liquids and soup, then to move on to real food. Not good.

Thanks - I will check it out. Doing ok; crazy, busy week. Eating has been lite. Need to really stop and take some time for myself during day to eat. Not starving, but not healthy either. Check back a little later. Hope everyone else is doing ok.

hi all - just checking in. This week has been extremely busy at work. Having real difficult time eating during the day. Have got to work on making time for that. I usually have a grande of mocha (STB) with no frills and 1/2 banana. Never finish the mocha before the day gets going. Try to drink some broth or yogurt smoothie for snack, lunch is usually a cup of soup e.g. creamy chicken or brocolli. Haven't done well in finishing anything - not because I'm having problems eating - but I've been really moving during the day and usually start on something and never finish it. dinner has been lite too - bean soup or eggplant 1/2 c. late snack may be soy choco milk (Lite), or WW fudgcicle or popsicle. I know I'm probably not eating as much as I should or adding as much healthy stuff e.g. Protein drinks, etc. so got to work on this. Well that's it for now... Never been on a cruise, but would love to go. It's on my list of things to do. Only want beach and sun and a little island flavor, though I heard that Alaska cruise is pretty good - just not much on cold. Italy, Spain, Greece - WOW, now that just sounds like a dream trip. One day...but in the meantime, have fun for me.

Hey guys! Doing much better today.:thumbup: Thank you for the encouragement, support and suggestions Long/Indio. I've seen folks refer to you as role models and can't help but add to the chorus - I watch your progress and listen to your counsel and am so grateful that you are here and willing to give back to the new person. I really don't know what I'm doing, what to expect or anything - but I am trying. I did stick with liquids today, but looking forward to adding back the food tomorrow - this time, I'll stick with the amounts suggested by my physician. I do need some clarity regarding the amounts, cause like I said 1/2 cup is no food at all. Not sure if it's 1/2 cup a day or per meal:huh2: The prune juice helped tremendously, but it took some time to work through. It was only 1/2 a baked potato, but it was a big potato to start with. I think I'll stick more with beans, veggies (green), fish and chicken. With all this protein I'm supposed to get in, I definitely need to get in enough fiber as well. Anyway - thanks again and talk to you guys soon. Oh yeah-I do want this thing right away, but I know it is a process and takes time; it just when I see you guys have lost over 100lbs, I'm so excited about the prospect that I get impatient.

Thanks guys for the support. I feel much better now.:thumbup: The prune juice helped a lot. I did full liquids all day yesterday and today, actually don't feel like I'm starving either. Tomorrow, I creep back into the mushies - but will stick with the required amounts I'm supposed to eat. Saundra - you've mentioned something about "protein bullets" what are they and where do you get them? I know I'm not getting my protein in, cause I don't particularly care for the protein shakes and the other things I eat/drink don't contain the recommended amount of protein. I have the protein powder too, but it changes the way my food/drink tastes e.g. chalky so I don't like that either. I'll look for the corn soup too and try to keep some stuff around to help with constipation. I'm trying to stay away from stuff in pill form, because I'm scared it might get stuck - however some of those pills are pretty small. This whole change of life in terms of eating really does require a complete change in your thinking and actions. I don't think I have ever been so conscious about what I eat than I am now. I really want the band to work for me. Anyway - thanks for listening to me and your encouragement.

I was banded on 1/23 and have had a little setback My mentor explained what pb'ing means and I've experienced that feeling but didn't know what it was. Nothing actually came up so I just thought it was a "burp." :thumbup: and kept eating. Now that I know this coupled with reviewing the notebook I received from my doc again PLUS, the gas and now serious constipation I'm experiencing, I think I have been eating too much. My stomach is literally in knots. I've decided to go back to the full liquid diet for a day or two in order to get my tummy straightened out. I've added prune juice to my daily intake and hopefully this will help to cleanse my system. I also purchased a food scale and some measuring cups. When I went back and read my post op instructions, I realized I'm only supposed to be taking in 1/2 cup of food for 4-6 weeks after surgery. This is my 3rd week and last night I had about 2oz of salmon, 1/2 baked potato and an 1oz of brussel sprouts. I mashed the stuff up pretty well and ate slowly, but obviously I'm eating way more than what I'm suppose to have, plus I need to limit starches to about 2 servings a week. I'm paying for it now. Let's hope my system clears up in a couple of days. 1/2 cup of food is NO food at all, but I will do my best.

Well...I've had a little setback My mentor explained what pb'ing means and I've experienced that feeling but didn't know what it was. Nothing actually came up so I just thought it was a "burp." :thumbup: and kept eating. Now that I know this and coupled with reviewing the notebook I received from my doc again, PLUS, the gas and now serious constipation I'm experiencing, I think I have been eating too much. My stomach is literally in knots. I did lose 1.8lbs this week and I was a little disappointed about this, because I thought I was doing everything right; at least I didn't gain. I've decided to go back to the full liquid diet for a day or two in order to get my tummy straightened out. I've added prune juice to my daily intake and hopefully this will help to cleanse my system. I also purchased a food scale and some measuring cups. When I went back and read my post op instructions, I realized I'm only supposed to be taking in 1/2 cup of food for 4-6 weeks after surgery. This is my 3rd week and last night I had about 2oz of salmon, 1/2 baked potato and an 1oz of brussel sprouts. I mashed the stuff up pretty well and ate slowly, but obviously I'm eating too much, plus I need to limit starches to about 2 servings a week. I'm paying for it now. Let's hope my system clears up in a couple of days. 1/2 cup of food is NO food at all, but I will do my best.

Well...I've had a little setback:frown: Janet thanks for explaining the terms. I've experienced that feeling but didn't know what it was. Nothing actually came up so I just thought it was a "burp." :thumbup: and kept eating. Now that I know this and coupled with reviewing the notebook I received from my doc again (I got a notebook too), PLUS, the gas and now serious constipation I'm experiencing, I think I have been eating too much. My stomach is literally in knots. I did lose 1.8lbs this week and I was a little disappointed about this, because I thought I was doing everything right; at least I didn't gain. I've decided to go back to the full liquid diet for a day or two in order to get my tummy straightened out. I've added prune juice to my daily intake and hopefully this will help to cleanse my system. I also purchased a food scale and some measuring cups. When I went back and read my post op instructions, I realized I'm only supposed to be taking in 1/2 cup of food for 4-6 weeks after surgery. This is my 3rd week and last night I had about 2oz of salmon, 1/2 baked potato and an 1oz of brussel sprouts. I mashed the stuff up pretty well and ate slowly, but obviously I'm eating way more than what I suppose to have, plus I need to limit starches to about 2 servings a week. I'm paying for it now. Let's hope my system clears up in a couple of days. 1/2 cup of food is NO food at all, but I will do my best. One day I'll be able to shop for clothing anywhere I want, but Macy's is the one I tend to shop at the most. Every now and then I can find something that fits and lloks ok on me from Marshall's or TJ Maxx - not often. Someone PLEASE tell me the band will eventually help me get to my weight loss goals.

Been cleared for exercise, just need to START!

Hello - I was banded 3 weeks ago at St. Agnes in B-more. I can't really give you tips, but we can walk through this journey together.

I take Cymbalta. It is also time released. I was banded on the 23 of Jan and have continued to take it with no problems. It's in capsule form so I just open it up and dump the contents on my tongue and drink a sip of some sort of fluid to wash them down. No trouble. Generally I take them at the same time I take my multivitamin (Centrum) which is in liquid form. Doesn't taste to great, but getting used to it. Starting to remind of Nyquil.

Afternoon everyone ~ Katy I do hope you get things figured out. Isn't there a way you can get the two docs to talk to one another? Personally I'm not for a lot of back and forth, and I would be so difficult that someone would have to do something quick. Hang in there. I don't know what the convo was about fish, but that is my favorite food, particularly shellfish. If anyone has any reciepes (quick and easy) let me know. Peachwood - wow, you are a COOK; protein popsicles:cool2: This cooking thing is a real challenge for me. Empty nest here and only me to cook for so I don't do much of it. However, the band really requires more effort in the kitchen:crying:

Hey all ~ seems like everyone is doing fairly well, highs and lows with hunger. I guess that's par for the course. I have to be careful not to go to long to eat, before you know it, I'm starving and that's when I want something to eat - no matter what it is and I can guarantee whatever I select won't be good for me.:eek: I have terrible gas. I suppose I need to get some of the remedies mentioned here on the forum e.g. Gas X etc. I also have to be sure to get fiber in my sysem daily, which eases going to the bathroom. I'm not doing the protein shakes so much anymore, I tried to acquire a taste for them, but didn't. I will still bring one to work with me to fight the hunger. My doc actually prescribed Phentermine to help deal with hunger. I've taken it before as a means to lose weight, but I didn't help to control what I put in my mouth when I did eat. I think it is helping...:thumbdown: Life is pretty much back to normal and now it's just a matter of sticking to my post-op diet and waiting until March when I see my doc again. He said we will see about the fill then. He also said that some folks rarely ever need a fill. Well got to get ready to go to weigh-in, still using the Weight Watchers program. HOT DOGS - not a good food for me at all - for something so small it is unimagineable in terms of fat and calories (or so WW says...) Later

Hey all ~ Haven't been on the forum in a couple of days. All is going well. Nothing of concern to report - except I have terrible gas; goes on all day practically, but especially after I eat. I think I need to get some more fiber in my system on some days. Moving slowly from mushies and on to softer foods. Monday is my official day to start soft foods. I'm trying to figure out what that will be for me. Don't like soft eggs, and can be somewhat picky about what I like and don't - except of course all the the sweet stuff and baked goods. I pretty much plan to stick with fish and chicken in terms of meats. To tell the truth I don't really feel like I have the band, except I feel the port inside on the surface of my stomach. No worries, I still stick with docs post surgery diet and recommendations. That brings me to a couple of questions, that I feel a little embarassed asking...regarding band terminology - 1) what does pb'ing mean? 2) what does getting stuck mean; I mean where do you get stuck at top or bottom (if you know what I mean)?:thumbdown: Well that's it for now. Back in school so much of my time on the weekends is set aside for schoolwork. I did have my hair appointment yesterday (looking at Indio). My stylist and the owner asked if I had the surgery, because it looks as if I've lost some weight. Made me feel good - cause I feel I've lost some, but don't really see any noticeable changes, at least that could be noticed by others (I get how you feel in your head Indio - no matter what, I will always be overweight in my head let's just hope that's the only place I WILL be overweight e.g. in my head). Got to go weigh-in, in a couple of hours:scared2: so I'm crossing my fingers for verification that I've done what I was supposed to do this week.

Hi all - good day today. Went to restaurant for first time today, ate Soup and eggplant w/garlic - stayed within the mushie requirement. Hungry again, but I'll drink some choco milk, have some sf pudding and then get ready for bed. Hope everyone had a good day today and a better one tomorrow.:thumbup: Goodnight! :biggrin:

Evening all ~ I had my first meal at a restaurant today. I took a really good friend out to dinner for his birthday - tradition. The birthday person picks the restaurant. He wanted chinese:unsure: I didn't know what I was going to eat, cause I'm still on mushies. I had soup and eggplant in garlic sauce. Worked out well. I asked the waiter when he first bought out the meal to give me a take home container and then a smaller plate (saucer). I immediately put most of the meal in the take home container and what was left I put on the saucer and ate from that. No problems at all. However its been a couple of hours now and I'm hungry again. I think I'll have a glass of choco milk, maybe some sf pudding later and it will time for bed. The brownies are still there:cursing: but I keep walking by them. This isn't all that easy, but I keep trying every day to do the right thing. Physically I feel great. Heck I even put on a pair of pants today that I could actually pull off my waist without unbuttoning them first. They were a little big anyway, but I can still tell I've lost a little.

Evening all ~ well the brownies are still there. I wish they would disappear. Today they had a little b-day party for a really good friend at work. I was invited for some ice cream and cake, but passed on the offer. I was invited to two Super Bowl parties and passed on those as well. I'm just not ready to deal with all the temptations. Can't run away forever. The itching - yeah I can relate. It's getting better though. I actually was able to wear a pair of jeans I purchased a few months back that were way to tight. I could button them up, but they were tight on my waist so it was uncomfortable to wear them for any extended time. Today, I wore them and actually had no problems. I was even able to put my hands in the pockets while standing around talking to some folks. :sleep: That felt real good. No one has really noticed my weight loss (it hasn't been that much), but I can tell by my clothes and looking at my fingers. My feet don't hurt so much in the morning when I get out of bed. A couple of more days on mushies and then on to soft food. I'm actually afraid to move on - I don't want to mess up.:thumbup: The gas is awful. I'm glad I live alone :) Oh yeah - you notice I'm learning how to customize my posts too ...:cool:

Toy - I'm sorry to hear about your upset at the doctor's. I wish you well during this challenging time. Welcome Trenia

OK - I'm trying to see if I got this ticker thing correct. Here we go....

Hi all ~ just checking in. Doing fine. A little challenge at work cause someone bought in a whole tub of brownies - one of my personal chocolate favorites (baked goods are my weakness). I was able to walk by them yesterday and did so today; but I swear the imagine of them sitting there stays in my mind long after I've left the area. I know they will still be there tomorrow, so this is a real challenge. I'm still on mushies, so I know I can't eat them, but I do think about how I can chew on them until they are mushy enough to go down. I haven't followed through yet, but it sure is a challenge. Anyone have a first time challenge after banded; and how did you get through it? Oh yeah, a very good friend of mine at work celebrated his B-day and invited me to a little b-day party they gave him at work. Cake & ice cream - Oh boy. I said no thanks, but again even if I don't buy the food, someone is always trying to feed me. The trick is to nicely say "no thanks" when my tummy says "YES." Ok - enough out of me. I hope everyone had a wonderful day and a better day tomorrow.

Welcome KD. Things going ok for me. 2nd week back at work, still trying to get adjusted to my eating habits while at work. I pack all my liquids and so far have done ok - except sometimes I go to long without getting something in me. Today, I walked into the back room where we have our micro wave and fridge and someone, purchased a tub of "brownies" to share with the whole office. Oh boy, if you could have heard my sonar going off...I couldn't even look in the direction they were sitting. I actually thought to myself, now how can I turn one of those into liquid. I could just put one in my mouth and keep it there until it dissolved or chew it until it turned into mush, but I felt ashamed of myself for thinking this way and stayed away from the area for the remainder of the day. I know they will probably be around tomorrow - that's how they do at work. They just keep stuff there until it's gone. Anyway, with God's mercy I will be able to stay away as long as necessary. I better stop talking about them now, before I do something desparate. Baked goods, especially chocolate baked goods like brownies are my biggest food challenges. I think I better go now. Have a nice evening all.

Wow - what a reward. What a guy I don't have a Water bottle per se, but I was carry water with me wherever I go. My problem is I don't like water, and before the band, I would make myself drink it by guzzling it down in one big gulp. Since I now have to sip it, I tend to get bored with it and put it aside and never pick it up. I probably have 1/2 filled water bottles everywhere. I did however find a brand I can pretty much tolerate. It's called SoBe Life Water. It's got some sugar (e.g. 2pts WW, 20oz), but I'll have to make some other food adjustments to compensate since it is the only water product that I have actually finished. Water has always been a problem for me. Apples - please share with me your experiences regarding kidney stones. Indio - your right it is all about me...sounds so selfish, but I am doing this for me. I don't know what it is about you, but you inspire me and make me feel like I'm not alone. I know you are giving back what was probably given to you, but it is special to give of yourself and time and I am grateful for it. Today was pretty good. Nothing major. Dropped my morning decaf coffee in the parking lot on the way to work...dang I was so looking forward to sipping on that for a couple of hours. Warm liquids quiet my hunger more. Oh well, I had cottage cheese instead. Not the best substitute, but it did it's job. I'm getting ready to leave work now, neck is stiff and I'm tired, but I'm trying to check in here pretty regularly as part of my plan to stay focused. Night all. (I talk to much ...)

Evening all. Had my post op doc visit today. He said I seem to be doing well; need to get more fluids in me. I asked him a lot of questions, having learned a lot from this forum. He was patient and answered my questions. My next appointment is not until March and that's when he will decide whether I need a fill. He said he usually will start out with 2cc's. I'm on mushies now, but there is a part of me that is afraid to progress to the next stage. I'm not as hungry as I was a few days after surgery. I'm also not much of a cook now that I have an empty nest and there is no one here but me. I use "pick up" something on the way home from work, usually something I shouldn't eat, but living with the band is forcing me to re-evaluate my meal selections. Soups have been easy and filling, but like anything else, you can get bored. Saundra - if you get some time, check out a forum called "Mentors" or something like that on this site. There is a link called "I'm here to help...." There is a lady on the site who is awesome and really helps guide you through this thing by offering you encouragement, things to think about and other helpul tips for a successful lapband story. Check it out, you might find it helpful. Well ladies, go to go play my other addiction - computer games before I go beddy bye. Oh yeah, colorado good job to you on the weight loss so far - let's keep up our good work.

Good evening all - Had a good day today. Had my first week follow-up appointment and doc says I'm doing fine, just where I should be. For some reason I was in a real positive frame of mind today. The not so good part is that I got engrossed in work and allowed myself to go to long without eating. I had a cup of decaf mocha and a Protein Drink which has about 33grams of Protein it. As usual I was hungry by the end of day - more than I should have been if I had eaten at regular intervals like I was supposed to. The good news is that when I did finally eat, I ate 1/2 baked potato with some cream of shrimp Soup drizzled over the top (my own no muss no fuss concotion LOL). I feel fine and I'll probably have my usual bedtime snack, sf pudding. Doc says I do need to get my fluids in. I told him I have a sort of constant feeling of being pinched on my left side, somewhat under my rib cage. I thought it was gas, but he says we need to keep an eye it, because it could be a sign of kidney stones (shows what I know). He says kidney stones are a result of not getting in enough liquids. So definitely need to do better on the Water. For the first time today, I actually felt like I can do this thing. I thought about the cocoon and butterfly imagine you mentioned in your post Indio. I'm still majorly in my cocoon, but I kept imagining what this butterfly will look like when it comes out. It made me smile and gave me more of an incentive to do what I need to, in order to make this new lifestyle change work for me (learning this from you Indio). The story about your life before the band Indio is much like my own. You are right, we are more alike than different. I've got so much work to do like starting an exercise program. Doc mentioned this to me also. Lot's of bad habits still in place, but mentally I'm getting adjusted and my thoughts are consumed with the things I need to do to make this work for me. Indio the letter was really good. It also reminded me of the decision I made when I decided to end my marriage. Now I have to apply the same theory or thoughts to my other lover - food; especially the ones that are high in fat and sugar content. Oh well enough out of me. I hope everyone had a good day, and wish you a better day tomorrow.