jtoler

I am in the same situation...banded on 6.17. Had lost 35 pounds presurgery by willpower and eventually a two week liq. diet (ugh) and I guess my body was starving cause I have actually not lost any weight since surgery (week and a half now)...I dunno...I am hoping that once the fills start things will improved, but very frustrated as i am so close to "onederland" I can taste it, but can't drop these last seven lbs. to break through...I dunno..got a post op check up on wednesday so maybe that will give me some encouragement..came out of surgery with 4 cc's, but I guess that is not enough for me, cause I can eat pretty good and dont get that overstuffed sensation others have talked about...dunno...good luck and keep in touch I am interested to see how others in my similar situation have been coping...mentally and physically...

I am a little disappointed so far, my band starts out at 4 cc's according to the docs office...I was not even hungry until 5 days post op and then I was ravenous...loaded up on sf pops (bad to the tummy btw) and then found out the wonder that is "soup to go"...still have a sour feeling tummy but what I am disappointed about is I HAVE NOT LOST ANY FREAKING WEIGHT post op...I dropped 35 pounds before surgery and am worried that my body is in starvation mode and is holding on to the weight...I was hoping for like 10 more pounds immediately post op to drop off putting me firmly in "onederland" but that is not happening...I get to beging eating mushies on thursday and my husband is making me a mushroom and cheese omelet...but seriously..I have not lost weight like I thought I would and NO i have not been keeping up with my protein because frankly I am tired of freaking shakes...I started them about 6 weeks pre op then two week pre op of nothing but shakes and seriously i know one more week is not that much to ask..but it is nearly 100 degrees outside and the milk in the shakes is just not agreeing with me...I bought some eas shakes, but they taste so darn sweet to me now...I dunno..I am just disappointed and now you guys get to read all about it...grrrrrr.....

My doctor actually puts 4 cc's into the band during surgery and then I can not start the fill vs. sweet spot trials for 6 weeks...

I had surgery today (wednesday) and am planning to return to work (physical therapist assistant) at a busy hospital...I am praying they left my patient case load light, but I am testing myself the monday before by taking my bulldog to the vet (read: very strong pitbull)...So hopefully I will not have to call out any...MY sister tried to go back to work (secretary type stuff) and couldnt handle it (that was 3rd day post op..) she ended up going home...It is hard to move right now and I keep getting these spasm type things in my chest and left side...good luck!

Banded today...I am sure sore and am already tired of sleeping, but that is pain free time, so will probably spend as much time as I can in dream land...I dropped 35 pounds (almost) on my own (10# thanks to the preop liquid diet...) was totally excited bout that...very bloated now, but find that I can sleep on my right side with pillow tucked under tummy...left..not so much...Here's the thing...I feel like I am starving, but can not start protein shakes til tomorrow...I didnt think I would be hungry or anything, or maybe (Hopefully) I am just misinterpreting ... did I mention women's cycle today too and they made me remove my undies...suck! I had to lay on a chuck like the old folks I sometimes work with at nursing home and hospital...weird...O well..I am looking forward to my new adventure...see you guys in the recovery room...

My question is this..as someone who like to occasion spicy foods..mexican, wasabi, etc...how am I supposed to hold off drinking anything for an hour after eating if my mouth is on fire..that is if the tummy can handle it at all...surgery in 2 days eek! p.s. what has anyone heard or figured out about sushi.???

Hey GUys...3 days pre-op and I feel pretty prepared..I wanted to update my ticker today to reflect the 27# I have lost since beginning my journey and making a lot of sacrifices. I feel good about this weight loss and luckily have done it without exercise so far..just pure will and determination to cut the crap out of my life..but I will tel you.... CHIPS are my crack! I look at them everywhere and they still sing to me...but I have resisted...before my preop liquids began on June 3 I was only on baked ruffles or pita chips, but since preop liquids have not cheated or anything..But I will tell you I am already imagining a time when I will dare to try a potato chip again...ugh...anyways...Wednesday here I come!

So 4th day of liquid pre op has dawned..saturday..weekends are the enemy for the "bored eater" and I am on my way to my dad's all day pool party bash..did i mention my dad is an AWESOME host/cook..there will probably be so much food there...but I have my shake maker stuff ready to transport, my allowed fruit for the day and plenty of water and broth to resist temptation...now if the weather would just behave!...But truthfully, the shakes fill me to capacity, I am allowed up to 5/day, but have barely managed to get 2.5 in one day...along with broth and fruit I dont know how I ever stuffed myself before when I am getting full off this little bit o stuff...guess the satisfaction factor has a lot to do with it..I dunno...I am just ready/ nervous/ ready....ugh...anyhow, good weekend to you all..wish me luck!

So 4th day of liquid pre op has dawned..saturday..weekends are the enemy for the "bored eater" and I am on my way to my dad's all day pool party bash..did i mention my dad is an AWESOME host/cook..there will probably be so much food there...but I have my shake maker stuff ready to transport, my allowed fruit for the day and plenty of water and broth to resist temptation...now if the weather would just behave!...But truthfully, the shakes fill me to capacity, I am allowed up to 5/day, but have barely managed to get 2.5 in one day...along with broth and fruit I dont know how I ever stuffed myself before when I am getting full off this little bit o stuff...guess the satisfaction factor has a lot to do with it..I dunno...I am just ready/ nervous/ ready....ugh...anyhow, good weekend to you all..wish me luck!:wub:

Okay, so that may be a bit dramatic when the countdown is for the two week liquid pre op, but by my way of thinking, it deserves its respectful place in this crazy adventure...I am scared to DEATH about going liquid...I have very low blood sugar (go figure!) and am seriously worried about just wigging out in the next two weeks. I will say that I am going out for a ceremonial steak dinner tomorrow night as I fear steak will be one of the taboo's after surgery (too hard to digest)...and also going out to celebrate my super brave husband who finally took the initiative to complete his high school creds and get his GED (15 years after the fact)..But I am so proud of him and since his graduation is actually Thursday (day two liquids) we are going tomorrow...So stocked up on the soups, the sugar free pops, the jello, going for fruit tomorrow (allowed two fruit servings a day)...Got my work blender ready to go and my co workers are all aware and supportive even though they think I am crazy and are surprised that I would go thru with this...they dont know what its like to feel like an overstuffed sausage...I feel like my skin could not hold any more weight and the fact that we want a kid..well, aint no room right now...so anyhow...that is my rant for the evening...I plan on sleeping alot the next two weeks just to avoid hunger at night..my worst time... P.S. anyone reading this, I would be interested to hear if you had/ will have a ceremonial last meal....I said goodbye to Sushi on SAturday...Steak on Tuesday...

Okay, so that may be a bit dramatic when the countdown is for the two week liquid pre op, but by my way of thinking, it deserves its respectful place in this crazy adventure...I am scared to DEATH about going liquid...I have very low blood sugar (go figure!) and am seriously worried about just wigging out in the next two weeks. I will say that I am going out for a ceremonial steak dinner tomorrow night as I fear steak will be one of the taboo's after surgery (too hard to digest)...and also going out to celebrate my super brave husband who finally took the initiative to complete his high school creds and get his GED (15 years after the fact)..But I am so proud of him and since his graduation is actually Thursday (day two liquids) we are going tomorrow...So stocked up on the soups, the sugar free pops, the jello, going for fruit tomorrow (allowed two fruit servings a day)...Got my work blender ready to go and my co workers are all aware and supportive even though they think I am crazy and are surprised that I would go thru with this...they dont know what its like to feel like an overstuffed sausage...I feel like my skin could not hold any more weight and the fact that we want a kid..well, aint no room right now...so anyhow...that is my rant for the evening...I plan on sleeping alot the next two weeks just to avoid hunger at night..my worst time... P.S. anyone reading this, I would be interested to hear if you had/ will have a ceremonial last meal....I said goodbye to Sushi on SAturday...Steak on Tuesday...

So, been fighting a sore throat since about wednesday and this morning the throat has ceased its endless itching, but now I have a cough from my chest...I had bronchitis once before and it took several months for me to completely heal...now my liquid pre op starts in 3 freaking days and surgery 2 weeks from wednesday..I must not get sick!!! If I am post poned because of this I will scream...I do not deal well with change! esp. when something is so carefully planned and set in my mind...I dunno...I am just trying to stay hydrated and guess I will go pick up my antibiotic even though I think this is all allergy related..tg for claritin..gonna go take one now..peace! ps. is it just my computer that is distorting the webpage this morning? my view has no background today..weird

So, been fighting a sore throat since about wednesday and this morning the throat has ceased its endless itching, but now I have a cough from my chest...I had bronchitis once before and it took several months for me to completely heal...now my liquid pre op starts in 3 freaking days and surgery 2 weeks from wednesday..I must not get sick!!! If I am post poned because of this I will scream...I do not deal well with change! esp. when something is so carefully planned and set in my mind...I dunno...I am just trying to stay hydrated and guess I will go pick up my antibiotic even though I think this is all allergy related..tg for claritin..gonna go take one now..peace! ps. is it just my computer that is distorting the webpage this morning? my view has no background today..weird

I have care credit also, applied through my doctors office. I hate the fact that I am putting us further in debt, but I feel like now is the time for me to do this...I guess it is a good thing that one of our vehicles will be paid off on JUne 3rd, cause my surgery is June 17th...ho hum, as long as my job keeps letting me work overtime...I am gonna lose weight and lose debt at the same time...my two enemies hehe

Got my date of June 17th...hoping to make it through the two week pre op liquid diet..My sister in law is going through it right now, I am taking my strength from her committment right now cause she jumped in both feet and went for it while I have been planning since March...ofcourse, it helps that she works for the bariatric physicians group we are using...Good luck everyone!

Man, My mom had bought one of these new wave oven pro thingees off Tv infomercial...we threw some chicken breast (NO SKIN, bone in) ON THEre today and man, were they ever good..what an investment for the lapbander with the busy lifestyle..just throw a piece of chicken on there and in 30 minutes you have juicy perfection without heating up your kitchen...what a treat...can't wait to try cooking something from frozen ... i am usually sceptical of infomercials, but apparently this one lives up to the rep...check it out!

I have been hearing a lot about Jay Robb Whey protein mixes...someone told me they mix well without a blender...dunno...My docs give us "Bariatric Advantage" products, which are surprisingly good..I also use the EAS Lite French Vanilla ... pretty tasty... I heard there is a way to get free samples of different products on one of these forums, but have not found it yet...good luck!

Well, mY mom dragged my lazy bum out of bed (day off memorial day) and we ran errands, made both of us some banana protein shakes and head into town (35 minute drive to mild civilization) a bit longer to the islands/ beaches...places to be in other words...we took my friends Trikke (trikke.com) to a local parking lot and played and had all this done by 1 Pm...I just tend to lack motivation on the weekend and my husband and I are kind of at a lull in our relationship (7 years together, 2 years married this summer)...so I do tend to get depressed and I guess that is where the self pity comes into play...my mom and I are gonna start heading over to one of the islands and riding bikes, trikkes, etc on the weekends and stay away from my house...I have just a few days of "freedom" left and have plans to have sushi once more and a big @ss steak once more before June 3rd...then on to some serious discipline...ya'll need to check out the 'new wave oven' we cooked some chicken breasts in that sucker tonight and man were they good (I blogged about it earlier)...thank you for all your words of encouragement and Teena, as soon as I am brave enough I will be posting my "before pictures" and you can see the cool INk I have on my back (only other place)...

So mentally, weekends are proving very difficulty to stay focused. Sitting around the house I obsess over food and make bad choices versus when I am at work, I am focused on something else and barely spare a thought for food other than the obvious times...I dunno...I feel like if I stay at the house I am trying to find something to snak on and we have diligently begun our purge process of unhealthy foods, tonight I got so desperate for carbs I ate some leftover frozen garlic toast...ugh...dont want to play this mental game once preop and surgery gets here...on the other hand, my other addiction SHopping and spending money is usually what happens if I leave the house and I am desperately trying to get out of debt considering I am dropping 14K on this surgery (freaking insurance!)...I dunno,just needed to vent...I will succeed, just feeling sorry for myself...g'nite!

Man, My mom had bought one of these new wave oven pro thingees off Tv infomercial...we threw some chicken breast (NO SKIN, bone in) ON THEre today and man, were they ever good..what an investment for the lapbander with the busy lifestyle..just throw a piece of chicken on there and in 30 minutes you have juicy perfection without heating up your kitchen...what a treat...can't wait to try cooking something from frozen ... i am usually sceptical of infomercials, but apparently this one lives up to the rep...check it out!

So mentally, weekends are proving very difficulty to stay focused. Sitting around the house I obsess over food and make bad choices versus when I am at work, I am focused on something else and barely spare a thought for food other than the obvious times...I dunno...I feel like if I stay at the house I am trying to find something to snak on and we have diligently begun our purge process of unhealthy foods, tonight I got so desperate for carbs I ate some leftover frozen garlic toast...ugh...dont want to play this mental game once preop and surgery gets here...on the other hand, my other addiction SHopping and spending money is usually what happens if I leave the house and I am desperately trying to get out of debt considering I am dropping 14K on this surgery (freaking insurance!)...I dunno,just needed to vent...I will succeed, just feeling sorry for myself...g'nite!

Waiting for June 17th in South Georgia...Good luck all!

Just curious if anyone has tried to premake thier protein shakes to avoid lugging blender, mixes, etc to work each day during two week preop?? I was considering trying it and just crushing ice at work when I was ready for my shake..I work with patients all day and dont really have time to stop and make a noisy shake right in the middle of our clinic...any advice??

I am in the phase of my pre-surgical life called "get it out of my system" I chose my favorite types of food and have diligently gorged myself on them (sushi gonna be the hardest to give up)... BUT I did put some restrictions on myself to begin gettin into the discipline frame of mind...at the end of April after I had gone to our physicians required weekend seminar, I vowed to give up deep fried foods and sweets (south georgia, hello!) and replaced one meal a day (breakfast) with a protein shake to get used to the liquid thing and the feeling of slight hunger pains...dropped 13 pounds just from cutting the crap out...I still feel like I am binging on my favorite things, but truly to the point that I dont think I will care after the surgery because I am usually so miserable afterwards...it works for me I guess :wink2: I think if you can just cut out one thing you truly loved before and discipline yourself slowly it will make it easier...ofcourse, I was never a big soda drinker and gave up caffeine 15 years ago...I was seriously addicted to sugar...candy candy candy! and after the initial headaches have done pretty well...

Free Protein shake recipes there are some good recipes on this site...I found one on here (this forum) that tastes like a reeses Peanut Butter cup..I am drinking it right now... 1 cup skim milk 1.5 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 scoop chocolate Protein powder (my doctor uses Bariatric Advantage products) 6 ice cubes blend and enjoy (straws help to get away from the smells of some drinks..this one not bad, but just FYI..invest in straws!!) good luck!