WannaBe1/2TheWoman

Linda, Check to see if there is a "Dress for Success" charity near you. I always hear good things about it. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Google "Dress for Success" to read more about them, - I'm sure they'd love to have your professional attire. Congrats on your successful weight loss!!

I am at 243.4 today. Only down 1.6 this week. Oh well...I'm sure it's because I'm able to eat solid foods now. I think I need to increase my calories per day, because some days, I get only 650-800. I never thought I'd say this, but it's hard to make yourself eat when you're not hungry. Did I just say that?????

Thanks, Sarah!! LOTS of these sound really good!

I feel your pain. I had hoped that I'd be one of those that could stop taking all my diabetes meds the day after surgery and never look back...haha...no such luck. All I can tell you is to keep doing what you're doing and as you lose weight, I'm betting your BS will improve. I stopped taking my meds (2000mg of metformin and 2 doses of glimiperide per day) 2 days after surgery, and my BS stayed pretty low for about 10 days, but then it starting going up again. Now, I am 3 weeks post-op and am taking 500mg of metformin a day and that is keeping me in the 85 to 125 range. I am also trying to eat low carbs, and am not having anything sugary. What does your doctor say about it? Hang in there - I'm sure it will improve as you continue to lose. Good luck!

I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op, and I still have some restriction from my band, which has no fill in it at all. I am still only on mushies, but am not able to eat more than 3/4 to 1 c of food at one sitting, and for the most part, this is holding me until the next meal. I have been very fortunate - I had no appetite for the first 2 weeks, and in the past few days, even when I am hungry, it isn't a ravenous hunger....I just hope this keeps up, because even though my doc does fills at 6 weeks, he just happens to be on vacation at that time, so my first fill is not scheduled till July 9th.:wink2:

KMCD: No victory is small! I underestimated how uplifting a NSV could be, but I had 2 this past week: One morning, I decided to wear a particular blouse to work, despite the fact that the last time I wore it, it was so tight in my belly that I was miserable all day...and alas! It was LOOSE and very comfortable. A couple of days later, I suddenly realized that my bra was more comfortable. Didn't feel as tight in the back, and the shoulder straps were really loose! Now I can't wait to have to buy new bras and panties!

I was banded on 5/5/09 and had the SIL. I am also from St. Louis, but my doctor is Dr. J. Stephen Scott. I have had no problems since surgery, my incision is almost completely invisible already. I have had a very positive experience with Dr. Scott and his staff. Good luck in your journey!

I'm at 245.4 today. thanks!

Linda, I was banded 5/5 and have gotten all my protein supplements at GNC. If you get something there that you don't like, you can take it back with your receipt and they will refund you. I am using GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein. I like them because they come in 1# bags, so I don't have a huge bucket of just one kind. I've got 4 kinds now to choose from: Cookies & Cream (Yummy), Chocolate/Caramel, Vanilla and Unflavored. I haven't tried the unflavored yet, but got it so I can put it in other foods, when I don't think I'm going to get enough protein in for the day. Hope this helps! I just spent a little time browsing in GNC before I made my mind up on what to buy. Good luck!

I am at 250.4 today.

LMAO! This was good, Raelita! Licking a pork chop....you are hilarious! Hey, at least you didn't BITE it! :crying: I too have been on Clear liquids for 11 days. Believe it or not, I still have no appetite, and am feeling no hunger, but I am feeling this NEED to chew on something. Last night, I was tired and crabby, and when I made my last Protein shake in the blender, I tossed in 8 chocolate chips. Don't know why....certainly didn't give me any chewing satisfaction or any other kind for that matter....but I figure if that's the worst thing I've done post-op, I'm okay. Happy Birthday, JayTee!!

Hi Carol, Tomorrow will be Day 10 for me and I will be able to start soft/mushy foods. I am not scared, but I know I will be very careful introducing new foods to my band. The foods my surgeon suggests for the soft foods stage are: cream of wheat, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, creamed soups, lowfat cheese, boiled & mashed potatoes, soft cooked pasta or noodles, sugar-free pudding, canned fruit, soft cooked veggies. I hope this is helpful. Don't be scared, just take it slow and enjoy!

I had surgery on Tuesday afternoon (May 5th) and went back to work this past Monday (May 11). I had planned to go back on Friday, but decided to take the extra day, and I'm glad I did. It takes a while for the anesthesia to work it's way out of your body, so you will be tired even if you aren't in any pain. The first day back at work, I was really tired, but each day since has been much easier, and I feel like I'm back to normal now, after 3 days. Good luck with your surgery!

Before I finally bought mine, I was the same - head spinning and not sure what to buy. I finally bought 2 one-pound bags at GNC, called GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein. I got one in the Cookies & Cream flavor and 1 in the Chocolate Caramel. They are both good, and the best part is - if you buy anything at GNC that you don't like, take it back with your receipt and they will refund you 100%. I also have tried the 2.9 oz Body Fortress Protein Shots and they are not something I'd want to drink 20 oz of, but they are okay, and make it easy to get in 26g of protein if you need it. So far, I've only found them in Walmart, but haven't looked anywhere else. yet. Prior to surgery, I ordered some of the samples from Unjury and the chocolate and vanilla were pretty good. The Chicken broth was "okay". I'd order them again. Good luck!

Congrats, Lingling!! Every little victory is going to be so exciting, and new underwear and bras are something I can't wait for!!! I'm so proud of you - keep up the good work!

Don't know if this is right, but I think of "full liquids" as being "clear liquids" - broth, jello, sf popsicles, water, crystal lite, etc. I think of mushies and puree'd as being semi-soft foods - pudding, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, anything that could be put in a blender and made into a semi-liquid/solid. This was how my dietician exlained it to me, I hope this is helpful!

Lisa, I have heard good things about Dr. Wagner. I am also from St. Louis, and was just banded on Tuesday, May 5 (Single Incision). My surgeon is Dr. J. Stephen Scott, at SSM DePaul Weight Loss institute. From the very first seminar, to all the insurance questions, paperwork, support, etc, I have had nothing but wonderful things to say about this institute. Dr. Scott and de la Torre have a fabulous staff and there are 2 support group meetings each month also. Good luck as you do your research and with your journey. If you have any questions, let me know.

Hang in there, Hannah! I agree with everything that the others said above, and will add one thing that I deal with sometimes....when I am about to embark on something really exciting, I go through a wonderful, positive "high", and then when it's over....it's anti-climactic. We were so excited leading up to surgery, and now...the hard work starts. But you've done so well, and I'm very proud of someone your age, being able to go through with this. Find other things to motivate you - like skinny jeans and sexy clothes in your near future. And by all means, find a support group to attend. Your doctor or the facility you had your surgery in should have something...I hope. If this doesn't improve soon, don't be afraid to seek counseling. Your body (and mind) have been through a lot in the past month) and asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. Hang in there!!

Hi Everyone, I was banded on Tuesday, and today weighed in at 255.8. I can't remember what it was last Friday, but I know this is down a few pounds. Have a great weekend everyone!

Hi Peggy, I was just banded on Tuesday, so I'm still on Clear liquids, but last night, I caught myself eating my Jello too fast, and in too large of spoonfuls, and I could hardly get a deep breath....I was worried it was coming back up! I think for me, the spoon/forkful size and the pace that I eat are going to be the hardest for me to change, but eventually, it will be our way of living!

I have tried a couple of the protein supplements that you can buy single servings of, and am trying to figure out what I want to stock up on before I need it. (I've tried Top Care and Unjury, and they were both good. Although I hated the strawberry Unjury, the chocolate one was good). Please tell me what brand/type/mix you found that you like. Thank you, in advance!

Hi Joannie, I am being banded on Tuesday, so I'm in the same boat as you. I did all my shopping yesterday. For the first 7-10 days after surgery, I am on clear liquids plus Protein supplements 4x a day. This is what I have on hand: low-sodium broth sugar free jello's (I'm going to make a cake pan of them so I can have a square anytime) LOTS of Crystal Lite Sugar Free popsicles Apple juice w/no added sugar Skim Milk I struggled with what kind of protein supplement to buy, but finally ended up buying 2 kinds at GNC. I got their GNC Pro Performance in the 1# bags. There are a variety of flavors, and I got Cookies & Cream and chocolate Caramel. If you don't like something, you can bring it back for a full refund, so I figure I have nothing to lose by trying it. I haven't actually made a Protein shake yet, but I did open the bags and tasted the powder and it wasn't bad. I'm going to have one tomorrow morning for breakfast. Good Luck with your surgery, and Happy Birthday!

Lingling, My May 1st weight was 267.6 :thumbdown: Not sure why, but hopefully after I'm banded on Tuesday, it will start to come off. Also, I am 5'4 1/2" tall, and my goal is 140 lbs. Good job everyone!

KCMAGU: Thank you so much for taking the time to post these recipes. They sound wonderful, and I am going to make some to freeze and have ready. I am being banded on Tuesday (YAY!) so I'm trying to get as prepared as possible. Thanks again!

Well, after impatiently waiting 2 months for this day, I am finally scheduled for surgery - Tuesday, May 5th! I attended my pre-op orientation allll day today and everything went very well. My doc said he is pretty confident that he will be able to band me with a single incision, so I'm very hopeful!! Well, since I ceased to be a Bunny a few weeks ago, and I have never "joined" the Banditos, I am considering myself the Cinco de Mayo Bun-Dito.