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:

... Anyway, I suddenly noticed that the strap on my helmet was WAY too loose! Small victory, I know, but I was feeling pretty down until then...hope everyone else is still experiencing those NSV's! Take care...

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!!

OK, I broke! I went on a rampage and I am so ashamed. Today I licked a pork chop, sucked on a peppermint, and sucked the salt off of two pretzels. I know I am a bad, bad girl and I should be punished. You gotta understand I am on liquids and I can only have Water and Protein drinks. NOTHING ELSE! I have a doctor's visit tomorrow and I will confess to him as well.

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!

Hey guys

The scale does not always show the extent that even the amount of weight we have lost so far has improved our life - so I thought it would be cool to have a place where we can share in the exciting things that aren't shown on the scale but that we should congratulate ourselves on too!

Like tonight I went to get some pajama pants out of the drawer, and I thought - oh no, I won't put those ones on as they are tight as, but then I thought perhaps they won't be so bad - AND THEY WERE LOOSE!!!!! OMG!!!

I have bought new underwear in a size 18!

I can wear my bra without the bra-extender at the back to make it fit around my body (as embarrassing as that is)

I am starting to feel a bit sexy and a bit more like a woman than a "nothing"!!

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.

Hello Iam just starting my research on which surgeon I want to use Iam considering Dr Wagner I have read other entries and seen Dr Wagners name, but not Dr. N. Richardson or Dr R. Follwell. I want someone who is experienced and has a great reputation. I would also love any feed back on how you feel about the staff's experience when you go get a fill done.

Thanks for any information. Lisa

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!

Hi everyone. Today at lunch I had some tuna that I think I ate too fast. I have this lump in my throat feeling. Not painful. I just know it is there and can feel it. I can drink okay...but the last thing I feel like doing is eating again. And I ate the tuna like 4 hours ago! Anyone else have this feeling before? Well , I can tell you what. I will be eating a lot slower now...I do not want to feel this again.

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.< /span>

Good Luck with your surgery, and Happy Birthday!

I'm going shopping later today for everything I will need for the liquid and mushie stage of post-op diet. My surgery is Wednesday 5/6!! I need ideas of what to get. Any and all ideas appreciated. Thanx!! ~Joanie

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!

Hey guys

Here's the updated spreadsheet for 1st May weigh ins!

Thinwithin, keeping a record and making a fuss about who is the "biggest" loser of the week is motivating for me, so thought that others might find it the same, but agree, it might seem a bit like a competition - but this was not my intention at all. I will just keep updating the spreadsheet for those who want to be on it, but anyone is free to post on this thread and not be on the spreadsheet if they don't want to!

Between all of us we have lost nearly 500lbs since on this journey already. Unreal! We are on our way baby!!

Band Groupie - 17LB IN ONE WEEK!! YOU ROCK!

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!

Sorry I have been MIA - been dealing with some major household issues (water coming in through wall w/ major damage, broken dryer, broken refrigerator, broken de-humidifier, and more on top of being crazy at work - I have never really been a stress eater - but these last coupe days i have (so I only did a couple day of liquids)

Wannabe1/2thewoman & Karirn - In regards to the red pepper Soup - I do make it unfortunately I am really bad about measuring when I cook especially with soup - but when I was at the store today I was trying to look at oz's and and such to see if I could write it out for you - it really is VERY EASY to make (the key is I make it to taste and desired consistency)

Ingredients

1 med-large onion, chopped

1 fennel bulb, chopped (opt)

1- 1lb bag baby carrots

4 cloves garlic (minced, chopped or crushed)

3 - 16.5 oz jars roasted red peppers (not in oil), chopped - save liquid

4-5 oz sun-dried tomatoes (either packed in oil, drained or the pesto)

1 large bunch fresh basil, chopped (1-2 of those clamshell plastic containers from store)

1 large plastic box chicken stock (can use broth - I prefer stock)

something spicy - you can use cayenne, or powdered chipotle - my favorite is to but a small can of chipotle peppers - puree them, spoon into ice cube trays (only 1/3-1/2 full)and freeze - once frozen put into freezer ziploc bag. I then add to recipes as needed - I use 1-2 for this recipe.

Splenda to taste (i usually start w/ 1/3-1/2 c.)

Directions:

Place the carrots into a microwave steam bag and cook as bag suggests (love these bags!), then rough chop them.

While carrots steam saute the onion, garlic and fennel in a little olive oil, over med. heat till soft

Add carrots, peppers, reserved pepper liquid, sundried tomatoes, basil and the stock (i start w/ 1/2 the stock - usually end up using it all and sometimes use more - I keep extra in the house)

puree using an immersion/stick blender (what i do) or in batches in a blender or cuisinart - till smooth - this is where the different amounts of stock varies - dpeending on desired consistency.

SALT TO TASTE - usually start w/ 1 tsp

Now to serve I place 1-2 oz plain nonfat greek yogurt in the bottom of the bowl and ladle over it 3/4-1c. of soup and mix - it adds Protein and makes it taste creamy then I top with grated either asiago, romano or parmesan cheese - but it's optional.

I love this soup so much and all my friends request it - I actually purchase 9lb cans of the roasted red peppers online and make big batches with 1/2 and then puree and freeze the rest- this is what also makes it hard to give you my directions

I hope this helps and you enjoy - let me know if you have any other questions

For the broccoli soup - it's similar - same onions, garlic and carrots (same process) then buy broccoli - (usually packaged as 3 heads in store) I chop into florets and include 1/2 the stalks shopped but peeled and steam them in the microwave steam bags after the carrots (I reuse the same bag) add into pot with sauteed onion & garlic, carrots then add 1/2 stock & 1/2 canned evaporated fat free milk and puree (again amount of liquid varies upon desired consistency)- season with salt/pepper to taste, italian herbs and sometimes add 1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese.< /p>

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.

Has anyone's doctors told them to stay completely away from gum?

Mine never told me not to but I haven't specifically asked him. I'm curious because I like to have things in my mouth, and after gaining back almost half of my weight I'm curious if gum could be an alternative. My quick fix was to put my tongue ring back in so I would have something to play with at work instead of the various baked goods that are always readily available.

Any tricks or feedback is much appreciated. :ohmy:

I had my pre-op orientation today and our dietary guidelines say No gum for six months after surgery, and NEVER swallow gum. The nurse said that if it is accidentally swallowed in the first 6 months, chances are very good it would get stuck, and because of it's consistency, might be impossible to get unstuck.