SpideyMom

I absolutely agree -- call the doctor. My doc told me to call if I started feeling hungry all the time like before. So far, knock on wood, I'm doing okay, but I have 6 weeks before my next fill, so we'll see. Good luck, John. I hope you get your fill soon. And thanks for the encouragement.

Thanks, John! Trying to catch up to you! You are quite the inspiration, Mr. Already Halfway to Goal!

Linda, once you get some real Protein, it will definitely help with the hunger. Right now, those Protein drinks are adding nutrition, but they are just going right through the upper pouch, just like any drink would, so that's why you're not full. When do you get to eat real food? In the meantime, have you tried hummus, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt? They are great sources of soft protein, but they are thick, so they fill you up. Good luck!

Wow, congrats to all of us! This is a great thread because so often we get totally wrapped up in what the number on the scale is, and we forget to look at the other victories we have achieved. Hooray!

I'm reporting back after 3 days. I must say, just getting 1 cc has actually made a difference!, much to my surprise! I do feel more restriction and cannot eat as much. And I suddenly dropped 4 lbs. :party: I think that was just a freaky Water weight coincidence, but hey, I'll take it however I can get it! :hurray: So, don't worry if the doctor only puts in a small amount. It really does make a difference. :thumbup:

My rings are getting looser! And I can wear jeans that I've had in my closet for 6+ months that were too tight. Now, if I can just get into the two pair of cute capris that I bought off the rack (didn't try on) that still have the tags on from 2 summers ago.....

My doc doesn't limit me to 1/2 cup at each meal. He said if I am still hungry, eat a little more. I have to learn to listen to my body, which is quite challenging, but it is working out. Sometimes I eat a cup, sometimes (but rarely) I eat only 1/4 cup. My body knows what it needs. The other thing is, I often will add unflavored Protein powder to Soups, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. to boast my protein intake. You can get very good unflavored protein from unjury. One scoop adds 21 g. protein, 90 cal., and 0 grams of fat. And because you add it to food, it is staying in your upper stomach longer, as opposed to drinking it down, like Mamadot said. HTH!

I :drool: this week, for a grand total of ... 30!

I had my first fill yesterday, and boy was I surprised! I thought all along I had no restriction. HA! The surgeon measured, and I had 5 cc's in me the whole time!! :eek: And I've been so hungry this whole time!! Anyhow, he only put in 1 cc, and said he will only put in 1 or 1.5 cc each time. :drool: I'm sitting here one day later, and I'm already hungry 2 1/2 hours after having a 12 oz. Protein shake. Oh, and I have to wait another 6 weeks before I go for my second fill. Boo. But, on the bright side, the needle stick was very simple! :tt2:

Thanks!!! I was a Diet Coke addict, and I still have some left over, so I think I'll try that next.

I thought maybe we could start sharing some of our yummy recipes for real food on here -- things that are healthy and don't get stuck! Here's one I heard about on the "What did you eat today?" thread, and I looked it up on the Internet. I'm trying to find out the nutritional counts for it, but don't know where to go for that. Dr. Pepper chicken Ingredients 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 can of Diet Dr. Pepper 1/2 cup of ketchup salt, pepper to taste Directions 1. Mix can of Dr. pepper and ketchup 2. Pour over chicken 3. Bring to a boil, cover & simmer for 45 mins. (Note: We just simmered for approx. 1 1/2- 2 hours, until the chicken was fork-shreddable and all the sauce was soaked up.) This is very light, very moist, and a tiny bit reminiscent of Southern BBQ because it's not a thick red sauce, plus you can taste a hint of vinegar from the ketchup. Now, I am not a fan of Southern BBQ, but I reallly like this! My hubby did, too. :thumbup:

Congrats, John! Let us know how it goes. I'm also jealous that you get a second fill in just 2 weeks. I also do month to month. Melissa -- and anyone else who has had their first fill for a little while -- have you noticed increased weight loss since having your first fill? I'm so eager for the weight to come off quickly again!

Thanks, John! I somehow think that would ruin it for me, though. lol But -- I will tell me surgeon about that trick. He told us at our support group to just pour it in a glass and wait 30 minutes. Still... I need my CO2. That's why I *loved* fountain drinks -- you get more!!!

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

Mmm... philly cheese steak casserole sounds wonderful! Would you be so kind as to share your recipe, please? Thanks!!!

I made something called Ricotta Bake, also taken from the "What did you eat today?" thread. It's very simple. Layer part-skim ricotta cheese with spaghetti sauce, top with low fat mozzarella or low fat Italian 4-cheese blend, bake at 350 until the cheese is bubbly. It's like lasagna without the noodles. Enjoy! I also really enjoyed eating hummus and baba ganoush during my mushy stage. HTH!

Oh, I miss my Diet Coke, too!!!:ihih:

2911, I've been eating chicken every day since I was able to eat normal food. The key, I believe, is that it must be moist and you must take small bites and chew very well. I've have no problems! :grouphug: I really enjoy chicken Caesar salad. The dressing helps moisten the chicken, as does the lettuce. I'm more afraid of the lettuce than the chicken, actually, so I cut it to tiny shreds before eating it. It takes a long time to eat, and it is chock full o' Protein and Fiber. I hope that helps! Oh, and always take the skin off! That will choke you in a second! Another very good thing while out is ground beef. Get a hamburger without the bun, add the fixin's you like, and cut it up well. A side of baked Beans adds a lot of protein and is very soft. Refried beans are also very good, if you like them. Add a little FF sour cream, and you have a real treat! And, as my Lap Band book says, if in doubt, ask for scrambled eggs. Just be careful not to eat them too fast like I did. I PB'd once while eating them because they tasted so good! I took too big a bite, and didn't chew enough. Came right back up my throat. Wasn't gross though. Didn't come out of my mouth and embarrass me in front of others, in case you were wondering about PBs. Good luck!!! And enjoy!!

Oh, yeah. And immediately remorseful. :grouphug: Thankfully, my dh is very patient.

Oh, I joined you on the warpath yesterday, Sarah! Ugh!!!

Ok, finally DTD, 1 month after surgery. Didn't feel any discomfort at all. Couldn't feel the port site or any incisions. :thumbup:

I've had a port before (for chemo) and the area that the doc/nurse can stick the needle into is about the size of a dime. In my experience, it comes down to how skilled the person giving the injection is with dealing with the port. I had one nurse who was excellent, while others were awful. I know that doesn't help much, but maybe you can ask who the most experienced IV nurse is when you get there. Also, it helps to get lidocaine ahead of time. HTH! :thumbup:

2911, yes, you really can eat normal foods. Just choose simple foods, and chew, chew, chew. Stay away from bread, rice, tough steak, stringy veggies, etc. -- the things the doc probably warned you about. You'll be fine on vacation. Enjoy! :thumbup:

It's called Bandster Hell, and it sucks! :thumbup:

Yep, I had one... from eating a big bite of scrambled eggs too fast. Really surprised me! I thought scrambled eggs wouldn't be a problem. Who knew?! Guess anything can get stuck if you eat a big bite and eat it too fast. Luckily mine didn't seem gross. It was just eggs coming back up my throat. It wasn't like vomit. :thumbup: