Padanelle

Each day I try to have a serving of metamucil, Activia & a high fiber cereal. I don't always drink as much water as I should, but I keep trying. Some days it works, some days it doesn't. I think I may start taking mineral oil.

Dawn, From what you listed you are eating, it doesn't look like you are taking in much Protein. That would account for you feeling weak. Try choosing items that are high in protein. Since you mentioned you like the Isopure drinks, why not sip one throughout the day? Good luck.. Joan

Cindy, What do you typically eat in a day?

I'm usually too lazy to try on a bra before buying, so as a result, I have a draw full of bras that don't fit - all too small. So at least I don't have to go out and buy any new ones as the girls shrink (lol). Most women underestimate their cup size, and overcompensate on the band size. Here's a handy guide for measuring. Measurement # 1 - Band Size: Put on your best-fitting, unpadded, under wire bra. Measure underneath the bust line and make sure to measure tightly. Be sure the tape measure is straight across your back. The general rule of thumb for all measuring is: less than ½”, round DOWN, more than a ½”, round UP. So if your measurement is 32 ¼”, call it 32. Write this number down. This is measurement number 1. If measurement 1 is UNDER 33 inches, add 5 inches. If this number is odd, round up to the next EVEN number. If measurement 1 is OVER 33 inches, add 3 inches. If this number is odd, round up to the next EVEN number. Write this EVEN number down. This is your band size. Measurement # 2 - Cup Size. Measure over the biggest point of your bust line. This is a looser measurement. Make sure the tape measure is straight. Write this number down. This is measurement # 2. First subtract measurement # 1 from measurement # 2. Then consult the following chart to find your cup size. I like Cacique, which I think may be a Lane Bryant in-house brand. Hope this helps. Joan

RD, you need to check with your surgeon/nut regarding that, as everyone has different instructions. When you start the mushy stage you definatly can have them if they are pureed. When you start solids, you'll need to be careful of fibrous fruits & vegges (pineapple, asparagus stems, etc). It will be a matter of experimenting and seeing which fruits & veggies you can handle, and that could change after a fill. Good luck!

Better safe than sorry. Good luck. Joan

Agnes, Glad you're no longer getting food stuck. I'm 1 month ahead of you, but learning new eating habits takes a bit of time. I think if it wasn't for food getting stuck a few times, I would still be inhaling my food. I'm hoping the new eating habits become second nature after awhile. I asked my surgeon, who was banded 9 years ago, if he still gets stuck, and he said yes, when he doesn't pay attention. I guess we'll always have to make a conscious effort, but hopefully it willl become easier.

Elle, I like the idea of setting a monthly walking goal. I'm going to start small- 20 miles - and work my way up from there. Joan

B - 1 cu 1% milk w/coffee; 2 hrs later - 3/4 cu Kashi Go Lean w/Activia light L - 10 oz Isopure Zero Carb Lemon Green Tea Protein drink S - 1 cu grapes D- 1 glass sparkling wine (pre-dinner); slice of crustless quiche; 1 glass sparkling win (post dinner)

I tried drinking pinapple juice when I had a stuck episode. It made the pain a lot worse. I guess some things don't work for everyone.

Hi Agnes, I never was a breakfast eater, so a big mug of coffee (actually milk with a little coffee) keeps me satisfied. I usually don't eat anything until around noon, when I'll have cereal, or an egg or a slice of quiche. I think most people feel more restriction in the morning. Joan

Welcome! The first days/week is the hardest. You may even find yourself asking, why did I do this? But it will pass quickly, and each day gets easier. Good luck. Joan

Crustless Quiche Recipe I never make it the same way twice, but here are the basics, you adapt to your taste, or whatever you have in the fridge. 1. Saute until soft diced onions or shallots, mushrooms and/or whatever other veggies you like. I'm not a big veggie fan, but I like spinach, so I add 2 cups of defrosted chopped spinach. It doesn't need to be cooked before baking, but it gets out the excess Water. If I have ham. chopped meat, or salami, I also add. As you are saute, add spices. I like spicy, so I usually add red pepper flakes, sometuimes basil or thyme, nutmeg, etc. Set aside & let cool. 2. In a lg bowl mix 2 cups of ricotta, 2 beaten eggs, then addl cheese. I like Laughing Cow Light, which I cut in smaller pieses & mix in, or Mozarella (I prefer slized to shredded, as the slices get gooey when melted, which I love). 3. Add in the cooled veggie mix an stir till blended. 4. Spray the pip plate with Pam and lightly dust with whole wheat flour. Then pour in mixture. Sprinkle top with parmesan or other cheese. Bake at 375 for about 45 min, or until toothpick or knife comes out clean when inserted in the center. 5. Let sit for about 15 min before cutting. Get adventurous with your combinations. I sometimes saute apples, shallots & mushrooms and add it to a ricotta, gruyer (Laughing Cow) & egg combination. Or a pizza quiche with ricotta, mozarella, egg mix with sauted veggies/meat and topped with tomato slices, fres basil & parmesan.

I am almost 3 months post-op, and am almost never hungry, evept when I experience 'head hunger' when there's something specially good to eat in the house. I'm so glad for not having experienced Bandster Hell yet.

Like so many of the other posts, I was told not to put anything on the incision until it was healed, then use Vit E oil. I have the capsules, and prick it with a pin to get the oil out. I'm going to try Kristine's suggestion to spalsh a little water on it first.

Hi Agnes, Missed seeing your posts. Sorry to hear you are getting stuck with certain foods. I have much more restriction after having my 2nd fill, and have to be careful that the food is moist, and remember to chew more carefully, small bites, etc (something I am still working on learning). Prior to my 2nd fill I had no problems eating anything. Now, I even get stuck with tilapia. And chicken is a problem unless it has a sauce. I'm a big fan of Greek yogurt and add different seasonings to it, which I then use to dip the meat/fish in before eating. If adding more moisture (mayo, sauce, etc) to your food doesn't help, you probably should have a little taken out. Good luck, Joan

After my first fill, I had the feeling that something was stuck in my esophagus, and I constantly had the urge to burp, but couldn't. Fortunatly, there was no pain, just some mild discomfort. About a week later, I tried some steak for the first time, and afterwards I burped. It felt good. KInd of wierd... I haven't had the problem since.

I often make a crustless quiche. I get 8 slices out of it, and it makes a great B, L, or D meal.

I'm walking a lot more than I used to, which is great, as it used to be so painful to walk before. I can't seem to motivate myself to do more than that, but its a start.

I'm almost 3 months post surgery, but I still have problems remembering to take small bites, eat slowly, and chew thououghyl. This wasn't a problem until my 2nd fill, and I have paid the price when I don't. You'd think I would have learned after the first time something got stuck, but I seem to be slow on the uptake. It's definately a work in progress... I had my first glass of wine at 3 weeks post op, when I started on solids. I usually have a glass of wine before eating several times a week, and sometimes, a second glass after eating. I also sometime take a tiny sip of liquid while eating, if what I'm having is dry - maybe 2-3 sips the entire meal. My surgeon says if I can handle it, its ok.

We could easily start a new section in the Social Groups (cp User).

I'm a city girl, banded in June. There's a Social Group for New York Bandsters you can access through "user CP".. Its not used much, but would be nice to build up a group there.

I bought the papaya enzyme at GNC, so I would be prepared in the event of a PB experience. So for my first PB experience I grabbed the bottle: dosage was 3 chewable tablets, about 3/4 in in length. Let me tell you, the last thing I wanted to do whenI was in pain, was to chew not 1, but 3 tablets! Fortunately, I was able to PB quickly ( I doubt the papaya enzyme had time to work), and the pain passed. Although I have some tablets in my wallet for emergencies, I don't kno whow how anxious I am to take them again.

I was supposed to have my 3rd fill yesterday, but since I had several PBing incidents recently, the NP decided not to do a fill. I don't think the band is too tight - I just don't remember to eat slow, take small bites, and chew. Eventually, I'll get it. B- 1 cu 1% milk w/coffee S - small waffle toped w/Blueberry Activia L - Chicken w/fresh figs D - 10oz Isopure Lemon Green tea - 20 g protein Normally would have protein enriched sf/ff pudding for evening snack, but I'm not hungry tonight

Welcome, Cyn. Looks like you're making good choices. Good luck!