VABandster

Shesha! Don't worry, you'll be banded soon!! Hang in there!! I actually could have the salmon too at this point It's good Protein and is soft and mushie! I notice I don't have a problem with fish and cheese, but the 'harder' meats like turkey and chicken don't go down as easily for me. I"m going out on a date tonight (guy knows I've had surgery), so I'm looking forward to some delicious fish for dinner!

STEPH - I will rarely see my Dr. I talked to him on the phone a few days post op to check in and also b/c I was having an allergic reaction to the bandages he put over my incsions, but other than that won't be back until I go for my first Fill at 4 weeks out. MYSTIQUE...I totally know how you feel!! on NYE my son had out a bowl of potato chips...and I wasn't really hungry, but there were just THERE...begging to be eaten! So I couldn't let them go to waste could I? I am so used to 'snacking' in between meals, its definitely been a hard habit to break!! One of the things that has helped though was that if I am going to snack, I make it something w/protein like cheese or Peanut Butter. Maybe that'll help you too?? Just a thought. But don't beat yourself up too much...this is a process...and it takes time to change years of eating habits that we've had!! Hang in there!!!

Thanks!! I know!! Time flies when you're losing weight! LOL

Sounds like your plan was just like mine!! We may pass each other at the airport in Denver! LOL.....I will be flying home from my first fill on the 14th!! Glad your wife is going with you.....You definitely need the moral and physical support the first 24 hrs...but you should be fine to fly home. Good luck!

Mark, Yep...that's what I had to do....High protein/Low Carb for 2 weeks prior. I lost 9-10 pounds in those two weeks and i was amazed that I didn't feel too much hunger, although the bread certainly was calling my name but I wasn't about to blow $10K on a slice of pizza or roll!! Good luck and I can't wait to hear your report when you get back!! How long are you going to stay in CO?

Mark...you're banding date is coming up w/Dr. K soon!!! Have you started the pre-op diet yet?? I'm feeling really good and AMAZED at how unnoticable my scars are going to be!! There are 2 out of the 5 already that are almost invisible!! The only one I think that anyone will even be able to notice is the Port scar just b/c that is the biggest incision..... But my scale is moving again! Yeah...I'm down 20 pounds now total (including pre-op 10)...so I'm happy about that but definitely feeling hunger now. Luckily Dr. K will do a fill for me at 4 weeks so I'm flying out to CO next week for my first Fill!!! I'll get it right before I start my NEW JOB! This is gonna be a great year! New job, New ME! Hope you're all doing good!! happy new year!

CAROL - Good luck w/your interview!! I just got a job offer myself (was laid off in Nov), so I'm thrilled that I won't have to spend all the severance I got and can actually put some of it into savings for my sons college! JILL & BMAN - I know the frustration you're taking about!!! My scale has not budged much in the past week but a few things I've changed in the past few days I think helped b/c I was down 4 pound this AM from where I've been "hanging" the past week! 1) I started drinking more Water. I realized I wasn't drinking enough b/c I typically drank most of my water at meals, which I can't do anymore, so I was forgetting to drink in between meals. 2) I added flaxseeds to my Breakfast (lost o'Fiber in this!)....this helped me uh...'clean the pipes', shall we say?? I hadn't been pooping much and I actually went 2x in 2 days, which was amazing for me! and last but not least 3) I went back and re-read the "rules" for eating...i.e. small portions, take 30 minutes, and I think it really made the difference b/c I had been NOT eating as slowly as I should have been and had been eating more than I should have b/c I could! So hopefully those tips help you get the scales moving. But as I type I can hear my tummy grumbling for lunch and all I have is oatmeal today....hopefully that will be enough to get me through the afternoon! NG - Thanks for the list of good Protein foods! I didn't see Peanut Butter or Tuna Fish on there? Both of those have some good amounts of protein too, right?? Sooo glad to see such a great supportive group here! I love it!!! Since I had my surgery so far away, I don't get to go to an actual group, so you guys ARE My lifeline! THANKS!!

Athena and Eric....go back to GNC and look for the Isopure products. In each scoop of that powder there is 25g of Protein in them!! Eric, I'm sure your Dr. would be OK w/you having some Protein Powder mixed in w/Water.....that would definitely help you w/the Engergy. Welcome Doug too!! Seems like we've got a few guys on here! Great to see! Glad to see all of us Bandsters hanging in there!! I am actually going to get my fill after 4 weeks!! I'm so excited! I'm going a week from Thursday....I have the VG Band so I'm hoping I get at least 3ccs for the first fill.

That is so cute about your son bringing you snacks and making sure you're boo-boos are ok!!! My boys are older, 13 and 17, and they don't even know I had the surgery!! I share custody of them w/my Ex so they were gone the week of surgery, and they just think I'm on a "diet", so they don't ask questions. I didn't tell them about it b/c I didn't want them to worry about me and I also didn't want them telling my Ex about it b/c I just don't need him asking me all sorts of questions (other than of course, are you losing weight??) LOL.

OFFERROCKER.....My Dr. told me what size band I was getting...and he based it on my weight/size. I believe there are 3 sizes and I got the biggest. You can always call your Dr. to find out which one you have. JESS....welcome!!! I wasn't banded on the 21st...I was banded on the 15th, but I am in VA, so I'm not too far from you! So...I took my boys out to dinner tonight and ate 1/2 of an appetizer for dinner, but am still feeling stuffed, 3 hrs later! Someone else mentioned stretching out the pouch.....Is that an easy thing to do?? Does anyone know?

HAPPY NEW YEAR DecemberBandsters!! BETH and KATHLEEN...welcome to the group! Its good to see you posting! FREETOBE.....I was banded on the 15th and it took me about 10 days to feel 'normal' again. I can still feel the port area when I stand up, but its not really painful...just like a reminder its there. I was back at work 4 days after my surgery and it wasn't bad....I was actually pretty comfortable, as long as I didn't have to get up out of my chair too much! KAY...don't worry about the wheat thins...as long as you are making sure they're VERY mushie before they go down, you'll be fine!! Its not the end of the world. I am now in my 3rd week since banding, and ready for a FILL!!! I am thinking about food more and more and yesterday did some 'snacking' which is a BIG NO NO, I know......so I need some restriction! I'll be curious to see how much you all get for your first fill!! I have the biggest band (The VG), so I'm hoping I get at least 3-4 ccs put in....we'll see!! I hope you all have a relaxing first day of 2007!

Carol, When did you get banded?? Are you enjoying the food you're able to eat now? I transitioned to food a bit early myself b/c of the Holiday and Family visiting/eating out, etc....although when eating out I did tend to only order Soup or chilli, so I don't think I did too bad..... Has anyone else had a friend that got banded by a different Dr. and it caused problems b/c their "rules" were different (more strict?) than yours? I have a friend that was banded a month before me...and his Dr. is a "by the book" Dr. (a Bariatric "center of excellence" kind of thing), so he has had to follow very strict rules about liquids 4 weeks, mushies 4 weeks, and even mushies only 1/4 cup at a time, etc.... However, my Dr. is much more "liberal" and said only 1 week liquids, make sure you get your Protein in and transition to soft foods anytime after 2 weeks when you feel ready. and whatever you do, Don't Puke LOL. Soo....now the friend is "telling" me how I should be doing things and making me feel like a bad bandster that I'm not following His rules....I did tell him the other day to remember that my Dr. and his Dr. do not have the same rules and that he has to trust me that I know what I'm doing, but obviously it's still bothering me b/c I'm bringing it up here. I don't want to hurt his feelings, or make him feel like he wasted his time doing what he did, but I also don't want to feel like I'm wrong either for doing things the way MY dr. told me to do? Any friendly words of advice/support out there?? It would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Hey Gang!! I'm finally going to be rid of all the holiday visiting relatives and looking forward to getting more involved in the board! I was banded on the 15th and have been mostly eating liquids, although xmas day and a few other meals have been more mushies when dining w/the extended family who doesn't know about my surgery. So far so good...only 1 bad experience w/a too big piece of chicken I didn't chew well enough! Thought I was going to be in the bathroom w/my first PB experience....but luckily it went down finally!!! I feel the same frustration as some of you others w/the scale not moving as much as I THINK it should be! But....I'm trying to have faith that it will eventually move as this is a PROCESS, not an Instant Cure! I hope you all have a Very Happy and Skinnier New Year!!

Shesha, Paula is great.....she's very nice and will answer whatever questions you have!! Glad to hear you're making progress!!

Hey Gang! I'm doing well!! I can actually sleep on my stomach now and do not have any pain anymore when I"m getting up and down...YEAH!!!! Although I've had some 'real' food in the past 24 hrs (holidays...ugh!!)....I've managed to chew thoroughly before swallowing and have also been able to go right back to liquids. The Hunger is definitely starting to come back, although I find that if I get my protein in in the AM, I am good for most of the day. I've got family in town so am not on the computer as much, but will be on more after they all leave on Friday! Hope you all had a Merrry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!!

Boy guys, I can't keep up w/all of you! Especially since I've now got houseguests!! But, I've been very good so far, and have just have a few 'mushies', and that's it. My Mom is so amazed at my success so far and how fast my incisions are healing that she is now considering the surgery! I'm now 8 days out from my surgery and other than still that bruised feeling around my port area...feel great! I probably won't be posting much over the next few days, but I just want to wish Everyone a Very Mery Christmas and A Happy Skinnier New Year!!!

Drew...I was wondering how you were doing!!! My sister called me to tell me that she actually got 2 Snow Days in a Row.....she was so happy to finally be able to say that cause CO NEVER Gets snow days! I'm just glad I had my surgery LAST Week, otherwise I may not have been able to get it done if it had been scheduled for this week!!! Hope you find those slippers in the Snow!

Karen! You and me are Band Buddies! I was banded on the 15th as well!! I am still doing the liquids, although I did have a few bites of real food yesterday and it went ok....I'm still a bit too cautious to go to mushies yet. Plus, I'm still not feeling ravenous hunger, although the "Head Hunger" is DEFINITELY there! I'm just ignoring it as best I can! Emily and Eric, Welcome to the group as well!! B-Man....I'm thinking of ya, probably all passsed out by now, getting the band wrapped around your tummy! My family starts arriving tonight for the holidays....Its gonna be a tough week this week! As long as I don't feel hungry though, I think I'll do OK! My scale finally moved!! The first time since the surgery! I'm excited! I guess that means the swelling is going down and the gas is finally disappearing!!! Hope you're all doing well!

Dawn, Good for you for getting right back on track!! I can relate to your "episode".....and your post is getting me to post and fess up to my Bad Bandster Behavior. I just got done with my company Potluck!! UGH.....no one here knows I had the surgery, although I did tell one co-worker that I'm on a Diet. So there is EVERYONE w/plates full of food, and I wonder "how am I going to get out of this w/out having to answer questions?" ...so I take a plate and put a little bit of the softest foods there, and sit. I take about 10 tiny bites of food, chew it til its as mushie as can be before I swallow....and moved the rest of my food around on the plate to make it look like I ate more than I did. Then I got up, threw the plate and the rest of the food away, and pretended I had to get back to work ASAP. I didn't even want to LOOK in the direction of the dessert table! That would have been even worse disaster! So now I'm back at my desk...hoping and praying that I didn't do any damage...and wondering how I could have been so stupid to even attempt to try 'real food', even if it was mashed in my mouth! Like you said, I"m going to go right back to liquids...but if this is any indicator of what my upcoming week is going to be like w/my family around, I'm going to need LOTS of support!!! And I had been so proud of myself last night for being able to get through serving my kids pizza for dinner while I enjoyed my lovely protein shake....UGH!! You're right, it is going to be a hard journey, but hopefully we can all support each other and know that when we screw up, we can always get right back on track!

Carol, Good luck on your surgery!!! I'm sure you're anxious now that you're at the hospital and ready to go! Don't worry, you won't even be Thinking about food once you're done! At least for a day or two!

LapHappy, Boy could I relate to your post!!! I am 6 days out...and my scale has not budged!!! I can't seem to get my brain to accept that its not moving b/c I'm still swollen and bloated....I keep thinking "I'm only getting a few hundred calories in in a day...how can this be possible"?? It is frustrating indeed!! As is the varying Doctor recommendations on when and what people can eat. My Dr. told me that basically I should be on liquids for one week and then mushies for a week and whenever I felt ready, I could work my way up to soft foods...and really that the goal is to not puke for the first 6 weeks b/c that would totally damage the band placement. But I still feel confused about what I should and shouldn't be having.....is SF pudding ok? Is a fruit smoothie ok? I guess if it's liquid enough, Its ok....but my family starts arriving tomorrow for the holidays and that is going to be TOUGH!!! I have a feeling I'll be putting things in my mouth that I can chew/liquify enough to get down that I probably shouldn't be eating...I'm going to try and resist, but it will be especially hard on Xmas day when we're with my Extended Family (only immediate family knows that I got the band). UGH!!! The next two weeks are going to be rough I think....but at least we've got each other here to support one another! Ok, I"m done rambling

Patti, I think mushies and pureed are the same thing...basically anything that can slide down your throat basicall w/out having to be chewed is my impression. Mypov, I am soooo with you on the problem w/Christmas goodies!! Today in my office there was a HUGE platter of xmas Cookies out and I couldn't have one! My parents are coming down on Friday and my Mom loves food, so there will be tons of it around for the next week...UGH!!!! Although I'm not physically hungry, I definitely want just a bite of a few of the things! But...we are strong, we can get through this right??

sweethot, I figured it was due to the swelling too....I swear, I looked at my belly and thought to myself "am I really this big or is this swelling"? Luckily it's swelling (mostly). Yes, I miss food alot!!! As my sister and I were driving around on Saturday, I looked at every single restaurant we passed and just wished that I could eat there! I have a dinner date tomorrow night....luckily the guy knows I'm still on liquids, so when he asked where I wanted to go, I said "anywhere that has soup" LOL But....hopefully no free bread on the table b/c that used to be my big downfall!! So hopefully I'll do OK and not be too tempted....I know, I'm really torturing myself by going out so soon, but what can I say? I like the guy! LOL

Sheila, Hey there, I'm doing pretty good! The pain hasn't gone away completely yet, but I can tell it's slowly getting there...I think another day or two and i'll be feeling back to normal! (I hope!)

Shesha, Glad you had a good conversation w/Dr. K....he's a really nice man and you will definitely feel safe in his hands.