Wordsmyth

Hi All, I am 9 days away from surgery and just started the liquid protein diet. I am starving! Or at least I feel that way. Does anyone have wisdom to share about surviving the liquid diet, pre or post op? I'd appreciate it. I am on 70 grams of protein daily from protein shakes. I can only have clear liquids aside from the shakes. Trader Joe's has a good selection, though, if you have one near you. Any advice? Thanks -

I've written here before about forcing stuck food down with water, which is a no-no. I have done it if I'm in polite company at a lunch or something, but at home I try not to. Lately, in fact, it seems my band has a mind of its own and wants to push the food out more than it seemed to before. I have struggled to figure out how to work well with my band. I try to let things come up more if they need to, and watch how large a bite I'm taking, how thoroughly I'm chewing, and what I'm eating. I don't know why I'm struggling so much. Lately, I have a new issue. This past week and once the week before I've been seized by painful gas pains. I've been walking A LOT and my abdomen was distended for quite a while. I went on a liquid diet and things seemed to calm down. The gas pains were infrequent, but I felt a sort of low-level nausea. Gross alert: my stools have changed color in the past few days. They are now an oddly pale clay/putty color. I looked this up on the web and there are all kinds of scary things, except that I don't have the accompanying symptoms. Then I saw a post on OH that seemed like it wasn't that uncommon for RnY patients. Have any of you bandsters had this problem? I'm going to my doctor's office in the morning. The doc on call seemed remarkably unconcerned. It's weird to feel nauseous and hungry at the same time. For some reason, the thought of my protein drink makes me queasy. Any advice you can offer I'd appreciate.

Thank you! I did not know...

Hi Everyone, I cannot figure out what I'm doing wrong. My food routinely gets stuck and I'm nervous because I know i have to either drink to force it down or have it come back up again (usually I drink). I conciously take smaller bites, chew more, but it seems that I keep getting stuck around the third bite. I'm wondering if it's the type of food. It seems to occur more frequently with any kind of bread (bagels, tortillas, crackers, etc) than with anything else. Has anyone had that experience?

I was banded 1/14/10 and have been doing well, except for the last few weeks. I got a bad cold and stopped exercising, and ever since then it has been very hard to get myself back on track. I'm eating the wrong things and feeling really badly about that. I haven't been able to get back to exercise. I am also under stress and working 7 days a week on a special project, which I think I've used as a reason to relax the diet. I have a 10 cc band with my current (and first) fill of 3 cc's. I am scheduled to get another in the first week of April, and I'm not looking forward to the visit because I haven't done well. If anyone could offer me support I would really appreciate it.

Hi Everyone, I cannot figure out what I'm doing wrong. My food routinely gets stuck and I'm nervous because I know i have to either drink to force it down or have it come back up again (usually I drink). I conciously take smaller bites, chew more, but it seems that I keep getting stuck around the third bite. I'm wondering if it's the type of food. It seems to occur more frequently with any kind of bread (bagels, tortillas, crackers, etc) than with anything else. Has anyone had that experience?

Okay, so I know I'm over a year since this was posted, but you SO made me laugh! If you are like me, weight loss is a personal choice and a personal issue. It feels invasive when others try to get too intimate or want too many details (in my case, that's my mother-in-law, and yuck). People who say "don't gain it all back", I think, are negative people trying to dump their "stuff" on you. If it were me, I'd say (only half-jokingly) "Wow, that's really...supportive?" to through them off guard and discourage their future dumb comments. My mother in law, who is heavy, has harangued me about my weight for years. I was thin when first dating her son, then gradually gained. She started, no kidding, within the first 10 lbs I gained, and got progressively worse in her intrusion and nagging. I finally had to have a 'back off" conversation with her. So now, she tries to back off which makes it slightly better. I didn't want to tell her I was getting banded because I knew it would open the door, but she watched our son the night before surgery, and he knew, so I told her. Now it's "how much have you lost?" "Are you still losing?" etc. Ugh. Now, I have to put up with her. You shouldn't have to put up with coworkers who are full of insensitive remarks. Good luck to you. Kick those turkeys in the rear.

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I'm glad to know that I'm not alone. I have started exercising again--albeit minimally--and that does seem to help. Although yesterday, I ate 1/2 sandwich at lunch and put the other half away because I recognized my full signal...but then ate a big cookie. Errrgh. My body feels heavier in fatter areas. I miss that light feeling. I considered going back on liquids, and I might, but I'd really like to conquer this problem, because it will always be there if I don't. Like you, I do notice that I don't get as punished on the scale when I blow it with the band. I either gain a pound which disappears when I get back on track, or I stay the same. I do hope it works in my favor when getting the fill. I am embarrassed, though. I was such his model patient, I hate to let him down. But, the reality is, there is a reason I (and all of us) gained all the weight that lead us to have surgery. Those reasons don't dissapear with the band. I just have to be smarter about coping with them in healthy ways. Thank you for telling me not to beat myself up. It does help to hear it from someone. Good luck - and keep me posted, okay? :wub:

Unfortunately, this is not a positive blog. I haven't exercised for about 3 weeks because I was hit with a nasty cold, and I started slipping back into old food habits, not journaling, and giving myself way too much license. What I have to show for it is 4 weeks with essentially no loss - what a waste. I'm determined to start back today. I've been under stress at work and working 7 days a week, so I think I reverted back to my old coping mechanism: food, and plenty of sugar. I also stopped logging my food, which is another important thing to keep me on track. I will pick that up again. I recommend sparkpeople.com as a great free site to track online. I go in to get my second fill the first week of April. I'm embarrassed. Here's hoping the next blog will be a positive one. I do not want to go down this path again.

Unfortunately, this is not a positive blog. I haven't exercised for about 3 weeks because I was hit with a nasty cold, and I started slipping back into old food habits, not journaling, and giving myself way too much license. What I have to show for it is 4 weeks with essentially no loss - what a waste. I'm determined to start back today. I've been under stress at work and working 7 days a week, so I think I reverted back to my old coping mechanism: food, and plenty of sugar. I also stopped logging my food, which is another important thing to keep me on track. I will pick that up again. I recommend sparkpeople.com as a great free site to track online. I go in to get my second fill the first week of April. I'm embarrassed. Here's hoping the next blog will be a positive one. I do not want to go down this path again.

Hey, all. I am making myself record the good, the bad, and the ugly. I believe this would be the latter, and I want to make a record of it. I believe I am soon to get a visit from "Aunt Flo from Redlands", and yesterday I was seized with the urge to eat sweets. I was at a meeting, seated right next to the lounge where there were every manner of bready sweet things. I had had a protein drink, but I was hungry. Or at least I told myself I was. So, I had 2 pieces of the only protein source there - string cheese (full fat). The person next to me was eating pan dulce (sweet bread), which is something I love. So, I went into the lounge and took a piece and sliced off a small corner and put it back. I knew that even though it was a small portion, I was entering into dangerous territory letting myself have it. I later went back for another small piece. For lunch I went with a friend to Subway and had a under 6 fat gram sandwich. I ate the protein first, then had some of the bread. Then I had about 2/3 of the macadamia white chip cookie that I ordered with the combo. Sugar bug again. When I returned to the office a few hours later, I was struck by a strong craving for sugar and specifically chocolate. Several of my coworkers routinely add chocolate treats to their desk dishes, so I didn't have to go far. There were very few at the office because they stayed at the meeting. So, in essence it was just me, the chocolate, and my craving. I did not make good choices. Okay, the ugly. I probably consumed the equivalent of two candy bars, perhaps even three. I actually wanted to kick myself while I was doing it. Afterwards, I felt so disappointed, like I'd fallen off the wagon, which I had. My body didn't feel good, either. I felt bloated and yucky and mad at myself. When I came home, I ate the other 1/2 of the fitness meal I brought home from a restaurant the previous evening. I was saited. Then I saw the garlic cheese pretzels and thought, "oooo. I want something salty." I ate them. There was probably about 1/4 - 1/2 cup left. (I want to record the amounts so I can figure out the damage I've done.) I went to sleep feeling absolutely defeated. I've been doing very well on the diet up until now, but I see that I must prepare. Food wise, in terms of meals, I did fine. But I failed the craving test. This morning I feel very bloated and am going to make myself get on the elliptical to get in exercise. Curiously, yesterday morning I felt great about my exercise because I worked up a sweat and stayed on 30 mins. I feel somewhat like I sabatoged that progress. :tongue_smilie: I want somehow to keep sugar cravings at bay, even when Aunt Flo is on her way. I've heard that cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar, so I may try that. I'm determined to make today a postive day.

Loved it! Thanks for sharing.

Hey, all. I am making myself record the good, the bad, and the ugly. I believe this would be the latter, and I want to make a record of it. I believe I am soon to get a visit from "Aunt Flo from Redlands", and yesterday I was seized with the urge to eat sweets. I was at a meeting, seated right next to the lounge where there were every manner of bready sweet things. I had had a protein drink, but I was hungry. Or at least I told myself I was. So, I had 2 pieces of the only protein source there - string cheese (full fat). The person next to me was eating pan dulce (sweet bread), which is something I love. So, I went into the lounge and took a piece and sliced off a small corner and put it back. I knew that even though it was a small portion, I was entering into dangerous territory letting myself have it. I later went back for another small piece. For lunch I went with a friend to Subway and had a under 6 fat gram sandwich. I ate the protein first, then had some of the bread. Then I had about 2/3 of the macadamia white chip cookie that I ordered with the combo. Sugar bug again. When I returned to the office a few hours later, I was struck by a strong craving for sugar and specifically chocolate. Several of my coworkers routinely add chocolate treats to their desk dishes, so I didn't have to go far. There were very few at the office because they stayed at the meeting. So, in essence it was just me, the chocolate, and my craving. I did not make good choices. Okay, the ugly. I probably consumed the equivalent of two candy bars, perhaps even three. I actually wanted to kick myself while I was doing it. Afterwards, I felt so disappointed, like I'd fallen off the wagon, which I had. My body didn't feel good, either. I felt bloated and yucky and mad at myself. When I came home, I ate the other 1/2 of the fitness meal I brought home from a restaurant the previous evening. I was saited. Then I saw the garlic cheese pretzels and thought, "oooo. I want something salty." I ate them. There was probably about 1/4 - 1/2 cup left. (I want to record the amounts so I can figure out the damage I've done.) I went to sleep feeling absolutely defeated. I've been doing very well on the diet up until now, but I see that I must prepare. Food wise, in terms of meals, I did fine. But I failed the craving test. This morning I feel very bloated and am going to make myself get on the elliptical to get in exercise. Curiously, yesterday morning I felt great about my exercise because I worked up a sweat and stayed on 30 mins. I feel somewhat like I sabatoged that progress. :frown: I want somehow to keep sugar cravings at bay, even when Aunt Flo is on her way. I've heard that cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar, so I may try that. I'm determined to make today a postive day.

Thanks for the advice. "Protein first" is a mantra for me. Running potatoes? Did you mean runny?

I was banded 1/14 and am now in the pureed/mushy stage of the diet. I am trying to follow the diet guidelines and am struggling. I am supposed to drink protein throughout the day (but not 30 min before/after eating) and have 3 small meals. My biggest problem is that I am huuuuuuungry. On average, I am getting about 50-60 grams of protein from protein drinks, but my food portions are tiny. For example, I had a protein drink this morning and 4 oz of yogurt for breakfast. Now for lunch I am having 4 oz of lentil soup. I am doing my best to fill up with water and tea, but still very hungry. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!

It's strange, because I agree with all of you who say eat between meals to stave off hunger, but my nutritionist said no. One thing that has really helped me do that is Naked smoothies. They have a lot of protein and 440 calories. I know the calorie count is high, but it's all good stuff with 30 g protein and it goes a long way for me. For a low-cal protein drink, I drink Pure Protein by Worldwide from Trader Joes. Those things have been instrumental in my weight loss. 35g protein with only 170 calories and 1 gram of fat. They taste fine, too, and come in single-serve cans which is very convenient.

Thanks for the advice! I'm trying to stick to 4 oz. meals and it's hard. Sounds like you've got good healthy solutions in your routine already.

:tongue:So I guess what I was doing this week (despite groaning) was helping. I was so happy to see the scale move again. At 24.1 down now. And yes, I keep track of the decimals. I am trying to find ways to reward myself that aren't food related. I got a mani/pedi and eyebrows waxed, which was nice. I bought myself flowers. I'd like to find rewarding things that don't cost money, too, but I haven't been able to think of any. It would be nice to take a walk but it's pouring rain here in CA. My co-workers have been great. There's a percentage of them that know and I share my successes with them. We have formed a walking group and walk at lunch if it isn't raining. I also exercise on my elliptical at home - in 15 min. increments (morn/night if I'm really doing well). I can go up to 20 now and tried "hill" and it was pushing my lungs (glad I quit smoking). I remember reading everyone's blogs here and seeing them say that their only regret was not getting the surgery sooner. I agree. I still have about 80 lbs to lose to goal, but I feel a great sense of confidence - not just for the loss, but because I feel in control...finally. Don't get me wrong, I still struggle. In fact, right now I'm struggling because I'm hungry and I've had liquids so I can't eat for another 30 minutes. I have my first post-op visit with the surgeon this Friday. His office is pissed at me because I missed the Jan 27 appointment. My advice to them would be don't tell patients about appointments when they're on morphine. I discovered it because I was going through my all-things-gastric folder and saw the card. I have very little recollection of the conversation. It was like, "your doctor will see you in ::fuzzy:: - weeks, okay?" I was a little disturbed that they didn't call to tell me I'd missed an appointment. I wonder how long I would've gone. I think my stitches are dissolvable so it's really a liability check on their part, I think. First fill will probably be in early March. I'm excited and nervous for it. Next week is the end of the mushies. Then I work in...soft solids? I'm not sure - I'll have to look it up. Valentine's Day. Hmm. I'll be onto real food, but I don't know how my husband and I will celebrate. Dinner seems way premature, unless I can find a place that will serve a healthy appetizer. Oh, gross. Has anyone noticed the "drooling" smilie below their text when posting? It's the second one on the last line. This smiley thing is getting ridiculous. That's right. I said it. See you at 25. :biggrin: Okay, so I use them too.

:tongue:So I guess what I was doing this week (despite groaning) was helping. I was so happy to see the scale move again. At 24.1 down now. And yes, I keep track of the decimals. I am trying to find ways to reward myself that aren't food related. I got a mani/pedi and eyebrows waxed, which was nice. I bought myself flowers. I'd like to find rewarding things that don't cost money, too, but I haven't been able to think of any. It would be nice to take a walk but it's pouring rain here in CA. My co-workers have been great. There's a percentage of them that know and I share my successes with them. We have formed a walking group and walk at lunch if it isn't raining. I also exercise on my elliptical at home - in 15 min. increments (morn/night if I'm really doing well). I can go up to 20 now and tried "hill" and it was pushing my lungs (glad I quit smoking). I remember reading everyone's blogs here and seeing them say that their only regret was not getting the surgery sooner. I agree. I still have about 80 lbs to lose to goal, but I feel a great sense of confidence - not just for the loss, but because I feel in control...finally. Don't get me wrong, I still struggle. In fact, right now I'm struggling because I'm hungry and I've had liquids so I can't eat for another 30 minutes. I have my first post-op visit with the surgeon this Friday. His office is pissed at me because I missed the Jan 27 appointment. My advice to them would be don't tell patients about appointments when they're on morphine. I discovered it because I was going through my all-things-gastric folder and saw the card. I have very little recollection of the conversation. It was like, "your doctor will see you in ::fuzzy:: - weeks, okay?" I was a little disturbed that they didn't call to tell me I'd missed an appointment. I wonder how long I would've gone. I think my stitches are dissolvable so it's really a liability check on their part, I think. First fill will probably be in early March. I'm excited and nervous for it. Next week is the end of the mushies. Then I work in...soft solids? I'm not sure - I'll have to look it up. Valentine's Day. Hmm. I'll be onto real food, but I don't know how my husband and I will celebrate. Dinner seems way premature, unless I can find a place that will serve a healthy appetizer. Oh, gross. Has anyone noticed the "drooling" smilie below their text when posting? It's the second one on the last line. This smiley thing is getting ridiculous. That's right. I said it. See you at 25. :thumbup: Okay, so I use them too.

Yes, I'm experiencing the same thing. I was on liquids starting 1/5 and on my surgery day I think I had lost 13 lbs. Since surgery, I've lost 7 lbs for a total of 20. The weight came off pretty fast except the last lb. It seemed I was forever crawling toward 20. I think it took about a week to a week and a half to clear the 20 lb mark. And yes, now the loss has slowed.:thumbdown: Even though I feel hungry/empty frequently, I'm still losing much more slowly. I started exercising last week and that is helping my spirits and my shape, I think. But the scale is still stubborn. Hang in there. I'm sure after the first fill we will both see a rise in the weight loss. :thumbup:

Thanks, all. It is tough at this point. I am getting lots of protein, but still fighting hunger. Today I made sure I wasn't drinking for at least 30 min. before/after my lunch and it seemed to help, but the 4 oz of lentil soup still felt pretty meager.

Is this person just an ad for them? I've seen this entry more than once and am getting suspicious, particularly after the negative feedback on the centers posted by another user.

I am a bit of a scale whore myself. I would say I weigh about 3 times a week on average, usually when my body feels different in terms of gaining or losing. But I would like to only weigh once a week and not base my mood on what the scale says, because it does fluctuate. Good luck to you.