Nathalie

Okay, guess what The Nat had for dinner? EGGS! I friggin HATE eggs. But they were so friggin good. Here's what I did. (In case anyone wants the recipe.) I cooked some turkey sausage on the george foreman grill and then pressed the rest of the grease out of it with paper towels. I crumbled it in the bottom of the muffin tin. Then I added cheese crumbles. And onion/green pepper. And finally I poured some egg beaters in the cups and baked it for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. They are like little tiny quiches. Nummy num! Unfortunately I made 24 of them... and ate 3. They are the mini-muffin size, so I think that in total it's 3/4 of a cup. I'm estimating that 1 egg muffin is 1/4c. I'm pissed that I did it again. I see that i'm eating too fast, and not planning my meals before I start sucking it down. And I need to put it on a plate and sit the hell down instead of standing up eating in the kitchen. My belly is so damn bloated! I also whipped up the salmon tonight. I used about 3oz of plain yogurt, added lemon, dill, onion salt and lemon pepper. It was a little runny so next time I'll use 2oz FF cream cheese 2oz FF plain yogurt. It had a good taste, too. Oh, and I put a lil vinegar in it - I like a little tang to my dishes. BTW, I tried to post earlier but I lost my post. I said some really nice things to y'all... Shame I lost it. It's the thought that counts, right? Hang in there, ladies, and don't forget to FORGIVE yourselves. Do the best you can, and when you fall down, pick yourselves up, forgive yourselves and keep on doing the best that you can. Don't be harder on yourselves than you would be to any friend in your same situation. Just a lil loving advice from your friend Nat. Be good and I'll try to keep up with you tomorrow! We really need a list of all of us, and our surgery dates. I don't know everyone on the board anymore. I wish I did though. Stay Strong! Nathalie

StephC - if you eat pizza, don't eat the crust! Surprisingly it's just as satisfying. Load up on cheese, sauce, veggies and meat. Your explanation of not counting calories/protein makes absolute sense. I'm jealous that you can eat almost regularly. After about 1/2c food I am stuffed. For sure by 3/4c. Last night I figure I ate 3/4c of the cottage cheese and chicken. My belly was near bursting! I ate at 4:30 and at 11:00 I was still really full. Right now my band is working well for me. MY problem is drinking Water. I can't seem to get enough in, which will also stall my weight loss. I'm determined to drink 2 quarts (how many ounces is that?) today and go up from there. I think that I need to start drinking water immediately when I wake up. VAB: I don't know why Tuna fish and Peanut Butter aren't on the list. I found another site that will break out the nutritional value of foods. You can sort the lists by food types, calories, carbs, Proteins, etc. http://www.lowcarb.ca/low-carb-tools/carb_counter.html I am having difficulty writing down every little morsel that I put into my mouth. I'm not eating all that much, so it shouldn't be that difficult. I could only eat half of that pudding slop *hurk* I ate a string cheese. I'll dive into the cottage cheese/chicken tonight. I bought some low fat ricotta cheese and basil. I also bought some canned chicken (15g per can), canned salmon and packaged ready-to-eat salmon. I'll be eating whips and drinking my Protein drinks for the next 2-3 weeks. God carry me through to the 25th so I can get a fill and feel comfortable actually eating. I will whip the salmon with either FF plain yogurt, cottage cheese or cream cheese and add lemon, dill, and lemon pepper. I will mix the chicken with cottage or ricotta cheese and add hot sauce, bbq sauce, salsa or Italian flavor (spaghetti sauce or italian seasoning). Each one is 25g of protein, and is more stick-to-your-ribs than other foods. I may even fold in some spinach and FF Italian dressing. The mushy possibilities are ENDLESS! Work Shmurk. (((B-man))) quit beating yourself up. You are doing GREAT! And of all people who has every reason to be proud, it's you! MAN! The liquid diet warrior princess is down in the mouth? Snap out of it and let's get on the good foot! *grin* Nat P.S. I just ordered some unjury single packets. It's only got 20grams of protein per package though. I have been using Protein 95, which has 25g per scoop. My musclehead friend in Atlanta is going to send me Muscle Milk which has 38g per serving. It comes pre-mixed or in a powder form. Uh huh... Go Nat! (If only I could drink this water! I just drank about 10 oz and my belly is on BLOAT!)

beversman: I'm on the same quest: to find more protein-enriched foods. I found this handy dandy chart on the website http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_4_20/ai_n6002944 Need more Protein in your diet? Then eat more of these foods, which have the highest levels of protein. food Protein Content Salmon 42 g per fillet Haddock and rockfish 36 g per fillet chicken breast 35 g per breast Cottage cheese 31 g per cup Veal and lamb 31 g per 3 oz Ricotta cheese 28 g per cup Crab meat 28 g per cup Pork chops 27 g per 3 oz Most cuts of beef 27 g per 3 oz Turkey breast 25 g per 3 oz Lentils, white Beans 18 g per cup You can check nutrition labels and add up grams of protein on your own, or just remember the numbers 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 to roughly estimate protein intake. (That's 1 gram of protein for every serving of fruit and vegetables, 5 for every egg or handful of nuts you eat, 10 for every cup of milk or yogurt, 15 for every cup of beans or half-cup of cottage cheese, and 25 for every 3-4 ounce serving of meat.) On my own I discovered that 4oz Salmon has 20g protein and 140 calories. I plan to blend it with 3oz plain non-fat yogurt (3g protein, 40 calories), and add some dill, lemon and lemon pepper. I think that will be good with some tomato slices. It's all about the protein baby. And as for the weight loss stalling, I think it's just because we're eating. Our bodies must have thought we were starving while on the liquids, and now it's holding on to the calories that we're eating regular foods. That is why I am pushing the Water and determined to exercise 30-45 minutes 2x per day (AM and PM). F*ck the BS - I gotsta get this ass offa me! ((Steph)) - yes, I am feeling better. Pissy that I'm at work today, but *ahem* you see how much work I'm actually doing. I was productive for 2 hours and then? LBT and the protein search! HA! ((KayDoll)) - we have got to find a better way. I think I'm going to look into some other solutions this weekend. Your concoction doesn't sound any better than mine! *hurk* HA! NGA

Just a note. You may think it's a good idea to mix fat free pudding with a scoop of Protein powder. It's not. This crap may look like mashed potatoes and taste like cookie dough, but it is literally gagging me. I'm eating it though. 25 grams of Protein and 140 calories. I also had one of my drinks today @ 15 grams of protein, so I'm already up to 40. If I have another drink later and the chicken/cottage cheese, that's another 35 grams. I also think it's about 500 calories. Ummm, who rocks? Yeah. I do. I have many steady girlfriends up in this piece. Don't fight ladies! There's enough of The Nat to go around! At least for a few months more. HA! I'm trying to shake my stuffins. I need to take my measurements today - and I'll report tomorrow. But I'm 33 lbs down... and counting. Work isn't so bad. The new daycare sucks, thanks for asking. It's only temporary though, so I keep reminding myself of that. Do we have a collective goal? Like, to lose 10 pounds by Valentine's Day or something? Personally I'm trying to hit 255 by my 1 month date (1/14). I'm like the little engine that could: I think I can, I think I can, I think I can... Well let me get back to the grind... Nathalie

P.S. Take your measurements! That scale is so flaky. One day you're losing, the next day you're gaining. WTF? I am taking my measurements every 2 weeks. I am also taking pictures on the 14th of each month, the date I had my surgery. I can't wait to see progress. I want to shake my stuffins!

Holy Mackerel - I see I can't keep up with you posting December Bandits anymore! I had to read 2 pages to catch up. There are so many of us now! WELCOME NEW COMERS! I'm glad to see my steady girls are doing well - you know who you are! And I am totally psyched to read about everyone else's victories and struggles. It really is a learning experience, isn't it? I had my first post op appointment today. I graduated to FOOD! I have very few diet restrictions, but have essentially put myself half on mushies and half on the liquid diet since I've got so many products left. I think that will be an easy way to get in all of my Protein (90 grams) per day. My products are 15g each, plus if I supplement with powder, I should make it. I was also given the go ahead to juice fresh vegetables, which is great. I am concerned about not getting enough fruits/veggies in me. My first "meal" was 1/3c chicken and 1/4c cottage cheese whipped in the food processor. Oh man, it was SO. FREAKING. GOOD! I topped it with a little salsa. I ate that about 2.5 hours ago and I'm still stuffed. I ate too much though - I should have only had about half of what I ate. I won't eat anything else today. I figure that's about 15g protein. I'll make it for lunch tomorrow, too! www.bodyforlife.com is chock full of great ideas for high protein, low carb meals. It looks like lots of chicken and lots of cottage cheese. No problem. I'm going to make those egg cups, too - the mini quiches. I get my first fill on January 25. I hope I can hold out that long. I figure if I drink those blasted Protein drinks when I get hungry between meals I should be okay. I want to maintain about 800c per day, some days more, some days less. My doc said he wants me to try and eat chicken, steak and bread the day before I come in - that will supposedly determine whether I'm due for a fill. Remember to exercise, December crew! I know it is a total pain, but it's the only way we are going to see the results we so desperately desire. I am about to get on my elliptical after I put my boy in bed. I think I'm only going to do cardio for another 35 pounds, then I'll join a gym. 2 months? Okay Mamas and Papas, I need to get busy. I go back to work tomorrow. UGH! I should have asked for a few more days! Mercy Mercy Mercy. Nathalie

Thanks everyone! I am doing MUCH better, really I am. And I have put myself first. I don't go back to work until Wednesday, which is nice. A short week. Steph, I wasn't starving myself on purpose! HA! I've been trying to eat, but I'm not hungry AT. ALL. I didn't want to overstuff my little tummy. I'm on a liquid diet until Tuesday, per my surgeon. A busy human being really can't sustain her busy life on such meager intake, but I'm trying to follow my doctor's orders to the T. Each packet of Liquid Protein food is 70 - 100 calories. Most are around 80. So even eating all 4 packets per day, that's only 320 calories. I can't wait until Tuesday though. I am anxious to start eating again. We're not doing much tonight. My sister and her kids (13 and 8) are coming over. We're making nachos (which I am not eating - I will tell her I'm nauseated from my anti-biotics) and will play board games. She said she is bringing a bottle of Moet. I won't have any though. I have been dedicated to my program, and I love the results I'm having. I didn't tell my sister about my surgery - she is not supportive at all. So I told her I had an upper respiratory infection, thus the anti-biotics. I hate to lie, but in this case a lie is better than the truth. She would surely sabatoge my efforts, both with food and with her words. I've had 2 products today, and will have a 3rd in about an hour or so. I don't know why I'm having such a hard time taking in fluids. I am having no pain, no trouble swallowing, just full all the time. How are we doing with exercise? I was on my elliptical for 45 minutes today. I'm thinking of getting on again for 15 minutes just to make it an even hour. I don't know why I can't sit down and be still. Happy early new year! I have to go finish cleaning before the terrible trio get here. Later Gators! Nathalie P.S. Thanks so much for thinking of me. That really makes me feel good inside. I fmissed you all a lot, too.

I have a Precor machine, and love it. It's an investment, but I believe you get what you pay for. Mine has the adjustable elevation, but stationary arms. They delivered it to my basement and set it up for me.

Hi December Bandsters - I'm back - thanks for the PM's. I had a couple of complications and ended up back in the hospital. I passed out. I think from not getting enough food in me. I went to the ER and they put me on an IV. I felt MUCH better after that. I have been very weak and very tired. Just fatigued. I was running around like crazy for Christmas, and not taking time to rest. My incisions were still covered, but hurting like crazy. I was still on the liquid vicodin. I finally took the bandages off and 3 of the incisions were infected. So I am on anti biotics now. The night before last I almost threw up and almost passed out. I called the surgeon's office and spoke to my PA, who fussed at me for not eating enough. I figure I'm getting about 240 calories per day, since I'm only getting in 3 of the products per day. It's been really trying for me recently. We had a good Christmas, and my sister took my boy so I could rest for a few days. I've been sleeping and sleeping and doing absolutely nothing. I had no idea I'd be missed. I love you guys. I actually ate last night for the first time. I felt like I was starving. I had some cottage cheese and 2 meatballs. I also had a slice of sweet potato pie. Then I laid down and took a nap. Even with eating that, I didn't take over 700 calories yesterday. That should jumpstart my metabolism since I'm going back on my products today. I caught up on the reading, and don't even know where to begin, so I will just start as of now. Welcome to all the new members! I'm glad to hear our veteran December bandsters are doing so successfully! I've lost 30 pounds total, 11 since surgery. I'll be around ladies! Nathalie

beversman - don't worry about a thing. When you get there ask for a sedative. And trust me, I had to be there at 5am, and I had all the time in the world to worry. Earlier surgery times don't decrease the worry, they just decrease the amount of sleep you can get. I'm heading to the office party. I don't want to go, but I committed myself. I'm trying to pop into the store on the way to get my friend's daughter's gift. We'll see if I have time. TTYL, Nat

Beversman, I'll be on part of the day tomorrow, too. I am getting up early (I hope) to bake a few pies for ppl at work, and I have to attend my office potluck until about noon. But when I get home I'll be here to chitty chat and crack jokes. bkwalking - how are you feeling? You said you were in a lot of pain earlier, is that getting any better for you? I started crying when they rolled me away from my BFF, DS and Daddy. Then they gave me some kind of "calm her downs" and I was instantly zooted. Righteous! LOL I'm not hungry at all, by the way. AT ALL. I am 6 days out. Tomorrow makes a week. ddee - I come here first and peruse the rest of the board at will. I turned off my email notifications completely. This is my "home." I was in the Rants/Raves section and tangled with another member, and since then I'm not too keen on venturing out. StephC - you can have sf fudgesicles? Lucky dog! I can't have that or the sf pudding yet. Only the damn Jello and popsicles. Plus Crystal Light (which I hate). Otherwise I have to stick to my pre-packaged, surgeon approved, protein-enriched products. I think the Water rule starts with the mushy stage, or you're going to be super hungry because nothing will stay in the upper part of your tummy. I don't have tummy rumbles (yet). Levi (Carol) - we'll be thinking about you tomorrow! Have a safe and memorable experience! We'll be waiting to hear from you and to help you as we can! laphappy - I sent you a PM. 9 days and barely a move in the scale? Quit tripping and pull out the tape measure. The scale is full of garbage, but the tape measure is the true proof of changed in your body. I measure 2x per month (15th and 30th/31st). From my pre-op diet I lost 1.5" on each thigh and 1" on my hips. Uh huh. The scale shows me as only losing 3 pounds (12 pounds total since 12/1) but the tape measure makes me feel like Catherine Zeta Jones. As for the variations in post-op eating, I only concern myself with what MY doctor told ME. I'm a little jealous that some ppl get to eat Christmas dinner, but I don't want to cheat on MY program, so I'm only worried about what I put into my own mouth. I refuse to cheat myself; I am determined to be successful based on my surgeon's plan for me. cathy1 - congrats! I hope you'll post more frequently here. We're a loony bunch, but we're good people. Even if you're not posting, I hope you're finding useful information from your December Surgery Sisterhood. bexy - congratulations! You're home already and on the computer? You totally rock. How are you doing at home? Are you getting enough attention and rest? Amazing that you have no pain. Are you taking your pain meds at all? Another warrior, I see. Clau - what do you mean "the munchies?" Do you mean "mushies?" What have you been smokin, girl? j/k I love that "New Year, New Life, New Me" - I love that. BEG82 - that apple juice idea is a good one; I may have to try it. I will not have wine at New Years. I'm totally a wine drinker, but I think it may have too much acid. And I don't know how wine will hit me after not drinking it for so long. I'd hate to have a really bad reaction and toss my Cookies so soon after being banding. Just my thoughts though. VABandster - welcome! I, too, am hesitant to go to solids. I am afraid to go on mushies. I don't like pain at ALL, so I am fearing the golfball. My friend (who had the RNY) said it's more like a brick. Me no likey! I'm on fluids until 1/2, and then we'll see about moving up to thicker foods. Have fun on your date! (Woo woo) jillrn - wow, you are doing REALLY well if you ate part of a burger. I'm impressed. And you're back on your belly? Cool Beans. I'm a side sleeper, so I'm not having too many problems. I don't know why I don't like sleeping on my belly. I was thinking about our NEXT Year's Christmas pictures while we got our pics taken today. I hope to be at a point where I WANT to take a full body picture. I don't even think I'm showing anyone's this year's picture. It was a very stark reality for me, and I wasn't happy to face it. KayDotRn - You hanging in there girlfriend? These first few days are rough. Percocet rocks! When you cough, it helps to hold a pillow over your tummy so you don't feel like you're going to bust through the closures. I tried an abdominal binder like I had after my caesarean, but it wasn't comfortable at all. Are you writing down your intake? I am getting about 45oz of fluids each day (counting the liquid diet food and my water). My goal is to increase a little each day. I'm glad you had a positive hospital experience! And welcome back - we missed you! Was that this thread where someone mentioned mixing Protein powder in a hot beverage? I just checked and couldn't find it. Anyhow, I read that the Protein clumps in hot liquids. Warm is okay, but hot makes it clump up. It doesn't change the effectiveness of the protein, but it does make it nassy. Sorry for the book - I missed you guys today and didn't want to ignore anyone's post. :star: My poopies have turned off, hopefully for the night. I feel SO MUCH BETTER! Cracks me up that I was literally full of shit. HAHAHAHHA Sweet dreams to all, and to all a good night --- Nathalie

Just a quick note cuz I'm headed back to the bathroom. The MOM worked a little too well! I ended up taking 8 tablespoons in 4 hours. Too much, I know, but I didn't feel anything after the first full dose, and I was desperate. I have what Dave Chappelle calls "mud butt." It looks like something from Alien is being expelled from my hind parts. But ummm YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! I GOT THE POOPIES! I bet I am like 3 pounds lighter by morning. HA! Love you guys, Nat

Checking In. I'm at my Dad's, so I'll keep this brief - I'll give a full post when I get home. Eva - hush up and drink your liquids. you want your stomach to heal properly, don't you? Sacrifice the food now for a long term success. (Sorry to be so direct.) I feel the same way, but I know what everything tastes like. Right now I want to drop weight, so I'm not complaining about the liquids at all. Anything that you can drink is fair game. Get Protein shakes, get different kinds of Soup, juices, and be creative. Watch your carbs and sugars, and get as much Protein as you can. sweet -glad you made it to the recital. StephC - it's definitely a kink. I haven't had any problems with gas at all. I woke up sleeping in a weird position with the wrong pillow. I'm feeling better now. beversman - HA! I fully embrace my lunacy. No worries. I called the surgeon's office because I was worried that I wasn't getting enough in, and the nurse said I was doing fine. She is concerned that I haven't had the poopies since last Thursday, and told me to get Milk of Magnesia. She said if I haven't had the poopies by Friday to call back and they will give me some stronger stuff. She told me to try the liquid stuff in the 7-Up bottle, but no way. I'll go and get a colonic before I take that human drano. I hope the MOM helps. I took 4 Tbsp. The nurse also said that my failure to make the poopies is why I can't get all my stuff down. Welcome new members! I hope you like it here. The warm liquids are helping me drink more. I am refusing to step on the scale again until 1/2, at my follow up appt. The Fluid retention, not to mention my cycle starting today, has my weight all confused. We took Christmas pictures today and I looked like a hot buttered yeast roll. Not much else to report. I'll write again when I get home. Nat

sweethot - I'm glad your pain is subsiding. If you have a TT in Germany, I will know for sure you have a masochistic streak. They would not have another chance to cut on me and leave me for dead! ((laugh)) KayMyLove! I'm so glad to hear from you! sleep away, girlfriend. Your body is in "healing" mode, so catch some Z's and enjoy languishing about. I'm glad you had a great hospital experience. I swear being in the hospital was like being in a spa for me. bexleygal - Have a wonderful banding experience! I was in the same cleaning frenzy prior to my surgery. It was like a need to create order in my home. Can't wait to hear from you when you get back. As for MY problems, I have discovered that warm things are easier for me to drink than cold things. I sipped some hot Water last night and things moved downward and I was comfortable. I didn't sleep all that well, I have a kink in my shoulder/neck this morning. Well we're on our way to town today, so I'll catch ya later! Nathalie

Kathy in Chattaboogie - you'll do great! I was up all night prior to my surgery. It's normal to feel that way. I hope you get lots of sleep tonight and that your procedure goes very smoothly for you. StephC - "The poopies" made me cackle. My friend Kevin calls 'em that (As in, "Let me call you back, I just caught the poopies,") and it just KILLS m. I will do better sipping. I feel instantly full after 1/2 cup or so, even of Water. It doesn't drain through, it just sits there, so I don't want to drink anything. I'm also missing my crystal clear pee pees. It's amber now. NOT GOOD. Dee - what did we say? YOU ARE A WARRIOR! ((laugh)) Just say "thanks, Nat & StephC" and glow in the warmth of our love. Seriously, you're awesome to be up and about. Great surgeon, high tolerance of pain and all, you could be lounging about (like me) resting on the laurels of "recent surgery" My body feels different. I miss burping. It always brought such immediate and fabulous relief when I could belch/burp. Yes, it's mannish, but I like it too! I think I'm going to sip some warm water and put my jelly in the sack. (laugh) I wonder how KayDotRN is doing? I MISS HER! She's been on my mind for a while. I wonder if she's back home yet. She's probably sleeping it off right now. We're thinkin about you Kay!!! (And other 12/18 and 12/19 girls) We really need a running tally of whose surgery was when. I hate not remembering everyone's special days. More tomorrow, chicas. Nat

You need to throw a good ole American hissy fit! No one in there speaks English? Do they understand pain? How do you translate Vicodin into German? How do you say "I AM IN PAIN" in sprakken ze deutch? Poor lil thing. I have so much empathy for you. I wish I could give you a few doses of my stuff. I can't imagine. MEANWHILE I think I drank too much too quickly. It feels like I was passing liquids faster while I was in the hospital. Right now I am overfull from a Protein drink. I'm miserable. I can't get in my full 96 oz of surgeon prescribed Protein Drink plus all my other liquids. Surgeon's notes say that by day 5 I should be able to drink everything on the plan. I feel like I'm failing. No wonder I'm not making poopies. I've also got gas in my belly and the Gas-X isn't helping. I think I'm going to call the surgeon's office tomorrow. I'd like to just get some confirmation that I'm not screwing this completely up. I don't like feeling full. I thought maybe stretching would help the liquid trickle from the top part into the bottom part of my stomach, but no such luck. How much are the other recent bandsters able to eat/drink in a single day? UGH! N.

sweethot - they put staples in you AND they didn't give you any pain meds? Like Whitney Houston says, "Hell to the naw!" Do you have liquid tylenol? Are you able to take ANYTHING aside from the two-per-day pills? Gosh, that's awful. I'm so sorry you're in pain. Call and ask for something else. I finally bought the GasX strips, and I also got some cherry cream chewables. I was chomping them as soon as I got back into the car. I feel a bit better, but I was hoping to have a good belch or something by now. I'm less bloated. I am still unable to get in all of my liquids for the day. I'm supposed to have 96oz of fluids, either Water or the liquid diet. SO far today I've had a hot chocolate and a cup of Soup. I've had 3 cups of tea and some of that Propel I swore I wouldn't drink. I'll work on drinking another couple of glasses of water and another Protein Drink. Nathalie is struggling! Dee you are a total warrior for going to work on Monday. I had my surgery last Thursday and if i had to go to the office this week I'd be a complete Grinch. I am going in on Thursday for the office potluck, which is stupid because I can't eat anything. I'm taking christmas Cookies, and I'm going to bake a few sweet potato pies for office mates. mystique, I am praying for a doody. dawnae, I get the same kind of port pain in the middle of the night. I think it's from laying wrong. Either something was pressing against the port, or I've hit it. It kills! When it happens, I get up and take a hit of that liquid vicodin. StephC - I am not a coffee drinker. Which is why it's so stupid that I ordered the Cappuccino from the list of pre surgery foods. I've been trying to add vanilla and cinnamon and Splenda to it, but it's nassy. I won't be eating Christmas dinner this year. I'm skipping the family dinner entirely so I don't have to deal with the questions. Believe me, I'll be much happier here with my baby. Annie - I'm with you: Liquid Vike is my dawg! Glad you're up and at 'em. I bought some chewable Fiber (orange cream flavor) and had a couple this afternoon. I am hoping to see some action within the next day or two. Gotta go feed the boy, he's getting rambunctious. And I need to try and get down another drink or two. Nat

StephC - I quite enjoyed your last post. I like the long ones if they're broken into paragraphs. :girl_hug: Keep on writing, girlfriend! As for the Vitamin E, I have the liquid form. It's 45,000 I.U. by Jason Organics. I got it for $10 from a health food store. Not GNC, but a real health food store. http://www.jason-natural.com/products/pure_and_natural.php It's thick and rich and healing. I have put it on cuts/scars before and it helps to heal them, but I didn't know if it was up to the job of healing surgical scars. I also put it on my laugh lines and it plumps them up. HTH, Nat

Hi Surgery Sisters! I swear to you I am insane. I have cried twice today and thrown a complete hissy fit. I'm glad to hear that my productive coughs and nose blows are eliminating the rest of the anesthesia. They do taste kind of mediciney (gross, right?). I don't remember having this after my c-section, but if it's normal, I'm all for it. I have also coughed up blood stained mucous - I couldn't tell if it was from my throat or my lungs. I'm still dry, my nasal passages are still dry, my skin is dry and itchy. My face is flaking. Just ugh. I am determined not to drink anything but Water or herbal tea. REAL water, not that sweetened fake mango-berry-black cherry bottled Gatorade water that I love so much. I am going to drink warm water in hopes of rehydrating my lil traumatized body. My port site is the big cut, right? It's the only one that still hurts. I just took some of the liquid vicodin. I don't know how you all are managing without pain meds. Sweethot it totally sucks that the Germans didn't give you morphine for the pain. They were tripping. Today was the day I could shower. Let me tell you something. I saw the face of God as I stepped into that warm streaming water! I used my favorite bath gel and soaped up really good. When I got out I patted myself dry and moisturized myself with my most favorite body butter. THEN I gave myself a facial. My skin is radiant! I swear I look better now than before the surgery. My friend is coming over for lunch and I didn't want to funk her out of here. LOL The bandages look really dingy and gross. I covered 2 of them with new bandaids, but the others are too big to cover. So I took my measurements last night. I took them the day I started my pre-op and I took 'em last night. I have lost 1.5" from my thighs. And nearly 1" from my hips. Mind you I have enormous amounts of junk in my trunk, so I have a ways to go, but so far I am THRILLED! I also stepped on the scale this morning and i'm down to 279.5. I stood in my kitchen butt ass naked and coochie popped like a video hoe. ((laughing)) It's starting! IT'S STARTING! I'll get on my elliptical today for 30 minutes if it kills me! I found out from my HR friend at work that my manager (the dummy) told people I was out on medical leave. WTF?!?!?!? That's when I threw the hissy fit. He had NO BUSINESS telling them that. Now I'm going to be fodder for office gossip. I swear when I get back if anyone asks why I was out, I'll look at them wide eyed and say, "What are you talking about?" The person he told is NOT my friend, and she has all but said "I hate you." I made an appointment with the dermatologist on January 31. I'm kind of excited about it. I want him to clip off 2 moles and give me something to help eliminate the appearance of scars. I don't know if he will recommend dermablasting or laser therapy or what, but I'm down for it. I am also going to get something to thicken up my hair. Do any of you take flaxseed oil? I am going to resume my flaxseed oil this week. I'm out and haven't been taking it. It's good for your skin - omega3's, baby! Okay, I have found the MOTHERLODE of high Protein, low calorie, low fat recipes at bodyforlife.com All of those muscle heads are combining protein powders, cottage cheese, chicken breast, sodium free tomato sauce and other flavors to make the most delicious meals! They are low in calories (most of them are less than 450 calories or so) and high in protein (20+ grams per serving). I think that some of them can be pureed for the mushies stage. Others are just perfect for regular eating. I am also researching a recipe for salmon mousse. It just sounds divine right now for mushies. Okay, that's enough. I can't believe it's nearly noon. I'm ready for a nap! And then I've got to run to Target. Laterz! Nathalie

Question for the post-ops. Are you dry? Your sinuses, your throat, your chest, your skin... Are you dry? I am. I am dry and my nose is killing me. I'm using the nose spray now (saline) in hopes of moistening things up. I'm thinking about using the humidifier in here tonight, but I don't feel like getting my fluffy butt out of bed to go fetch it. That's a whole production. I didn't expect to feel so wrung out and dry post surgery. I'm still coughing up stuff, and I find all kinds of colorful gems when I blow my nose. It's disgusting. When does it end??

HealthQuest - That scale is not your friend. I know, because I get on mine darn near every day, and when I step off I am scowling. I weigh more right now today than I did 4 days ago when I went in for my band. WTF? I haven't eaten more than 300 calories per day since then, and I'm exercising, drinking Water, etc. So the scale is BUNK. Tomorrow I am putting mine away. No, seriously - it's going in the back of the closet, because that thing is driving me bananas! You need to get yourself a tape measure. Measure and record all kinds of body parts. Neck, chest, ribs, waist, hips, upper arms, fore arms, thighs, calves, ankles. Measure away. And record the measurements. THEN go back 2 weeks later and re-measure. The scale has betrayed me, but that tape measure? I kissed it when I finished measuring my thighs. I have lost 1.5" on each thigh and 1" from round my hips. Yes, I got some junk inna trunk - but there's less junk there now than there was 2 weeks ago. Helps keep it all in perspective! And don't believe that "muscle weighs more than fat" nonsense. A pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat. It's the amount of space that is the difference. "Amount of space" is calculated by the tape measure, not the scale. HTH! Nathalie

Evathenurse! Congratulations on your surgery! I have gassy burpy bubbles, too. I have been meaning to get some GasX strips, but never made it. The Lortab Elixir - that is like liquid vicodin, right? Girl, you better take that mess and put your butt in the bed! You're not supposed to like how it smells or tastes, but you're supposed to like what it does for you. How come you were in the hospital for so long? Ariel - my sentiments exactly. I'm not owning up to fat surgery to those goobers at work. I don't know most of them, and don't care for the ones I do know. My true friends know what's going on with me and the rest of them? Who cares. hermosa - My doctor said that low calorie, high Protein meals will help to keep you fuller longer. Even though I'm only getting 320 calories per day, I'm getting 60 grams of protein. We have support groups, but I've not gone yet. I'm working on it, but I'm scared that I will see the fat guy from my job there. He had surgery, and he's got a GIGANTIC mouth, so I'm not too excited about bumping into him. He'll blab my business at work, and I'll have to kick his butt. ahahah "Slow losers" are one thing, but people who sabatoge their own success are another issue entirely. We could all eat McDonald's if we wanted, but those who are successful are the ones who do not give into temptation. I hope I keep that resolve after I feel like eating... (laugh) StephC - I am SO proud of you for tossing the m/ch soup. It sounded like it would have been okay to eat, but full of empty calories. You did the right thing all on your own. Stay focused on your program - follow doctor's orders. You'll be happy you did in the long run. I had a SF popsicle tonight, and it tasted like Haagendaazs to me. Just a tasty sweet confection. I also had a SF Jello earlier today. I'm good til morning. beversman - I had no idea the body held onto Water after surgery. I'm trying to figure out why the doctor is starving me with the 320 calorie diet. Who can eat like that? I don't know how I'll lose weight eating under 400 calories per day. But I'm going to stick to program if it kills me. beversman, you're my hero. And I don't say that lightly. You are like Rocky Balboa, girlfriend! Eye of the Tiger and shit. ahahaha Good news - I found a new daycare. My boy starts on Tuesday, January 2. He will stay there through the spring, when I'll transfer him to this place closer to home. It's more expensive, but the woman is phenomenal. I just spent 90 minutes with her, and she really impressed me. I had mentioned I'd had surgery last week, and out of concern she asked what kind. I told her "weight loss surgery." She smiled so broad and said, "Good for you!" I don't know why I told her the truth, but it felt so good to say it out loud (I thought I was going to cry) and to have her react as she did. My son will be safe and happy there. She's a bit more expensive than the last woman, but we're going to stay with her for the long haul. So when you all get these crazy gassy air bubbles deep in your chest/in your belly what do you do? I can't seem to burp like I used to, and it's giving me incredible pressure. I don't have gas X strips. THink the baby's gas drops will work on me????? AARGH! I think I'm going to take a shot of my LV and go to bed. I'm looking for South Beach recipes - high protein, low calories - that I can turn to mushies for the 2 weeks of soft foods. I think I'm going to eat like Mediterranean diet or South Beach diet for a while. Have any of you thought about how you'll eat after your restricted diet? Is anyone doing WW or JC or anything? Or are you just going to hope for the best? I need a plan! Talk to you guys soon! Thanks for not minding my lunacy! Nathalie

beversman - *HUG* It's hard to know what to tell people, isn't it? Word got out at my job (bunch of nosy small town people) and I told them it was "woman stuff." Not 100% true, but I didn't want to tell them "I'm having fat bitch surgery" either. You can even go back to them and tell them you were untruthful when you said "gall bladder" and tell them it's personal, and you're not comfortable talking about it. OR you can say "women stuff" in a whisper, like I did. I mean, any of my parts/organs belong to me and I'm a woman... So technically it's not a lie. I'm sorry you feel badly about it, but I'm more sorry that people feel it's their place to nose into our business. If I'd wanted them to know I would have told them in the first damn place. Rescheduling to 1:30 isn't that bad. You get to sleep a little later, too. I was grateful to spend the night in the hospital. I had no gas pains, but I had terrible nausea, my bladder was screwy, I was dizzy, and I needed that one night of attention from a professional staff who knew more about what to expect than I did. Are you exercising at all on your liquids? How many calories per day are you getting in on your liquid diet? I am hovering at about 320 right now on this post-op liquid diet. I am getting 60 grams of Protein, though, so that's kind of cool. I'm not ready to turn to food yet, but i am assuming that within the next week or so I will suddenly be hungry and ready to eat. I'm still kind of sick at this point. I'm 4 days post-op. Not bad at all. I stepped on the scale today and the MFer still shows me to be 4 pounds heavier now than when I went in for surgery. WTF? I know, I need to put the scale away. However... ((laugh)) I bought a journal today, and I am going to transfer my notes from my old 1/2 used journal to this one as of 12/1, the day I started my pre-op diet. The journal is called "ME, MYSELF and I." The first page has a spaces titled: Day; Date; Weather, News and Events; Mentally/Physically I feel; I am excited/happy about; I am indecisive/concerned about; I am proud/grateful for; Personally I woud like to; Professionally I would like to; Projects/goals/ideas/plans for tomorrow. The back of the page is called "Notes" and you can write freely. I thought it was a cool journal, and a cool place to track my first year or so of my LB journey. I'm jabbering... Nat

beversman: Don't take their shame as your shame. Don't internalize their negative feelings. And don't think you can read their minds so far into the future. Tell them "I really need your support right now" and if they can't be supportive, then you need to be around people who are going to support you. That is exactly why I didn't tell my mother/sister. They are negative, critical, spiteful and have acid tongues. I'm sorry they aren't more supportive, but you must speak up for yourself. Surround yourself with people who understand and are cheering for you. Your body isn't used to having to work so hard to digest the flesh. Ham probably wasn't so good an idea. I'm glad you didn't hurl it up. Hang in there, chickadee! You're almost to your surgery date. 4 more days! FOUR MORE DAYS! And you're 16 pounds down? AMAZING! You go girl! You do this for YOU because you know it's going to improve the quality of your life. Congrats, StaceLG on your surgery approval! The 28th will be here before you know it! Emotions are great - my therapist said she thought I was mourning fat me in those tears. She suggested I write a letter to fat me prior to surgery, and to tell myself what kind of changes to expect. I started that letter with, "There's a new sheriff in town!" I'm keeping all of you 12/18 surgery sisters in my thoughts and prayers. Nathalie

jillrn - I am 3 days post op, and I'm on liquids (special liquid diet prescribed by my surgeon's office) for 19 days. I see my surgeon for a check up on 1/2, and I graduate to mushy foods for 2 weeks. As of right now I am not hungry at all. My surgeon put Fluid in my band for now, so I hope I won't be hungry for a few weeks. Kay. - I hit you back. Hope you are sleeping soundly! "junked up" is about right. StephC - glad to see you up and at 'em! You know what you need to do for yourself. Don't let those ole demons make you deviate from your plan. Begone demons! hahahha bkwalking - thanks, chica! Call me Nathalie - everyone else does. You sound like you're not doing too badly yourself. mystique - how do you determine "the bits you don't want?" I mean, what if I decided I wanted to be 190? Do I still use 167 as my highest weight? All of that is quite confusing. My ultimate goal is 155. My doc thinks I'll end up at about 170. We'll see. Anyhow, I'm about to take this last dose of the L-Dopa and put my jelly in the bed. Hope you're all doing great! Nat P.S. For those of you post op, how long did it take you to make poopy? I've been high and dry for a few days now. I'm getting kind of nervous. Should I take something? Should I drink a little Fiber? UGH. I guess there's not too much of anything in there to pass yet, is there? Weird.