RavenClaw779

Ditto - It's 2pm and all I've had today is coffee, a protein shake and a glass of Crystal Lite. I have an 11cc Realize band(no fill yet) and I've lost a pound since yesterday. I hope I have some say in how much fill I get, because while I'm looking forward to reaching my goal, I don't want to become a pseudo-anorexic!

Sometimes my friends and family make me want to scream, but being a "Nice Girl" I force a polite smile on my face and role with it. Today I'm just putting it out there because its better than screaming and scaring the you-know-what out of the dog! Sister-in-law #1 aka "Jabber Jaws". I'd have thought that after my husband, her brother, Mr. Calm-Cool & Collected got pissed off when she spoiled the surprise of our moving into the area(hence de-railing the big party we'd planned) that she'd have learned her lesson? Apparently not as she had to tell simply everyone that I'd had a hysterctomy after I specifically asked her not to. I guess telling her that this was a "personal journey" wasn't clear enough or perhaps it just didn't matter to her. Imagine my surprise when not half an hour after I'd confided in her, my mother-in-law called to offer her opinion i.e., "I just heard from Lisa...if you just tried a little harder...". Since then, people she's blabbed to are coming out of the wood work. People who are merely acquaintences are calling for the details. Some friend of hers from downstate called and told my my s-i-l had been, "keeping her in the loop" re; my ongoing "saga". Are you kidding me?! Gee - how long until the local paper or news team arrives at the door? How weird is it that a friend of my husband heard about my surgery from his mother who heard it from the postman(no lie). The flip side of this is the pseudo concerned - Sister-in-law #2. We see this side of the family once or twice a year. They mostly hang with her people and tend to look down their noses at our side of the family as we aren't of the same political views. S-i-l #2 called yesterday: "I heard you had surgery!" (me) "Yes" "So you're doing okay? No one tells me anything!" (me)"I'm fine..." (don't even get to finish what I'm saying when S-i-l #2 cuts me off to, as usual, talk about herself and her family..."It's a shame it had to come to this. Oh well, we're having a great time down in VA...Bob is going to run a marathon, and Billy is at Lacrosse camp and all I do is shop and ...Okay - talk to you later - Bye". What the hell was the point of this call - so you can say you've done your duty? I've been married to my husband for over 15 years and I have yet to attend a family function where these people have ever let someone finish talking or expressed any real interest in what's going on in anyone else's life:eek:

Just like the band is a tool, I have found another helpful "tool" which helps me slow down my eating habits - Reading! Now, I know you're not supposed to do anything else while eating - like watching TV, but frankly, just how slowly can you consume a protein shake? Sometimes I'm having one while I'm blogging but I've also found that reading an educational book works as well. I'm currently reading, Secrets of a Former Fat Girl, by Lisa Delaney and Diabesity by Francine R. Kaufman, M.D.. I especially liked this quote from Secrets of a Former Fat Girl as it rang true for me: "INO(Its Not An Option) was invaluable in helping me overcome my need to please and my talent for rationalizing that putting other people first - just about at all cost - was somehow the noble thing to do....It helped give me the courage to break out of the Fat Girl mold that other people expected me to conform to, and start living my own way."

Just like the band is a tool, I have found another helpful "tool" which helps me slow down my eating habits - Reading! Now, I know you're not supposed to do anything else while eating - like watching TV, but frankly, just how slowly can you consume a protein shake? Sometimes I'm having one while I'm blogging but I've also found that reading an educational book works as well. I'm currently reading, Secrets of a Former Fat Girl, by Lisa Delaney and Diabesity by Francine R. Kaufman, M.D.. I especially liked this quote from Secrets of a Former Fat Girl as it rang true for me: "INO(Its Not An Option) was invaluable in helping me overcome my need to please and my talent for rationalizing that putting other people first - just about at all cost - was somehow the noble thing to do....It helped give me the courage to break out of the Fat Girl mold that other people expected me to conform to, and start living my own way."

Whew - I thought I was the only Realize Bander on the Lap-Band site! My surgeon uses both products - I let her choose which she felt would be the most appropriate when she got in there. I looked at both sites prior to surgery - this one is the most interactive. As far as Realize -v- Lap Band as products - from what I've read they're about equal in quality and outcome.

Cmor2K - See my earlier blog re; the visit with the nutritionist affliated w/my surgeon's practice. I had to ask her endless questions one of which was, "How many calories, carbs, protein grams am I supposed to shoot for?" Her answer was, "..about 1,000, 65 grams of protein and as few carbs as possible.." I have no idea if this is true for everyone or not. I have my own nutritionist(Registered Dietition & Diabetes Educator) and will be making an appt to see her pronto for the real deal.

Down to 246, so I've lost six pounds since my surgery. Having a hard time getting in 1,000 calories, but doing better with the protein - about 60g a day. Over did it a bit yesterday with chores and by 6pm was down for the count. Off the Loratab and finish the muscle relaxer today - good thing as it makes me dizzy and I can't focus to read. Positive side effect to all the protein - my nails look amazing! Working at my desk on the ongoing sage of the "Psycho PsyD". Despite numerous calls from BCBS she has yet to reimburse me what she over charged and incorrectly collected, so I'm having to file the claim myself and hope for a positive outcome.

Try Designer Whey, Atkins and Jillian Michaels. I liked Jillian Michaels the least, but if you add a packet of Nutrasweet it cancels out the horrid stevia taste.

Down to 246, so I've lost six pounds since my surgery. Having a hard time getting in 1,000 calories, but doing better with the protein - about 60g a day. Over did it a bit yesterday with chores and by 6pm was down for the count. Off the Loratab and finish the muscle relaxer today - good thing as it makes me dizzy and I can't focus to read. Positive side effect to all the protein - my nails look amazing! Working at my desk on the ongoing sage of the "Psycho PsyD". Despite numerous calls from BCBS she has yet to reimburse me what she over charged and incorrectly collected, so I'm having to file the claim myself and hope for a positive outcome.

Thanks ToddNYG - while my husband (Mr. Jacksonville Jaguar Fan & Tom Coughlin Lover) has been supportive, hearing that a football coach had the procedure and it made ESPN has made it more real for him. It's interesting to see how weight loss surgery crosses every cross segment of the population. According to my surgeon, there's a surgeon in NYC whose had his band for 10+ years and there are a number of Hollywood celebs who we all think stay slim with no effort, who actually have had banding.:thumbup:

WTF! got up in the middle of the night(as usual) to use the bathroom. Without thinking, got a drink of water and drank it as I did before I had the surgery. Guess what - no restriction, no back wash??! Healing fairly quickly and enough swelling has gone down to be able to tell that my port appears to be in the center of my abdomen? Since my surgeon uses both the Lap-Band and the Realize Band I left the decision as to which to use to her - she's the expert. Apparently I have a 11cc Realize Band...

WTF! got up in the middle of the night(as usual) to use the bathroom. Without thinking, got a drink of water and drank it as I did before I had the surgery. Guess what - no restriction, no back wash??! Healing fairly quickly and enough swelling has gone down to be able to tell that my port appears to be in the center of my abdomen? Since my surgeon uses both the Lap-Band and the Realize Band I left the decision as to which to use to her - she's the expert. Apparently I have a 11cc Realize Band...

Feeling pretty good five days out and down to 1 tbsp of Loratab a day, so I agreed to go to Best Buy with my husband. Let's just say regular jeans in lieu of sweatpants was a big painful mistake. This is the first day I've felt remotely hungry but a cup of soup took care of it. Blood glucose number are normal so I'll have to call the doctor tomorrow to see if I need to keep on with the metformin.

Feeling pretty good five days out and down to 1 tbsp of Loratab a day, so I agreed to go to Best Buy with my husband. Let's just say regular jeans in lieu of sweatpants was a big painful mistake. This is the first day I've felt remotely hungry but a cup of soup took care of it. Blood glucose number are normal so I'll have to call the doctor tomorrow to see if I need to keep on with the metformin.

I was on clear liquids the day of surgery, water(small amount only) the day of surgery and then clear liquids for three days following surgery. Days 4-7( where I am now) is full liquids(Blenderized soups, meats, yogurt shakes). Weeks 2 & 3 is pureed and Week 4 is Semi-Soft. No clear picture has been presented as to timing of eating or amount - just three meals and 2 Protein shakes a day. I've had to do a bit of research myself. Today's Menu: - Breakfast - 1/2cup skim with 1/2cup yogurt +1/2 scoop protein - lunch - An Adkins shake with an added scoop of Protein powder - dinner - 1 cup of Campbell's Select Corn Chowder blenderized with 1.5oz canned chicken.

I'm four days out with a goal from the program's nutritionist to eat roughly 1,000 calories a day with about 65 grams of protein. I'm in the "Full Liquids" stage. I made a shake this morning of 8oz skim milk, 8oz FF yogurt, and a scoop of protein powder (Total caloried - 260; Protein - 23g). I was able to take in 1 cup over a half hour period and at times it was uncomfortable. It was two hours ago. I'm not hungry but wondering how often should I eat and how much?

I'm four days out from surgery and I have no idea what size band was used or if it was filled in any way, but my husband just told me the doctor placed a REALIZE band - does this mean I'm booted from the site? :wink2: Seriously though - I got a handout along the lines of, "Day 1-3 - Clear liquids, Day 4-7 Full Liquids..." with descriptions of said foods. No indication of how often to eat or how much. That said I'm not hungry and can feel the liquid move from pouch to stomach. I see my doc in a week or so - hopefully she can clue me in.

I see no difference when I look in the mirror despite 35 pounds lost. What I do see already looks saggy and I'm wondering if I can afford the plastic surgery I'll need to look normal or if I'll spend the rest of my life never wearing shorts or a swimsuit. I guess I should just be thankful for 3/4 length sleeves and capris - my go to since reach 3X!

I see no difference when I look in the mirror despite 35 pounds lost. What I do see already looks saggy and I'm wondering if I can afford the plastic surgery I'll need to look normal or if I'll spend the rest of my life never wearing shorts or a swimsuit. I guess I should just be thankful for 3/4 length sleeves and capris - my go to since reach 3X!

Not hungry, but had to start on full liquids today, so I made a yogurt shake w/protein powder and skim milk; managed to down 1 cup. Still not hungry. Largely off the Loratab but the other drugs are a must and they make me quite dizzy. Unfortunately, the nutritionist neglected to tell me how often to eat(every 2, 3, 4 hours? When hungry?) and how much? All I got was, "take in 1000 calories and 65 grams protein a day". Still trying to figure out how I'm going to manage to get the right balance of fruits & veggies in when I'm on real food.

Not hungry, but had to start on full liquids today, so I made a yogurt shake w/protein powder and skim milk; managed to down 1 cup. Still not hungry. Largely off the Loratab but the other drugs are a must and they make me quite dizzy. Unfortunately, the nutritionist neglected to tell me how often to eat(every 2, 3, 4 hours? When hungry?) and how much? All I got was, "take in 1000 calories and 65 grams protein a day". Still trying to figure out how I'm going to manage to get the right balance of fruits & veggies in when I'm on real food.

Good info all around. I'm managing wearing it a couple hours a night and I can see some improvement. What really cracks me up - having a CPAP was mandatory for my procedure - in fact if I didn't bring it with me the day of surgery, then no surgery - imagine my surprise to find that my machine was never even taken out of it's case when I was in recovery?!

Got through most of yesterday with minimal pain, but by about 8pm I was feeling nausea and pain in my neck and shoulders from the gas. My mouth was dry all day - tongue stuck to the roof dry - possible side effect to the muscle relaxer and not being able to drink in more than little sips. I can hear/feeling the liquid move from my pouch to my stomach - strange, but not painful or distressing. Was up off and on all last night - finally ended up on the couch with my CPAP, heating pad and pillows - got about an hour and a half nap in. Been up since 7am - last Loratab was at 5:30am; trying to see how long I can going between doses as it makes me very sleepy. Not surprising, my sister-in-law has told everyone so the phone has been ringing off the hook. One "well-wisher" called and during the conversation told me that it, ..."was a shame you didn't have the will-power to do it on your own..." Charming - but I'm too tired to push back at this point nor do I feel the need to explain myself to idiots.

Got through most of yesterday with minimal pain, but by about 8pm I was feeling nausea and pain in my neck and shoulders from the gas. My mouth was dry all day - tongue stuck to the roof dry - possible side effect to the muscle relaxer and not being able to drink in more than little sips. I can hear/feeling the liquid move from my pouch to my stomach - strange, but not painful or distressing. Was up off and on all last night - finally ended up on the couch with my CPAP, heating pad and pillows - got about an hour and a half nap in. Been up since 7am - last Loratab was at 5:30am; trying to see how long I can going between doses as it makes me very sleepy. Not surprising, my sister-in-law has told everyone so the phone has been ringing off the hook. One "well-wisher" called and during the conversation told me that it, ..."was a shame you didn't have the will-power to do it on your own..." Charming - but I'm too tired to push back at this point nor do I feel the need to explain myself to idiots.