GSORob

Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Crumbles that I put in a frying pan (about a 1/2 cup), heat it up, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and melt. I then put some salsa on top of the semi sausage/cheeseburger patty to help things slide down. After eating and waiting about 15 minutes, I have 8-12 oz of a choc protein shake using Syntrax Nectar Chocolate Truffle w/ skim milk.

I was banded on 5/3. I didn't have my first fill until 9/7. My weight loss hit a plateau a couple of months ago. But I ran into a couple of medical issues not related to the band, so they delayed my fill until 9/7. I had 3 cc in the band at the time of surgery. I really didn't feel that much of a restriction, other than I knew when it was time to stop eating. I lost about 25 pounds post-surgery before leveling off. My doc put in 3 additional cc during the fill. Drinking Water the first 2 days after was okay, but it took much longer than ever before. The same with Protein shakes. Unfortunately when I went back on solid foods I have not been able to keep anything down, despite the small bites I'm taking. Some even as small as the head of an eraser on a pencil. I get an automatic pressure build-up and then the pain begins. After about 40 minutes of belching..walking around..etc..etc..The stuff I ate comes back up. I'm going to call on Monday about getting some of the new 3 cc taken out. I'd rather do these fills in small increments to find what is the best amount for me. There are kickstarts to losing weight..and then there are kickstarts...Yes, I've lost 6 pounds in 4 days, but it isn't worth this pain and aggravation. Since I'm also a type 1 diabetic, I have to be able to eat something to level my blood sugars.

I had my first fill on 9/7. I went from 3 cc in my band at time of surgery to 6 cc after the fill this past Wed. I think the band is too tight. I have made an effort to take eraser size head bites and to chew at least 30 times. However, I feel pressure building up even after swallowing the first bite of any solid food. I was not able to keep my lunch or dinner down on Saturday. I've been able to drink liquids, but even those have been very..very..slow. I plan on calling my surgeon's office on Monday to see about getting some of the added 3 cc taken out. I thought they were going to go in little stages to find that what they call the "green zone". I'm just going to survive on protein shakes and other liquids until I can get in and see the doctor. I'm type 1 diabetic too, so I really do need to be able to eat something without it coming back up each time.

I like Syntrax nectar. Best flavors for me are chocolate Truffle, Fuzzy Navel and Roadside Lemonade. I add some Crystal Light to the Fuzzy Navel and Lemonade to intensify the flavor. Fuzzy Navel is like Orange juice and Lemonade of course tastes like Lemonade.

I wasn't aware my band was filled during the surgery either. I had always assumed it was empty. 4 months after surgery, I went in today and got my first post-surgery fill. I had some delays due to other health issues, not related to the band. My doc said I actually had 3 cc in there already. Today he added an additional 3 cc. My weight loss had basically stopped the last month or two. I lost about 20 lbs prior to surgery and 25 post surgery (May 3). I'm on 2 days of all-liquids again before I can start back on solids. I'm basically going to retrain myself as to what I can and can't eat..eat slowly, and chew..chew..chew. I probably got away from that the last month. I can feel somewhat of a tightness already. But I was able to drink a protein shake for lunch, albeit slowly..and have been drinking water at work this afternoon. Dinner will probably be a protein shake and sugar-free jello. I suspect my stomach will be growling.

I like Unjury that you mix yourself. I really never liked any of the pre-made shakes like EAS, Atkins, etc..I buy Syntrax Nectar powders. I like the Chocolate Truffle, Roadside Lemonade, and Fuzzy Navel. I add some Crystal Light to the Lemonade and Fuzzy Navel to intensify the flavor.

5 incisions for me too. The longest being where the port is near my belly button. It is not more than 1.5 inches like others have described.

I take a Gummy Multivitamin from VitaFusion. My Calcium Citrate w/ Vitamin D are the chews from Bariatric Advantage. The first week or so I tried the chewable tablets for both. They were both just too chalky. I then tried liquid versions of a multivitamin and Calcium Citrate. They were just downright nasty, and the smell was overwhelming. I would not recommend liquid versions. Blech! The gummies for me go down easy..and the calcium citrate chews are like eating Starburst candy.

It is normal to feel that way. I've had 3 surgeries in my life now. I've had no problems and it really does seem like only a few minutes have passed. The only weird thing about the lap-band surgery was how they strapped me down on the surgical table before being put under. It was literally like I was being strapped down like Jesus being put up on the cross. Your arms are stretched out to the side and each leg has its own holder or stirrup..I guess after you're out they move the table up at an angle, so you really do look like you are on a cross. That is the last thing I remember before they said you'll be falling asleep in a few seconds. Bizarre.

I usually made this at least twice a week during my mushie stage Baked Ricotta 8 oz Ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1 large Egg, beaten 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Salt and Pepper, to taste 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese Directions Mix Ricotta cheese, parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper together and place in an oven proof dish. Pour Marinara sauce on top and then top with Mozzarella cheese. Bake in a 450F oven for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Leftovers can be

My nutritionist says I must take Calcium Citrate. I believe these chews have Calcium Carbonate. The only chews like this that have calcium citrate are ones made by Bariatric Advantage.

Oven Recipe 6 ounces pepperoni, thinly sliced Directions Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lay the pepperoni slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and soak up the excess grease by pressing paper towels against the pepperoni chips. Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 2 to 4 minutes, until the pepperoni slices are very crispy. Serve as a snack anytime or use in place of crackers for dipping or for topping with your favorite cheese! They'll stay fresh and crispy for 1 to 2 days if you store them in an airtight container. I use Turkey Pepperoni. I don't have to stop in the middle to get the grease off. I just cook for 10-12 min.

I have been making these in the oven with Turkey Pepperoni. Got it from a recipe in one of George Stella's eating low-carb cookbooks. A lot less fat and oil in the Turkey Pepperoni. And I think the flavor is much more intense with the Turkey and cooking it in the oven.