So how are the March Banders doing since surgery???

[O2BThinAgain 0]

I was banded on 03/11 and I'm doing great! Since starting my pre-op diet I have lost 32.4 pounds. I haven't had problems with any foods. I started my regular food phase this past week and haven't had any issues either. I was to have a fill at the 6 week point, but my doctor will be out of town, so I have to wait until the 8 week point. :thumbup:

I do get hungry if I don't eat every 3 hours. I usually have a shake for Breakfast (skim milk, ff yogurt, fruit, Protein powder, Water, splenda), then either cooked veggies, cheese or yogurt around 10:00 a.m.. Around 1:00 I'll have about 3 oz. meat/fish plus cooked veggies. 4:00 brings maybe like some V8 or ricotta with splenda & vanilla extract ("No Shell Cannoli") or sf pudding. If I get hungry in between I'll have a sf fudgesicle or a frozen fruit pop. I drink a lot of Water (always have). Hot tea & water help if I'm feeling a bit hungry & it's not my time to eat. I eat a small dinner around 7:30/8:00. :tongue:

I started going to the gym at least twice a week & doing the elliptical machine from about 45 minutes. I notice a big difference in weight loss when I do go to the gym. :biggrin:

[2008er 0]

My surgery date was March 17th - 4 wks tomorrow. Yay! I've lost 20 pounds, although I'm guessing that will slow before my first fill since my appetite found me this past week...

Ups: Feeling a true sense of hope for the first time in a REEEEEEEALLY long time - losing that albatross from around my neck is just as good as any scale victories, seeing how little my scars are going to be, looking forward to beach season rather than dreading it (and expecting that summer '09 will be the best ever), generally looking foward to getting back into exercizing with less pain than before and the feeling that even if I don't lose weight quickly, at least I won't be gaining it quickly either!

Downs: Having to go back to work tomorrow! Although I do want to re-join the real world, I kind of enjoy being away from the stress of it all...easier to control that kind of binge eating (although being 5 steps from the fridge while at home ain't that great, either - pick your poison, eh?). I'm a little nervous about getting back into the environment that contributed to my bulk-building.

Things to stock up on: Cottage cheese, Protein shake that you LIKE, cream of rice has been great with a little benefiber and unflavored Protein Powder. Couldn't have been happier with my heating pad - we've bonded - ha!

The only other advice I have right now (from my own experience): 1) If you're used to only washing your face when you've been wearing makeup, remember to do it daily even while you're recovering (I forgot my own rule on this and now I"m working on clearing up blemishes before tomorrow!); 2) paint your toenails (or have someone do it for you) as soon as possible to feel more human; 3) try to get outside for at least a few minutes each day to remember there's a world out there wiating for you to heal and rejoin it. :biggrin:

[ajoneen 0]

The only other advice I have right now... try to get outside for at least a few minutes each day to remember there's a world out there waiting for you to heal and rejoin it. :crying:

So true!!!