2 week update

[dietpeach 0]

Well, it's been two weeks since my surgery, and I have updates. I lost 20 pounds on my 2 week pre-op diet, and since then I've lost 14 pounds more. I've been absolutely fanatical about following all the rules of each stage of the diet. I want to succeed, and I especially don't want complications (slips, erosions, etc.) I know sometimes that's unavoidable, but at least I won't have any guilt if it happens.

liquid Phase: After reading on these boards that many people gain weight before their first fill, I was deeply concerned that I would lose my progress. So on my liquid phase, after the first few days where I could only get down broth and tea, I stuck pretty much to my pre-op diet, not eating the vegetables of course, but adding in more Protein Shakes, and geting to about 800-1200 calories a day. I did not drink diluted juice even though it was "permitted," sticking instead to Protein shakes and, two times, fat-free milk.

Mushy Phase: I knew from reading these boards that a major pitfall for many bandsters is the mushy phase. Being that we're hungry and mushies go down easily, the calories can easily add up - many people understandably gain weight during this stage. I didn't want that to happen, so I was afraid to move forward to mushies - but I knew I should leave the liquid diet behind already. I was trying to solve the problem, when I decided that I could do mushies but I would have to keep track of what I was eating and how much. So, I joined Weight Watchers.

Diets never worked for me for very long in the past, but I figured the 3.5 week liquid diet should have shrunk my stomach a bit, and knowing I have a fill coming makes it mentally easier to hang on and not go off plan. Before surgery I didn't think I'd care if I gained a little before my fills, but now I do. I've lost 34 pounds in 4 weeks, and I just don't want to go back.

I've been sticking like glue to the plan. I weigh and measure everything before I put it in the food prcessor, and I track it online as soon as I've eaten it. I eat mostly low point foods, but I've also splurged on higher point items - did you know you can process french fries? To make them mushy I mixed in some Soup, which I also have to count points for, but they still tasted like french fries, and were worth every point LOL! I've also pureed pizza with a little extra sauce - it doesn't taste like pizza by the time you add the sauce in, but it was fun. Mostly, though, I stick to low point foods: sugarfree pudding, fatfree yogurt, scrambled egg whites with fatfree salsa (pureed), boiled vegetables (pureed), unsweetened applesauce, etc. I also eat whatever my family is having for supper, measured out and pureed. All in all, I've lost 14 pounds since surgery.

Anyway, that's where I'm holding now. I have my first fill next month, and I'm terrified. I hope it won't be too painful! Anyway, that's the update. Good luck to everyone on this journey!

Edited December 19, 2008 by dietpeach

[HeatherO 7]

It sounds like you are off to an excellent start. This is also a great post for newbies who are thinking about how to follow the plan. Thanks for sharing.

The first fill is surprisingly easy and fast. It should be no big deal at all . . . you will probably wonder why you got so nervous in the first place once it is all said and done.

Happy banding :0)

[redmom 0]

Wow, that's amazing. I'm impressed with your ability to stay on target. I'm just starting my mushies and its hard to re-learn eating real food. Keep up the good work.

[justme2u 0]

Impressive. I am 10 days post op and my surgeon allows going to mushie phase at day 7 and I have decided to stick to liquids a little longer because I have no idea what "mushie" really is other than pudding, mashed potatoes - all high carb options.

[dietpeach 0]

Thank you. I'm sure my stomach is still swollen and giving me some restriction, which certainly helps, but I'm very proud of myself for not just deciding to eat whatever I wanted, only pureed (which had been my original plan LOL). I bought lowfat, organic eggnog, and I limit myself to half a cup a day, and of course I track it. My original plan had not been to limit myself since I "happen" to be on purees at holiday time (love those excuses lol).

The further out from surgery I get, the harder it is, but I will try to stick to my plan. I look and feel so much better and I want to hang on to this. I hope that a year from now I will look and feel even better!

Thanks again for your kind words and encouragement. :tongue_smilie:

Edited December 21, 2008 by dietpeach

[jms462001 9]

Well, it's been two weeks since my surgery, and I have updates. I lost 20 pounds on my 2 week pre-op diet, and since then I've lost 14 pounds more. I've been absolutely fanatical about following all the rules of each stage of the diet. I want to succeed, and I especially don't want complications (slips, erosions, etc.) I know sometimes that's unavoidable, but at least I won't have any guilt if it happens.

Liquid Phase: After reading on these boards that many people gain weight before their first fill, I was deeply concerned that I would lose my progress. So on my liquid phase, after the first few days where I could only get down broth and tea, I stuck pretty much to my pre-op diet, not eating the vegetables of course, but adding in more Protein shakes, and geting to about 800-1200 calories a day. I did not drink diluted juice even though it was "permitted," sticking instead to Protein Shakes and, two times, fat-free milk.

Mushy Phase: I knew from reading these boards that a major pitfall for many bandsters is the mushy phase. Being that we're hungry and mushies go down easily, the calories can easily add up - many people understandably gain weight during this stage. I didn't want that to happen, so I was afraid to move forward to mushies - but I knew I should leave the liquid diet behind already. I was trying to solve the problem, when I decided that I could do mushies but I would have to keep track of what I was eating and how much. So, I joined Weight Watchers.

Diets never worked for me for very long in the past, but I figured the 3.5 week liquid diet should have shrunk my stomach a bit, and knowing I have a fill coming makes it mentally easier to hang on and not go off plan. Before surgery I didn't think I'd care if I gained a little before my fills, but now I do. I've lost 34 pounds in 4 weeks, and I just don't want to go back.

I've been sticking like glue to the plan. I weigh and measure everything before I put it in the food prcessor, and I track it online as soon as I've eaten it. I eat mostly low point foods, but I've also splurged on higher point items - did you know you can process french fries? To make them mushy I mixed in some Soup, which I also have to count points for, but they still tasted like french fries, and were worth every point LOL! I've also pureed pizza with a little extra sauce - it doesn't taste like pizza by the time you add the sauce in, but it was fun. Mostly, though, I stick to low point foods: sugarfree pudding, fatfree yogurt, scrambled egg whites with fatfree salsa (pureed), boiled vegetables (pureed), unsweetened applesauce, etc. I also eat whatever my family is having for supper, measured out and pureed. All in all, I've lost 14 pounds since surgery.

Anyway, that's where I'm holding now. I have my first fill next month, and I'm terrified. I hope it won't be too painful! Anyway, that's the update. Good luck to everyone on this journey!

That's great!! You've lost a lot of weight!! Like you I have feared gaining too. Especially since the Dr. told me at the 2 week post op visit that I would then stop losing and probably gain a couple of pounds over the next month until my first fill. However, I have lost 2 more pounds. At least I had lol. I may have ruined that at today's Christmas party. It gets a bit more difficult all the time. I still have a bit of restriction, but less all the time. My first fill is Jan. 6th. I just hope I can stay on track like you are until then!! I am also scared of causing damage....especially since I visited the "Complications Thread" and read just a few stories. Keep up the good work!!!