anewbeckiboo

Yeah, I ate a lot at lunch today and had that back feeling for a while....but was not at all hungry the whole rest of the day (it's now 6pm and I'm STILL not hungry). I'm pretty sure I was "full". Wow...now if I could just get that feeling on half as much food, because I'm relatively certain I ate more than 1/2 cup of food. I need to pack measuring devices to restaraunts for a while I think...just to get a better idea of what is what.

Congrats on your success. Sounds like you are doing great! I'm curious about the pineapple juice. That is the first time I've heard that suggestion. Do you know what it does to help? Becki

I'm positive...in fact, I haven't felt this "good" in a long time, emotionally. I am very optimistic that I have picked the right tool for the job and that I will work with the tool like I should. My motivation level right now is off the charts! But I'm still hungry. LOL Kanary, the introduction of "pureed" items sounded gross to me, but it's actually really good. pureed chili and soup is delicous. I also started to have mashed potatoes (made with milk and slightly thinned out), cream of wheat (made with milk for protein) and I've been told I can have refried Beans but I haven't yet. The pureed Soups were actually quite good and I felt like I had lots of tasty options. Another suggestions I haven't tried (but I think I will tonight cuz I'm craving pizza so dang bad) is ricotta cheese with marinara sauce and mozzarella. I'm glad to see there are others with me and just reading your posts has re-energized me to stick to plan...I can kick those pizza visions out of my head now.

My first fill will be under x-ray too. I'm glad because I had a lot of "twisting" sensations 4 days post op around the port incision. The surgeon doesn't think it has flipped but it will be nice to know they can "see" what they are doing under the x-ray.

I know...Oh how I hope it comes sooner rather than later. i'm STARVING today. I'm starting to obsess overfood like I used to because I'm so hungry.

I wish doctors were more consistent on their diet recommendations. The sheer number of variations I see on post op diets is mind boggling! My instructions are for 1/2 cup (or 4 oz) of food SIX times a day...I don't think i would have made it on 3 times a day and I am not diabetic. I think you should try for 4 and see if it helps.

I just want to clarify on the 600 calories. My post op diet is 1/2 cup full liquid every 2-3 hours, with a protein goal of 44-55 grams. I'm making the protein goal, but this comes all with a pretty low calorie result. I feel like I should be getting 1000-1200 calories, but I don't know how to make that happen within the limitations I've been given. I've been using cream soups mixed with fat free milk (to add protein), protein shakes mixed with fat free milk, cream of wheat mixed with fat free milk...I'm within their guidelines but it's just making for an overall low calorie day. Not sure what else I can do to change that. Maybe I should use a higher fat milk than what they recommend?

Well aparently I'm just a mutant. I was banded on the 23rd too...and I'm up 1 pound. I have no idea how this is remotely possible since I'm only drinking 600 calories a day! I'm not totally freaking out about it, but just don't understand it.

Sorry for the extra reply, but I just thought of something that always helps me when my potassium drops...sugar free poweraid (or gatoraide if you don't mind the sugar). Helps me every time and it's liquid so you should be able to have some right now!

In my case, severe cramps like that means that I need some potassium. Did the doctors say anything about that? I'm not sure what you can take at this point in the process. My old potassium pills are useless to me now because they are extended release. I hope you find something that works to ease the cramping!

I was banded on the 23rd. I have not had much trouble with gas pains since the first day (though I think I may be speaking too soon). Most of my pain now is just abdominal...getting up from laying down and getting on and off the toilet is uncomfortable. LOL...everything else is fine. I can lay down and I can walk around with no problems. I am super hungry though. Apparently I am NOT one of those people that got restriction right out of surgery. Bummer.

I don't know about the pill but my doctor gave me a perscription for liquid colace. Maybe they sell it over the counter? I know this is TMI, but I haven't had a BM since TUESDAY. It's kinda freaking me out.

I'll be on the other side with you. My check-in time is 5:30 am! Becki

I've finally made it far enough to feel it's safe to post...I'm so nervous at every turn that something is going to throw the progress off. As of today, however, I am officially one week away from surgery! I had pre-op yesterday. The only thing that could possibly come back as an issue (as far as I know) is my potassium levels, which I have a hard time controlling. I would think I would have heard by now if this is a problem. It was a long road to get approved due to my insurance requirements, but once the approval came, it has flown into warp speed! I'm seeing Dr. Neal in Olympia, Washington. So far the experience with their office has been fabulous. I'm on Medifast this week, but I've actually been on it for a while already as one of my oh-so-many "weight loss attempts". Medifast works great...if you don't cheat every weekend like I did. I'm being good now, though, since it's the pre-op diet. It's hard right now with the holidays and all, and especially today being trapped at home due to weather. I would love some comfort food right now! My sister (who was banded 5 years ago) keeps asking if I'm getting nervous...I'm only nervous that something will get in the way, but I think mentally I am just ready for this. I've wanted it for so long...I'm ready. I hope to find some new friends and support here. Becki

I have to start over with a new surgeon...who has a completely different pre-op program. The issue has to do with the hospital not "extending it's center of excellence designation effective 11/22" so my insurance is refusing to cover the surgery now and my surgeon won't be covered by my insurance company after December 31 and he doesn't have surgical rights at another hospital that my insurance will cover between now and then. I'm so angry about this. I spent pretty much all of yesterday crying. In the mean time, I have scheduled an appointment with another surgeon for Tuesday (the day my surgery was supposed to be). He requires 4 weeks on a low carb (30 grams/day) diet and will not accept the last 3 months I've done on Medifast because it's not low carb ENOUGH. I've begun the low carb regimen today and they said they would count this week...but I don't know what other things he is going to require in the next few weeks. Hopefully some of the work I did with the other clinic will count for SOMETHING. UGH!

I wish I could delete this...I knew posting it would jinx it. My surgery was just cancelled.

I'm November 30th....can I join you? Becki