Elle23

Hi everybody! I was just wondering what types of workouts my fellow bandsters are doing? I just started exercising again, and so far I've only been walking (outdoors and on the treadmill), but I am taking a Zumba class tomorrow -- I loved those pre-band! Lots of fun and I'm hoping it'll help me off of my plateau. I hope you all are doing well! We are well on our way.

Walking is really the best thing to do for the gas and achiness. Also, heat worked for me -- heating pad, warm tea, etc. Hope you feel better soon.

My husband is doing P90 -- you are definitely not lazy if you do that -- it's hardcore! . I've got to start doing sit ups, twists, and squats -- good suggestion -- my midsection is a problem area. Zumba is a lot of fun, hardly feels like exercise -- the DVDs are good for home use (I did those on busy work weeks).

About how many calories a day do you guys have? My doctor recommended no more than 1200 a day with 65 grams of protein. I have been struggling to get to 1000 and most days I'm around 800 (maybe because I'm still in the mushies stage?). I've been really trying to control carbs because I'm a borderline diabetic, but now that I've started exercising again I wonder if I should bump that up a little. I'm going to talk to the nutritionist when I go in for my first fill, but that's a few weeks away, so I thought I'd post here. Hope you are all doing well!

My first fill is scheduled for 04/07. I am having some restriction now -- it's really interesting getting to know the signs and wrapping my brain around physical hunger versus head hunger. My port incision is scabby too (one of the reasons that my doctor likes to wait for first fills -- to allow for healing). I am anxious, but a little nervous -- I guess it is just fear of the unknown.

Awesome! I love being part of such an involved group while on this journey to a healthier life. Thank you all -- we are going to look back in a year and see incredible results. I can't wait!

Post Modern ~ I am on post-banding week 2, and in addition to my protein shakes I've had low sodium cream soups and egg drop soup (I added nonflavored Any Whey to some cream of tomato soup and it was really good). I saw my doctor yesterday, and he approved me to start trying out high protein mushies (he said to shoot for 65 grams of protein a day), so tonight I had some lowfat tuna salad (which I ran through the food processor beforehand). I'm starting to add a few things, but being pretty cautious about it. It went down well, though I got full on about 2 tablespoons. Right now, I think I'm on the brink of bandster hell...I get really hungry, but fill up quickly (so far). I think I'm still healing up, so that is keeping the BH away for now . LoL.

I had my post op appointment today and won't see my doctor again until 04/07, which is also when I may get my first fill (my doctor said he prefers about 6 weeks recovery for new bandsters). Now, if only I can be patient, and make it through bandster hell. Boo...

I was wondering if any of you in my newly banded family have been experiencing anything that I can only describe as a single hiccup-like sensation to your diaphragm area? It isn't comfortable, but it isn't exactly painful and seems to occur when I am not eating or drinking anything. I wonder if it is because I had my hiatal hernia repaired when my band was placed? I'm going to ask about it during my post-op appointment tomorrow, but thought I'd ask you all also. Hope everyone is doing well!

I spoke with my doctor today and he said that my single hiccup sensation is most likely being caused by a combination of the hernia repair and the band -- the hiccup is just my diaphragm's way of showing irritation. He said it would dissipate in time. Thank you all for letting mr know I wasn't alone with this! Best wishes on a happy and healthy journey to all of you!

I'm right there with you guys. I'm trying to get in my 60 ounces of water a day, but it has been hard. My stomach has been queasy too, and like the pp, I haven't had to worry about constipation...sorry TMI, quite the opposite. I called and spoke to a nurse at my doctor's office and she just said to keep drinking water -- and that my body is getting used to a new system. I'd just like for the stomach gurgling to stop.

I second the recommendation for Miralax -- it's a lifesaver. When I had my twins and was recovering from a c-section, my doctor had my try it. Very gentle on your system, and it was completely tasteless when dissolved in water.

TexasMama ~ How are you? I'm feeling much better, although still having some shoulder pain (probably more from the hernia repair than anything else). My little ones are still having a hard time not being picked up by mommy (we've each shed some tears) -- it's cute, my 4 year old has been trying to explain that mommy has "owies" to them. Are you on mushies now? You are doing awesome! I'm still not having much of an appetite -- and every once in awhile I have a hiccup-like spasm of my diaphram, which is a ltitle disconcerting. I do miss chewing...but I'm on to thicker liquids in another day, so that should be much better. I see my doctor for a post-op check up on Thursday. I'm so glad that we are on our banded journey! I really can't believe I've already got this gadget in my belly. LoL. Crazy, huh? Justplaintired ~ How are you doing? Are your leg pains gone? I hope you are feeling back to normal! How's banded life? Ck1redhead ~ I'm so glad you are doing well! No cheating here either, but definitely looking forward to getting past the all drinking phase. Are you on thicker liquids next week or on to mushies? I'm on thicker liquids (thinned out soups, watery oatmeal-type cereals, skim milk instead of Water with my Protein shakes, etc.).

I'm 1 day post-op and the only things I've tried so far are: chicken broth (low sodium), Gatorade G2 mixed with water, water, and hot decaf tea. The warmer liquids seem to help me more with all of the left over gas in my abdomen. I'm not hungry right now, so getting things down takes awhile. I may try sugar-free Jell-o later, but I'm trying to stick with warm or room temperature for now (tough, since I'm a girl who loves drinks with ice).

Best wishes to you and your new banded life!

TexasMama ~ I'm doing really well -- thanks for checking on me. I definitely have that "heavyweight boxer used my abdomen for a punching bag" feeling, but as long as I take my Lortab every 4-6 hours, I'm good (it tastes digusting, but it really does take the edge off of the pain). Today, I've been drinking Protein shakes, Water, and hot decaf tea. So far, so good -- although it's a weird feeling when you drink because you can kind of feel the funnel system in your tummy. The toughest for me so far is keeping my kiddos from hugging and jumping on me -- my oldest understands, but my lttle ones are only 18 months. How are you feeling? Like you, I also had my hiatal hernia repaired, and aside from a little incision pain, I think it has bothered me the most with shoulder pain. Are you on Phase II liquids now? I can't wait for us to look back a year from now and see how well we've done. (((HUGS))) Sorry to be so rambling...I blame it on Lortab. LoL.

I got banded this afternoon and I'm feeling good, albeit a litle sore. I've got some shoulder pain -- not sure if it's from the gas or the hiatal hernia repair -- nothing intolerable, especially with Lortab (which tastes foul, but feels good). LoL. I'm supposed to start drinking hot tea and chicken broth this eveing, but not very hungry...just sipping on Water. Hope all of my fellow bandsters are doing well! Takec are of yourselves!

Hi everybody! I'm on day 2 of my pre-op diet (my banding is scheduled for 02/10). I drink two high Protein shakes a day (Breakfast and lunch) and then have a serving of lean protein (I'm going to switch between chicken breast and fish) and 1 cup of vegetables for dinner. For the shakes, I'm alternating between Myoplex Lite and Lean Body for Her -- in the morning, I'm mixing my shake with 8 oz. skim milk and about 1/4 cup of frozen unsweetened blueberries and then drinking it on the way to work. Yesterday (day 1) was tough. I don't think I've ever heard my stomach growl that loudly at work or felt light-headed like that...got a few looks from my boss at a project meeting. LoL. Today has been much more tolerable with a lot less stomach rumbling and no light-headedness. I'm tempted to weigh myself (I'm a bit of a scale junkie), but I think I'm going to wait until the weekend or early next week and give this pre-op a few days. My goal is 10 lbs. (my surgeon wants 7-10 off before banding day). Are any of you counting carbs? No one at my doctor's office mentioned it -- just 70-120 grams of protein a day, and I've been taking in about 100 or slightly over, plus about 800 calories. My carbs haven't been super high, but they aren't the lowest (50-60/day so far). I'm wondering if I should lower that some? (((HUGS))) to all going through this. It's tough, but it will be totally worth it! :success1:

You are doing so awesome! I'm glad that your discomfort subsided and you are feeling almost back to normal. (((HUGS))) How is the mushie stage? I'm going with your suggestion and taking a little more than a week off from work -- longer if needed (my doctor said he would approve whatever I wanted). It's paid leave with physician approval, so I plan to take advantage of it and now rush back. Can't wait to be a banded loser with you all! LoL.

How is everyone doing? We are getting really close! I've been sticking to the pre-op, and the weight loss with it has been pleasantly surprising. For those of you who haven't had surgery yet -- are you excited? I'm scheduled for tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. Today is a holiday from work, so I am trying to tie up some loose ends around the house (to help DH manage the kids for the couple of days that I'll be out of commission). I'm planning on taking a little over a week off from work -- longer, if needed (my doctor said it was up to me). Best wishes to you all! We'll be banded losers soon!

I think I've updated this to include all of us -- please copy forward and add yourself if I missed. There are now 38 of us February 2011 bandsters! 1/28/11-Smokey2112 2/02/11-ManningFan 2/02/11-TylerAshton567 2/02/11-Shawnypoo 2/04/11-blondeej (Trisha) 2/05/11-Korilynn 2/07/11-ruthiesmg. 2/07/11-KOKIE 2/07/11-soon2besexynslim 2/07/11-bamakaren 2/08/11-MeaganRhiannon 2/09/11-Mrs.Mustang 2/09/11-Bunnykins 2/09/11-Loozer2B 2/10/11-JMH80 (Jackie) 2/10/11-Trns4md 2/10/11-TexasNurseMom 2/10/11-bigtom1948 2/11/11-Justplaintired 2/11/11-KeeKee99 2/11/11-Care2teach 2/14/11-Alikitty 2/14/11-sdjenk 2/16/11-TexasMama 2/16/11-ThisMumRocks 2/16/11-aocon0630 2/16/11-Bruinfan 2/17/11-Newbranden in Tampa, Florida by Dr. Aguila 2/17/11-wantinghealth 2/18/11-daisy_0729 2/18/11-getitgirl 2/21/11-hoagy 2/21/11-GlitterG 2/22/11-Elle23 2/23/11-Angel2001 2/23/11-ck1redhead 2/25/11-Sophinator 2/28/11-Post Modern Retro Pretty

Hello Meagan ~ I haven't been banded yet (02/22), but just wanted to say that you are doing awesome!! I'm currently in debate for how much time to take off from work -- I spend about 3/4 of the day in my office, but do a lot of walking from one building to the next. My doctor said he would approve whatever amount of time I wanted off, so I was thinking about just one week -- did you think that was too soon? Is it hard going back while on the liquids phase of the post-op? Congrats on your band, and hope to hear more from you!

Glitter ~ I hear you on the coffee...I've been good and haven't had any, but it makes for a very slow (and sometimes cranky) morning at work. LoL. You're getting banded about the same time as me -- I'm 02/22. I'm getting excited and nervous. What Protein shakes are you drinking? I've been drinking mostly Lean Body for Her (chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla) and occaisionally adding in 1/4 cup blueberries or 2 strawberries. I just ordered a couple of new Protein Shakes today -- BSN Lean Dessert Protein. They came recommended from my nutritionist -- only 20 grams of protein per serving, but the calories and carbs are pretty low (130, 7 -- respectively) and they are supposed to taste pretty good...I'm hoping it helps during the liquids phase post-op. How are you feeling? ck1Redhead ~ I would LOVE your pre-op! I have 2 protein shakes a day and then a "sensible" meal of 4-6 oz. protein and 1 cup of fruit (only approved ones) or veggies. I did stray off course briefly, when my original surgery date was rescheduled due to the insurance people at my doctor's office (long story -- but they told me to get off of the pre-op diet because I was being moved to March), but it was only for a couple of days and during that time I was still fairly good. What shakes are you drinking? I think you are also getting banded about the same time as Glitter and I. We are all going to do awesome! I can't wait! Both of you are doing so well on your pre-op diets! I'm down a little over 10 lbs., but fluxing a little bit due to (sorry TMI) PMS. Boo.

I'm so excited that your banding went well -- I was thinking about you this a.m.! I'm getting my hiatal hernia repaired while I am under as well (next Tuesday, 02/22). I've heard that there is a little discomfort with that, but I'm hoping that it will be manageable -- you'll have to let me know. Happy banding day, and I can't wait for us all to look back a year from now and see how far we've come! Rest, heal up, and let us know how you are when you get a chance. (((HUGS)))

TexasMama ~ I would probably wait and see how you feel in the morning, since it sounds like you are on the mend and your surgery isn't until Wednesday. However, I did just look at my pre-op paperwork and it does say to give them a call prior to surgery if I am sick and/or running fever. I know exactly how you feel about rescheduling, but it might be better to be safe since it is surgery and you want the best outcome from it. Just my 2 cents. I hope you feel better soon -- take a bunch of Vitamin C and rest. (((HUGS))) :sleep2: