TerriDoodle

Jenn, I really enjoyed the cream of wheat as one of my first foods....but I doctored it up with butter, splenda and cinnamon. I've also used Davinci syrups in Praline and Caramel. Delish!!! You won't believe how flavors you used to take for granted will now have a whole new dimension and meaning for you. tonight I had scrambled eggs with cheese and salsa. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. In the 'old days' I would have been SOOO BORED with that....but NOT NOW!! Gourmet, baby...gourmet!!

It's reversible and has far fewer complications!! Those two right there would be enough for me!

Well, the cow avatar, aside from the obvious metaphor, is up because I love cows! When I was a little girl I spent summers on my grandpa's farm and I used to love to just watch the cows chew. They always looked so peaceful and serene and have the most beautiful eyes. Of course, here in Texas, I see cows ALL the time....they're everywhere! I just think they're sweet. And they TASTE GOOD TOO! :hungry: Grrrrrrrrr No, I'm not in "Onederland" -- Oh no.... of course not!! The scale came to a screeching halt at 201-202 and seems to be stuck there but good!!! Isn't that always the way?? :tired

Jenn - you are 100% correct in your thinking!! You are so right about the rules thing....I'm right there with ya! That's how I have to be also. I don't *think* I've broken any rules ....yet! :ermm:

Yep, me too....woke up thinking about Tracy and sent her a little "HOORAY!! GO TRACY - GO TRACY - GO TRACY!!" You are loved, dear. and we're obviously all thinking about you!! With all those good vibes you should sail right through surgery and recovery! All those keystrokes are paying off now!! Jenn - thinking about you, too. You're hitting quite a rough patch now, arent you? I do hope that the job works out -- that would be a big boost!! Take a big breath and just keep moving and looking forward. Things are gonna be getting better. Sara - I tried your pineapple and cottage cheese yesterday!! OMG! I went right out and bought 8 more cans of pineapple!! I normally eat it with blueberries, strawberries or canned pears...but pineapple is over the top! YUM. My scale is being stubborn, too....so all of you coming up on 3 weeks, be prepared....looks like it's pretty normal for some of us!

Ran across this...one of my favorites....

Jenn, my doc had me on full liquids (not clear) for 2 days and then mushies for 4 weeks. 2 weeks of clear liquids just sounds ridiculous to me. I think you'd be quite safe to add some full liquids (hearty soups, smoothies, etc.) at least every once in a while!! ....especially if you are lightheaded. That just doesn't seem right. I haven't really lost any weight to speak of in a week either even though I've been exercising and averaging about 800 cals/day. Don't worry....things will normalize soon. How's the situation with dbf? :ermm:

Considering I would only have 1/3 to 1/2 of a serving, AT MOST, I would make this and enjoy it!! Thanks, Krystal.

Have a great day!

Hi Kathy - I was banded by Dr. Spivak on April 4 and everything is going GREAT!! About the pre-op diet, I would suggest that you just do as they suggest. "getting used to liquids" will translate in reality to "being sick and tired of liquids" before long, trust me. Enjoy eating a healthy low-carb diet because 4 weeks post op of nothing but fluids and mushy food gets real old real fast. I would kill for an Asian chicken salad right now...KILL!!! You go for your first fill at 4 weeks. Mine is scheduled for 5/4. I'm 3 weeks out and for the last week or so have felt very little restriction....but am still easily able to get by on about 800 calories a day without a feeling of deprivation. Last night I was scrounging around looking for something to eat to UP my calories....didn't make it! I know it's hard to wrap your head around these concepts, but trust me, it's the truth. I started exercising about 10 days ago. Joined LA Fitness and started on the treadmill. Quickly moved to the recumbant bike and elliptical for about 45 mins total/day. I work out 5x/week. I am not allowed to work with weights or swim or take aerobic classes until at least 4 weeks post op. I feel like I could easily start regular foods now, but am sticking with the post op diet for my stage: nothing with a heavier consistency than baby food. Let me know if I can answer any more of your questions. I'm here to help! (...and BE helped!) Best of luck to you.

Laura, What does your doctor say?

Book recommendation, people!! [ame=http://www.amazon.com/This-Year-Will-Finally-Resolution/dp/0767920082/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8884136-1427000?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177345682&sr=1-1]This Year I Will...How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution or Make a Dream Come True[/ame] by M.J. Ryan

OMG, that's precisely why I didn't tell anyone at work, even though some are my very best friends. Thank you for confirming my decision!! I just couldn't handle that. Yuck.

Pamela & Laura -- Thanks for posting your pics. It is so wonderful to be able to connect a face with the name!! LIke Sara said, I canNOT wait to see what we all look like in a year! Let's pinkie swear that we'll stay together for at least that long!! Laura - you look like you could be a model...you are stunning! Ah, youth! I had a good mushie meal last night...after being so tired of my usual ones already. Night before I had actually COOKED for my family and had leftover pot roast & mashed potatoes. I was dying for some roast so I chopped it up in the bullet, added that and a little gravy to some mashed potatoes, sprinkled a bit of cheese on top and nuked it. OMG, I was in heaven just having something besides soup!!! Scales - I wish I could hide the darn thing but I've tried that before. I'm just way too compulsive about it and can't do it. I weigh 2x a day, morning and night. Always will. but that's ok..I'm staying right at 202-204 right now, but I'm exercising to the tune of about 300 cals/day and eating about 900. The weight WILL come off eventually. (right?) Have a great day all!

Wow -- lots of progress to report all over the place!! Ya'll are doing great!! I know some of you are getting really tired of the pain, but it will go away very very soon. Jenn! It's so great to see your pretty face! You have a beautiful smile!!! Yep, that beer is a thing of the past, eh? Gonna have to switch to wine now! I fixed your pic for you. If you want to copy it, just move your cursor over the pic and right click, then save as...

Oh, Laura....you don't know how relieved I am to hear you are alright. Thank God. Get lots of rest today. ::hug: The elliptical is designed to take the impact out of walking. I can't describe it...here, why don't you take a look at the wikipedia entry here. They explain it a heck of a lot better than I can. It's quite a workout though because it does provide varying levels of resistance than walking cannot. I like it the best of all the cardio machines (cycle, stairmaster, treadmill, etc.)

Most likely it is dust on the lens...but it IS funny!

Jennifur - I'm 99% sure the pain you're feeling in your left shoulder is a result of gas...I know that sounds weird and I can't explain why it's referred up to your shoulder. Mine was in the front right at the top of my left shoulder and it sometimes felt like I was being stabbed with a screwdriver....a very sharp localized pain. But MAN, did it hurt! Are you still feeling 'pregnant' with the gas? Then that's probably what it is. Just do what you can to get rid of that gas. I'm sorry you're having a hard time today but I PROMISE you it will get so much better when you move to mushies. I never thought mashed potatoes or refried beans could taste so damn good. Like Teach said...suddenly we're very content with very small things. Just have patience. I know it's hard.

Sara, you might want to take it easy for now. I called my doctor and his office said ONLY walking or elliptical for 4 weeks. I wanted to swim and at least do some light weights but they said no. I cheat a little and do some cycling too.

Jullee, I didn't have the problems with water that many of you are...but PAIN doesn't seem like something you should be experiencing at this point. If you haven't called your doctor about this, I highly suggest it. Are you taking your pain meds? Maybe that would help you get the water down. Excess gas might be the problem as well, so get on a regular dose (4x/day) of Gas-X for 2-3 days and walk at least a little bit very often during the day. I don't have to tell you how important it is to stay hydrated...if nothing else it will help speed your healing and prevent complications. Keep us posted, ok? I have found that the band has really served as a constant reminder that I am on a NEW path now and will require NEW behavoirs. This is by far the coolest thing ever. I'm not very restricted right now at all....could probably eat anything I wanted...but I'm not. I guess my stomach has "shrunk" though because I am stuffed on such little food now. Last night I had about 1/4 c. refried beans and 1/4 c guacamole salad and I was so full....for at least 3 hours!! If I'm not restricted, how do you account for that?? Anyway, the experience so far has been incredible and I'm looking forward to a long, healthy relationship with my band. Sara, be patient with yourself right now! Sounds like you have a LOT of stuff going on. You're lucky with all of that thatyou haven't gained 6#!! Sounds like you're doing great to me. Re: your thoughs about "I just can't fail, not this time...", I'm sure all of us can relate to that. I'm reading a great book right now that explains in detail how the brain works to create new habits and discard old ones. One thing it says makes really good sense: You should not focus on your past failures and behaviours, but focus (religiously) on what it is you want to become. Keep the visual in your mind of the slim & fit you, the one wearing a size 10, feeling good and strong. This engages the emotional part of your brain that is essential in allowing new behaviours to take hold. Try it for a day or two and I think you'll find a new level of excitement and confidence creep into your thinking. We're all behind you 150%.

Jenn - yeah, that should be just great! ...and you can add some crystal light powder for flavor or some Davinci syrup. Here's a hint (if you don't already know) put the ice in a baggie and hammer it a bit before putting it in the bullet so it won't get quite so 'frothy' getting the ice chopped.

American accent? Americans don't have accents!!

Powdered Peanut Butter??? Somehow I doubt that would taste as good spread on my Wasa cracker. LOL! Must be good in a smoothie though!

Of all the protein drinks I tried (and I tried plenty!) I liked chocolate EAS Carb Control the best. DH says they're too water-y for him so he adds a little milk to his and loves it. 17g protein. I vote for "April Blossoms"! OH! I almost forgot!!!!! I went out earlier to buy some new spring clothes and guess what???!!! I have dropped a size already! :humble:From 2x down to XL, and 18W to 16W!!!! I'm getting closer to the "Ladies" department!!!

OH MAN! I can't WAIT to make a post like this someday!! Exercise is going great, I'm happy to report...and it looks like I will exceed my first month's goals. I am chomping at the bit to start weights and swimming but have to wait 2 more weeks. :tired Thanks for your constant inspiration!!