Short and Chunky

Donna - sorry about the sticking episode. They can be rough. I never had luck with the papaya pills or hot liquid - I usually just loose what I ate, relax and wait for it to pass. Don't give up eggs forever. Somedays your band will be tighter than others( plus don't forget to chew). I too have had eggs get stuck and chicken and tuna fish and steak and green Beans - shoot - you name it, I have gotten it stuck. I actually got hot tea stuck once. I have been banded a year and I am still learning. Good luck and glad that it finally passed.
Melinda in Florida

Boy, do I feel your pain. I sat down last week and cried because I was "missing" some of my favorite foods. What a joke that was on me. I was banded 1 year ago, have lost 104 pounds - after my episode - I looked myself and in the mrrior and said "REALLY" what is wrong with you. What on earth was so good, it was worth being 1/2 a whale? I got back in the zone and now I am fine. Yep, those feelings will return and I pray I can maintain my strength and resist the bag of Cookies.
Melinda in Florida

...SO this morning I cooked.breakfast..egg, grilled.chicken n onions, mushroom, tomato..I kind.of over did...but my fruit friendly band stopped me.from over.doing it
Sent from my SGH-T989 using LapBandTalk

That moment when someone u haven't seen in 5 months sees u but walks past u bcuz they don't recognize you.
That's what I encountered today at work. That was one of my best NSV's so far. I'm 8 months post op and 35 away from goal. This NSV just motivated me more than ever. To hit my goal by November. My Bandiversary.

Funnyface - you need to take a deep breath and try to relax. I had my surgery just over a year ago. I am much older than you (60) and I came through just fine. A small amount of pain (and I am a big baby), Some nausea (but managable) and gas (you gotta walk it off). By day 4, I was back to work full time and you would not have known I even had surgery (unless you saw what I didn't eat). As for the future in eating - don't worry about that now. You will adjust - we all have. Yep, life is going to be different - you should have expected that - that is why you are having the surgery - to get healthy and loose the weight. You can do this. Watch some funny shows on TV tonight and just think - tomorrow is the beginning of a new YOU and no more pre-op diet !!!!! Post when you are up and around and let us all know how you did. I will be praying for you tomorrow.
Melinda in Florida
Weight loss 104 pounds and counting !!!

Another thought to consider. As you move through this program and your band gets adjusted to the point of good restriction - Fluid with your meal can actually cause your food to get stuck. Then you PB, slime and Throw up - you have chest pains and you think you might just die. SOOOO don't drink and eat at the same time. I know it is hard (probably 2nd only to the liquid pre-op diet in toughness) but they told you this for a good reason. It has happened to me - I know the pain.
Melinda in Florida

Bonnie - you crack me up - glad you weren't expecting a hot chick to pop out of this band thing. I will share this. I work at a large State University and today, I am wearing a skort (size 12 proudly said) and it is kind of short. Well, I have received compliments all days about my legs and how skinny I am getting. WOO HOO..skinny and my name in the same sentence - wow, I thought that ship had sailed but I guess not. So I may be too old to hot in in swim suit, but apparently I can still wear a short skirt ! I loved the 60's and min skirts ! hehehehe
Have a great weekend.
Melinda in Florida

I agree with Carolinagirl..I too get those cravings and hunger issues. That is a battle. They put the band around your stomach - not your brain! The cravings are still there. I eat a cheese stick, a couple of slices of apple (with Peanut Butter on them), drink flavored sparkling Water (solves my sweet tooth) or a bite or two of deli turkey (rolled like a cigar). The band is just a tool and you still have to work with it. Somedays will be harder than others but I for one would not go back to the old me for anything. I am 1 yr post op and loving the new me - down 104 and counting. You can do this. Just hang in there kiddo !
Melinda in Florida

Bonnie - I hope that your approval is moving right along and soon you will have a surgery date. I am 60 1/2 and had my band 7/7/11. I have lost 98 pounds and I feel fantastic. My doc says that older patients follow the rules better and are often more successful. In our case, we are really doing it for health reason and not because we would look hot in a new swim suit. Walk, follow the directions of your doctor and best of luck. Stay in touch on this site - it is grat support and answers questions either your doctor won't answer or you forget to ask.
Take care and enjoy the ride..
Melinda in Florida

I am one of the ones that cannot eat salad anymore. Well, sometimes I get lucky and get a few bites but usually it ends up with a bad sticking episode and lots of slime and PB. I know how you feel about - "I used to eat that and more" WoW, no wonder I was fat. I am amazed at how little I eat and I am still healthy and alive. Down 104 in 1 yr so this thing does work. Congrats on your weight loss and your journey - By the way, chicken Cesear salad sure sounds good. maybe just the chicken and the dressing for me. hahaha
Melinda in Florida

kkccmom - congratulations - only two weeks to go. go for it and hang in there. The liquid Protein diet can be a bummer but it isn't too bad. Try them in your blender, with ice and some extracts. It really does help the flavor. In fact one of the ones I fix tastes like an almond joy and I am a pickey eater. You can do this. 50, 60 whatever age, you are strong and you are doing this for YOU and YOUR HEALTH. Good luck my friend and stay in touch
Melinda in Florida (60 yr old)

Bonnie - you crack me up - glad you weren't expecting a hot chick to pop out of this band thing. I will share this. I work at a large State University and today, I am wearing a skort (size 12 proudly said) and it is kind of short. Well, I have received compliments all days about my legs and how skinny I am getting. WOO HOO..skinny and my name in the same sentence - wow, I thought that ship had sailed but I guess not. So I may be too old to hot in in swim suit, but apparently I can still wear a short skirt ! I loved the 60's and min skirts ! hehehehe
Have a great weekend.
Melinda in Florida

Momo20 - So glad your surgery went well and that you are doing soooo good. Get lots of rest but don't forget to walk as much as you can. The gas will come (trust me !). I am so excited for you and your new journey. Best of luck. The next couple of days can be a bit stange, but work through it and you will be great by Mon or Tues.
Mariamaria - Happy for you too. Glad your surgery went well. Take care and follow those directions the doc gave you and you will continue to do great. Have a great weekend both of you..
Melinda in Florida

Missmobaby - congratulations I am so happy for you. Yep, we all had second (and third) thoughts. Not so much for me prior to surgery, But after - What the H___LL have I done? Well, that was 1 yr and 104 pounds ago. I only had second thoughts ( and some discomfort) for a few days. I would not go back to the old me for anything. Even on my bad days when my band feels really tight or I would really like to have a banana split with a pizza chaser..It was a decision that has probably saved my life or at least made it longer. I love this website and the support from everyone so when feeling down (or alone in this battle) sign-on..it really does help. Good luck and best wishes on that healthier you....
Melinda in Florida

Carpe - yep, know the feeling. I was about 5 days out when I wondered what the H_LL had I done to myself and why. Some of that is the meds wearing off. Yes, you have a new life now. The mushies are not the greatest, but try to eat stuff you like (oatmeal, mashed potatoes, SF pudding etc) it is better than Clear Liquids ! You may not be able to have them when you begin eating food again (not allowed by my doctor). This crummy feeling is temporary. About day 10 - a cloud lifted, I began walking (for real), tracking what I ate and dedicating myself to ME for a change. That was 1 year ago (in July). I am now down 104 pounds and that is an entire person - a skinny person - but a person just the same. I would NOT go back - even for a large thin and crispy pizza with extra pepperoni. I feel healthier, I have my spark back. I can play with my grandchildren and not run out of air or gas.
I know you are a bit down and I do get it. I think most of us felt this way at some point but you can do this. You went through a bunch of tests and appointments before the surgery. So hang in there, have a glass of Water - put it in a sexy glass or something..make yourself feel special because you are!!!!! Good luck and stay in touch.
Melinda in Florida

Carpe - yep, know the feeling. I was about 5 days out when I wondered what the H_LL had I done to myself and why. Some of that is the meds wearing off. Yes, you have a new life now. The mushies are not the greatest, but try to eat stuff you like (oatmeal, mashed potatoes, SF pudding etc) it is better than Clear Liquids ! You may not be able to have them when you begin eating food again (not allowed by my doctor). This crummy feeling is temporary. About day 10 - a cloud lifted, I began walking (for real), tracking what I ate and dedicating myself to ME for a change. That was 1 year ago (in July). I am now down 104 pounds and that is an entire person - a skinny person - but a person just the same. I would NOT go back - even for a large thin and crispy pizza with extra pepperoni. I feel healthier, I have my spark back. I can play with my grandchildren and not run out of air or gas.
I know you are a bit down and I do get it. I think most of us felt this way at some point but you can do this. You went through a bunch of tests and appointments before the surgery. So hang in there, have a glass of Water - put it in a sexy glass or something..make yourself feel special because you are!!!!! Good luck and stay in touch.
Melinda in Florida

Well, at least you like meat ! That would take care of the Protein requirements but I think you might get a bit crazy only eating that. My doctor says no fruit (so no bananas). I do eat fish (not fried) but I also eat crab and shrimp. chicken, Turkey, Ham, Beef are all ok (on my plan) but I do eat green Beans, cabbage, salad and stuff like that. I do eat corn. My problem now is that my band is so tight leafy vegies now don't do so good and corn can be a problem. You are in for a tough time due to what you like/don't like. Try eating the "diet" prior to surgery for a few days and see if you can deal with it.
I am a picky eater, but I have managed. I am 1 yr post op and down 104 pounds. My doctor does allow soda but only diet and only 1 per day. I do drink Protein drinks ever few days in order to stay healthy. Remember, you don't want to have the surgery and then eat the wrong things. That would create a problem that could get nasty and require you to have additional surgery. Just too dangerous to mess with.
Good luck and hang in there.
Melinda in Florida

Well, at least you like meat ! That would take care of the Protein requirements but I think you might get a bit crazy only eating that. My doctor says no fruit (so no bananas). I do eat fish (not fried) but I also eat crab and shrimp. chicken, Turkey, Ham, Beef are all ok (on my plan) but I do eat green Beans, cabbage, salad and stuff like that. I do eat corn. My problem now is that my band is so tight leafy vegies now don't do so good and corn can be a problem. You are in for a tough time due to what you like/don't like. Try eating the "diet" prior to surgery for a few days and see if you can deal with it.
I am a picky eater, but I have managed. I am 1 yr post op and down 104 pounds. My doctor does allow soda but only diet and only 1 per day. I do drink Protein drinks ever few days in order to stay healthy. Remember, you don't want to have the surgery and then eat the wrong things. That would create a problem that could get nasty and require you to have additional surgery. Just too dangerous to mess with.
Good luck and hang in there.
Melinda in Florida

Relax proverbdoll and snielsen..it will happpen. I am 1 yr post op. You loose a bunch then nothing and then it repeats itself. Just keep on doing the right things - eating right, drinking lots of Water and walking (or whatever exercise is your thing). My last "dry spell" lasted almost 4 months with NOTHING. then poof - down 9.5 in 3 weeks- without changing a thing. You didn't gain it all overnight and it is doing to leave overnight. Stay patient and positive (that really does help). I am down 104 with 40+ to go so I am still in the working hard stage. Hope you both are feeling great.
Melinda in Florida

Carpe - yep, know the feeling. I was about 5 days out when I wondered what the H_LL had I done to myself and why. Some of that is the meds wearing off. Yes, you have a new life now. The mushies are not the greatest, but try to eat stuff you like (oatmeal, mashed potatoes, SF pudding etc) it is better than Clear Liquids ! You may not be able to have them when you begin eating food again (not allowed by my doctor). This crummy feeling is temporary. About day 10 - a cloud lifted, I began walking (for real), tracking what I ate and dedicating myself to ME for a change. That was 1 year ago (in July). I am now down 104 pounds and that is an entire person - a skinny person - but a person just the same. I would NOT go back - even for a large thin and crispy pizza with extra pepperoni. I feel healthier, I have my spark back. I can play with my grandchildren and not run out of air or gas.
I know you are a bit down and I do get it. I think most of us felt this way at some point but you can do this. You went through a bunch of tests and appointments before the surgery. So hang in there, have a glass of Water - put it in a sexy glass or something..make yourself feel special because you are!!!!! Good luck and stay in touch.
Melinda in Florida

Carpe - yep, know the feeling. I was about 5 days out when I wondered what the H_LL had I done to myself and why. Some of that is the meds wearing off. Yes, you have a new life now. The mushies are not the greatest, but try to eat stuff you like (oatmeal, mashed potatoes, SF pudding etc) it is better than Clear Liquids ! You may not be able to have them when you begin eating food again (not allowed by my doctor). This crummy feeling is temporary. About day 10 - a cloud lifted, I began walking (for real), tracking what I ate and dedicating myself to ME for a change. That was 1 year ago (in July). I am now down 104 pounds and that is an entire person - a skinny person - but a person just the same. I would NOT go back - even for a large thin and crispy pizza with extra pepperoni. I feel healthier, I have my spark back. I can play with my grandchildren and not run out of air or gas.
I know you are a bit down and I do get it. I think most of us felt this way at some point but you can do this. You went through a bunch of tests and appointments before the surgery. So hang in there, have a glass of Water - put it in a sexy glass or something..make yourself feel special because you are!!!!! Good luck and stay in touch.
Melinda in Florida

Carolinagirl - the first one was a bit scarey - not sure what to expect. But I have not had a single problem with my fills. It helps renew your spirit and your dedication a bit.
Melinda in Florida

Kwood - congrats on your surgery tomorrow. Relax and enjoy your evening. Look at it this way. It is the END of the PRE-OP diet . Tomorrow will go by quickly and you won't have time to be nervous. This is a new adventure and a heathier, skinnier you is in your future. Best Wishes and when you feel up to it, let us know how you are doing..
Melinda in Florida

Carolinagirl..I am Tricare Prime (South) and I have had four floroscope fills and a few regular fills. Tricare has paid for them all (I paid the co-pay). I see the doctor monthly and have for over a year and every one has been covered. As for getting a referral - my surgeon does that out of his office so I don't have to worry about it. In fact, my appointments are set for the rest of this calendar year.
Melinda in Florida

HelloDolly - I get the head hungry ! I wish they made a "lapband for the brain" too. Can you imagine the $$ you would make if you invented that?
Melinda in Florida