Kate rules

I got stuck on cold water - weird! Try a heating pad.

Day 10 was magic for me. mushy stage favorite: Lima beans!

I've had red meat during mushy stage. I get it cooked medium rare, cut into tiny pieces, and chew carefully. I'm actually enjoying food more because I eat less and really taste the food rather than craving the full feeling in my tummy. I'm doing ham as well. I chop up spiral cut ham and throw in with my mashed potatoes. Yum!

That's so awesome!

U doing protein shakes?

I've only lost 6 pounds since surgery but 2 inches off waist and hips (haven't done other measurements). I'm back into my size 14 pants for first time in forever. They look good... so, it is very possible and I'm loving whatever progress I make.

3 weeks post op. Still having port and incision pain. Eating what I want but much less than I used to.

I'm doing Premier Protein. Get pre-packaged at sams club. 18 dollars for 12 shakes. 30 grams protein, 160 cals, 400 calcium, 1 g sugar. Tastes pretty good. My kids constantly bug me for sips. When I'm feeling a little bored, I throw in blender w ice.

Surgery at 1215 hours, stayed overnight due to large hernia repair - we knew that was coming - and a liver biopsy. I was out at 1400 hours the next day. Took a total of one week off. I had a lot of post-op gas and incision pain. My job requires carrying of firearm, so had to take off due to narcotics in my system. On light duty total of 6 weeks, hopefully going back next week because I'M GOING INSANE!!

I'm so sorry! I lost weight by pretending I had a lapband already. Wasn't easy but I dropped 27 pounds in 6 weeks before surgery - no all liquid diet, I just ate less. But it sucked being hungry. Try protein shakes between smaller meals. It helped me. I will be thinking about you.

You're doing great. Don't let anyone get you down.

UGH!!! UGH!!! I am so freakin hungry. UGH!!! UGH!!! I broke down and got mashed potatoes.

Go Shauna!!!!! Lisa, just emailed you.

I'm doing minimum 60 from a combination of shakes, eggs, meat and beans. I work 10 hours a day so I always take 2 shakes (60 g protein) with me, just in case.

The chokey. For you Roald Dahl fans out there, you know what the chokey is.

You go, girl! I'm so thrilled for you!

I have NO restriction but I am doing better with willpower. Had an unfortunate lunch today (pizza) but had only two small slices instead of eating the whole dang thing! That takes willpower for me, so I am pleased! I am coming up on the monthly water retention experience myself so I am hoping for a lower number on the scale this time next week. I'm not putting any pressure on myself because I would rather lose slower and make it stick this time!

3 weeks out from banding. No fill. Haven't found anything I can't eat yet. I've kind of strayed from my mushie diet and can eat anything I want. I had thin crust pizza earlier. Now have to go for a walk to get it off my hips and thighs.

I would take measurements and look at size charts on the clothing manufacturer website to find a size chart. Also, when is the last time you were professionally fitted for a bra? I noticed yesterday that my clothing appears quite different when you have proper support. I took off the sports bra and put on my 38DDD, which is a change from the 40DDD I was a month ago. I just happened to have the right size at home in the drawer. But shazam! As soon as I put on everything looked better.

I'm just getting back into my size 14 pants and skirts. I have quite a few sizes of pants right now for work and tons of jeans, but my nice stuff is all too small still. I'm buying new workout t-shirts at walmart for 5 bucks a pop. I plan to take some of my business attire to the tailor and have them insert darts or whatever they do to make you look good. I once heard Jackie O had a fashion philosophy that clothes look best when they fit properly, so I'm going to emphasize my new, smaller waistline! It's like getting a whole new wardrobe!

BUT... I held a fashion show for my hubby today and I got my favorite jeans pulled all the way up. I couldn't get them past my calves when I first started this process. I have to lose another 4 inches off hips to get them buttoned. I know my pattern of weight loss, so I'm thinking another 15 pounds and it is gonna be easy slipping into my jeans. No wiggling, sucking in needed or muffin top problems. I can't wait! I can't wait!

Oh no! I just looked at the carefirst website and they say I owe my surgeons office 8000! I'm sure it will get straightened out but in the mean time I am freaking out. I already emailed the insurance coordinator and asked her for help. I met all the insurance requirements but who knows what the problem is? Hate this! Totally stressing. Can't wait to see what they do with the 23000 hospital bill. Meanwhile, they are holding over 800 of my money they owe me! I'm so t-d off! Ugh! Sorry for rant! On a happy note, just bought airline tickets for my cruise. Everyone: its 137 days until I leave and I have 23 pounds to lose! Hope I can do!

I was able to pull my size 10 abercrombie and fitch jeans all the way up - still have 4 inches to lose off hips before they get buttoned. But before you feel sorry for me: I couldn't pull them up past my knees when I started May 17. 15 pounds and I will be a sexy mama in my favorite super soft jeans. Banded July 5. On my way... Sounds like everyone else too! Congrats on your awesome accomplishments!

Shauna, in what area (state) do you live? Maybe we can all network... what are band buddies for? I'm in DC area.

I'm so sorry! what can we do to help?