Nechama L

That actually sounds REALLY good!

When my office changed insurances, I went from having to do a ton of things to get approved to only needing a BMI of 40! You might get lucky, try!!

LMAO I am so highly amused by the name you gave your bands! You guys are awesome

I'm confused... why haven't you called your doctor about this? From everything I read, you should go back to liquids only for a couple days while the swellng goes down. However, if something like that happened to me and I kept getting stuck, the first thing I would do is call my doctor. I really urge you to call yours...

Hi All, Wanted to share some mushy dishes that I made on Friday. Plenty of leftovers and I seem to only eat about 3/4 - 1 cup at a sitting of each. 1. 1/2 block medium firm tofu, 1 can chick peas and 1 pkg defrosted frozen chopped spinach. I put it all in a food processor then seasoned to taste. Kind of blank but goes down nicely when warmed. 2. Boiled til soft cauliflower, 1/4 container ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup marinara sauce. Same instructions as above. I feel like these give me plenty of protein and veggies. For a snack I have been having a tbsp at a time of sugar free pudding and for breakfast I had a Chobani yogurt (needed to add Equal to it because it is not sweet at all!!) Hope everyone else is adjusting to their journeys as well

You need to figure out why you are drinking. If it is because the food is not moist enough, maybe consider introducing more condiments and sauces to your meals. If it is more of a social/behavioral habit, then the easiest way is to start off by using a smaller cup, pouring less, and gradually weaning yourself off the habit.

This was my first thought when I read the post.

That is what I thought, but I wasn't sure! Thanks so much for the happy anniversary wishes Mushies for me on Sunday. I am trying to figure out what I will have first

Wow this is so cool! And Kosher (which is something that is hard to find in a lot of the health food products out there but something I need!) Thanks for the tip! Did your nutritionist say you should go the fat free route as opposed to sugar free with things like pudding?

Serifa, I think a lot depends on what kind of work you do. I am an administrative assistant. I had the surgery on Thursday last week and was back to work on Tuesday. Did I feel 100%? Heck, no. I don't even feel 100% now. However, I sit at a desk and so I was able to get through the work week feeling 70-80% the whole time.

As the day wears on, the pain does ease up. I heard it is from the gas they put in to inflate your stomach. I delivered 2, both induced, one via c-section after hours of labor didnt work, and trust me, that was HELL compared to this Laproscopic surgery is really a breeze. It's my second time around for laproscopic surgery (gall bladder removal in 2004) and honestly, it is really not bad.

The itchiness is definitely the incision sites healing, I remember that from when I had my gall bladder removed (the surgeon was kind enough to use my old scars for 3 of the 4 incisions this time around). I am having the worst left shoulder pain. It is unbearable at times and I can't sleep or function sometimes because it just throbs. Anyone else having this problem?

Sounds cheaper than a week's worth of groceries.

I think that is awesome! My husband and I are both on weight loss journeys as well, but he decided to take the Atkins route and I got banded Good luck to both of you!

The thing you do need to realize is that yeasty breads and pastas will likely get stuck by your band. And, I hope you do not take this the wrong way, but you don't exactly have a healthy relationship with food. Your weekly intake didnt sound like it included anything good for you, fried foods being a prime example. I know that you found a nutritionist who was less a "no" person and a psychologist who gave you a green light, but you should also take a step back and realize that they were not saying what they said to be mean, but because they really believe that there are things you need to address before you take such a drastic step in life. My mother is 600 pounds in a hospital and I would never want to end up like her. As much as I love breads and pastas, I realized that I had to accept that what I was doing to myself was not the key to longevity and instead of finding loopholes or someone who would take my side in my battle with good foods vs foods I loved, I needed to face my reality. I see so many people on here who get the band and then "cheat" and follow that up with complaining that the band doesn't "work". We all need to realize that obesity is a disease that is both psychological and physical and address all the elements together. Good luck to you on your journey. Nechama

Stan, your doctor put you on mushies right away??

This is really something you should ask your doctor about because each surgeon is different.

Shauna, they test for quite a few things when they do the blood work, worrying about what they test for wont help! When I was tested I worried but never in my wildest dreams would I think they would discover I have a clotting factor deficiency. As to the powders, I would suggest you look online, sometimes you can be surprised to find cheaper prices even with the shipping when you go the online route.

Thanks, Lizzy!

I met with my personal nutritionist last night and told her my goal is to be a size 8 and she said that is impossible. I dont know why, though I never was. I mean, I am 5'6" , medium build, so why the heck not? I asked her if it is because of my hips and she justs aid she didnt see it as realistic. I said listen, I dont think it will happen in a year but that is what I want. I didnt think it was my dream goal but maybe it is and maybe it isnt realistic

Can't help ya there but wanted to tell you I was very entertained by your blog!

I was wondering the same thing! Looking forward to hearing some responses. I know from watching a friend of mine that you must get used to it eventually because she didnt seem to be sitting there overfocusing. She had hers done 3 years ago. I guess our comfort levels are different. For me, I have a huge vomitting fear so I am really worried that I will cause slippage simply by preventing myself FROM vomiting.

No BM here either, but I did have during my 2 weeks of liquid diet where all I had was 5 protein shakes each day. However, I am not gassy or uncomfortable, so I am guessing that there is nothing waiting on line to come on down the pipe! How's that for graphic hee hee

How did you all decide what your goal weight was?

You should try Miralax...