sally125

Yes, I got a card from my physician also. I haven't used the card yet because my husband and I have been trying something new...we order one meal and split it. It saves money and calories. No one notices anything because we also have kids that order adult meals.

I've been banded for 2 weeks and have done extremely well up until the last 4-5 days. I'm hungry! I eat less than what I did before but still too much. This is the hardest time for me trying not to eat like I did before. I've tried to stay on the mushy diet, but find myself eating other things and just chewing until it's applesauce. I haven't had a bit of trouble with it. I just want a super fill right now so I don't feel the hunger. Is this normal? What do you do? Please advise.

You said it readytogoforit...to my knowledge, there is only one higher power and He is the one I answer too...not the lady in the office.

I so get what you are saying about falling back into the old ways. This is why they call this time bandster hell. I'm 2 weeks out and have had a great difficulty with portion sizes more than what I eat. It's hard to go decades of fat-filled meals and hourly snacks to eating 1/2 cup of nutritionally filled food. Yes, this is the preferred way, but sometimes we fall...we have to go from this meal forward, realize our purpose, and forgive ourselves. We tell our kids to get back up when they fall...and this is what we must do for ourselves. I know this is much easier said than done because I'm fighting myself many hours of the day. I've gone from snacking on 2-3 candy bars a day along with at least a 12 pack of Diet Coke down to refried beans and Malt-O-Meal. It's not easy, but ohhhh, it will be so worth it. My advice: take it one day at a time, keep a food journal, continue with the support groups and forum, and forgive yourself if you fall.

Thanks DawnH. I love refried beans and I've been having those cravings. I think I've eaten more in the past week than I have in a lifetime.

I saw that some of you do not eat refried beans. Maybe a no brainer, but is it because of the gas or what is the reason. I'm asking because I considered refried beans a good source of protien and a soft, mushie food, so I order them. I just want to avoid some trials if possible.

Love this thread. I'm like everyone else...I want to throw away my bp pills, wear stilleto heels, and look good in whatever outfit I'm strutting around in. I can't wait until I can cross my legs without it feeling like a battle to keep them crossed. My highlight will be when I don't have to worry about the maximum weight capacity on the Water rides at White Water, can go on the zip line with my kids, and wear a bathing suit that doesn't look like I'm apparently hiding my body.

When did you start exercising after your surgery?

Thank you so much Allison. I've read about bandster hell and now realize what it is...wow...Unfortunately, we can't go cold turkey off food like a soda drinker can or smoker can. Will power against food hasn't been my strength, which is what got me here, but I am truly inspired by everyone. I will admit, I can't wait to feel full, not hungry, and even eat too much and get sick.

I have to admit...I am a sugarholic, chocoholic, snackoholic...anything with sugar, fat, and chocolate. I wasn't doing well until my husband found some sugar free pudding that is chocolate, boston creme pie, and a mix of chocolate vanilla. It's 60 calories each with 3-6 grams of protien in each. The portion is right. I wouldn't have been able to do it without them. I've also enjoyed some sugar free popsicles. The boston creme pie pudding is the best as it has a chocolate top and the creme bottom. I know it's not something I can eat all day long, but it absolutely curves the cravings.

That is so great! Keep up the great weight loss. You can do it.

I want to do this challenge! Banded a week ago and think this is a great motivator. I'm still not able to do the ticker thing...can anyone give me some more direction. I couldn't get it to paste. I've made my ticker, but can't get it to show up here.

I'm so excited!! I got on the scale this morning and found that I was under 250, which is a miracle for me. I haven't seen this weight since birth. I've spent most of my life around the 280-300 range. I went through a period where I was on liquids only and my body wouldn't let go of the weight, so I had to up the calories and protien to find that I started going down again (tip I got from this great forum). This truly stokes the "I can do it" attitude.

Yes, I feel so good. This has been the hardest struggle for me. I'm one of those people who would hit at least one drive-thru restaurant for a snack and then get another full meal at the next one. Sadly, I could eat the first meal while waiting in line for the next one. Eating at home has made such a difference. I've been learning how to create tasty meals for my family, and they like them. I didn't realize how tired my kids were from eating out all the time and eating in the car.

Oh to cheat or not to cheat. It is hard to stand at the stove preparing a meal for the family and not dip a big spoon into something. I didn't cheat, but my doctor's office allowed me to have the full liquids the second day postop and have cottage cheese now that I'm 5 days out. I know I was just ready to chew something, and it didn't really matter what it was. Always check with you're doctor so you can stay the course...and read this forum.

Thanks for the insight everyone. I'm 5 days postop now and had the best night sleep last night...yeah! The pillow holding my side as I turned really worked. I'm so ready for this journey and glad the night was restful.

I was banded on Monday and don't believe I have had it too bad with discomfort instead of pain. I've slept in a recliner a few nights and took a few naps in my bed with many pillows to elevate my head. Prior to being banded, I always slept on my side. I'm trying to wait patiently to get back to my side, but need some ideas if any of you sleep on your sides. I don't seem to be able to get through the night just on my back.

Wow, ya'll are truly amazing. I was banded on Monday and my first preop appointment next week. I am so inspired by you all, but discouraged with myself. I had to do the 2 week protien shake diet and then haven't had more than 400 calories a day since Saturday and haven't lost any weight. Please keep posting your progress because it is something I truly look forward to reading.

Everyone is different, and there is no answer for everyone. I was banded on Monday and have some discomfort but not what I would call true pain. I got out of the house today for a few hours and think I may have been better if I would have just stayed home. The liquid diet is what's getting to me right now. I just want to chew up some meat...anything but a protien shake or clear liquid. My doctor's office kept stating to me it is so important to get enough rest and heal (liquids only) and then I can start the weight loss and eating ventures.

I just used BCBSIL and did not have to do it with 6 consecutive months. Make sure your doctor writes up what the plan is and what you are doing in great detail. I was almost denied because of "not enough documentation." Luckily, my food journals were also used with the doctor signing them as I took them to the visits.

Agree - Hang in there. My insurance company did the same thing. I ended up calling them every day and wanting my case reviewed...talked to supervisors. It was a very stressful time, but after requesting a review, the insurance company approved me. I never had to change the date and was banded Monday. This was one of the most frustrating times. Also, check your insurance to see if it says 6 months consecutive or just 6 months. I know of another bandster who did not have 6 months straight and was approved.

Thanks for the information. I was just worried that I would have the worst of luck and not loose any weight. I am so ready to start taking it off.

I was banded yesterday and knew about the possible gas pains and should pain, but don' thave them. I do have some pain (more discomfortlike) on the left side of my abdomen and in the center where the largest incision was made. Is this normal? I also don't show that I've lost an ounce even though I have been on Clear liquids or a Water diet. Just wondering if others had this right after surgery and if their weight dropped soon. Thank you for all the advice...I truly enjoy reading the forum.

Congrats on getting banded tomorrow! Keep us updated on your progress and experiences.

Hello everyone. I've read this forum for several months now and have found ya'll to be a great inspiration. I began my diet today and have followed the rules...a shake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and 3 shake snacks. To my surprise, I haven't been hungry. Tomorrow may be more of a reality for me though. I like to suggestion of drinking lots of broth. My surgery is September 26. I've had those second thoughts, but always come back to wanting to get it done. I'm settled with this decision as it has been a very long time coming.