mrwindt

I can really relate to so many of the comments already mentioned on this thread. I'm having both good feelings about how things are going, as well as mixed feelings - knowing how much further I have to go. (I know, intellectually, it's only 2 weeks. And I've had an issue with weight for over 40 years. So it's not going to happen overnight. But, I've been so good. And it would be nice to have that magic bullet!) Today is just 2 weeks since surgery. I've been doing really well. I was on one week of Clear Liquids and one week of full liquids. Tomorrow I start mush. Basically, I have been satisfied with the amount I'm eating, though it has been very limited. I have been getting Protein through a clear liquid Protein Drink and some shakes, and have had very little calories. It' s my head that would like to eat more. Today, however, was a real challenge. I had to go to a business luncheon and sat at a table with people I don't know. Since I knew I would still be on liquids, I had already made arrangements that I wouldn't be eating the catered meal. I did bring a protein drink and some yogurt - which I did get the nerve to take out of my briefcase and eat, while everyone else was having a full catered meal. (Oh, the beef filet and mashed potatos looked so delicious!) I did get through the meal and felt good about not going off "program". But my mind really wanted to eat. Plus, I was hungry. So I came home and had some hummus - the 1st time I had something other than liquid. It was delicious. Tomorrow I have another big luncheon - again it's with people I don't know. It's another business function. I did call the caterer to see if I could have some soup. And I'll bring a yogurt just in case. Oh, I can't wait until I'm back on some regular food. These luncheons seem especially difficult because I'm with people I don't know. So, without going into a whole big discussion, I'm sure they're looking at the fat person, who's skipping the meal and eating yogurt, and wondering what's going on. I certainly don't look like someone who only eats yogurt for lunch! Thank goodness, I don't have these types of meetings too often. it just so happends I had 2 this week. I hope that my 2 week doctor's visit tomorrow goes well and that I see some results on the scale. Perhaps then I'll feel better! Thanks for listening.

I agree with the unjury Protein drink. It's really very good. I also had Isopure clear liquid Protein Drink. I thought it was very good, though a number of people in the support group thought it was awful. But I've been having it for the past 1 1/2 weeks. It's clear liquid (so good for the clear liquid phase), has no carbs and 40 grams of protein! Good luck. Mary

I had my surgery 1 week ago, on 8/26 and went for my follow-up visit this afternoon - 9/3. I'm so thrilled. In the 1st week since surgery, I lost 11 pounds. And totally in the past 3 weeks, which includes the 2 week pre-op diet I was on, I've lost a total of 25 pounds! I *know* this won't continue at this rate, but I feel really good about the beginning. And I can *wish* it would continue at this rate! Anyway, I'm onto the Phase II - "full liquid". Tonight's sugar free, fat free, lactose free chocolate pudding was like luxury! Wishing us all continued success. Mary

It's called Isopure. Got it at the health food store. It's sold as a Protein drink/energy drink. Actually, it's not bad. Several flavors - tastes like flavored Water. (though a week of it is enough for me!) Mary

Hi I wasn't banded on the 20th - but a few days after you all on the 26th. I am also going back to work tomorrow (I actually went in today for a few hours to check the mail, etc.) AND, I also am getting skinny ankles! (I'm not sure I'd really say skinny yet, but they are getting there!) I've been on Clear Liquids for the last week and have been doing OK. I've been having a clear liquid Protein drink - no fat, no carbs, and 40 grams of protein - so I really haven't been hungry (I'm amazed). But, I am having only 3-400 calories a day and am getting worried about "starvation" mode. I see the doctor on Wednesday for post op (that will be 1 week, 1 day) and was going to wait until I see him before I start full liquids. I can't wait for the mushy phase though. I think anything will be delicious! I know I've lost some weight already - even if it's primarily Water weight. And I know that this will be slow. But I must say, there's the emotional part of me that feels like I should have lost 100 pounds by now - with how little I've been eating! Good luck to all of you (us) who are going back to work tomorrow. Mary

Alexandra I've been following your posts and have a question. If I remember correctly, you had your surgery on 8/20. I'm right behind you - on 8/26. So, you're just 1 1/2 weeks post-op. Correct? And you're on mushy food already??? I'm amazed. I am just 4 days post-op and am on Clear liquids until next Tuesday, then I have a week of full liquids (Protein drinks and yogurt, etc.), before I am allowed to go to mushy foods in week three. I'm surprised that you are able to be on mushy (and soft?) already. Nice to hear though. What are the guidelines your doctor gives you? Your words of wisdom about protein are helpful. Actually, I'm pretty amazed I'm not starving right now. I've been having basically clear broth, Jello, fruit juice popsicles - AND a clear liquid Protein, which I think really helps. But I must say, I'm ready for the next phase. I'm sick of the clear liquids. Thanks for all your helpful posts. Mary

Good morning. Well, it's my second day post-op. I slept very well last night. No problems sleeping on my side, with a pillow propped up a little. I'm up and not even hungry this morning. Did have a little Jello and now having my Water. I am tired though. I don't want to get too lazy, but I do think I'll take a nap in a little while. The biggest pain I have is in my neck. I don't know why - perhaps the position in surgery (?) - but it's sore. Other than that, I'm just a little tender around all the incisions. Elizabeth - good luck! Alexandra - thanks for your note. I have enjoyed your posts and am right behind you. Mary

I'm offically an August Bandster! I had my surgery yesterday, Tuesday, August 26th at 7:30 AM, with Dr. Erlich in Norwalk, CT. Things went very smoothly with the surgery and recovery, though I did have a rough night sleeping (Through miscommunication at the hospital, the nurses and PAs said my doctor told them I could not use my CPAP machine. I therefore had a terrible night. Turns out my doctor never told anyone that and was disturbed to hear it!) I had my barium x-ray this morning (Wednesday) and was discharged by 10 AM! I'm not in much pain at all, just very tired. Hopeing to get back my strength in the next day or two - and looking forward to all the new discoveries as a bandster. Mary

Talk about the jitters. I'm scheduled for 7:30 tomorrow morning - August 26th. Wish me luck. Mary

I'll be banded a week from tomorrow, on August 26th. I'm really beginning to feel the pre-op jitters. Not related to the surgery itself, but what life will be like after the band. I am looking forward to the band as a tool - but it's so scary. Some of Alexandra's (and some others) previous posts really hit home with me. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, hesitant, a little sad, and really scared that I won't be able to do it. Last night I went out to dinner with a friend (my former Water aerobics instructor!) and she asked how I felt about having my last "big" meal out at a restaurant. I keep telling myself what I've heard - that I will be able to eat out - just differently. But it's so strange. I really like to eat! But then I have to look at myself and know that I'm doing this for my health and long term benefits - and that the food isn't so important. Yes, I keep telling myself that! Good luck to all of us August bandsters. Mary