waitingpatiently

The band was the best thing I have done for myself in a decade!!
I love:
1. watching the Water completely cover my belly by 6-8 inches!!
2. being able to hike an 11 mile trail (it about killed me, but I did it)
3. the reactions of friends and family that havent seen me in a while
4.i love the self confidence it has given me
5. i love being just a normal sized person in a crowd
6. I absolutely LOVE when I feel my husbands hand trace my side and I feel it dip in at my waist instead of it bulging out.---thats my favorite.!!
7. I love the transformation not only phyically, but emotionaly and spiritually as well

The band was the best thing I have done for myself in a decade!!
I love:
1. watching the Water completely cover my belly by 6-8 inches!!
2. being able to hike an 11 mile trail (it about killed me, but I did it)
3. the reactions of friends and family that havent seen me in a while
4.i love the self confidence it has given me
5. i love being just a normal sized person in a crowd
6. I absolutely LOVE when I feel my husbands hand trace my side and I feel it dip in at my waist instead of it bulging out.---thats my favorite.!!
7. I love the transformation not only phyically, but emotionaly and spiritually as well

I love this site!! You guys are great!! Thanks for all the different ideas...I will try to hunt some of them down this week!!

Ok so I have been (am) on the hunt for low carb foods that will replace chips. And boy have I tried a lot!! Anyway i ran across a product the other day that I think will help.
The are called Moon Pops. They are kind of like very thin rice cakes. I wouldn't say they are flavorfull....more like the absence of flavor. But they are crunchy and thats what I needed.
They have 16 calories/0 fat/ 4 carbs for 1 piece about a 6" circle. They don't hold up well to heat, they get rubbery--like a stale cheese puff. but they are good with a thin layer of Peanut Butter or a thin layer of cream cheese and sugar free jam, a thin layer of your favorite dip....I even put a thin layer of refriend Beans, cheese and ff sour cream.
They real have no flavor so they just provide the crunch I was looking for.
I found them at kroger in virginia, but have not seen then anywhere else...maybe on line.
Just thought I would share.
Does anyone else have a good suggestion? I have considered veggies already...while good...they taste like veggies with a topping.

Thanks everyone for all the prayers. prayer is what has kept me from falling apart. So keep them coming.
Janiece- as for what caused it? Just the luck of the draw. For about the last 2 years I have had numbing in my right leg especially when I exercise ( I have back issues so it wasn't a stretch that it was nerve related) but my dad had a genetic flaw in his aorta right at the belly button and he had to have part of his aorta and femoral arteries replaced... So in prep for this surgery I went and was tested to see if I had the same condition and was cleared.... After this my GP thought there was a chance I had a under lying small vein disorder. But after extensive testing I have been cleared. So... The only thing the doctors can come up with is that either I swelled more than expected causing the bandages to become too tight and cut the blood supply to the breast or that maybe I fell asleep with my arm across my chest ( which my husband did see me do) and that cut the blood supply. Neither of these would normally cause this much damage, but if it happened at a crucial time in the healing process, It was possible.

Thanks everyone for all the prayers. prayer is what has kept me from falling apart. So keep them coming.
Janiece- as for what caused it? Just the luck of the draw. For about the last 2 years I have had numbing in my right leg especially when I exercise ( I have back issues so it wasn't a stretch that it was nerve related) but my dad had a genetic flaw in his aorta right at the belly button and he had to have part of his aorta and femoral arteries replaced... So in prep for this surgery I went and was tested to see if I had the same condition and was cleared.... After this my GP thought there was a chance I had a under lying small vein disorder. But after extensive testing I have been cleared. So... The only thing the doctors can come up with is that either I swelled more than expected causing the bandages to become too tight and cut the blood supply to the breast or that maybe I fell asleep with my arm across my chest ( which my husband did see me do) and that cut the blood supply. Neither of these would normally cause this much damage, but if it happened at a crucial time in the healing process, It was possible.

Just be prepared for the recovery. I had a TT on may 22 followed by a breast reduction and lift on June 5. I guess I wasn't expecting to feel so drained and I'm getting a little restless sleeping in the recliner. But I'm feeling better today than I have in the last week so maybe I'm turning a corner.
The only other thing I would suggest is if you are in a relationship, make sure you prepare your man for what the girls are going to look like. I think my husband was a little overwhelmed with their appearance.
Good luck!

I had so much fun in those early months. Every time I did the laundry I had more clothes that were too big. I would stack them outside my closet door. It was fun to watch the pile get taller and taller as the months by. It wasn't long and the pile was almost as tall as i was and toppled over. It was a great visual reinforcer of the progress I was making when I was having a bad day.

I remember asking this same question right before I was banded--haha
I feel pretty much the same. I can feel my port. Now that I have lost all the weight, it does stick out a little and because of where it is my pants shorts sometime fall right on top of it... Which on occasion will be uncomfortable.
Internally I feel the same. Every once in a while I have a little pain or discomfort in the area I think my band is in, and i wonder if it is actually the band or something else. But it is very mild and doesn't alarm me at all.
The biggest difference for me is that I can actually feel the food leave the upper band pouch as it enters the lower stomach. Not painful... I just have that awareness.
Other than that it is not different than before. Good luck!

Same here. I remember thinking to my self "what have I done" . It seemed like everyone on the site did so well, some returned to work in less than a week. I guess because I had 2 hernias and some adhesions removed it was more painful....I don't know. But it took a good week before I felt like " ok I can do this" and probably another week before I was back on my feet and ready to make this work.
So hang in there. It will get better. I'm 15 months post op lost 88 pounds and at my goal weight of 148 pounds. Best thing I ever did for myself.

Same here. I remember thinking to my self "what have I done" . It seemed like everyone on the site did so well, some returned to work in less than a week. I guess because I had 2 hernias and some adhesions removed it was more painful....I don't know. But it took a good week before I felt like " ok I can do this" and probably another week before I was back on my feet and ready to make this work.
So hang in there. It will get better. I'm 15 months post op lost 88 pounds and at my goal weight of 148 pounds. Best thing I ever did for myself.

My doctor did offer both the realize system and the lapband. He said both had their pros and cons from a surgeons perspective but both did the job when the patient did their job. I went with lapband just because it has been around longer and I thought any kinks in the design were probably worked out. I haven't had any problems with it and I was at my goal weight within one year. I've lost 88 pounds now and I am 148 pounds. wootwoot!!

Great job!! It was those moments that kept me motivated!!! I'm at goal now and one of my favorite things is when my 17 year old athletic daughter comes and asks to borrow a piece of clothing that I have. We are only about 10 pounds apart now. It's crazy... But so much fun!!

Great job!! It was those moments that kept me motivated!!! I'm at goal now and one of my favorite things is when my 17 year old athletic daughter comes and asks to borrow a piece of clothing that I have. We are only about 10 pounds apart now. It's crazy... But so much fun!!

I am 15months post-op and have meet my goal weight (148pounds).
Breakfast: 2 egg whites/ 4 slices of pre poked bacon
lunch : 4 oz lean meat and a veggie
Snack: fruit or yogurt
Dinner: 4 oz lean meat and veggie

I have port pain from time to time for no reason. It just gets tender for a day or two. Doctor told me it was normal. As for it slipping, if you have been following the rules your chances of it being a slip is slim. If you haven't then it might put your mind at ease to schedule an appointment. But usually a slip will generate more serious symptoms like vomiting. But it never hurts to check in with the doc, that's what they are there for.
Good luck.

This list is comprised from the input I received under a thread I posted called Help Me Stock My Pantry, as well some of the things I have and will use as I progress through the different stages. Don’t feel that you need to purchase everything on the list. I wrote everything down and placed it in this document for you to print off and take to your doctor or dietician. They can mark off items they don’t want you to have or even add additional ones for you. Remember these are just suggestions. You need to know what YOUR doctor allows and at what stages. If you are unable to print the list or would like a copy for shopping please feel free to inbox me. My member name is waitingpatiently. Good Luck everyone. Stay motivated and focused and success is right around the corner.


Digital scale
Blender (consider the ones that you can blend using a travel mug) I bought this one at Walmart for $79 http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find&_ta=1&search_query=ninja%20kitchen%20system%20pulse&_tt=ninja
Heating Pad
Insulated Cooler (to carry premade food when out and about)
Small Plastic food Storage Containers (2oz and 4oz)
Chewable Calcium
Chewable Daily Vitamin
Gas X
liquid Tylenol
Benefiber (I mix this with the kellog’s Protein mix below) http://www.walmart.com/ip/Benefiber-Kiwi-Strawberry-Flavored-Fiber-Drink-Mix-Stick-Packs-24ct/17325206
Metamucil Clean and Clear
ChapStick
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Stage 1 Clear liquids
Protein Power: This is just going to be trail an error. Looks like the most popular are (Unjury, Jay Robin, Premiere, NewWhey)
Consider purchasing a unflavored variety to add to Soups and juices
Premixed Protein drinks –for when you are out and about
Canned chicken broth (the night before your surgery, consider simmering it with some veggies like carrots, onions, potatoes, even some of your favorite herbs. I would leave all the veggies in the broth until the next day. Then have someone strain them off, saving the broth for you)
Mrs. Dash Seasoning (for seasoning broth)
Favorite Soups Consider lower salt versions (use the larger size cans of Soup if they make them in your band. Then mix a couple of cans of chicken or beef broth with your favorite Soup. Simmer and strain)
SF Jello (both premade for convenience and boxed for when you feel like making it)
SF Popsicles
Pedialyte Popsicles
Kellogs Water ready Protein mix (link below)
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Special-K2O-Strawberry-Kiwi-Protein-Water-Mix-4.7-oz-10ct/10891803
SF Water Flavors (Crystal Light, Great Value,Mio Etc)
Gatorade G2 or Propell
Hebal Tea
Diet fruit Juices
NSA-Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix
Skim Milk
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Stage 1-Full Liquid -All of the above+
Cream Soups (thinned with water or skim milk)
(consider sprinkling ½ scoop of unflavored protein power into soup and blend…watch the temp of the soup….the protein power may clump at high temps.)
Lipton Cup-a-soup Cream of chicken soup/broth
SF pudding (premixed for convenience and boxed for later)
Yogurt (thinned out) (light or greek) blend well
Baby Foods (add a jar of baby food fruit with your Protein powder and thin with water or skim milk)
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Stage 2-Puree
Baby food meats
Chicken (pureed)
Fish (pureed)
Favorite Soups (pureed)
Cottage cheese
Egg Substitute
oatmeal (thinned)
Grits (thinned)
Cream of Wheat (thinned)
Applesauce other Fruit sauces
Canned Fruit- juice packed
Fresh Fruit (pureed)
Cooked Vegetables (pureed)
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Peanut Butter
Cheese (hard low carb)
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Stage 3-all of the above+
Boxed Cereals (high protein)
Saltine Crackers
Meatloaf (moist)
Baked Potato
Mac & Cheese
Refried Beans
Chicken salad
Tuna Salad
Chicken Stew
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I know you are worried about getting stuck, but rest assured that As long as You are on a liquid or soft diet and you take your time eating your chances of getting stuck are slim. When the day comes that you are getting solid foods like steak and chicken then you need to take it slow as you introduce foods and make sure you eat slowly and chew well. I'm almost 15 months out ( and met my goal weight) I can honestly say the half dozen times I have been stuck, was because I broke one of those two rules.
As for a BM, I would use a mild stool softener/laxative like Miralax or colace and it wouldn't hurt to add a probiotic yogurt (like activia) to your diet for a week or so.
Good luck

I know you are worried about getting stuck, but rest assured that As long as You are on a liquid or soft diet and you take your time eating your chances of getting stuck are slim. When the day comes that you are getting solid foods like steak and chicken then you need to take it slow as you introduce foods and make sure you eat slowly and chew well. I'm almost 15 months out ( and met my goal weight) I can honestly say the half dozen times I have been stuck, was because I broke one of those two rules.
As for a BM, I would use a mild stool softener/laxative like Miralax or colace and it wouldn't hurt to add a probiotic yogurt (like activia) to your diet for a week or so.
Good luck

I was banded about 14 months ago and have lost 83 pounds and have almost reached my goal weight of 149 pounds (I'm 153). I'm now focusing on correcting the physical scars that was done to my body (ie.. sagging skin) with plastic surgery. I have had the abdominalplasty (2 weeks post-op) and now I'm preparing for a breast reduction/lift in 48 hours!! (June 5). I hope after this I can put this behind me and live my happy healthy life!!!

I agree with ksaug21- I kept telling myself that that little pouch needed to heal and I wasn't going to do anything to mess this opportunity up. I know it's hard, but you can do this!
Try to look for places you can add Protein powder. That helps keep hunger at bay. I made Jello and pudding by adding unflavored Protein to the mix.
I bought chicken flavored unjury protein and added it to my different broths
If you are allowed unclear liquids, I drank the broth off of homemade pinto Beans and potato Soup (these are a little thicker and held me longer) --- put the Soup through a strainer before drinking it.
One thing I did discover during this time was that my band would swell a little after I walked. So by walking 15-20 mins a couple of times a day it would swell a little and take to desire to eat away.
Hope that helps.

I agree with ksaug21- I kept telling myself that that little pouch needed to heal and I wasn't going to do anything to mess this opportunity up. I know it's hard, but you can do this!
Try to look for places you can add Protein powder. That helps keep hunger at bay. I made Jello and pudding by adding unflavored Protein to the mix.
I bought chicken flavored unjury protein and added it to my different broths
If you are allowed unclear liquids, I drank the broth off of homemade pinto Beans and potato Soup (these are a little thicker and held me longer) --- put the Soup through a strainer before drinking it.
One thing I did discover during this time was that my band would swell a little after I walked. So by walking 15-20 mins a couple of times a day it would swell a little and take to desire to eat away.
Hope that helps.

I agree with ksaug21- I kept telling myself that that little pouch needed to heal and I wasn't going to do anything to mess this opportunity up. I know it's hard, but you can do this!
Try to look for places you can add Protein powder. That helps keep hunger at bay. I made Jello and pudding by adding unflavored Protein to the mix.
I bought chicken flavored unjury protein and added it to my different broths
If you are allowed unclear liquids, I drank the broth off of homemade pinto Beans and potato Soup (these are a little thicker and held me longer) --- put the Soup through a strainer before drinking it.
One thing I did discover during this time was that my band would swell a little after I walked. So by walking 15-20 mins a couple of times a day it would swell a little and take to desire to eat away.
Hope that helps.