feb27bandwoman

Sooooo many bariatric surgeons in new York........follow up so important. May I ask why you are going so far away to have the surgery? Sounds bizarre.

It is really great that we have the ability to start anew at the next meal , or the next day!!

Realizing that the band is NOT connected in any physical way to my brain!!! Had some upsetting news yesterday and came home to eat bread and butter.... My " pre-banded " life go to comfort foods. And I suffered most of the evening. Not pb'ing ,just that uncomfortable, tight feeling. I realize that I should have taken a breath and maybe done some cleaning, or any physical activity. Today is a new day and yesterday I learned a lesson!

Thank you ,Terry! Great article. And what to my surprise should I see when I open the page, but a photo of someone eating a pint of ice cream !!!! This could be me! I have been carrying on an affair with Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk.! Today is the day I call off the affair and deal with my emotions like a grown-up. The emotions of eating with the band are something I didn't realize would be so powerful. I deal with the physical parts every day, but I now will include the emotions of food in my routines.

If I were you, I'd go back to eating like a newly banded person. It doesn't sound like you had adequate follow up care . So I would say, start there as well. That's a long rut to be in for 8 years and eating pizza and gummie vitamins certainly is no way to work your band.

Rhoda- it is so hard to understand your posts. Are you posting while at work? I know that was the background in some of your previous posts....

Why go to Ohio? I don't understand. Nothing against Ohio, but your aftercare is soooooo important.....

Are you texting from work , again?

There is something wrong with a doctor who is " changing the rules" at every visit. There are a pretty standard set of rules that banders follow. That is not to say that there are some minor differences here and there. But, generally they are standard. Sounds like you need a new team.maybe you also have other issues that a psychologist could help you with.

You get a fill every month? Sounds bizarre. I would find another doctor, because either he is not listening to you or you are lying to him about what's going on. Also get with a support group and a nutritionist. Are you drinking with your meals?

I am almost one year post op and have lost almost 100 pounds.I think a lot of fat came off my shoulders(hahaha!), right where the bra straps lie. I get a " pinchy,sharp pain in that spot.....It feels better when I get the straps off!

I am almost one year banded and I am just now figuring out how to buy and cook appropriate amounts!!!! We used to consume a pound of pasta with meatballs and sausage.... Now, I make 1/4 or 1/2 pound of pasta and just buy enough ground beef for about 6 medium meatballs. It has taken a lot of " brain power" to get to this point. We now have a backlog of pasta, mashed potatoes, rice and Mac and cheese!!!!! Planning on donating to the local food pantry.

I use a Corning-Corelle small divided plate and I love it! They are so cute, I bought 6 of them. I hate having my foods touch! I also started using chopsticks.... More socially acceptable when eating out. But, I got a few smaller size utensils. They are like cocktail utensils and they do not look weird.

I love "Lose It"!!!!! Especially the bar code reader!!!!

After my surgery the nurses got me up every 2 hours ( I think! It was a little blurry!) to aid with breathing and more importantly prevent blood clots in the legs. No laying in bed. I think walking around on quieter(?) NYC streets might be a possibility, or walking in a nearby park. You do need to be active no matter where you are living.

I had some delicious teriyaki salmon for lunch one day at noon..... It repeated on me until the afternoon of the next day.... ! That is the only food that this has happened with.

The cookbook is great !

Working and texting? What kind of job?

Good luck! Nice way to start the new year!

I love cottage cheese with a tablespoon or two of low fat sour cream, or with 1/2 cup mandarin oranges or with freshly roasted beets..... Mmmmmmmm

Pre op I had blood work, EKG and chest x-ray. I also was required to attend a pre-op class taught by a nurse practitioner. There were about 15 pre op patients in the class, some brought a support person with them. The nurse covered all the pre op preparation, types of surgery, what to expect the day of surgery, foods post op, anesthesia, pain control, ambulating after surgery, getting things ready at home. I have to say, it was very helpful. The same nurse practitioner saw each of us on our surgery day and then once or twice before we went home. She was a blessing!!!

This looks delicious and how clever!!!!

One of your best articles, Jean!!!!! Very timely for me as I am almost a year out of being banded. I can totally relate to the idea that a lot of the lap band information regarding diet and nutrition didn't t start to really sink in until about 6-8 months post surgery!!!! Happy New Year! Look forward to more Jean wisdom in 2013.

Stream of consciousnesses?

Megamomnj- I have these in my cabinet and am going to use them!!! Thanks for the wonderful suggestion! I think I have them in lemon, strawberry and, of course, chocolate.....