daisychains7

Has anyone tried Aqua Zumba?

Hi all! Back in Miami from my cruise. Relieved to be away from the buffets, alcohol and cigarette smoking. I did so-so with my eating. It was hard. Every day I had a treat - one day I had 1/2 piece of key lime pie in key west, another day 1/4 piece of cheesecake, and then another day 3 chocolate covered strawberries. I also had a glass of pineapple juice each day instead of a cocktail. I feel kinda bad for eating all that stuff but trying not to get down on myself. When I feel guilty it just makes me want to eat MORE. I am proud of mysef for being active every day, walking lots, having only 1cup portions, eating protein first and having no breads of fried foods. Before the band, I wouldn't gorged myself at the buffet ALL DAY and had 2 or 3 margaritas a day. Why has this thread been so quiet?! How's everyone doing?

The liquid diet is the hardest part. It was hell for me too, physically and mentally. Trust me it gets better. Don't allow yourself to bend the rules. You can do this!

Thanks ladies! I am in Miami now and getting on the cruise ship tomorrow afternoon. Thought I may as well pop in tonight. I am being very careful but I am allowing myself one "treat" a day on this vacation. For example when we dock in Key West I am allowing myself some key lime pie. I feel like i am losing weight pretty rapidly and am STARVING often. Maybe i need to eat mre... Cuz I rarely eat an entire cup in a sitting ( i lose interest). Sleepy one - I am not sure what your doctor considers mushies. It could be pureed food or soft foods. I started w/ Greek yogurt, chilis, anything ground/shredded in a crockpot with BBQ sauce or Italian dressing. Here is what I did today: Breakfast - 1/2c Greek yogurt lunch - 1/4c tuna salad, 1/2 banana dinner - 1/4c spare rib, 1/4c salmon, 1/4c potato/veggies, 1tbsp bread pudding

Thank you ladies!! I am proud of you all. We are all doing very well, and lord knows that isn't easy.

Thanks for the ideas. whymomwhy - Is there any food you have had trouble with? Breakfast - 1/2cup activia lunch - 1/2cup wendys beef chili, 2 saltine crackers dinner - 1/2cup baked turkey, 1/4cup veggies, 1/4cup mashed potatoes with gravy snack - 1/2cup greek yogurt My appetite was really bad today... I dont think I am eating enough. I am going on a cruise tomorrow and will be back on Monday. I wish I could have had more time on solids before the cruise to try regular foods out. I am gonna have to chew chew chew. Have a great week ladies.

Would a mixed green or spinach salad count as a leafy green? I assume skin and crust on meats is a no-no? Before the band i cooked fairly healthy for myself (I got fat by going out to restaurants/drive thru/take out every single day). I used to grill a lot of meat and have salads or mashed sweet potatoes. chicken in crockpot. Also liked whole wheat pitas in the oven w/ meat, veggies and some cheese on top. Whole wheat spaghetti, etc. Thank you for all your tips. I will remember to chew and I am definitely going to try new things at home... My biggest fear is vomiting or getting stuck... But I guess this trial and error period means that's bound to happen at some point. it's overwhelming to go from liquid and safe mushies to so many options.

It's hard to describe. I'm about a month out of surgery and can't feel the band in there most of the time. When I drink though, I can definitely feel the path of the liquids as it goes through my body though. Something I never felt before banding.

I think we have all had that thought. My biggest fear is that i will never be able to feel like a normal person again who eats food she enjoys. Everything feels like work right now, even getting through a 1/2cup meal. You cant live in fear of the complications. Remember you did your research and it is WAY more dangerous to remain obese than to have a band. If major complications come up, I find comfort knowing my band can be removed as a last resort, unlike with other WLS.

I am so proud of you Debbie. Your clothes must be falling off of you! lol. Sleepyone, wish you the best at your doctors appointment. I am excited because yesterday I went to the Gap and bought a few XL tshirts. They fit just right. I haven't shopped in a regular store in years.

I think it's normal. I gained 7.5lbs in week 2. I don't plan on weighing myself at all til the first fill. Hang in there.

I am excited to finally start regular foods today, but I am not sure what foods to start with or what to get at the grocery store. Do I cook "normal" recipes I would've made pre band, and just stick to my small portions? I am pretty tired of the chili, ground meats, soft fruits/veggies and yogurts I had while on soft foods. I don't know when to start testing things like salad, grilled meat, whole wheat carbs (in moderation) and am overwhelmed. Do I just jump in? Help!

6/5... I can eat regular foods now. FINALLY!! But now that it's arrived, I'm not sure what to eat. I am going on a cruise in a couple of days so... I dont want to eat the wrong things and be vomiting. Do I just cook what I would have pre-band and just eat less? HELP! Anyone have suggestions? Breakfast - 1/2cup activia lunch - 1/2cup greek yogurt, 2 slices deli turkey dinner - 1/3cup tilapia w/ chipotle tabasco (yum), 1/4cup mixed veggies I didn't meat my Protein or Water goal today and I can tell. My hunger was extreme today. Gotta do better tomorrow Exercise - 30 min walking

Hey Shelley. Recovery is pretty quick but what exactly do you do for work? After surgery, no strenuous lifting for about a month. They stitch the band to muscles in your abdomen.. It is hard to bend over for a couple weeks. Also your energy may be quite low for a week or two due to the liquid diet. I think 10 days off is plenty of time if your boss lets you take it easy on the physical work, otherwise, a few weeks.

I hear ya. I'm struggling to get back on the horse after surgery. I just bought a new workout DVD I am going to try today and signed up for a belly dance class. Could you sign up for something fun like Zumba? Bring a friend! Also something as simple as downloading some fun workout songs helps.

Thank you for the suggestions. Can't wait to try these!

Breakfast - 1/2 cup activia lunch - 1/4cup egg beaters scrambled w/ salsa, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt dinner - 1/4cup diced peaches, 1/2cup beef chili Tried MIO liquid Water Enhancer today... Not bad! And I got a new exercise DVD I am going to try tomorrow. Going to have some Water or iced tea with miralax before bed.

That just made my day. Eating is still not comfortable for me but I am working at it. I am trying to understand my body all over again. It helps to know we are in the same boat together! You will be off the liquids in no time

What a great idea! I would love to see what recipes everyone is using. Any meal plans? I am in the soft foods stage right now, but will be on regular as tolerated starting 6/5. Some foods are still hard for me to get down so I am not sure where to start. Here is the white chicken chili recipe: 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken 2 (15 ounce) cans navy beans 1 (15 ounce) can hominy 1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning 1 (4 1/2 ounce) can of chopped green chilies 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth 1/2 cup sour cream chopped green onion (optional) monterey jack cheese (optional) - Place chicken in a 4 quart Crockpot. - Top with beans and corn. - In a medium bowl, combine taco seasoning, chiles, condensed soup, and chicken broth. Pour over top of ingredients in the crock pot. - Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. - Before serving, stir gently to break up chicken, then stir in the sour cream. - Serve topped with green onions and jack cheese, if desired. Just FYI this recipe isn't light, so be mindful of portion and we can always substitute w/ lighter cheese and sour cream.

That must've been an awesome feeling. Congrats to you!!

I'm an F cup and I want my boobs to keep shrinking. I hate the back pain, and they get in the way. Hopefully when I'm at goal I will be able to buy a bra at Victorias Secret for the first time.

Been there. Some of those seats are too tight for me. Airline seats are always painful, and I have been asked to get off several roller coasters because I couldn't fit. It sucks but its something you can use as motivation on your weight loss journey.

What is the link for your blog? Would love to read it.

The first few days after surgery, when I'd drink my stomach would feel very bloated and I had tummy gas that I couldn't seem to expel. It will pass! Sip very slowly and try hot liquids instead of cold. Ice cold water just seemed to make my gas worse. Be patient with yourself. You will be healing for the next 6 weeks. Life with the band will not be like this forever.