MandaElaine

@eyewonder - I'm such a big baby when it comes to pain. So I know if I can do it then no one should have a problem. Natalie - I have 4.4cc in a 10cc band. Congratulations on the weight loss! 16 lbs since surgery is great. My dr office gave me a performance sheet while I was in there and it described how much excess weight I had and until now I hadn't realized! I have like 87 lbs of excess weight. 87 LBS!!!! I couldnt believe that. So that has inspired me to get my butt in gear. That's larger than my 10 yr old! I'll have to lose the size of my 10 yr old plus some, that's just crazy. It's nice when people talk to you without talking down to you, that's what I love about my dr's office. They take such a wonderful approach to it, and of course the support of everyone here. I also have a little bruising by my port from the shot but I bruise easy. A little soreness from the bruise but overall feeling great. I would do this all over again!

Since surgery I have had major cramps in my feet. They are so painful! Tonight it started about 5:30 pm and didn't stop till 10 pm! Any suggestions?

I have an issue with my iphone app as well. It never lets me in the group that's why I havent been around much lately.

My NSV goals: To feel comfortable in my own body. To like the way I look in clothing. To be able to run around the soccer field with my son (who is very talented). To be able to buy normal/single digit clothing. To be able to wear sundresses To be able to wear tall socks without them looking like the threads are holding on for dear life. To be able to wear boots To be able to slide into a pair of LA Idol jeans and look amazing! To hear, "You look great, what have you been doing" To avoid all the complications that come with being overweight. To not look like a chunky in my drivers license photo

I tend to get the hiccups when i'm full! It's a great indicator for me. My dr told me I should never eat more than a cup of food total. So I do my best to measure every time I eat to keep me from getting that over full feeling.

I have been walking 2 miles eachday/ 6 days a week since I had my surgery. I'm now able to walk that in 30 minutes! I want to add a zumba class or a workout dvd to add some extra.

Had my first fill yesterday and it went great. The surgeon had initially put in 3.4 cc, so yesterday they gave me 1 cc. It was the easiest thing I have ever done when it comes to needles. I was so terrified going in and let me tell you, for those out there that hate needles, it was nothing. I didnt feel a thing. They gave me lots of information, a lunch bag, a timer and even a measuring cup for my food. I learned several new things while I was in there. Just had to post for those still waiting to get a fill. I started off at 225 lbs and i'm now at 201.8, according to the dr's office scale. So I met my 10% goal. Very exciting. Next goal: ONEDERLAND! Would love to hear everyone's fill stories.

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers Ingredients 8 oz. thinly sliced roast beef 8 slices provolone cheese 2 large green bell peppers 1 medium sweet onion 6 oz Baby Bella Mushrooms 2 Tbs Smart balance butter 2 tbs olive oil 1tbs Garlic minced Salt and Pepper to taste Directions: Slice peppers in half lengthwise, remove ribs and seeds. Slice onions and mushrooms. Saute over medium heat with butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and a little salt and pepper. Saute until onions and mushroom are nice and caramelized. About 25-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 Slice roast beef into thin strips and add to the onion/mushroom mixture. Allow to cook 5-10 minutes. Line the inside of each pepper with a slice of provolone cheese. Fill the inside of each pepper with meat mixture until they are nearly overflowing. Top each pepper with another slice of provolone cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown. Makes 4 servings -- 6 net carbs per serving

So far I have lost a total of 17lbs. I'm really excited and cant wait to continue my journey.

Well I survived! I was so nervous and anxious I didn't sleep for about 3 days, but I was officially banded on the 16th. It went very smoothly. I arrived at the surgery center about 7:30 am. I got weighed in at 212.2 lbs, they hooked up my IV and I waited. Finally at about 8:30 the anesthesiologist came in, slipped me a little some thing and before we reached the door I was out! I have absolutely no recollection of any of the events that followed! AWESOMENESS! I woke up about 10 and was home by noon! I have been a little sore, the gas has been the worst part. Other than that doing really well. I am now allowed protein shakes, water, tea, sf jello, sf Popsicles, and broth for the next 14 days. Hope everyone is doing well! Good luck to those still waiting!

Northeast Texas here, getting banded May 16th!

@eyewonder - had you asked me how my pre-op diet was going a week ago I would have probably broke down in tears. I cant lie the first couple of days were horrible, but now 9 days in, it's not so bad. The hunger wasnt as big of an issue as my mental hunger was. Fighting myself mentally was hard, I never realized how stubborn I am (LOL). Sorry lack of carbs is making me crazy. Yea its going to be a lot of trial and error. I currently like the powder proten, I have Body Fortress in Vanilla and it's good for mixing with fruits and what not. I also use skim milk, because cutting it with water just doesnt work for me. I was ranting yesterday about stressing over the pain after surgery so i'll take one for the team today.

That's what I was telling my kids (ages 16 and 14) yesterday. I was like man I have been super cranky the past two days from the moment I wake up, then I read your post and was like YUP that's the answer right there. Today is Friday and i'm in a much better mood. Getting syked to get this over with and moving forward.

Amazing story! Congratulations on the weight loss. I get banded on May 16th. I'm super excited and super anxious.

Man those first couple of days were really tough. It has definitely gotten a lot better on my end. I have a huge sweet tooth and I still get a craving but nothing like those first few days. You would have thought I was coming off heroin or something, LOL! I have 6 more days and i'm excited, anxious, nervous, etc. I'm a ball of emotion!

Natalie, Just wanted to check in with you and see how you are feeling today.

Welcome Wanda! Glad to hear your surgery went well and recovery was easy. My surgery is scheduled for the 16th. I'm 7 days into my pre-op. I cant wait to get this journey started and we all started shedding the pounds. I'm from Texas, so very nice to meet you!

Well day 6 and the pre-op diet hasnt been as bad as it was the first couple of days. I dont have an issue for breakfast and lunch, dinner is what gives me grief. I guess i'm just used to eating with my family and that's what makes it difficult. I did have one bad day but recovered from that quickly (except for the guilt). I have lost 4 lbs, so that was a positve! I'm back on track and now hoping to lose a little more before surgery on the 16th!

Natalie, Just wanting to check in with you and see how your surgery went. Hope you are doing ok.

I've been on my pre-op for 2 data and was wanting to get some suggestions on kicking up my shakes. What are some of your fave recipes, or combinations?

Wishing you a great day: Precious11788 Slimjem Cant wait to hear your stories when you get back!

Made it through day one! Feeling a little better about this.

So glad everything went well! The stories are so comforting and I appreciate everyone so much for sharing! Hope you get some rest!

What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing something so personal to you. Congratulations, you look beautiful! You are such an inspiration and it lifted my heart reading your story, I'm been a little anxious with my upcoming surgery and you have given me a silver lining!

Today is my first day of my pre-op diet, and I cant lie i'm so emotional. I'm scared and anxious all at the same time. I'm afraid i'll be hungry, and moody and emotional. Ok so emotional has already kicked in. My mind is playing with my emotions big time right now. I'm such a worry wart anyway, so my mind is going 90 to nothing. I keep trying to tell myself i've been through worse things. Here's for hoping I dont break down crying at work, let's just hope everyone is nice today.