Lindaloo

Me too! I gained ten pounds in the time after I found out my surgery date. It's like I wanted to get it all in before I couldn't anymore. I love food, and there is something about the VOLUME of food that was so satisfying, in ways other than just filling me up. Eating is so comforting, such a good feeling while you are doing it. It's easy to equate it to love, because when we are uncomfortable (hungry) we just take in something warm or sweet and it makes us feel so much better. But the feeling is so temporary, and has such a nasty flip side. It is going to take me a while to fully realize that feeling full is what I am going for, not eating in volume. It's a process, and I'm sure that I'll adjust. I've lost 22 lbs so far and that amazes me. So instead of getting satisfaction of eating tasty food in volume, I'm getting satisfaction from losing weight. In time, I'll get satisfaction of being able to be more active, have more energy, of buying stylish clothes and having them fit, and of looking better. It's a trade off, and although it's hard to picture in the beginning---because surgery is somewhat painful, the liquid phase is difficult, we are just getting used to this--in time we will be very glad, because we will be what many of us have never been--slim and healthy. Check out the real meals website... http://www.protein-solution.com/ They’ve really helped me. They come in vanilla and chocolate, and you can get a sample pack to try before you buy it. I did that. They aren’t cheap, no, but they taste good, are versatile and have excellent nutrition in them---lots of Vitamins besides the 60 grams of Protein per pack. I split up the packet in thirds when I was on the liquid diet and had three shakes per day. Hope this helps you! Linda Dr. Bonanni 11/14/03 260/238150

I can't feel my band, really. I can feel the port, though. It feels like a hard little lump under my largest incision. Congrats on your approval!!! Linda Dr. Bonanni 11/14/03 260/243/150

Thanksgiving. Ugh. Well, I made the feast for my family. When we ate dinner (around lunchtime) I had some mashed potatoes, some turkey with gravy and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. This was the first solid food I've eaten. It all went down easily and with no problem. Then at dinner I had another portion of the same. I also had a very small slice of pumpkin pie. Later that night, the guilt I felt was overwhelming. I felt guilty for eating *any* of it. Even though the portions were small, I felt bad. I know I have to eat solid foods again...and they went down easily--too easily. I have been good since, though. There are two pies and a cake here and I haven't had any more of that. I allowed myself the pie because it was Thanksgiving, but I'm not going to eat any more of it. Last night I was dealing with head hunger, and I finally made up my mind to have something. I chose potato Soup, and I ate too much of it and suffered with the rock-on-the-chest feeling for a couple of hours. I am trying to have positive self talk...like when I want something I shouldn't have, I tell myself, that won't get me to my goal, and that is what I want above all. It's hard. I can't get a fill until the end of January because my dr.'s office is so booked with fills. How did you all do through Thanksgiving???? Linda Dr. Bonanni Banded Nov 14 260/245/150

I wasn't really hungry at all the first two weeks. But now, on week three I'm more hungry, and food goes down rather easily. I'm on the mushy food phase now. I'm finding that if I eat Protein first I don't get as hungry. I'm thinking of making some egg salad today, or perhaps some turkey pate (turkey and a little mayo and spices blended), since I have so much of it. I'm also steering clear of caloric liquids. I'm really into sugar free tang right now. I like iced tea also, and splenda goes very well into tea. I won't get a fill til the end of January (which seems like for freakin' ever!) because my doc is so booked with fills. So I have to devise some kind of eating method to get me over the long haul til then. I'm here with ya!!! Linda Dr. Bonanni banded 11/14/03 260/243/150

Mine was the same as Quakergirl's.

Thanks to you both for responding. Of course, you both are right. I have years of "failed diet" mentality ingrained in me and I can't expect that to disappear overnight. I was really comfortable doing the liquid diet because it was very controlled, and therefore I felt very controlled. I felt out of control eating solid food. It's something I have to learn. I got the courage to step on the scale this morning, and I did lose a few pounds since last week. Nothing like seeing the numbers go down to boost morale! Leo, your website is awesome! And you are doing so well! :cool: Thanks again. Linda Dr. Bonanni Banded 11/14/03 260/243/150

Hi all... I'm in the liquids phase and this is what I've been eating... Real Meals shakes (one packet per day split up into three small shakes give 60 grams protein) Campbells Soup to go--it's smooth and tastes good, cream of broccoli, blended vegatable, velvety potato. fat free pudding, lite yogurt I'm surprised I'm not really bored yet. I vary the shakes by adding a little pudding powder, extract, yogurt or banana to them. I do have trouble getting my Water in though. I have to sip all day practically. I'm feeling much better now.

I absolutely love "Real Meals" shakes. One packet has 60 gms of protien, only 2 gms of fat, and 6 gms of carbs. They taste good too. I got the chocolate, and I add a some yogurt, juice, extracts or a some pudding powder to it to change the flavors so I don't get bored. here is the website on them, I also ordered them through this website. http://www.protein-solution.com/

Thanks for responding. I do feel a little better today, and actually got out of bed by myself. every day it will get a little better, and it will be a LOT better in a few months.

Hi... I had my surgery last Friday, November 14th. I went home the same night. I'm really, really sore. I expected some soreness, but I didn't expect not to be able to get out of bed on my own. I've read where some said they took little or no pain meds when they came home. I have been rationing out my pain meds, but if I had a larger supply I'd be taking them all the time. I'm not a baby about pain, I've had other surgeries, four children, etc. It just seems more painful than I'd read other people saying. This evening I've developed a low grade fever (100) that I'll call the dr. about tomorrow. feeling a little depressed....Wish I could have stayed in the hospital until I felt like interacting with my family. The kids got on my nerves bigtime this weekend. Watching them eat takeout all weekend wasn't fun either. Not that I wanted anything...but it was just not fun. Sorry to whine.... Linda

I thought I posted here about what I thought! I think I forgot I started this thread and posted somewhere else....duh.... thanks for reminding me... Yes, they are good, I'm going to order more. I put them in the blender with skim milk and they were smooth, not much of an aftertaste. When I put a little almond extract in with the chocolate it was downright yummy. These have 60 grams of protien per pack, two shakes per pack. They are low in carbs, too. I'll be buying these for myself for when I come off of the Clear liquids phase.

I read about these on an ObesityHelp.com's member page. She swore by them. Looking at the website, it does seem that they have quite a bit of nutrition besides having 60 grams per serving to 6 grams of carbs. They also feature some "recipes" on the site, things you can add to the shakes to make them taste different. I ordered a trial pkg of this, it comes in chocolate and vanilla. and here's the link to their website http://www.protein-solution.com/RealMeals/product_info.htm

Glad you are feeling pretty good...and that you've started your new banded life!!! Thanks for saying it's not as bad as your C section. I've had two of those and it's good to have a guide to know what this will feel like. Take it easy...stick to those liquids as long as you can. and... Congratulations!!! linda preband, surg. date 11/14 Dr. Bonanni

I just got approved for surgery last Friday. Ever since I found out the happy news, I've been eating like *crazy.* It's ridiculous, even for me! Then, of course, the old brain starts working, saying to me, "oh...you think this band is going to make a difference when you know you will never have control!" Has anyone else experienced this and over come it?

Congratulations!!!! Love the pic of your baby...I have a daughter Grace also, she's ten though. :cool: Linda Preband Nov 14, 2003 255/255/155

I agree. This process took me eleven months.

How did it go??? I am 5'6" and currently 255. I was 253 when I first saw the surgeon. I was about 245 and I will confess to trying to add a little weight so my bmi would be 40. I have been told by several others and also by the dr.s office that I am a "lightweight" for this surgery. I don't think that means I'm not a good candidate, but just that I'm not as big as some who come in for the surgery. I wanted the surgery and I didn't want to have to wait until I was much bigger to do it. linda

I had a little trouble with my PCP. I didn't know him that well, nor he me. I went in with all kinds of info on the band. He'd never heard of it, and didn't seem interested in my material. By the next visit, though, I guess he'd looked into it himself, and he was better about the idea and gave me my referral. You have to just be patient and persistent...or find another doc if you have to. good luck! Linda 255/255/145 pre band

Hello Anne, I also did TONS of research on the net. One place I found helpful was ObesityHelp.com. On that site they list surgeons by state and this can be helpful in helping you find a surgeon. Perhaps more importantly, it can put you in touch with other people who have used your surgeon and can tell you their experiences with him/her. The site is mostly people who've had RNY or DS, but there are some bandsters there. I have a profile there, under the name "Linda Trzos." I'm not banded yet, but will be Nov. 14th. Good luck linda 255/255/145 preband

Congratulations! Wow...that's a great weight loss! I hope I can be as successful as you've been. any tips? linda 255/255/145 preband surg. date 11/14 Dr. Bonanni

Wow...sorry you were cancelled. Hope you get in soon!!! Keep us posted. Linda

Hi! Congratulations on your choice. It's too bad you have to finance it yourself, but on the other hand, you don't have to spend time worrying about that! I'll be going through the holidays newly banded, my date for surgery is Nov. 14. Maybe we can go through the holidays talking to each other comiserating over not being able to eat goodies, but celebrating as every pound drops away. I've been to ME many times, it's beautiful. Linda 255/255/145 Dr. Bonanni

Thanks for the welcome. I'm trying to prepare myself...I've been taking Vitamins for some time now, hoping that if my nutrition is good I'll heal better. I've also started to investigate the Protein mixes. But I am really excited and I can't wait.

Hi... My name is linda...I've been approved for lap band surgery and my surgery date is Nov 14. I've been "going through the process" since January. I thought I wouldn't get the surgery until next year. So I'm a little shocked that it is happening so soon. But I'm happy! I found out three days ago, and ever since I've been eating like crazy. I guess it's the "Last Supper" syndrome. I weigh 265, the highest weight I have ever been in my entire life. I had two babies fourteen months apart, and it took a real toll on me. But most of my weight gain is due to overeating. Like most of you I have been on diets most of my life. The most I ever lost was 40 lbs five years ago. I dieted (low fat) and exercised (walking and lifting weights), but couldn't maintain it and gained it all back and quite a bit more. My surgeon is Dr. Bonanni in Reading, PA. I'm a sahm with four children. I look forward to reading the posts here and posting myself! Linda

Well, in August, Dr. B had asked me to go on a diet with my PCP, and call in my weight weekly, but it was not required by my insurance. Dr. B's staff has been good, generally. I was upset recently by them, though. The nurse practicioner wanted me to come in to discuss the results of my endoscopy in August. I already knew the results. I called the office and asked if I could please have a phone consult, because the office is one hour away from my home, and I couldn't get a sitter for my two babies. She said, no, you have paperwork to sign as well. So I go in and they ask my to sign one paper, verifying my name and address. Then I have to wait in the office for over an hour. My husband (who works nearby) came in to help me with the babies on his lunch hour. The youngest (who is one) begins to cry, so he walks her in the hallway. After about a half hour he takes the kids and rides them around in the car to settle them down. I finally get called back to see the nurse, and all she does is tell me things I already know. I was sooooo ticked off. Two hours of driving time and an hour waiting there for NOTHING. In general, though, they are pretty good about getting back to you, etc. Dr. B is very busy. He seems rushed sometimes. But he is a good dr. and he knows his stuff. Hope this helps. Linda