A New New Dawn

Rock on!! Doing great!

Look online too for healthy recipes. I have found a lot of great ones there. I like many of the recipes on emilybites.com and many are made in cupcake pans so they are perfectly portioned. I made her lasagna "cupcakes" that were good. I also like quinoa and it has a lot of nutrients (incl protein) and you eat it much like rice. I also like chili quite a bit too.

I am so sorry you had to endure that. Thank you for sharing your story as it is something I hadn't heard of before. I hope all works out well for you and you heal up quickly.

Just think how FABULOUS you will look at your book signings now too!!!

That is frickin awesome Cheryl!!! I'm very happy for you. Congratulations.

That would be a bummer but know that it is all for your own benefit. Your overall health is far more important than risking surgery if you have something else going on. Best wishes it all works out.

Sometimes it's a challenge to find local people; however, I encourage you to post any questions/concerns, etc here and you will find a lot of supportive people to share this journey with.

As much as we all want to hurry things up, this 6 months is a great time to really get your head in the game, work on new habits, and get prepared. It will make the world of difference after you are banded. I wish I would have done more work and lifestyle modifications pre-banding as I was in for a big awakening post-banding. nonetheless, it's all worth while.

You've done all the hard work. So glad you are feeling more confident and more comfortable....

Many of us cannot eat breads as they get stuck. I can eat it in very small quantities and with other foods but when I try to have a piece of toast by itself it doesn't work so well. Though, having a hot cup of tea or coffee beforehand seems to help if I am really just wanting a piece of toast by itself.

I went back and read some of your earlier posts to try to see what you may be experiencing better right now. I really feel that you are struggling w/ the learning how to work with your band. (I don't mean that in a derragatory way, just it is a huge learning process). I notice you posted about having trouble with Breakfast. Have you tried doing the Protein shakes for breakfast instead of eating? Many of us have "tight bands" in the morning. I can do oatmeal, shakes, or eggs over easy (scrambled eggs get stuck for me). If I am going to try to eat something more than that, I will often start w/ a hot cup of tea or coffee first to help loosen things up a bit. Also, and this is key, if you have had a stuck moment you should really stick to liquids for 24 hours, then soft foods, then back to solids. When food gets stuck it irritates the stoma and causes some swelling so trying to eat solid foods will cause another stuck or uncomfortable moment, from my experience. I am not telling you this from reading a book but from my own personal challenges of learning how to work with my band. Yes, I did a lot of research, talked to a lot of people, and learned a lot about it by trial and error of what works and doesn't work for me. You are so newly banded and it is frustrating in the early stages until we figure it all out. I have seen many people post that they didn't "get it" until around 6 months. Perhaps, "starting over" by having a Protein shake for breakfast, then regular food later in the day. Taking tiny bites, chewing very well (20-25x till it's mush), pausing, then next bite, etc. Not only is this a physical journey but it is a huge emotional journey as we have to learn all new habits and change our lifestyle of what we have done for so many years. Please be patient and please work with your doctor and nutritionist to help figure out what will work for you.

I think you really should have a heart to heart with your doctor and nutritionist. You shouldn't have such difficulty.

Feel better soon Ms Rhonda and make sure if the meds aren't chewable you ask your doctor/pharmacist if they can be crushed. Not all meds are supposed to be crushed.

I will be very happy when I get under 200!! Haven't seen that in many years!!!

I had mine at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. I have (I think) 4.5cc in a 10 or 11 cc band. I am well-restricted. However, I see many others that have much more in theirs. It's all different for each of us.

Me too (the western suburbs). Thanks for sharing your story. It is very encouraging!

Wow, your efforts are really paying off! Congrats on your success and continued success!

I agree that most cereals probably aren't a good idea (nutrition wise) but I have seen a lot of high fiber/high Protein ones out now. Personally, cereal and I do not like one another now (and I used to love it). I don't know if it swells up like bread or what but I am very uncomfortable eating cereal. I can do granola w/ my yogurt in small quantities though. I do better w/ the crunchy varieties.

First, is it typical they only cover this procedure at 50% or is it that they are only covering you (for whatever reason) at 50%? If you don't know, please contact your insurance to get clear answers. Also, do you have a medical flex spending account at work? If you are having the surgery this year, it's probably too late to set it up but if you have it next year, you could designate the amount for the surgery to be taken out so you get the tax break (which could make a big difference). It is quite normal to be nervous... I think most of us go through it. Let's face it, we have all succeeded and failed at dieting and don't want this to be a major failure. Furthermore, this is a HUGE life-altering experience. It isn't just about food but about a whole lifestyle change and a change in our relationship with food. Many of us have to face our emotions head on since we cannot comfort ourselves w/ food any longer and will be eating for our health. I have had my ups and downs and days where I really wanted to cry because I missed my relationship with food. Now, 6 months out, it is soooo much easier. I don't miss/crave foods like I used to. My blood pressure has gone down, my sleep apnea improved, my stamina and mobility much improved... I don't regret it for one minute. It isn't easy and we still have to do the work and put forth the effort but it is something I couldn't do on my own before. Hang in there!!! Come here for support. You will find a lot of great people here to help you through it.

Sounds like you have a great attitude going into this. Best wishes to you!

Have you had a "stuck" moment recently? I have had that after a "stuck" moment (first, the throwing up, then the acid reflux). I agree you should reach out to your dr though.

Try to find (if you haven't already) healthy alternatives of the foods you enjoyed before may help too. I found a low cal/low fat lasagna, healthy pasta recipes, baked chicken instead of fried, etc.... It may help to meet w/ a nutritionist too to have meal plans or meal/snack ideas to make sure you are supporting yourself in everyway possible.

Exactly, bandster "hell" will pass and it gets easier. I rarely have cravings anymore or I find what I thought I was craving isn't as good as I was thinking it would be. I used to LOVE pasta. I rarely eat it now (unless in a soup or something). I made some today and after 1/2 cup I was satisfied and it wasn't as good as I remember. I find I am actually craving healthier foods as I have weened other foods out of my diet (for the most part).

If it's any consolation, it will get better. Hang in there.

So exciting... We'll be waiting for the update!