A New New Dawn

Where did you read 11% result in death? I have read many online articles, and studies and the complication rate isn't even that high, let alone the death rate. The death rates I have seen were <3% (which there is a risk of death with any surgery). Personally, my surgeon has never had that happen and has been doing the procedure for many years. Definitely research further and ask that question at the seminar for further clarification. Also, keep in mind, what is the death rate for doing nothing and staying the same weight or gaining (as we all have struggled with here)? I wish you the best of luck on this very important journey and hope you find the answers you are looking for so you can be comfortable with whatever decision is right for you.

I am not sure about lactose or soy free Protein drinks; however, know that you can embellish your current lineup too. Many people put them in the blender and add a little bit of banana or even Peanut Butter. Personally, I like to blend my drink with ice to make it more of a "shake".

That is normal (unless it is inflamed, red, swollen, etc. or extremely painful). It is the largest incision with the most stitching/cutting, etc. to place the port. My surgeon told me that one would be sore the longest. For me, it was pretty sore up until about 5 weeks. However, if anything seems abnormal, definitely contact your surgeon's office and let them guide you.

So glad you are doing well!! Time for you to shine now.

What type of "mushies" are you having? If you are just pureeing mixed foods you will not get the same fullness or restriction as if you pureed and ate your protein first. Make sure you are eating the protein before any veggies or other foods. Also, make sure you are drinking enough. Many people get hungry from not drinking what they should. Lastly, if you are doing proteins first (around 3 ou.), then try to step back and think are you really physically hungry or is it "head" hunger. I went through a period where I thought I was very hungry but it was really the smell of food that made me think that. Physically, I realized I wasn't hungry. Also, measure your portions so you don't overeat. You need to heal properly and don't want to get in bad habits. You shouldn't serve more than a cup of food. Good luck to you. You have had your habits for years and it will take time to get into the new groove.

I am from the Chicago area but may be relocating to Omaha (fiance's job). I would love to see if there are others from the area. Thanks!

Actually, it is usually the opposite. They want to see you lose weight to show you are committed and can stick to a diet afterwards. I would follow the diet from your surgeon/nutritionist as they know what they are doing and who you should trust. Best of luck to you!

I hope everything went well. For me, it was much easier than I had built it up in my mind!!! Best of luck on your new journey!

That's an awesome victory and cause for being proud of yourself!

I just printed off several recipes from her site that look delicious and healthy. Thank you for sharing! I also love recipes that aren't made with all kinds of artificial sweeteners and ingredients too!

Great attitude! I am still inspired by your story and your success! You CAN do this!!

Did you try these before you had surgery to see if you liked them? I ask because if you did and they tasted ok, it may just be a mix of not feeling well and nothing is going to taste good. If you hadn't tried them, then you may want to try another brand. Everyone's tastes are different. The recipe I used was a bit of a homemade one (recipe from my surgeon's office). I used 1 packet (or serving) of Carnation Instant Breakfast NO sugar added (comes in blue box), w/ 1 c. skim milk, and 2 1/2 T of non-fat powdered dry milk. It is about 20 gr of protein and tastes GOOD. I still enjoy them. They have a lot of vitamins in them too!

Yah, what they all said. You also may consider getting a flu shot. I also asked my doctor about throwing up at my appt. earlier this week and he said it would take a lot for that to happen.

Happy birthday to you and congrats on all your success!!

Good topic! I feel a renewed sense of self. It has been YEARS since I have been motivated to exercise, eat healthy, etc. I, honestly, have just fallen into that pattern now by going through with this procedure. It has renewed my belief in myself and given me a new excitement about what tomorrow brings. I am no longer going through the motions, I am steering my life forward to healthier, happier days. On a physical side, I am one of the most squeemish people I know. I don't know how I got there but I have issues eating foods of certain textures/smells, etc. I wouldn't eat turkey, seafood, rarely eat pork (other than ham), etc. I am amazed that knowing they are healthy for me and my options (by cutting off junk food) are streamlined... I need to venture out more. I bought salmon last week and enjoyed it and had turkey meatloaf with cauliflower mash on the side for lunch today. I even LIKED it. My kids and fiance are shocked that my taste buds are changing and I am able to try foods I would have never touched! For me this is a HUGE win!!! My daughter, who is away at college, said she has to see it to believe it ~ LOL. I LOVE MY NEW BANDED LIFE! Congrats to everyone for the changes they, too, have made.

Good for you! That's why we have freedom of religion, press, etc. We don't all have to agree with your beliefs, nor do we have to read them; however, to berate you for your beliefs or what keeps you motivated is unnecessary. Just move on and don't read them! It's not that hard. Who are WE to judge. Glad YOU are happy and doing well!

Good luck!

I am 6 weeks post op and (Linda) you seem to be right on track with where you "should be" considering that everyone is different even you are still right in the same range as most. Try not to get discouraged. Are you drinking enough? I notice several people say if they don't they feel hungrier than they should. Also, yesterday I went for my 6 week checkup and first fill (I have lost 23 lbs post surgery on 7/25). They asked about my exercise. I said well, I had been walking except the past week it has been raining, etc. (justifying it in my mind). The nurse followed up with well, is there somewhere nearby you can walk indoors with winter coming, etc. I said, I know, I know.. I am only 2 miles from the mall and can walk there. She said she was just planting a seed for me to think about but it was a little "aha" moment for me that I was making excuses as I really could have been walking if I wanted. You are doing well and there are ways you can help aid the process too (ie. cleaning off the treadmill, or walking at a local mall or gym, etc). Try not to put so much pressure about your trip though and take each day as they come. You are not a failure. There are things you can do to help aid your weight loss but certainly are doing well. As for your portion sizes, I would suggest measuring out your cup of food, putting that on your plate and that is what you eat. When you freely serve yourself you will overserve/overeat much easier. If you measure it, eat what you measured/served and that is what you can have. If you are really physically hungry (not head hungry) between meals, try upping your liquid intake or have a small healthy snack in between (hard boiled egg, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc) so you don't get to the point of "starving" and wanting to gorge at your next meal. Good luck ~ look forward to the trip in excitement, not angst.

Please let us know how you are. I hope all is well.

Try not to fret. As long as you are doing what you are supposed to, you will be FINE. It is RARE that it happens and I have only heard of it happening when someone ignored the diet and continued eating normally.

Btw, be glad you haven't had a stuck episode. It is NO fun.

I can relate to how you feel. I am 6 weeks post-op and lost 10lbs during the pre-op diet and 25 lbs post. I know my clothes are looser, people at work have commented. For the first week or two, I was "feeling it" but now feel like I look the same as I did 35 lbs ago. It's weird to explain, as I know I have lost; however, I feel like I look the same. I am hoping another 10 lbs will do the trick to make me start getting into it more. Don't lose faith, just pounds. Great wishes sent your way!!!

So sorry to hear that! Stay strong and try not to let that get you down. Remember, you deserve this and you have come along way to go back. This is about making yourself and your health a priority. I would be happy to chat further, if you are interested you can PM me and I will ck it tomorrow. Good luck ~ find a distraction or something to divert your attention elsewhere. You are stronger than you probably know.

So, I am not proud that I was attempting to cheat on my 'diet' (hate that word) today. After one of the most stressful weeks I have had in years (personally), I decided that I was going to have a treat today and tomorrow would be a better day. Woe is me and emotional eating and momentary weakness was taking over. I was frustrated at myself for succumbing to that after I have done so well for 2 months. However, I also felt that it would be ok "this one time". I know one time turns into two, etc. and am not proud or justifying it but also not ashamed as tomorrow really is a NEW day. All I can say is I LOVE MY NEW BFF ~ my LAPBAND! My attempt at cheating was just that. After taking in a small bit, it decided it wasn't having it, didn't want it and told me a thing or two (ouch). After just a few bites, and pain that followed, off went the junk food and in came water!!! Thank you lapband for tonight ~ you saved me from myself!!! You kicked my @#$ in line when I didn't have the strength to keep myself in check! Tomorrow it's you and me ~ working TOGETHER this time.

I had my first fill today too. They told me liquids today, mushies tomorrow and regular food Thursday. Definitely start with liquids (they should have told you). I forgot and took a bite of something without thinking and it HURT. Good luck to you!