smbonier

Just an FYI, for the first 2 weeks or so after the surgery, you will find sleeping on your back to be the most comfortable. I am a side/stomach sleeper and I couldn't sleep either way until about 2 weeks post-op. The soreness from the surgery and the 'pulling' feeling hurt and made is difficult to sleep any other way than my back. Today I can sleep on my stomach and side no problem; but as mentioned above, when I lean back, lean over something, or am laying on a hard surface I can feel my port.

I was banded on 10/10/12 and have not vomited since before then. I have had a few 'stuck' episodes but never actually vomited. Erosion is a compliation that can occur, but is rare... I started at 280 lbs and my goal is 150lbs ...while I don't have children, I do have a husband that eats like a child. We have made changes in the way we eat and once you get in the routine it is easy. Since being banded I have lost over 50 lbs...you can do it!

I am supposed to do 3 oz of protein at every meal and 1/2 cup of veggies and if still hungry 1/2 cup of fruit.

Drink some more water.

So after a total of 8 weeks of a combination of liquids and pureed food, I can start solids tomorrow! I bought grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and some pita crackers (only in small moderation) the other day at the store because I guess those are my cravings; however, I have read that some people have problems with the skins...So I guess I need some advice. I really want to be able to eat those things, but now I am getting nervous that I may have a problem. HELP PLEASE! Any other solid suggestions would be great as well.

Not really. But when I find it hard to have veggies, I try to have a little can of V8 to at least get the nurtients in.

I measure meats after they are cooked. Same with veggies and stuff. Make sure it's measured after it's cooked and before it's blended. The rule of thumb that I was told was no more than a cup of food per meal, but then I was told 3 oz of Protein, with 1/2 cup of veggies and 1/2 cup of fruit if still hungry. I rarely get to my fruit and if I do it's a spoonful or two.

I PUREE EVERYTHING! If it is a low-fat high Protein meat it's in the Ninja getting pulverized. I am really liking using hot italian turkey sausage or turkey meatballs with ricotta cheese and Pasta sauce! It is sooooo good!

In Illinois they have 30 days...Mine didn't take that long. I started the process July 10 with my consult, and then had to do all the pre-op tests and appointments; and by Sept 7 I knew I was approved...my surgery was on Oct. 10.

Well, I was banded 3 weeks ago today; 10/10/12. Things have been going great. I am no longer in pain and feel back to my normal self; minus the large amounts of food I used to eat. As of today, I am down 31.5 pounds since starting the pre-op diet 2 weeks before my surgery. The first week after the surgery I lost a lot of weight, but now things are coming off slowly and nicely at between 2 to 4 pounds a week. I have been on mushies for a week and have surprised myself with the types of food I am making and trying. I was nervous before starting the mushy phase, but I have been pleasantly surprised. Lots of chicken, tuna, and egg salad; but I have even ventured and made a hot turkey sausage mush last night. I took a 3 oz. link of hot turkey sausage, 1/4 cup low fat rocatta cheese, and spicy Pasta sauce and pureed it; it tasted like lasagna without the noodles! On Monday, I went for my post-op appointment. My surgeon came into the room and was very pleased with how I have been doing. My incisions have healed up well and I have my next appointment the Monday after Thanksgiving. The day before Thanksgiving I can start eating solids again so that will be interesting; but I know that I will be able to do things the right way. I did not have a fill or anything at this appointment, but he said that possibly at my next appointment I may need one. I feel that right now I am in the GREEN ZONE; but I know I am still healing so that may change in the next few weeks. He also told me that I can start lightly exercising again; I really enjoy using kettlebells so I was cleared for using them as long as they are not more than 10 pounds.

Just make sure to get 2 to 3 oz of Protein per meal and then 1/2 a cup of veggies and 1/2 a cup of fruit if still hungry; but all mushed up. I have done lots of chicken salad, tuna salad, and egg salad. I spice it up with hot pepper relish. For dinners, I have been eating what my husband wants and just mushing it up. Last night, I had a 3 oz hot turkey sausage link, 1/4 cup rocatta cheese, and Pasta sauce; it was AMAZING! And you can still do shakes if that helps too.

What insurance do you have?

I was told carbonated beverages are a BIG, BIG, BIG NO NO! The bubbles can upset our pouches and I was even told that it can expand the pouch. I think since I had a 2 week pre-op diet I had to do that broke that habbit quickly; and I rarely have the taste for a pop. I have read that some people let things 'decarbonate' (or go flat) so the bubbles aren't there; but I haven't tried that. My husband and I have a SodaStream maker at home so if I wanted the taste of pop, I could make something without carbonation, or very, very little amounts of carbonation.