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.

I won't lie, it was emotionally rough. Physically I was not hungry and just made sure to keep drinking Water (or Powerade Zero) during the day. During those 2 weeks I really saw the unhealthy relationship I had with food; which I didn't think was as bad before I started it. But don't worry, you will get through it; you have to keep in mind the good that will come out after it. I can say now that I have been banded, some food doesn't even seem as appealing as it used to and food is nutrition and nothing else.

What is this taco soup you speak of!?!?

I like the V8 idea! I love V8; I forgot though that it counted as a veggie. I guess I can try that for the days that I don't have anything else. And I would just drink it at least a half hour after I eat so I am not drinking and eating.

Today, I started my puree diet. I am not having a problem with pureed Protein, but I don't know what veggies to do. I did spinach and besides looking horrible, it kinda tastes horrible too. I was told by my dietician that I should not have corn, peas, or potatoes; so I am kind of at a loss of what to do. I know having a little bit of mashed potatoes here and there is not going to kill me so I could do that sometimes, but I was wondering what everyone else finds helpful.

No matter what with weight loss there might be some loose skin. It all depends on many things. One of those things being genetics. Another being how much weight needs to be lost. And then the amount of excercise and toning you do. I am almost 25 and just was banded 2 weeks ago and was told that while there will be lose skin, it will not be as bad because the weight loss is gradual and because I am young. Just have to remember to work out and use some type of lotion (coca butter or some firming lotion). Also I have seen body wraps that are supposed to help; but at the same time I do not know how legitimate they are. Just think, no matter if there is loose skin; you will be healthier and feel better once the weight is off. That is why SPANX are amazing and I have seen after pictures of people in bikinis after WLS.

I also bought the one from GNC but after comparing it to UNJURY powder took it back and bought that. The UNJURY powder is made for weight loss surgery; and that's what my nutritionalist suggested.

Today I am two weeks post-op and feeling amazing!! I get to start mushy food today and cannot wait!! On the menu is egg salad for Breakfast and chicken salad for lunch. dinner is yet to be determined! It feels so good to have done something that is going to ensure my health in the future; along with the health of future babies!

Thanks! I cannot wait to get one. I am going to order the new model though because its water-resistant. It comes out in a few weeks.

So it doesn't seem to not give you steps or add too many being clipped there? I am large chested and I don't want my girls to give me more than I should; I want my steps to be honest. LoL.

So I have recently been looking into pedometers to help with my excercise tracking. For a while I was looking at the Fitbit and just saw today that they are coming out with a new model that is Water resistant. I am contemplating buying it but have yet to use one. The main concern I have is the accuracy. I don't always wear pants that have pockets or loops and saw that it can be worn at the center of the bra; which I think would be more comfortable since I put stuff in my bra all the time. Has anyone used one clipped on the bra and how well does it work?