JudiM

Hi all...... Just passed the 5 week mark. And, I am feeling wonderful. Lots of energy, less aches and pains and I love not feeling BLOATED and POURED into my clothing all the time. Because I returned to work last week, I was very careful with solid foods.....I just did not want to be sick. I would like to have a salad but I'm not sure if that is a wise thing. Any input on that? Anyway, it's a chilly football day! So, I was craving comfort food smells in the house and some homemade Soup. So, I made wedding soup. I made sure to get the veggies very limp. Hopefully, that will go down well. If so, I can definitely have that a few times this week for lunch. Last night, I had a bit of a challenge and I think I did okay. We went to our favorite little neighborhood pub with some friends to watch college games. Lots of popcorn, nuts and "bar mix" were sitting at our table all night. Everyone ordered their favorite FRIED munchies--wings, fries, onion rings, zucchini, jalapenos, mozzarella. But, I did not touch anything. Thankfully, I didn't want to! I nursed a glass of wine all night, drank Water and enjoyed the conversation. I must say.....the pay off of NO HEADACHE today is great!!! I hope to get a fill on Sept 25.......! Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Judi

A severe pain in my left shoulder....almost at my collarbone. This is where I experienced the most intense "gas" pains after surgery too.

Hi all...... I know some of you have been back to work for quite some time! But, for me....it's back tomorrow. Tomorrow...Sept 10....marks my one month bandiversary. I am working on what to pack for lunch, Snacks, etc. Even though I am to start to slowly put real foods back into my menu, I don't want to chance it my first day back at work. If I got sick....that would be a problem!!!! :whoo: Any good ideas for lunches, snacks to pack? And, any other good tips for getting back to the merry go round that is MY LIFE.....especially at THIS time of the year with everything kicking in! Love to hear what others are packing for lunches and snacks! :hungry::hungry: Thanks!!! Judi

Hi again.....I've been in the kitchen.....again! Greek Salmon-Spinach Cakes--I made 8 nice sized "cakes" with this MIX the following together......FORM INTO PATTIES.....Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet for 20-25 minutes on 350-75 -1 small piece of salmon poached in skillet....water, lemon juice, a little salt-flake it really well after it's done...I put it through my Magic bullet to get it very fine (I used a 4oz frozen piece..."Treasures from the Sea brand...come in a bag...individually wrapped, bought at Sam's) -1/2 small box of chopped spinach....cooked in microwave & drained really well -Crumbled Feta cheese (I eyeballed it....probably 1/4 cup) -8 Ritz crackers--ran these through the Magic Bullet to get them very fine -Salt, pepper, a little olive oil, 1 egg white (I used the liquid kind you get in a container), minced garlic (from a jar...in fridge section) to taste, oregano (dried), mint leaves (dried) I served these with hummus to spread on the top and a little extra feta cheese to sprinkle over. YUM!!!!! Tilapia Parmesan--this is for one but you can easily double, triple, quadriple (I used this for 2 meals for myself) IN A SHALLOW GLASS DISH sprayed with PAM: -1 6 oz. piece Tilapia....topped with 1/4 chopped tomato, 3 basil leaf--juliened, salt, pepper, a little minced garlic, sprinkle with black pepper and a good quality parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Bake for about 10-12 minutes on 350. WOW! Pesto chicken salad This made enough for probably 4 meals for me. MIX ALL TOGETHER AND REFRIGERATE A LITTLE TO BLEND FLAVORS BEFORE EATING -1 small cooked chicken breast (I used a left over piece)--put it through the magic bullet until it is SUPER FINE -1/2 small jar of prepared basil pesto -1 slice fresh mozzarella--diced into very small pieces -3 Tbls. of light mayo -Black pepper, lemon juice WONDERFUL!!!! Bon Apetit!!!!

I am not sure what to make of things.....I am definitely not eating the same amounts as I did in my pre-band life. In fact, I am eating a fraction of the volume for sure! I'm trying to get all my protein in with shakes, mushie foods, etc. I'm not starving but yet I'm not sure if I am ever full. Part of the reason may be that I am being very cautious....not wanting to vomit or feel ill. And, I'm NOT craving certain foods even though I'm still cooking favorites for my family. Since I haven't tried eating solid foods, I don't know if that will be "dangerous" for me. Tonight we are grilling out hamburgers and I'm contemplating if that is something I could eat....perhaps "mush" it up after it's cooked with a little basil mayo, finely chopped tomato and fresh mozarella. Typically, I'd have 2 hamburgers with all the fixings on a bun. Again...I'm not craving that. I wonder if I even love them like I did!!! But, with all of THAT being said.....I am wondering if I should be loosing more! Am I just being selfish? I mean, I am loosing.......not gaining (a new thing for me). But, with all of the cutting down I have done, one would think that I'd drop weight like crazy. Like I said....I have lost weight. Maybe I'm selfish and impatient!!!!! I'm trying not to weight myself more than 2 times a week. I think I just better get my walking program in place today.....like I planned! That should jump start things a little more......right??????

Here's a good Autumn Recipe....works for the mushie stage but good enough to serve for company too! My family loved this recipe the other night. I ate 2 ravioli....mushed them up very well and enjoyed the heck out of them!!! I'm thinking this would be a great dish for Thanksgiving..... -Good quality frozen butternut squash ravioli--1 lb bag (I used Rosetta...not sure if they sell that everywhere).....exceed cooking time by about 3-5 minutes to make sure they are very soft. Drain well, reserve a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid -Heat together 1/2 cup Fat free/Low Sodium chicken broth, 2 pats of butter, 3 sage leaves (discard before serving), 1 tsp. minced garlic, pinch of black pepper, sea salt & sage powder -In big bowl---place ravioli, add reserved cooking liquid and sage butter sauce, sprinkle lightly with a very good quality romano cheese....fold all ingredients together gently.... Yum!!!!!

After some experimenting and taste testing, I found a new way to get in my Protein via a fabulous Chai Latte.....one that rivals those at Starbuck's, Border's and Fortune's (my favorite!). It's decadent! -6 Decaffienated Chai Tea Bags steeped in boiling Water for about 15 minutes -Add a little cinnamon, nutmeg to tea and place in a container you can keep in the fridge For COLD Latte (I use my Magic Bullet but you can use a blender) -1/4 cup tea -1/4 cup fat free milk -1 Splenda -1 scoop vanilla whey Protein Powder Blend together then add 2-3 ice cubes......whirl it a bit more Top with a dab of Fat Free Cool Whip and sprinkle with nutmeg & cinnamon For HOT Latte (I used Magic Bullet to froth it and mix in the whey powder but if you have one of those little mixers to make latte...that would be great) -Heat same amounts as above of tea, milk, splenda together.....stir continuously -Blend in vanilla whey powder using blender, bullet, latte mixers (whatever you have) -Top with dab of Fat Free Cool Whip and sprinkle with nutmeg & cinnamon You can definitely experiment using chocolate whey protein powder..... Enjoy!

Okay, I'm in. You heard it here...... -I want to start a WALKING program on Labor Day. 30 minutes a day to start. -I want to go back to work on Sept 10 (exactly one month from surgery date) weighing UNDER 200. It can be 199.999999. But, under 200. -I want to buy a really beautiful, luxurious and elegantly sexy negligee for our trip to Napa in May (to Celebrate my DH's and several of our friends 50th birthdays) That's it for now.

Wow-wee! Everyone is doing so great with the weight loss. Yesterday, I got into a pair of capris that I haven't had on since Father's Day 2005! And, I only wore them once. They never fit after that. The woes of obesity! Hopefully, they are all in the past! Hubby said to me....."did you go out shopping for clothes already?" when he saw me. He'll be asking that a lot over the next few months, I'm guessing. I've got lots of clothes that I just grew out of.....real quick!!! Some things never even made it on my body......I grew out of them before I had a chance to wear them. The battle of obesity really is a WAR! One we are all on the road to winning!!!! Thank God I did this! Thank God we all did this!!!!

:hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry: Hi all....I know, sounds kind of funny since food is what sort of got us here in the first place! But,as we all know, finding something to eat that doesn't taste like paplum (what is that anyway?) is not easy. Let's face it, food is a source of enjoyment. It shouldn't hold as high a place in our lives as it once did. But, geez....we still have taste buds....we have to satisy them!!! And, since we do have to live this way FOREVER, I think we owe it to ourselves to make sure that the foods that we eat are satisfying, healthy and luscious. We deserve it......!!! As my energy has rebounded and I am still off from work, I've been puttering in the kitchen (one of my fav things) and coming up with ideas for foods for the mushie stage. Below are one of the recipes I've come up with and that I can highly recommend. Sorry that the portions/measurements aren't good.....I'm an "eyeballer" cook. If anyone else has any food ideas that they've tried, add them to this thread! I'll add more as I go along. I'm trying to perfect a few other recipe ideas before I share them! Crab "Fritters" with Pesto Aioli (this recipe made 8 mid size fritters---you can freeze ones you don't eat or put them in the fridge) For the Fritter..... 2 cans Bumble Bee Premium Crabmeat....remove any shells, run through blender/magic bullet Mix in: 1 egg 1/4 cup light mayo few tbls of lemon juice shot of hot sauce shot of worchestire sauce 10 low fat Ritz crackers--pulverized/crushed well Good quality Romano Cheese--not alot, not a tiny bit Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, celery seed, dry mustard Also....a little flour for dusting to "dry it up" a little Mix well....it will be goopy. Put the mixture in the fridge for about 1/2 hour to firm up. Cover bottom of skillet with Olive Oil. Heat. With melon baller or ice cream scooper, scoop out the mixture. Pan fry until golden. Drain on paper towels (although there really is not alot of grease) Pesto Aioli make a little or alot Add equal parts light mayo and jarred prepared basil pesto....place in fridge to enhance flavors Since I am in the mushie eating stage.....I smashed my crab fritter with a fork really well....I added a little bit of lemon juice to help it along. Then, I drizzled the ailoi over it...working it into the mixture until it was pretty pureed. My husband loved these too. I think they are going to become a regular menu item at my house. I'll bet the same recipe would be great with canned Salmon!!! Let me know if anyone tries these! And, if so.....please share your opinion! Let me know if you have any questions!!!!! Yummy!!!!

Wow....I thought it was just me! The first few days when I was on clear liquids and eating SF popscicles, the sweetness of them just about made me nuts. I had this weird taste in my mouth for a few days and I just could not stomach another "sweet" thing. Needless to say, my freezer looks like I own a popscicle stand! I stocked up very well before my surgery!! LOL! Although even in my pre-lb life, I wasn't really a sweets eater. I like savory, highly-flavored foods.....lots of Italian foods! Now that I'm doing the mushy stages, I have been experimenting with alot of different recipe ideas. I'll post them on here in a different thread.

Hi all Crazy Ates! Hard to believe but after tomorrow all of the August bands will be in place!!! Thanks to everyone for joining me on this journey! When I sent out a call for a fun group......little did I know what a wonderful response I would have and what great, fun and generous people I would meet!!! This group has been a lifeline for me....and probably many others! It's been a life changing month for all of us! Looking forward to many, many, many months of sharing, fun and celebrating with all of you!!! It's great to be among you all!!! I think we are the best group on LBT!! What do you think? Good Luck August 31 banders! We'll be waiting right here for you! Hope everyone is doing well! And, once more....thanks!!!! Judi

Hey all....I can feel my desire to eat returning. But, I keep telling myself that I'll vomit if I overeat! So, as long as I can scare myself into NOT eating then I think I'll be okay. I have another 1.5 weeks of mushie foods then real food begins. That, to me, is scarey. My first fill is not until mid-September. So, I have to deal with what I have for the time being. The scale has moved so I am not complaining. But, I wish I could fast forward time a bit so I can get to the first fill. And, I KNOW I have to exercise. I keep skipping over the Exercise Challenge post because I'm feeling so quilty about that. Walking is my choice of exercise. But, it's been so darn humid! And, I think I'm doing to much now that I'm feeling better. So, I get worn out. Excuses! Excuses! Maybe I just better do it....right???? We just have to keep working on this my Crazy Ates Friends!!! We're all in this together. Judi

Congrats to you! Yes, it's true.....it gets better with each day. I know that's hard to believe at the moment.....I felt the same way! The gas was probably what lingered most. Those bubbles of air get trapped in your shoulder and mid chest. It's pretty painful.....to say the least. I walked, used a heating pad and took Gas X. Those things gave me relief. But, I think that it just takes time. I'm 2.5 weeks out and still feel a bit tired. But, then again, we aren't eating much! So, maybe it takes our bodies awhile to adjust to having a lower energy supply! But, then again, I was TIRED all the time from carrying all this extra weight around (before the surgery). I hope to get back to work next week. Best wishes!!! You really did a wonderful thing! Welcome to BANDLAND!!! Judi

GO! GO!GO! Your Crazy Ates brethren will be waiting right here where you left us! Good luck and remember....you are doing a wonderful, wonderful thing! Be sure to let yourself be pampered and taken care of....you deserve it!!! Our month is coming to an end here! In a few short days, we all be banded!!!! Banded together too!!! Wow!!! Watch those tickers go down, down, down!!! Hope everyone is well!!! Judi

You'll be okay! Trust us!!! Remember....you are doing a wonderful thing for yourself!!! We'll be waiting right here for you!!! Glad to hear everyone is doing well! I had a mashed up ravioli (my own home made!) today.....heaven on earth! And, to think, I could sit down and eat a dozen of them all by myself!!! Oh my!!!

All good news from everyone! This is great! This is my 2 week bandiversary and I'm getting prepared to eat MUSHIE foods tomorrow. Got a few things already prepared. Before I post any recipes, I'll make sure they are "worthy". Feeling good. Have family arriving in town to stay with us tomorrow for a few days.....sooooooo......I guess THIS will be the test!!! Congrats all!!!

Hi all! Hard to believe I am almost 2 weeks out. I'm on full liquids but I have had about 4 thinly sliced pieces of cheddar cheese in the past 2 days. I just needed SOMETHING. I had no problem with keeping it down. Which, I hope doesn't spur me on to indulging in other things. The thing is that it's not as if I am starving. Maybe I'm just bored. But, I keep trying to convince myself that once I start EATING, I may never stop. And, then where will I be? That's what is keeping me from overindulging. With all of that being said, I really want to encourage you NOT to get depressed over wanting to eat or eating some "forbidden" foods. This is a process. And, these early weeks are the times to learn. I will get my first fill in 4 weeks. I think then the real "living" with the band will begin. Right now....it's healing and practicing. So don't beat yourself up and don't let yourself fall into a pattern of feeling badly about yourself when you slip up. Look at what you just did.......you made a huge step in the right direction....one that you should be proud of and one that will change your entire life! Stand up and BE PROUD!!!!! :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

Hey all..... Today marks my 10 day bandiversary. And, I am here to tell you that it doesn't take long to get back to feeling good! And, possibly even better than good! Although I still have tinges of discomfort, I feel like the weight of facing a life of obesity has been lifted off of my shoulders. It's a peaceful feeling. It definitely overrides any discomfort or pain or inconvenience. Good Luck to all who are getting banded this week and I hope everyone who is recuperating is doing well!!! I go for my first follow up dr appt tomorrow.....can't wait to MOVE MY TICKER!!!! Wonder how much I lost......! Can't wait to see!!! We are all in this together! Judi

Hi all....I graduated to FULL liquids today. Must tell you that my stomach is in a bit of an uproar. But, it felt good to have something other than broth, broth, broth for lunch and dinner..... Got a MAGIC BULLET.....love it so far!!! That's what I used for all these things....... Breakfast: (could not drink more than 4 oz for Breakfast, saved the rest in fridge) Blended 1/4 frozen banana, whey Protein powder, Water, ice handful of frozen rasberries, 1 splenda pack for a shake. Lunch: (made 2 servings, put 1 in the fridge for tomorrow) 1/4 cup skim ricotta cheese egg white, a tad of chicken broth 1/4 cup home made Italian tomato sauce 1 oz romano cheese a few basil leaves YUMO! Dinner: (made 4 4 oz servings.....froze 3 of them) 1 can of Healthy Request Chicken, Broccoli Cheese Cream Soup 1/2 can water 1 handful of shredded cheddar cheese 1 oz of good romano cheese salt, pepper, celery seed Whipped it up in blender until completely creamy YUM YUM YUM I was very happy with this. Bon Apetit!!! Anyone know how long the FULL liquid phase lasts? I have my Dr appt on Tuesday. I can ask then. But, just curious.......

Hi Alexandra..... Oh, I am soooo jealous! Duck is the cutest little area. Our place is further north (straight up the road) in Ocean Sands (towards Corolla). Duck is a nice little area to ride bikes along the side of the road. They have a bike trail--which makes it nice with kids. As for what not to miss.....I'm probably NOT the best person to ask since I love to do nothing, nothing, nothing. For us, it's a beach vacation....the beach and not much else. We have been going to OBX for 21+ years. We have stayed in Duck before so I am very familiar with it. In the early years, the whole area was so remote that there wasn't much to do anyhow....which suited us just fine! No big food stores or Walmarts either at that time! So, we had to drag everything with us. And, the kids were little anyhow so we could not go out much even if we really wanted to. We have had the place in Ocean Sands for the past 8 years. My 2 sisters and I and our families own it together. We always go together for 2 weeks a year, try to get there at least once on our own and keep saying (for 8 years!!) we are going down there for Thanksgiving but it's never quite worked out that way. We rent it out when we can.,....helps with the bills!!! But, here's a few ideas....things we have done in the past and enjoyed as well as a few inside tips. There are a lot of other things that we did that were okay and we would not do them again. Can't wait to here about your trip. Feel free to ask me anything..... FOOD STORES Shop at Harris Teeter (so much nicer than Food Lion)--new one is down near Nags Head. There's also one further up near Corolla but that's a bit of a hike. Tommy's Market--in Duck--very nice but pricey. You can find some excellent dips, seafood and special ingredients Chip's Beer and Wine Market--A must for anyone who really enjoys beers. They also have a good wine selection. EATING OUT Tip--Sunset Grille in Duck is popular so it get's pretty crowded. It's okay but not wonderful. Elizabeth's Cafe & Winery--in Scarbourough Fairre* (see description below). Very nice, good food and wine. Might not be very child friendly, though. The Blue Point- Duck--Our favorite place to go when we are down in Duck Ocean Blvd--Kitty Hawk--A little pricey but good food. Not sure if kids would enjoy this. Black Pelican Ocean Front Cafe--good food, good for all ages Run Down Cafe--Southern Shores/Kitty Hawk--Caribbean Food. We have enjoyed many lunches there Kelly's--A good place to go with family. Only open for dinner. It's a little pricier than some restaurants but the food and service is consistently good. Duck Deli--good place for lunch if you want to go out (and miss beach time!) Sam & Omie's--DH and DS rate this as a top Breakfast place. Flying Fish Cafe--in Nags Head, not a far drive at all Red Drum--we like this alot for lunch when we are down towards Nags Head Big Al's--50's themed place that's great for the kids. We took my little nephews this year....they like it. Owen's--in Nags Head. Old Nags Head Restaurant that's held the test of time. Good food. A little pricey. This past year, our friends went and suggest that you go as early as possible to avoid waiting. Fat Boys Ice Cream-in Nags Head--hands down the winner in ice cream. But, the line can be soooooooo long....especially at night. THINGS TO DO GO TO THE BEACH !!!! BUILD SANDCASTLES!!! READ BOOKS!!! RELAX! Take the Ferry to Ocracoke--this beach is rated the top beach in USA 2006. It is beautiful. Plan to spend the whole day on this trip. My sister and her family do this every year. We do it every few years. Jockey's Ridge--Kill Devil Hills....do this in the evening with the kids. Big sand dunes.....the tallest sand dune on the East Coast. Beautiful place. Check out the offerings at the Professional Theatre Workshop--an outdoor theatre Firehouse Wine Cellar--fun place for foodies & wine lovers to go. Wine tasting all day long *Scarbourough Fairre--this is a quaint little shopping area in the heart of Duck. As long as you enjoy shopping and have patience (since it can get crowded) you will enjoy this. Parking is a little rough so if you can walk, that would be great. That's all I can think of now....but, feel free to ask me anything about OBX. What a great choice for a vacation!!! Judi

Hi Crazy Ates sisters & brothers........ Becky mentioned my Lap Band Journey BLOG in a post. Thank you TexasB!!! Since then, I've received numerous messages for the the address. Here it is: Stories from the road....... Although I had wanted to BLOG for sometime, I never got around to it. On a quick whim, I decided to use my Lap Band surgery as a topic for my blog. And, I have to admit that it's been a wonderful and fun diversion for me! p It's really helped me to focus in a positive, upbeat way and it has also occupies my mind when things get a little rough. I am someone who has always loved to write. And, I'm a huge proponent of getting your thoughts and feelings on paper. Many years ago, when I was counseling full time, I suggested this to my students and clients as a great way to focus. Finally, I am taking my own advice! If you are interested in visiting my site.....I'd love to have you! Feel free to leave messages.....I opened it up to anonymous visitors since a few people mentioned a concern in sharing their email addresses in order to set up accounts. And, I'd also suggest to anyone who is interested and think it may be a good activity for them to set up a BLOG. It's easier than I ever thought it would be. I use Google Blogger. But, there's a world of sites out there that can help you set yours up. Happy Blogging. And, I hope that you get a chance to stop by. We're all in this together! Judi:ranger::ranger:

I WAS BORN IN: Pittsburgh, PA AND GREW UP IN: Pittsburgh, PA I MOVED AWAY FROM HOME WHEN/BECAUSE: We live within 5 minutes of where I was born. Left for undergrad & grad school but I always came back home....... SINCE THEN I'VE LIVED: Since we've been married......we have lived in 2 different communities within 5 minutes of where my DH and I were both raised. I TRAVEL AS OFTEN: I traveled extensively up and down the East coast for about 5 years for work. Some places I would never return to...other places I love. DH travels non-stop for work....far and wide. We have a place in the Outer Banks of NC.....heaven for us! I am a beach, beach, beach person. With the hectic pace of our daily lives, we love to just kick back and do absolutely nothing. We also travel to my family's place in Florida about once a year. We tacked that on to a trip to Disney this past Spring. That was a "working" vacation if there ever once was! We've done our fair share of vacation/travel--Canada, Mexico, Italy, Bermuda, Bahamas, California, Boston, NYC. When we can't go to the beach.....we enjoy little trips (within 2 hours)...quaint B&Bs, wine festivals, concerts mostly. Girlfriends and I like to take little trips for special craft fairs or big market type places. My sisters and I and our daugthers like to go on at least one big shopping trip a year---the local changes each time. DH and I are planning a trip to Napa Valley for a wine tour to Celebrate the 50th birthdays of my DH and a few of the others in our group of "Wino" friends. I am so excited for this trip.....mostly because I know I will be THINNER. It's in May 2008. FARTHEST I'VE EVER BEEN FROM HOME IS: Calabria, Italy--birthplace of my husband's family BEST VACATION EVER, THAT I'D REPEAT IN A HEARTBEAT: Honestly, I just love the Outerbanks of NC. If the weather is good, I love it. And, even if it isn't, I still love it. If I am with my family, I am happy. WORST VACATION EVER, THAT WILL HAUNT ME TIL I DIE: A trip to Erie, PA in the late 1980's. We still talk about it...... DREAM VACATION IF TIME AND MONEY WERE NO OBJECT: A very romantic, 2 week trip with DH.....someplace with a beach. Those are my only requirements. SPECIAL PLACE I NEVER GET TIRED OF GOING BACK TO: Outerbanks, NC

Hi all!!! EVERYBODY CALLS ME: Judi MY PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS INCLUDE: Married--25 years to high school sweetheart 2 children--DD is 16 entering Jr year of HS, DS is 22, received undergrad degree in May, off to grad school tomorrow.... MY NON-HUMAN FAMILY CONSISTS OF: Dust bunnies! I LIVE IN: Pittsburgh, PA OCCUPATION(S): University Administrator/Director. Today I am celebrating my 27th anniversary of working at this wonderful, prestigious university! My educational background is in career counseling. But, I burned out from that 13 years into my own career. Fortunately, I was able to obtain another degree on campus (Higher Education Management ) while continuing to work there. It's really been a wonderful life for me there....I have been soooo lucky. AVOCATION(S): Writing, gardening, gourmet cooking, wine enthusiast, movies, reading and many other creative endeavors.

Melbart01....Yes, you are right....it is discouraging to hear how frustrated some of us are with the liquid phase. I feel so badly if I may have discouraged anyone. That was not my intent at all. I know very well that I should just grin and bear it. I knew that this would be my life at this point. So, perhaps all of this is part of my frustration. Like I said, it is NOT really the liquid stage. I am just not hungry. But, then again, I do have to eat/drink. And I don't like the constant tastes of those things that I can eat/drink. As I said....this is just me. But, I've carried on. Perhaps that's just part of the whole thing here....I needed to vent in some way and it came off as me causing others frustration. Yet, I still think the liquid phase is not easy. Call me spoiled....which I am. But, that's exactly WHY I think the lap band is good for me. I'll be able to enjoy foods....good, well prepared, wonderfully delicious foods. Just not now. I graduate to full liquids on Sunday.....yahoo! I have myself ready.....I hope!!! Good Luck to all!