steph2012

Beautiful dialogue. I couldn't have said it better myself! Congratulations on your success!

When I get something stuck, I usually have a pain in my chest & I start sliming. The saliva in my mouth gets so thick that I can barely swallow it. When this happens, I know what's stuck has to come up. If I don't start sliming, I can usually tolerate the chest pain & get the food to pass through my band on its own. I do not recommend drinking Water if you have something stuck. This has NOT been a successful practice for me. Of course, everyone is different. I have particular trouble with raw veggies, cooked mushrooms & certain types of rice. I think that's about all in terms of specific foods. I can also have a stuck episode if I eat too quickly & swallow something too big to pass through the band. In this case, it could be ANY food.

This is very similar to what I was thinking when I asked about the 5 day pouch test. Thanks for posting.

I was thinking of it as an annual preventative maintenance thing...

Just wondering if anyone has done the 5 day pouch test & if so, what their results were. http://www.5daypouchtest.com/

I may be the only one but I like the message. Some of the comments may have been a little "off" but I did think they were genuine. As someone that is 190 lbs and just started running, I find that runners are a very supportive community - they love it when another person tries their sport. Most people are so complimentary of my progress, not judgemental. I'm the only one that seems to be judging me...

I'm no different than the rest of those that have posted ahead of me. My stomach is so loud sometimes that all I can do is laugh. It's definitely not hunger because it will sometimes growl after I've eaten. My throat gurgles too. Now THAT is annoying. If it gurgles a lot, its a sign of being too restricted. My doesn't growl a lot but it does seem to always happen at the most inopportune times - especially if there is silence in the room. LOL

I've never heard of Slim Time. What is it? Can it be ordered online?

Everyone is different. I took a few extra days off but it quite concievable that you would be okay to return to work on Monday. I've known many people to have the surgery on a Thursday or Friday & go back to work on Monday.

Protein shakes are slider foods but most doctors are okay with you having them because they are high in protein (as mentioned) and because most people have them in the morning when the band is often the tightest and for some people, protein shakes/greek yogurt are all they can tolerate that early in the day. Soups, while low in calories, aren't high in protein & won't satisfy you as long as a high protein food. Protein Shakes are better than soups BUT dense lean meats are better than protein shakes.

Give it time. It will happen for you.. You are only 6 weeks post op. You need to focus on healing right now & not weight loss. When you reach your sweet spot OR the green zone (everyone calls it something different), you'll start to see good results. You can do this. You've already taken the most difficult step...

One day at a time but you can do it!!

I allow myself Snacks. The nights are the worse for me, particularly if I am watching TV. I've made a pact with myself - I can have a snack but only if its an apple & cheese, greek yogurt or a cottage cheese combo. So, essentially, I bargain with myself. I can have a snack but it MUST be something healthy. Now, that's the daily snacks I'm referencing. I'm not talking about treats. That's a whole other matter!

hair loss is one of the unfortunate things that happens. It'll last for a few months. I was losing so much hair that we were cleaning the shower drain at least 2 times a week. It does stop. I'm not sure there's much you can do about it. Be sure you are eating enough Protein as was suggested. I didn't take a supplement for it so I can't speak to that. Every now and again (been banded 2 years), I'll be washing my hair & will notice more hair than normal on my hands. I just smirk now & think to myself, "I should have a good weight loss this week".

Beautiful. Congrats!

I'm no longer addicted to carbs & I no longer crave pop.

I love PB. I don't eat it often - usually a tbsp as a treat in a smoothie ever blue moon. I have never had any trouble when eating PB.

My surgeon says to stop eating after a cup to a cup and a half of food. I agree with others, eat less in a sitting. If you find you are hungry, eat a snack after 2-3 hours.

Each surgeon seems to have different rules of how much you should eat in terms of quantity & calories. According to the rules of my surgeon, you are eating wonderfully. I'm surprised that isn't adding up to 1000 calories though. For the time being, to reach the 1000 calories, maybe you should add some higher calorie foods. My Breakfast smoothie can go as high as 380 calories (35-40 g protein) a day. Believe me, in time, you won't have trouble eating 1000 calories. Maybe a glass of milk or something like that. Though it's liquid, it still has good Protein content & nutritional value. Many bandsters at your stage of the game complain of hunger...

TMF is right. It will likely take a couple of fills before you feel restriction & your band starts doing its thing. Hang in there!

I have not yet acquired the taste for kale. Hoping too since it's suppose to be so good for you. Any smoothie recipe suggestions that might make it a little more pleasant?

I've always liked the fruity flavors of tea. Still drink them on occasion if my band is tight or of I am cold & want to warrm up.

Congrats. That's a lot of NSV's in one day - isn't it great!?!

You have very little to worry about. You'll want to change this behavior as you get more fills but for now, you are likely able to gulp liquid because your band isn't very restrictive yet.

OMG, I'm not sure how your co-workers didn't notice the 130 lbs you lost without having someone mention it. You look amazing. Congratulations on Onderland & the best of luck in reaching your goal weight. You've proven that you can do it!