GR8

broth can have a lot of sodium- but not to bad of a choice is choose a low sodium version. The main goal of the pre-op diet is to shrink the fat around your liver. A high Protein, low carb, low fat, low cal diet will be very successful! Be sure to take 2 x a day a multi-Vitamin. Good luck!

Welcome!!!!! July 24th is coming soon... Be sure to look for the July 07 thread group: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f94/lucky-sevens-july-07-bandsters-35160/#post471214 -- you can relate with the group as you all take this journey together. I also look at the group banded before me -- so I can see what I have to look forward to.... Keep in touch -- Hugs! Good Luck!

You haven't -- when you have surgery they put the band on close to empty - so you have no real restriction - just swelling from the manipulation of the stomach of placing the band on. Most doctors make you wait 6 weeks to get your first fill - due to the stitches need to heal as well -- so it is very important - do not overeat and stretch the pouch or stitch area. Protein will satisfy you -- you can do it! I buy these Protein Bullets (42gr protein each; 2 = 84gr and 6.2 oz) and mix 2 in 16oz bottle add Water to top -- they count as clear liquid, don't taste bad when dilluted either. Each day your goal is to get this 16oz bottle in (you have meet your protein goal)-- then you can have anything else you desire that you are allowed. ************************************ go to: your local Vitamin shoppe or http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/search/...intsource=main or call them at 1-800-223-1216. $29.99 for 12 of the 42 gram bullets -- I use 2 a day. I put the 2 of them in a 16oz water bottle - add water to the top and drink a third at B-L-D. I have a coupon -- that the website didn't recognize but I called them and they did honor it -- "Save $10 on any purchase of $50 or more" promo code VSC-3123 -- received it from my doctor's office - it also is a "Supplement and Grocery list for Gastric Bypass Patients." (Feel free to use it as well!) ************************************* Let me know how this goes! I have done this coming home from surgery on the 4-9 for 2 weeks - and don't feel tired or any other side effects --I know do only 1 in 1/2 bottle for Breakfast each morning. I drink this then concentrate on getting additional 64oz plus of crystal light -- and such. Keep in touch! Gina

What helped me was getting in my Protein during those clear liquids days. I still do it after fills. Here is my solution: I buy these Protein Bullets (42gr protein each; 2 = 84gr and 6.2 oz) and mix 2 in 16oz bottle add Water to top -- they count as clear liquid, don't taste bad when dilluted either. Each day your goal is to get this 16oz bottle in (you have meet your protein goal)-- then you can have anything else you desire that you are allowed. ************************************ go to: your local Vitamin shoppe or http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/search/...intsource=main or call them at 1-800-223-1216. $29.99 for 12 of the 42 gram bullets -- I use 2 a day. I put the 2 of them in a 16oz water bottle - add water to the top and drink a third at B-L-D. I have a coupon -- that the website didn't recognize but I called them and they did honor it -- "Save $10 on any purchase of $50 or more" promo code VSC-3123 -- received it from my doctor's office - it also is a "Supplement and Grocery list for Gastric Bypass Patients." (Feel free to use it as well!) ************************************* Let me know how this goes! I have done this coming home from surgery on the 4-9 for 2 weeks - and don't feel tired or any other side effects --I know do only 1 in 1/2 bottle for Breakfast each morning. I drink this then concentrate on getting additional 64oz plus of crystal light -- and such.

I bet you haven't ruined it yet -- but need to get control. Go back to liquids -- for a few days -- then watch your food intake and make smart food choices. It is not easy -- you still have to have willpower and control -- especially immediately after surgery -- some call it Bandster hell time. Eat your Protein -- if it makes it easier than use bars and shakes -- then choose veggies - salads and such to fill you to full but don't over eat -- and learn to eat slowly -- that is the toughest thing to do when you get filled - is remembering to chew chew chew -- slowly! Small bits. You are in boot camp right now -- need to practice and follow the rules. Good Luck!

I haven't heard of this so far -- or read about it here either. But I bet it works. As you read you will find that as LB'ers moved to solids - we hit plateaus. When I hit plateaus and find my weight going up a pound a day for a few days -- I go back to liquids and bars to take it back down. I wish you the best of luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds great! I live in the Norfolk area -- I can help. Those flying in or setting up the accomodations and activities -- the airport is Norfolk International (ORF) or alternative Newport-News/Williamsburg (PHF). There is so many choices in the area - Cruises - Beach front Virgina Beach - Jamestown - Williamsburg / Bush Gardens - Nags Head (90 miles from ORF). Chica-Chula -- you are doing wonderful! My 3 month anniversary was Monday - I lost 25 lbs since surgery day. I just went for my 2nd fill today and lost 11 lbs since first fill 6 weeks ago. He added 2cc to my 3 cc's and said that I was loosey goosey and losing 11lbs was great being that way --- that I must understand the Lap-Band and that is 80% of the battle. Here I was thinking I was failing and missing something, thanks to you asking the question of everyone of their loses, Judy and all you wonderful Violets -- restating the rules - I know I am normal - we are all in the same boat! Have a great evening!!!! Gina

I actually love the IDS New whey Protein Bullets - I buy the 42 gram ones in Fruit Punch flavor. I mix it 50/50 with Water. Immediately after surgery I took 2 and added to 10oz water in 16oz bottle and that was my goal each day to get that in for my daily protein requirement. I'd drink a third at Breakfast, lunch, dinner. As I said -- I Love them (42 gr dilluted)! Gina

okay - I feel stupid -- what is the ap band? How is that an upgrade? Just curious.... newly banded (april 9th) still learning here. Thanks everyone! Gina

Hi Judy! Can you outline the rules/basics you follow -- I think I need a refresher course -- from someone who is as successful as you!!!!!! My hero. Thanks! Gina

Hi Lauriann -- this is great to know, thanks for the update. Did they do it under flouro (sp? - live xray?) I travel every other week -- so I try to have at my finger tips WHO to see if I need to when I am in that area having issues. Thanks again! Gina

Kat: I will be saying BIG PRAYERS for Kinsey, you and your family. Hugs! Gina

Yahooooo! I am so happy for you! You are such an inspiration to so many of us. Hugs! Gina

You got it! Hope she heals and gets to feeling 100% soon!

Hi Teri The majority of the April Bandstrs post on the following thread == come and join us there. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/shrinking-violets-april-07-bandsters-29472/ Welcome! Gina

SUGARED PECANS This version of a recipe for sugar pecans is cooked in the slow cooker. INGREDIENTS: 16 ounces pecan halves 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice PREPARATION: Stir the pecans and butter in a 3 1/2- to 4-quart Crock Pot until combined. Add *confectioners' sugar, stirring to coat. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes. Turn to low and cook uncovered for about 2 hours, or until the nuts are covered with a glaze and are a little crispy. Transfer to a bowl, combine spices and sift over nuts, tossing to distribute evenly. Cool pecans before serving. *When I made them - I combined the powder sugar and spices - less hassel. You can use any spice combination you wish. Have fun! Gina

Count me in! I need to get movin' -- I just had 2 big eating days after being soooo good for a week -- :angry and I Don't have a fill scheduled until 7/12 (thursday). I will commit to do 20 sessions! Judy -- the pictures are wonderful -- you look so beautiful and HAPPY! KAT: I have a simple recipe for Spiced Pecans - in the crock pot if you would like it. Just let me know. Have a good night everyone! Gina

Glad to hear you are feeling better -- Keep in touch! Gina

Hi Everyone! Pamela - the pictures are great and thanks for sharing! I agree with you that my mind and eyes think I need more food than my new stomach. Kat - your parents are so lucky to have a wonderful daughter like you -- and so are we - thanks for watching over us and giving us our education, and your advice. Jenn - I wish you the best of luck on finding a job that will be satisfying for you. Laura - congrat's -- can't wait to see pictures! Hope the house is getting fixed. Judy - congrat's on the NSV, looking forward to seeing your picture as well -- Fantastic job by DH -- he caught up to you, that is the way it is with men - they can loose so much faster than women. Have a great weekend everyone and BE SAFE! Gina

Amen! Also Remember -- people notice but don't say anything not sure how to approach the subject -or uncomfortable to discuss. Think how many times you have done this - with someone else that you thought was losing weight. Gina

I buy these Protein Bullets (42gr protein each; 2 = 84gr and 6.2 oz) and mix 2 in 16oz bottle add Water to top -- they count as clear liquid, don't taste bad when dilluted either. Each day your goal is to get this 16oz bottle in (you have meet your protein goal)-- then you can have anything else you desire that you are allowed. ************************************ go to: your local Vitamin shoppe or http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/search/...intsource=main or call them at 1-800-223-1216. $29.99 for 12 of the 42 gram bullets -- I use 2 a day. I put the 2 of them in a 16oz water bottle - add water to the top and drink a third at B-L-D. I have a coupon -- that the website didn't recognize but I called them and they did honor it -- "Save $10 on any purchase of $50 or more" promo code VSC-3123 -- received it from my doctor's office - it also is a "Supplement and Grocery list for Gastric Bypass Patients." (Feel free to use it as well!) ************************************* Let me know how this goes! I have done this coming home from surgery on the 4-9 for 2 weeks - and don't feel tired or any other side effects --I know do only 1 in 1/2 bottle for breakfast each morning. I drink this then concentrate on getting additional 64oz plus of crystal light -- and such. Gina

I got a medical alert braclet after my surgery - and only receive compliments on style. They ship to Canada. Lot and lots of styles for everyone. I got C15 - gold and silver beads. Lauren's Hope - Medical ID Bracelets, Medical ID Watches, Mothers Bracelets, and 14k Gold Bracelets

Judy -- Great pictures - everyone looks very happy and having lot's of fun. You and DH look tremendous! Gina

I am unsure what your doctor requires as post-op diet but it seems you could continue the Optifast as your liquid food. Good Luck! Zoom Zoooom Zoom.