gowalking

I do the scale once a week. I weigh my food and put whatever I eat into the fitness pal ap to keep track. Then I don't stress even if the scale doesn't move or even might go up. I know the ship will right itself. A few weeks ago, just when I was starting on mushies and real food, the scale didn't really move for two weeks. Then the weight started to drop again. I was 17 lbs. down when I was banded after two weeks on the pre-op diet and since then, I've lost another 12 lbs. Nearly 30 since January 1st. I'm very pleased with that.

SageTracey is right. I'm sure you can get yogurt for breakfast. You can eat that easily in the mushie stage. For lunch, ask if you can have soup. Then you'll be fine. I'm almost six weeks post op and had my first off site meeting Tuesday/Wednesday. Plus I didn't eat because I was flying....liquids only. I was surely nervous, but I did really well. Went for Japanese one night and had miso soup and a few slices of sashimi. Yogurt for breakfast, grilled chicken with salad greens for lunch, and then I was home for dinner. It's a big hurdle...eating out or eating with work colleagues but you'll do great,dolphintatoo, I know you will.

same here.. 23 hours still considered 'same day'. I have bad arthritis in my right knee and both the doctor and I felt it would be better for me to stay overnight so I could have a nurse help me walk around, get in and out of bed, etc. it was the right thing for me to do. I didn't sleep well obviously, but there was a certain feeling of security knowing I was where I needed to be in case there was a problem. plus I got the blood thinner shots regularly and pain meds regularly as well.

don't you worry one bit about how your are feeling. It is so normal. I too, did not understand how and what to eat, even with a handout from the doctor's office, and I met with the nutritionist at my first follow up after surgery (I'm a month post-op) and I cried because I was so afraid to put anything in my mouth. Get info from the NUT, read the posts and threads on this site...it has been a godsend for me...and I promise, you will start to eat, find out you can eat just fine as long as you take it slow...and the fear will subside. Congrats on your decision to get your life back and wishing you all the best on this journey.

was scheduled for my first fill today but am down another 7 lbs. and not having hunger between meals. Staying around 1,000 calories a day so dr. said to leave well enough alone and come back in a month to reassess. I'm actually fine with that plan.

Big milestone today. I went out to dinner for the first time since being banded about a month ago. I did good. Ate about 3 oz grilled scallops and about 1/4 cup sauteed spinach. I took a roll when offered and never touched it. Did not feel hungry or unsatisfied...and I don't think any of my dinner companions noticed my cutting the scallops into small pieces or that I was waiting between bites. They didn't know I had the lapband, and I didn't want to talk about it either. oh...and after dinner, we went to see Barry Manilow in concert. He was terrific, sang all his hits, and had the audience singing along with him. Mostly though, it was really nice for me to have enjoyed the show more than focusing on the meal beforehand.

I also suffer from bad arthritis in the knees and I was off NSAIDS for two weeks prior to surgery. Was in so much pain that I worked from home because walking was torture. Talk to your doctor again about going back on NSAIDS. As soon as I got home the day after the surgery, I was back on the NSAIDS and got relief within a couple of days. Also...as other posters have said, use a pool if you have one available. I've joined the local 'Y' so I can use their pool. It's the only way at the moment for me to exercise without pain.

Preop diet started on December 31st. Most of my 24 lb. weight loss was prior to surgery and while on liquids post op. Since the mushie stage, and real food, only another 2 lbs. down. But remember...none of us should be hooked on the numbers...I am following a sensible food plan and eating 1,000 calories or less a day. I know the weight will start to come off as long as I stick to the plan. Most of the time, this amount of food satisfies me...I'm due for a fill on Friday but not sure I will do it. I'm not in lapband hell like so many others are. I'd rather put the fills off till I truly feel I need them. Will see what the Dr. says on Friday and make the decision with her input. I think we panic when hunger returns but I don't think hunger is abnormal as long as satisfaction comes when the meal is over. I'm never full...I don't think I will ever be full again....but I also think that thin people are never full either. I'm trying to think like a thin person...and am hoping one day that I won't have to weigh my food and will be able to eyeball portions. I'm so used to eating so much food that my initial reaction is that the amount of food I put on my plate now will never satisfy me....and yet for the most part, it does every time. This journey is truly a life change, not just a food change....and I'm understanding how much the band really is just a tool. Every piece of food I put in my mouth...and every piece of food I do not put in my mouth is a decision I make at every meal. I expect that I will be doing this the rest of my life...like most people who are not overweight or obese do. I think that's the key to this....learning that food is just food..and not letting it rule our lives anymore..

Hi Steelerfan. I'm in a similar situation. Lost 23 lbs from pre-op diet to eating mushies...which was 10 days after surgery. Since starting all foods...about 10 days ago, a loss of only 1 lb. I've been following a food plan...around 1,000 calories a day so I know it's not because I'm eating too much, or the wrong foods. I've seen other posts where folks say they have stopped losing, or have even gained. I wouldn't worry about it if you are following a sensible diet. Look for those NSVs instead..are your clothes looser? Can you move easier? I had a great NSV at work last week. Before the holidays, I got a lamp for the desk in my office. I couldn't get under the desk to plug it in...till last week when I could finally bend enough to reach the power strip. Those are the kind of little or big things you look at when the scale isn't moving.

it could also be a fear of the unknown. I know that was a big problem for me. How would I feel? Would i feel the band? Will I ever eat like a normal person? Will this work?....lot's of those questions. I was banded on Jan. 14th so while I've not had any fills yet, I find that I am not nearly as hungry as I was preband and I am able to stay on track regarding portion control and staying away from foods that won't help me....sweets, chips, ice cream, etc. I'm also eating carbs sparingly. Once you get into a routine, alot of the worry and stress goes away because you realize this is do-able.

that's wonderful. Can't wait until I am able to walk like that. I've made progress as well. I walked two avenue's yesterday from Sixth to Eighth. I know for most people that's no big deal, but for me with my arthritis, that's a huge milestone. I couldn't have done that a month ago.

congrats! couldn't help but notice your Rutgers sweatshirt. I used to live in the area...my son went to Middlesex CC.

glad you are doing so well moses. I'm a week behind you so I'm almost three weeks out. Went back to work last week and so far so good. Even took the Path and walked up/down the stairs instead of going to Penn just so I could take the escalator/elevator. Took it slow, but made it. I'm weighing my meals...no fills yet so I need to make sure not to overeat. Most of the time, I'm satisfied after eating and am good with that. Just started 'regular' foods on Thursday and have had no issues. Not sure of the weight loss...every scale is different but am somewhere between 20-23 lbs. down. My first fill is scheduled for the 15th. What about you?

thanks for letting me know your experience honk. the goal is to lose enough weight to be able to get off all nsaids but I know that will take time so I'll speak to my dr. about this.

I have arthritis and have been taking diclofenac for a couple of months after the ortho dr. said to stop taking so much advil. i switched to naproxen for a short time because it was crushable and the diclofenac wasn't but I've since gone back to the diclofenac with doctor's approval. just shows that even doctors have differing opinions. probably comes down to risk/benefit...same as with all meds.

good for you kelsey!! welcome to the other side. my surgery went well, the recuperation better than i had hoped for and have been through the liquid and mushie stages. have been on regular food since Thursday. using all the tips I got on this site.....baby fork/spoon, timer for between bites, nutrutionist said small bites, and chew well. it takes me more than a half hour to eat, but who cares....so far no problems. heading back to the office on the 15th for my first fill....maybe. I'm doing well so far, and once I eat my portioned amount, I'm OK so I may wait on the fill if the doctor agrees. every scale seems to be different but since the pre-op diet I've dropped somewhere around 20-23 lbs. Very pleased with my progress so far. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

I read this and am so sorry that the person who should support you is not doing so. I have a similar issue with a family member. I get support on the surface but sabotage is lurking nearby. I'm no therapist but I bet your hubby is scared that things will change and you will change. Just try to focus on your success and I'm sure once he sees the changes are good ones, I bet he backs you 100%.

same here.

me too. at least a week...maybe even a little more.

can you have sugar-free gum? If yes, there's a chance to chew without eating yet.

not all doctors do this but most want you to do 1-3 weeks on the pre-op diet. also...the diets can be different. some folks could eat protein, some only liquids. depends on your doctor's protocol. just know that you must follow whatever directive they give you..

Dr. Ren did my surgery as well. I was banded on the 14th so I'm pretty new to this process. I stayed at the hospital overnight and it was suggested I walk...no one put a gun to my head. i was happy to get out of bed so it wasn't a problem for me. Good luck kateeryn and all you February bandsters.

I was banded on Jan 14th and all I can say is that it's hard to get through this part of it. My preop diet included a small salad and some veggies in my soup for dinner. Can you eat anything or is it a full liquid diet? Regardless, you just have to slog through it and know that if you don't cheat, you may have an easier time of it post op if your liver has shrunk as it's supposed to. Don't be surprised if you go a little crazy...I had a full blown meltdown about halfway through my two weeks. Thank goodness my sister and son haven't held it against me...LOL. Good luck and know that you have alot of support on this site.

thanks again Lee. This site has truly been a godsend and the support and hints and insight and experiences I've read about have helped me more than I can say.

thanks Lee. I already have the baby spoons/forks but I don't want to use them outside of home...I am appalled at the idea of bringing attention to myself and having to explain why I'm using these utensils. It's nobody's damn business. There are already too many people who know I've had this surgery...and that was never my intention. Anyway, back to your hints. I use a timer and it keeps me from eating too quickly but again, I'd never use it in public. I've gone with the shake in the AM as it is quite filling for me..at least it is right now. I watch the liquids while eating...and I don't drink until I am finished. As far as staying away from what causes problems...how do you know these are problem foods? I presume you get stuck. ...and there's my fear, right there. I picture myself trying a little piece of shrimp or white meat chicken, and feeling like I'm going to have a heart attack....and then having to run to the bathroom to sick it back up. It friggin terrifies me...and I'm not trying to be dramatic here...I am truly terrified of this.