erinjkenben

I am in White Township - between Hackettstown and Phillipsburg (near Belvidere).

Thanks for all the ideas everyone. I'm eating pretty much the same. I guess it's when my band is a little too tight it throws me off. We found out something interesting about my band. We may have the restriction set just right (I don't have much in there - 3 or 4 cc), but over the course of a few weeks or if I'm traveling a lot, the bands seems to tighten by itself. Weird but true, but at least we know the physical reason I struggle with eating what are normally good choices.

Let me know if u guys decide to do another meet & greet in the city or NJ. I would not mind meeting other banders from NYU or anywhere really. Erin

Thanks for the above comments...I wish I could say I did not follow the above advice, but I definitely put the fork down between bites and I cut my food into toddler bites. I don't each much meat either, mostly because I have kidney problems, so I prefer non-animal Proteins - lots of nuts and Beans - all chewed well. I eat Soup and chili - that all works well for me. Sometimes I can take Farina or scrambled eggs. I don't think I can drink another Protein shake, I had enough of that pre and post surgery and am still traumatized by those yummy chocolate shakes! I would love to start eating fish and Market Day chicken breasts (they are very moist), but every time I try it does not go well (I found a website that actually sells vomit bags - the kind you find on airplanes - and it comes in handy since I travel a lot). Anything I eat though, I can only eat 2 or 3 bites max.

This is going to require a lot of honesty from everyone, but I am wondering if I am the only one struggling to eat. I had my surgery June 14, 2013. I am losing weight at a nice and steady pace and I think my restriction is probably just right, but I still haven't figured out how or what to eat. Of course the things that are not great (chocolate, ice cream) seem to go down, but I find myself craving Protein and veggies. I have been taking Vitamins and sipping warm tea in the morning which is helping, but I could really use some additional suggestions and tips. My doctor reminds me constantly eat slower and I even use the 30 second time, but I find myself spitting up more often than not. Not to worry, we checked my band and everything is good, but it's just so annoying that I can't seem to get the hang of "eating like a lap bander".

These are great tips....just what the doctor ordered! I went into my appointment today pouting and whining a bit. I was sure I needed some liquid out because even though I am losing weight at a nice slow healthy pace, I have been throwing up after almost everything I ate. I have Dr. George Fielding at NYU who had the surgery himself, right off the bat he said I was eating too fast. I said no way, I'm practically not eating at all and that there must be something wrong with my band. Just to keep me quiet he sent me to have do the barium swallow. Of course the test came text book perfect. I really thought I had been eating slow....back to the drawing board.

Ok we'll I guess l lost one stone from the start of the dreaded liquid pre-op diet until surgery! Interesting!!

Well it's Thursday and I'm still here!! I'm going to get a little crazy and go to Mass again on Sunday and take Communion. God is probably laughing and smiling that I was even worried about this. For the record, he did get a big thank you for helping me get this far and through the surgery. I am very excited about the blessing of having my health and life back. With his help and grace of course, I know this is possible!!

Sadly...I am still drinking them......but I do have a hard time finishing them. How bout that guy in the movie, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. I am watching it now. Volunteering for liquids for 60 days??!!

How many pounds is 2 stone Tracie?? I suppose I could google it.

Here is something that will motivate you or at least help you pass the time on the pre-op diet...I am watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. I like it...this poor soul has volunteered to be on a liquid diet for 60 days for the sake of his health and his film. Is he crazy?? I am only half way through the movie, but it is very good.

Well it seems we are all on the same page!! I only had two weeks pre-op too. but now it's the 10 days of liquids (send your creative ideas my way please) and I can't believe I am going to say this, I am looking forward to the 10 days of puree/mushy foods (I'll take suggestions there too)! My surgery was June 14, 2013, so I am on liquids until June 23rd.

Including the two weeks of pre-op, this is day 18.....yuk. This liquid routine is making me a little crazy (and I am a bit starving which isn't helping)!!

Thank you Tracie!

And yes and probably most important it was great to be at Mass on Sunday. I was praying for a long time that I was making the right decision. God continues to constantly bless me and I'm so thankful for that.

Thanks everyone. My chest was feeling a bit tight on Sunday, but that was probably less about taking Communion and more about being a bit swollen on the inside. I'm still a bit tight, but it comes and goes.

Oh very cool...well I'm just about 6 months behind you. I have been working with Shannon. I actually live out in western NJ, but I'm in the city quite a bit. My job requires a lot of eating out and a lot of traveling. I have told most of my colleagues (mostly men). They are very sweet and very supportive that I am taking steps to be healthy (which equals productive in my work). I must say I am a bit nervous about venturing out of my home office and into the real world. My next business trip is not until August, but it's far (to Brazil). I hope I'm in the groove by then!

When did you have your surgery? I have not seen Dr. Fielding since the surgery, but I'm guessing my band is empty since the first three months is the time to heal and adjust to new eating behaviors. He also says eat what you like, but please eat slow. What does Dr. Ren say?

I realize I started on this journey at a lower weight than others, but still unhealthy for my height and body type. My profile picture is from the day of my surgery. I never set a number goal for myself going into this. Instead I decided I would continue to lose until my health issues were resolved. My surgeon and the nurses at my insurance company agree with me and like this approach. I hope it is effective and I'm not going about this in a way that will prove unsuccessful. I was never one to be too concerned with the scale, more concerned with the way I was feeling. When I started getting sicker and sicker, I knew I had to take action sooner than later. I am glad to see so many mentioning their health issues are improving.

Thank you, that would be very cool!

I had her hubby, Dr. George Fielding. I have not has the pleasure of meeting his other half. I think I always come into the office on her surgery day. He and everyone else speak so highly of her. I actually haven't met the other doctors either now that I come to think of it!

Quick question, I was just banded a few days ago on Friday and this past Sunday, I went to Mass. I received Communion and took some Wine as well (tiny amount to help the host dissolve). I wonder if I should have done that so soon since I am obviously still on liquids. Do you think I could have hurt anything by doing this? I know I'm not supposed to have solids or alcohol. How soon did others start receiving Communion after surgery?