copywronger

Noticed no one started a thread for NYC. I had my band put in with George Fielding at NYU. Anyone else out there?

Hey everyone So, I just got myself a new Trek bike. I realize I may have jumped the gun... Had my surgery only 8 days ago. I'm wondering how soon I might be able to use it? PS - I'd be doing some moderate riding -- I live next to a boardwalk. No off-road mountain biking or anything.

I'm only a couple days away from surgery and I keep running this question over in my mind... When I finally get my band tightened and I'm eating solids, what foods are Bandsters' "secret tricks?" Like... what keeps you satisfied, isn't too high in calories, and doesn't tend to get stuck in the band? Thanks! Dara

So, tonight, I went to meet a friend for dinner. We went for Mexican. Now, being on mushies, as many of you know, is a somewhat limited experience. Especially when you're going out for dinner. I felt bad for the waiter... didn't want him to think I was cheap for ordering a side order of refried Beans. So I ordered an appetizer of flautitas (like taquitos). The outside was very crunchy, the inside was filled with very finely ground beef. I chewed it really, really well and had absolutely no problems. (I realize this wasn't the healthiest food option, but it seemed like the only other thing on the menu I could digest.) The issue is this: I'm not supposed to go onto solid food for another 1.5 weeks. I had my surgery on April 9th. Technically, I'm just starting mushies. But if you chew something sooooo well, doesn't it really just become a "mushy" in your mouth? I just intend to go back onto mushies and wait for solids... or can I just keep going with solids since I didn't have any problems? Just curious if anyone else jumped the gun like me.

Congrats!!!

You mentioned pasta as part of mushies... I don't think any doctor would okay that... pasta is considered a solid, right?

By the way -- also a question about feeling full -- how full did u ever feel while on mushies? I've been feeling pretty full. If you get/feel too full, could that cause problems for the band?

Wheetsin, usually I don't really care about what waiters think...but even some of them are living in $2500/mo apartments here in NYC. I used to be a hostess, so I do empathize. Might just leave a bigger tip for my scrawny order. If I feel the service was deserving of it...

Well, I'm strictly on mushies again... just realizing that eating out during this phase is really too hard to do for me. I think I won't go out again until I'm officially on solids.

So, out of curiosity, I asked my Nurse Practitioner at NYU how many CCs my band is. I've noticed that all of you seem to know... She said I got the "big band". 11 cc's! That sounds bigger than most of the ones I've seen on this forum. Anyone else have an 11cc band?

I've been having mashed potatoes and/or sweet potatoes pretty much every day! I can't imagine not having them. Honestly, ur still eating so few calories (assuming u prepare them in a healthy way) that u should lose a few pounds. I don't see the harm. Just stay active.

I don't know why I'm getting all confused... So, I don't get my first fill for another 4 weeks. I'm officially on Mushies now. You know how the rules are "don't drink until an hour after a meal," " eat very very slowly," etc. Do these rules not really apply until you've had a fill? Or do they apply as soon as you start to eat? Cuz... the other night, I was definitely able to eat more mashed potatoes than I probably will be able to after my first fill.

Ok. Guess I was in denial. Haha... Ate without drinking at lunch and I'm still full. Guess it works!

Hey T, I have Cigna too. When I first called, they didn't seem to have my paperwork on record...but when the woman from the surgical clinic called, she seemed to know who to ask and what question. Eventually, I called back and they fast-tracked my answer for me. Just continue to call. Then, one day, they put me thru to someone in another department and he told me I was approved. Happiest day ever. 8 mos of waiting...over in 2 seconds. GOOD LUCK!

I just went in for my post-op checkup. They said I could start moderate riding whenever since I'm healing so well! Yay!

2 weeks of liquids 2 weeks of mushies 2 weeks of soft solids Then my first fill.

So, i'm 4 days post-op...and starting to get my appetite back. Was really hungry... wished i could have potatoes or something carby. I got creative. Took a can of Goya Black Bean soup to my Cuisinart and blended the hell out of it. Then, i added 1/2 can of fat free chicken broth. I heated it on medium-high heat...but not for too long. Don't want to cook the moisture out or you'll end up with too much starch. Had it a little while ago... VERY satisfying. Totally hit the spot. I'll be sure to retract this recipe if I find I have any physical problems from it.

Actually, my NP suggested liquid Motrin. Anyone try that?

Hey all So, I've had a couple bouts of nausea since getting out of the hospital on Monday. Tuesday nite, I was woken from sleep because I needed to throw up...but there was nothing to throw up. Very painful. Right now, I'm feeling similarly, but not at the throwing-up stage.. yet. Just... really nauseous and tired. Afraid to drink or do anything... don't want to activate it. Can't tell if I'm drinking too many liquids or maybe it's the vicodin? Sigh.

Thanks for all the help, you guys! Definitely feeling better today. Actually sitting in a chair! It's taken me a little longer than I expected to get over the pain. May switch to Advil at this point.

My body says "ouch!" :faint:

I was discharged from the hospital yesterday AM. Yesterday, I managed to probably eat about 250 calories. If that. Today, I'll have had a bit more... I had half a slim fast shake for Breakfast, the other half at lunch, and a 1/2 cup of soup in the late afternoon. i'm sure I'll get down some more soup, but there's no way I'll break 500-600 calories. Is it the swelling that is keeping me full? I just have NO appetite.

Anything else on the bariatric menu besides Salmon?

I'm with you, Edie. Most of the people I told have been ECSTATIC for me. They are nothing but supportive, and that just means I'll have a huge support group surrounding me post-op. It's been really nice seeing how many people are in my court. Plus... it's not like it's some big secret that I'm fat. I mean... duh. It's right out there where everyone can see it. When the fat goes away, and they ask my secret, I'm not going to lie. The lap-band is EVERYWHERE. Soon, knowing someone with a lap-band will be like knowing someone who's tried online dating. The kinda thing that sounds weird at first, but eventually, everyone's gonna try it. Anyway, I am NOT pressuring anyone to open up the way Edie and I have. What you do is totally your business. But... it saddens me to see so many people who are scared of what people might say or think. Screw those nay-sayers. Seriously. You are doing this for YOU and no one else. Some jerk's remark won't throw you off the track if you are truly motivated. Peace & Luv, D

Man... I did Atkins for 2 years and I swore I'd never EVER go back to that kind of low-carbing. Hearing you guys talk low-carb is kinda depressing.