Road Queen

Thanks for posting. I was beginning to think I'm the fussiest person in the world but I am surviving. I found the cheese Soup packets - they are dried and include a little bottle of tabasco (which I don't use) to be great. The ones that I've tried were the 5 cheese with herb and beer cheese. To make them less rich, I have added some broth and/or potato leek soup (this makes it much more filling). The brand of potato leek soup I used was in the health food section - I think its called image or imagine or something like that. I have also been adding my Protein powder to soy yogurt but sometimes that just makes me hungrier. Thursday I get to add mushies and pureed foods. I can't wait!! Celeste

I am 12 days out of surgery and it is itching inside of my stomach. Is that a normal part of the healing process?

Esmerelda, Sorry you have to go through this but these type of changes usually make life better in the long run. Just hang in there. I will remember you in my prayers. Celeste

You must look awesome - and look at your stats. Congratulations on the whistle and good luck on the PS.

My dr in Bismarck ND is Dr. Mike Schmit at St Alexius medical center. I know he does fills on people who were bonded elsewhere. There are also dr. in Minneapolis that the Minnesota people can give you the names and drs in SD. If you decide to come to Bismarck, let me know and maybe we can get together. I don't know anything about the tickers. Haven't tried that yet. Good luck getting your fill and losing weight.

Bandland is great!! Congratulations. Celeste

Aileena, I was banded the same day as you and got to go home that day also must have been a lucky day. Glad to hear everything is going well for you. I get to have yogurt now so I started putting my whey Protein and Vitamin powder in that. Alot better than Isopure. I am hoping this will give me more energy. Congratulations on everything going so well. Celeste

35 pounds is a victory - no matter what. I'm not married and don't even have a date so I can't make any comments on what anyone would tell me. I'm a little assertive so I think my past dates have usually only told me what they think I wanted to hear. Anyway, my cousin was banded in October and has lost about 50 pounds. Her husband is very proud of her and proclaims it continually. He knows she wants to live a longer healthier life so they can enjoy more time together. Just come to the board for support for this and someday your hubby may realize just what this has meant for the two of you.

Okay, I took a gulp of my protein drink to finish it off about a half hour ago and the pain is intense now. I think I'm learning my lessons.

I have had pain in my left shoulder and chest off and on since surgery last week. I just got off the phone with the dr office. They said I am either overeating or drinking too much...eat less and sip is what they told me.

I'm still looking for this in the stores. It sounds awesome.

The swimming hole looks very inviting and congratulations on making it there. You will enjoy this for years to come. Celeste

Does everyone's surgeon have only de-caffinated coffee on their allowed food list initially? Over the years, the FDA has found problems with different chemicals used to decaffinate coffee so I would prefer to stick with the real stuff. I don't drink tons - at most 2 cups a day. I would really like to mix coffee with my morning shake for an iced coffee but I don't want to buy decaf if it isn't essential. Any input is appreciated.

Krystal, I actually got out my last 2 years tax returns and did a year to date 2005 projection in case I didn't make it. (okay, I'm a true accountant at heart). It will be fine. I had my surgery last Thursday. Eveything is going well. Looking forward to hearing from you Friday. Celeste

Hang in there. It will all get done. Due to some scheduling issues I had to get all of my stuff together in less than a week and I ended up with over a dozen appointments at different times. But it all worked out. It also seemed like I was spending more money every day but that too is ending. Just think of how much happier you will be when this is over and you are banded.

I too am scale driven. This morning I made myself wait to weigh until after I walked on the treadmill and showered. It almost killed me to wait. Now here's the funny side of this. Through my scale obsession, I have watched my weight go up and up and down and up but overall up. When I go on vacation, I don't have a scale with me and typically I lose weight. Shouldn't that be telling me something? Thanks for sharing your dilemna. It makes me feel better. We will get through this and weigh alot less!!

Ruthie - it sounds like you have a great attitude and are ready for the changes in your life. I was banded 5 days ago and wish it had been done 2 years ago. good luck and keep us updated as you go through the preparation and surgery. Celeste

I am in the liquid phase - 5 days after surgery. I had the broth from wonton Soup yesterday and for lunch today. I'm thinking of going back to the chinese place and getting hot and sour soup and straining that for supper. Do you think its too spicy? The 1st day I had the wonton broth I watered it down with chicken broth - maybe I could do that with the hot and sour soup too. Any suggestions?

I ordered the cookbook "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" and when I went home at noon today it was there. I don't remember if I saw it recommended here but I though it looked good. For each recipe, it details four different kinds of WL surgery - lapband, ryn, d??, etc and how to adjust the recipe for the surgery. Like for the band, the recipe I looked at showed puree weeks 2-4, mash week 5, and eat 1/2 cup from weeks 6 on. I am excited since I love to cook. And this may provide some diversion tonight since I"m getting banded in the morning (singing to the tune of I'm getting married in the morning). .......

Yes, going through the emotions is normal. I am three days out of surgery and glad I have taken the steps to improve my life and health. I think of the things I haven't done because of my size or the hastle in plane seats or other things and know that this is the end of it. Just take a deep breath, take a walk, think about what your life will be like when you lose weight.

I'm 2 days post op and on clear liquids. Do you think it would be okay to cut a few chives into my broth? It is getting a little bland for my taste buds. I would call the nutritionist but its Saturday. Thanks for any help. Celeste

I didn't have alot of pain and I am a wimp. Today, I am sore - like I did too many situps (of course I haven't done 1 in 10 years). But there really hasn't been pain.

okay, I will tough it out. The nutritionist said I could try the liquid diet tonight so I will have potato leek Soup. I lost 9.4 pounds on the pre-op diet but gained some back from the ivs. As of this morning, I have lost some of that so I am down 7 from the start. I am hoping to get out and start walking more but it is so cold. I know I need to have a little more patience.

Isa - you are beautiful. Great job.

Corsha - our bands share a birthday. Good luck and welcome to band land. Aleena and Guitarman also had bands on 5/26. I have just realized that my computer chair is the most comfortable place in my house for me to sit. Oh, I am afraid I will live on line for awhile...Celeste