Margo

Up until I started mushies, I was only eating between 400-700 calories a day. I, too, did not lose much than....it is kind of like your body is starving and does not want to give up any extra engery, so you don't lose. Then you start mushies and find you are eat 1100-1500 calories fairly easily so you might gain a tad, but than your body comes to an understanding and "accepts" your calorie intake and you start to lose again....

The victims of 9/11 and their families are in my thoughts and prayers today and always.

Kimber-lilly, I am so sorry to hear about your brother...my prayers are being sent for you and your family. I don't know where in Wisconsin you live, but I live in Wisconsin also....if we are fairly close, if there is anything I can do for you or your family, I would be happy to. I live in a surburb outside of Milwaukee....Sussex, WI....where are you?

Hey scrapqueen.... I was banded on 8/17 also...we are band twins!!! First of all, doesn't your doctor have you working with a dietian? If not, you should ask him/her about this. I just started my pureed/mushies last Wednesday and up until then I was on liquids. I was given a "diet" to follow by my dietian, but it is very conservative. I believe if you are eating about 1200-1500 calories WITH NO LESS than 60 grams of Protein you are doing just fine. As far as losing weight....this is a healing time. Once you get a fill, then you are on the road to weight loss. Good Luck....

Well, I would assume since you are able to go to soft foods already you will find that when you are full you will know it. I just went to pureed/mushies at 4 weeks out and I can tell when I am full usually with a burp! It's not a loud, obnoxious burp, but it's a burp that tells you to stop eating. Good Luck....just remember small bites and chew, chew, chew....

Nicole... I am sending my condolences and my prayers....your baby is sitting in the palm of God's hand.

Jessiebear....thanks so much for the yummy recipes!!! I am always looking for new things to try for dinner....

You have no idea how much I wish I were with you guys....that's it....I am planning to be there next year. Watch out Lisa with these "blow by blow" pics of all the fun you might have an overflow of us next year!!!!

This is normal...you healing now and that's the most important thing right now. They say that any weight loss during the healing stage is a bonus. Did you say you were banded 8/29 and you are having a fill on 9/14? Wow, that's early since most drs. recommend waiting at least 6 weeks....might want to double check this with your surgeon.

Don't forget your heating pad and Gas-X......

j.s. Thanks so much....I just couldn't remember what the name of the vitamin/mineral was! I "think" my hair is thinning, but I could just need to try a new shampoo or I could just be paranoid about it thinning. Next time I get my haircut I am going to ask my hairdresser if she thinks it's thinning...

So very happy for you Alexandra......

I feel as if my hair is thinning....no surprise, I guess. But, I don't seem to find more hair in my brush nor is it comes out in shower, etc. It just feels thinner and has less body. Besides eating more protein (which I am doing now since I just started mushies), is there a vitamin or anything I can take to help this problem?

Keep the faith, DeeDee.....you are only 9 days post-op! You had major surgery, you are eating less calories than before, your lifestyle has probably changed dramatically, right? All this is not easy to absorb in the beginning....heck, I am 4 weeks post-op (so I am no pro at this), but I can GUARANTEE you, you will feel better soon. Once you go on mushies you will think you have died and gone to heaven, girlfriend!!!

Jamie, Have a beautiful birthday!!!

Prior to starting my pre-op liquid diet I was ALWAYS hot even in the winter. Since then and especially since surgery I am no longer hot, either just comfortable or chilly!! I love it.....

You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers......

LouLou, Sorry to hear about the blood clots, but thank God you are O.K. You will do just fine for those months without a fill because you can always come to this thread/board for suppport.....we are here to help one another!! Just get healthy and take care of the blood clot situation first then you can move on....

Wow, what a very cool and very generous challenge, Nana...thank you! I'm in....

Just banded close to 3 weeks ago so this will be my first challenge!!! Let's go with 25 pounds in the next 10 weeks..... Starting weight: 317 Ending weight: 292....oh, would that be sweet!!! I am off and running...... Good luck to all....

Way cool....I could not believe it!!! I was a little apprehensive when they first told me about this "program fee", but several people on this board said they had to pay a similiar fee....so, I figured O.K. I know I was told that is would not be covered in any way by my insurance??!! Either way I got $300.00 to save for new clothes (or pay off my co-pay!!!!). See you soon....

I got a very interesting letter in the mail yesterday from my surgeon's office. A very short letter which basicly said that they (the clinic) had determined the "program fee" with be discontinued at this time. This program fee was required up front before they would sent my paperwork to my insurance company. The program was just for submitting the paperwork, because I was charged a consultation fee too after seeing the surgeon. The program fee was $300.00 (no small change!!). Anyway, this short letter was accompanied by a check payable to me for $300.00!!!! Interesting, isn't it????? Anyone else experience this?

Janey....isn't someone noticing your weight loss the best feeling in the world!! Good for you..... Say, I have a question? What is the conversion from kg to lbs?

Pianoman....I know how you feel...including my pre-op diet, I have been on liquids for nearly 5 weeks now!!! I am allow to go to mushies on Wednesday...I am so dang' excited I am thinking about declaring it a national holiday and setting off fireworks!!!! I would talk to your doctor or dietain before moving on.....

Penni....Happy Birthday, girlfriend!! You are such an inspiration and positive spirit....I thank you for all you have done for me!