enjoylife

I am getting scared. I am on my fifth day of mushies. I am 19 days post op and yet I am only down 16 lbs. I know I was just doing the happy dance the other day - Thank you to all who joined me in celebration - but today I am feeling remorseful. I did what said I would not do under any circumstances. I cheated. I ate bacon! Damn that bacon. Ok I can't blame the bacon. I was the nut that cooked it for my daughter - I should have known better than to "try" those THREE slices. I must be crazy. But if three slices of bacon - and three nestle chocolate Easter eggs (top thumb digit size) would make me not lose weight I'll have to stay on mushies the rest of my life!!! I DO NOT WANT TO BE A BAND FAILURE!!!! If I fail my mother will never let me live it down. Of course, if I fail I may not have that long to live anyway at the rate I was going. I purposely stayed away from mashed potatoes just so I would not gain weight. I figured I'd do mostly proteins. I am mostly eating cottage cheese, rotisserie chicken, apple sauce, I've had five Vienna sausages (singles - not cans), Unjury protein powder and skim milk, salmon, and California blend veggies. Oh and no sugar added vanilla and chocolate pudding. I put the chicken, salmon, and veggies in my Magic Bullet. Oh, I'm pretty sure that I am eating more than four tablespoons per meal - more like .5 to a whole cup. Tell me what I'm doing wrong. Ok - more honesty - I have not been exercising for 30 minutes everyday. But in my defense I have been worse than a couch potato for five years. I don't move as well as I should. I have increased my walking - I'm pitiful - If I wasn't good looking I would be truly pathetic. I can barely move. I am not limber at all. So I am trying to get better at moving around I'm hoping that by the time I am six weeks post op I can not only walk two miles but that I will be ready to actually lift weights. I want to wait that long because the last thing I need is a hernia. I don't really know what that is, but I know I don't want one. Any help? - Please keep the reprimands to a minimum - I'm not really in the mood to be feeling beat up.

I have a co-worker that had surgery on Friday and was back at work the following Monday. She was fine. I had surgery on a Monday and drove myself the 2.5 hour drive home on Thursday. Of course I had to do this pain meds free (except for liquid tylenol). Its up to you and it depends on the type of work you do as to whether you feel up to returning to work in three days. As far as the liquid diet goes. Hang in there. Its doable - really.

Wow, you have so much going on and I can not say that I understand most of it, but I'm thinking that you would have to write a book to explain the details of half of this entry. The best advice that I can give to you is to PRAY. In addition to praying, you need to put your list in order of importance. I would think that the first thing you should do is clear up the discrepancy about how much you owe. The last thing you want is for them to cancel you and then you have no insurance but are still in meed of medical services. I would not dwell on the pain medication situation (whatever it is) simply because it does not sound like you can change it (from what you have written). Instead, you may want to take a list of the medications you are on to the pharmacist and ask him/her what over-the-counter pain medication (if any) you can take and at what dosage. God Bless.

OK. EVERYBODY ON YOUR FEET!!! Its time to do the happy dance!!! I'm in the two's yea! I'm in the two's!!!! I am 299 lb. That's right. I'm celebrating. I had to lose over 30lb to get to the two's. I have not seen the two's for five years!!! YEA ME!!! Now I need to figure out how to change my ticker...

Hang in there. Instead of always having a small meal a day maybe you can just have a thinned soup. Maybe all you really want is a full tummy. In that case mix a can of bestlife recommended Progresso soup with a can of broth and eat that. You'll get full, get nutrients, but won't get alot of calories. Also, up your water intake, it will help to flush your system and help you to lose water weight quicker. Good luck to you. I hope you make your goal of 26 lbs this month. I know its alot, but you can do it. As for Kelsey, be careful gaining weight. I went to three consultations before deciding and all had the same rule, no surgery if you gain 20lbs or more between consultation and surgery date.

None of us knows what will make us different. Will it be or motivation, determination, sheer willpower or pure luck? Will we exercise more, count calories more, keep a food diary, and not cheat no matter how much we want to? We don’t know. Will we succeed for ourselves or out of spite? My mom doesn’t understand my choice to have surgery – and not only am I an adult living in a different state, but my insurance paid every penny of the cost (as far as I know). I know I can’t fail because I may never live it down. I also cannot fail because I have a five year old and I want to see her grow up, go to college, get married, have babies and grow as close to old as God will allow me to live long enough to see. I don’t know what makes me or you different, but I know what helps. Believe in yourself, listen to your doctor, and get the support you need. That’s why I love this site. I get support, encouragement, and information. Hang in there. I think your fears are not uncommon. I have them myself. The only thing we can do is diligently try our best, hope for the best, and pray.

Wow Lisa, I just read your post about the bbq. I partially agree with Fenton. Don't leave your home, tell you sister than she cannot bar-b-que. That's way too much temptation. My five- year old wanted spaghetti when I was about five days post-op. I love spaghetti. As much as I wanted to make it for her, I knew I could not handle the temptation so I didn't do it. After I reached a week and a few days I was able to do it, but I had to immediately freeze all leftovers. Speaking of leftovers, do you honestly believe that your sister will bar-b-que and there won't be any leftovers? That's about two-three days of torture - not one. Put your foot down and tell her NO! Its ok to love yourself and her too. No need for guilty feelings. You are going to have to deal with issues like this, but not in your own home. Yesterday I had to attend a housewarming luncheon with cake, hot wings (my favorite) subs and all the other group pig out accoutrements. The only thing that got me through it was a cup of thinned tomato soup and the knowledge that I get to have mushies either Monday or Tuesday (Do I count the day of surgery as day 1 or do I have to wait until the next day?). As a side note, maybe your sister's financial problems stem from the fact that she spends too much money on fast food and bar-b-ques. Just a thought.

I'm new to this thread. I was banded March 24, 2008 by Dr. Singh in MD. So far I've lost about 13 lbs. I did not have to do a pre-op diet. I'm wondering if 13 lbs is normal or if I should have lost more by now. I have not been really active - though more acvtive than usual. IF this blasted rain ever stops I want to start walking the track evryday with my five-year old. After my six-week follow up I want to join a gym. Forgive my violets. I like the shamrocks - where do I find them?

Thank, I think I'll try that. I've been adding unflavored unjury to orange juice and hot soups, but I was not sure if it would mix well into other foods. I've got my Magic Bullet and I;m ready for my mushy stage!

I am so tired I could just lay down here at my desk and go to sleep right now:blink::biggrin:. My energy level is at an all time low. Today is Friday; I have until Monday to be on all liquids. I hope I make it that long. I'm taking my vitamins. I do a B12 and a tablespoon of liquid centum every morning. Should I be doing more? I may need to double that dose today because I am really whipped. I have to attend a housewarming luncheon tomorrow. I am so not looking forward to that. Everybody around me will be eating lasagna and I will be dreaming of the day I can eat mashed potatoes:drool:. I have decided to buy another Magic Bullet, since the first one I purchased disappeared during my move. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I intend to puree some spaghetti sauce and eat it. I don't care if I can only hold two tablespoons. I'm going to makes those two tablespoons last the length of the meal my daughter will be eating. I'm thinking that would rather puree lots of meats than to eat a lot of mashed potatoes. That just sounds like a good way to gain weight if you ask me. Come hell or high water I want to lose 20 - 30 lb in my first four weeks. I can't do that eating mashed potatoes. So I will be eating pureed meats and veggies, and no sugar added pudding. My daughter and I went for our first walk in our new neighborhood. We got three quarters of the way down the block before I saw a dog headed towards us. My daughter is terrified of dogs. She has really not been exposed to them because she is allergic to them. Anyway, I turn us around before she could see the dog. Every time I looked back I saw the dog still coming. A Little girl kept calling the dog, but it wouldn't listen. She finally hopped on her back and raced after the dog. She caught up to him as he caught up to us. My daughter immediately went into fright flight:scared2:. I had to hold her in a vise grip behind me. I felt so helpless. All I could do was keep me in between the dog and my baby. All I kept thinking was, "Damn I just had surgery, what can I do?" The little girl called the dog and I scream, "GO!:cursing:" at him. The punk bastard actually shrunk back at the sound of my voice. I was pissed. If I had a stick, or better yet, a baseball bat, I would have bashed his head in. I love animals, always have. I am a sucker for a stray, but NOBODY and NOTHING messes with my baby. She kept trying to get away from me and I was terrified that if she broke free she would run. Of course then the dog would really attack her is she ran. So there we are in the middle of the street, me twisting around to keep her behind me and the dog in front of me. The little girl on the bike calling her dog. Thankfully, the dog turned for home after I screamed at him. The little girl got in between us and rode home yelling back repeatedly, "I'm sorry!" Next time we walk we're going to the school down the street :crying: and walk its track.

I am so tired I could just lay down here at my desk and go to sleep right now:blink:. My energy level is at an all time low. Today is Friday; I have until Monday to be on all liquids. I hope I make it that long. I'm taking my vitamins. I do a B12 and a tablespoon of liquid centum every morning. Should I be doing more? I may need to double that dose today because I am really whipped. I have to attend a housewarming luncheon tomorrow. I am so not looking forward to that. Everybody around me will be eating lasagna and I will be dreaming of the day I can eat mashed potatoes:drool:. I have decided to buy another Magic Bullet, since the first one I purchased disappeared during my move. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I intend to puree some spaghetti sauce and eat it. I don't care if I can only hold two tablespoons. I'm going to makes those two tablespoons last the length of the meal my daughter will be eating. I'm thinking that would rather puree lots of meats than to eat a lot of mashed potatoes. That just sounds like a good way to gain weight if you ask me. Come hell or high water I want to lose 20 - 30 lb in my first four weeks. I can't do that eating mashed potatoes. So I will be eating pureed meats and veggies, and no sugar added pudding. My daughter and I went for our first walk in our new neighborhood. We got three quarters of the way down the block before I saw a dog headed towards us. My daughter is terrified of dogs. She has really not been exposed to them because she is allergic to them. Anyway, I turn us around before she could see the dog. Every time I looked back I saw the dog still coming. A Little girl kept calling the dog, but it wouldn't listen. She finally hopped on her back and raced after the dog. She caught up to him as he caught up to us. My daughter immediately went into fright flight:scared2:. I had to hold her in a vise grip behind me. I felt so helpless. All I could do was keep me in between the dog and my baby. All I kept thinking was, "Damn I just had surgery, what can I do?" The little girl called the dog and I scream, "GO!:cursing:" at him. The punk bastard actually shrunk back at the sound of my voice. I was pissed. If I had a stick, or better yet, a baseball bat, I would have bashed his head in. I love animals, always have. I am a sucker for a stray, but NOBODY and NOTHING messes with my baby. She kept trying to get away from me and I was terrified that if she broke free she would run. Of course then the dog would really attack her is she ran. So there we are in the middle of the street, me twisting around to keep her behind me and the dog in front of me. The little girl on the bike calling her dog. Thankfully, the dog turned for home after I screamed at him. The little girl got in between us and rode home yelling back repeatedly, "I'm sorry!" Next time we walk we're going to the school down the street :thumbup: and walk its track.

Congrats on your decision. I ran into a few people who think this is a bad idea. I just let them have their opinions. That's why I decided to keep my surgery provate. My Parents and few close friends know - that's it. I don't want wanybody's bad vibes and then there's always that one person that will tkae it upon themsleves to find out every negative thing they can about your procedure just so they can report it back to you! hang in there. See ya in Band Land!

Or you could gain weight. Sad, I know - but I've read here that it works.

I wonder if these skinny bitches would be skinny bitches no matter what they ate. They don't strike me as the type to gain much weight - even in pregnancy.

Did your doctor prescribe anything for naseau? Mine did - 3 refills worth. If you don't have a prescription get some fresh ginger, peel and grate ( or thinly slice it), pour boiling water over it, add i smidge of sugar and lemon to taste. let it steep, strain and drink. that should help settle your stomach. oh and you might want to stay away from apple juice. I hope this helps you. Good luck.

I've basically stuck to my diet. My doctors doesn't require clear liquids so I have had tomato soup and cream of mushroom soup thinned with vegetable broth. I had to strain the cream of mushroom to remove all the pieces. The one time I did cheat was when I cooked green beans for my daughter - I'm vegetable freak. They were very soft so I chewed up five and sput out the pulp. then I chewed and swallowed two. Then I put two more in my mouth and realized that they were stringy as I began to chew. I spit those out and realized it wasn't worth the cheat. I am one week and three days post op (if you count my day of surgery - 11 am- as day one). Call your nutrionist and ask if you can have creamy soups thinned with broth or Jell-O. Or maybe he/she will move you up to really thinned mushies. Good luck to you.

let's see is this works

let's see is this works

You know... I feel great. Of course I have pain sometimes, but not as bad as I thought I would have. My worst day was the morning after leaving the hospital. I had not gotten my prescriptions filled so all I was liquid Tylenol. I took two doses of that and in 30 minutes felt much better. My energy level is picking up. At first I was in bed by 8:20. Now I can hang until about 9:15! My belly isn't as sensitive as it was those first five days. I still have all but one of my Steri-strips, but that's because I will not face the water when taking a shower. I really do not want an infection. I'm back at work - have been since Monday (3/31/08) and I'm ok. That first day was a doosey - thank God for liquid Tylenol and the ability to take a nap in the middle of my day! Who needs lunch time when I can sip my lunch all day! Speaking of sipping all day, I just finished my protein drink that I made this morning before leaving the house and guess what - it'll be lunch time in about 35 minutes!!! HA!

If I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom I weigh myself. In the morning, before I brush my teeth, I weigh myself. When I come home from work, I weigh myself. I have to tell myself not to weigh myself every other time that I walk into my bathroom. I am going crazy chasing behind my scale. I stand on it at least two - three times every time I weigh myself. I need help. I need an intervention. Should I remove the scale from my house:tongue_smilie:? I should put it in the shed shouldn't I? Then I will only go out to weigh myself once a week. Maybe that will help. I don't want to become obsessive. Of course I will not be doing this until after I see below the number 300 on my scale. This morning I was at 301.6!!!! Yipppeee:lol:! So so sad. Who celebrates being 301 lbs? I do dammit. I was 332 last year. I was 314.2 on the day of my surgery. I think I may make 20 pounds gone by the end of my second week. That's my goal; to be 294.2 by April 6, 2008. Maybe I'll wait until then to take my scale out of the bathroom. On a high note.... I burped alot less yesterday than any other day since surgery:thumbup:. Of course I had more gas. That may have been because I had cream of mushroom soup mixed with vegetable broth than I poured through a semi-fine strainer. I know that that cream stuff makes me gassy, but I wanted something with a little more texture:drool:. I'm so glad that my nutritionists approves of this. I do not know how people do a completely clear liquid diet for two weeks. Heck if I could do that I would not need the band. So anyway, no more creams this week. Today, its tomato soup mixed with vegetable broth. I also slowed down on the popsicles. I was sucking down like four a day!

If I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom I weigh myself. In the morning, before I brush my teeth, I weigh myself. When I come home from work, I weigh myself. I have to tell myself not to weigh myself every other time that I walk into my bathroom. I am going crazy chasing behind my scale. I stand on it at least two - three times every time I weigh myself. I need help. I need an intervention. Should I remove the scale from my house:tongue_smilie:? I should put it in the shed shouldn't I? Then I will only go out to weigh myself once a week. Maybe that will help. I don't want to become obsessive. Of course I will not be doing this until after I see below the number 300 on my scale. This morning I was at 301.6!!!! Yipppeee:lol:! So so sad. Who celebrates being 301 lbs? I do dammit. I was 332 last year. I was 314.2 on the day of my surgery. I think I may make 20 pounds gone by the end of my second week. That's my goal; to be 294.2 by April 6, 2008. Maybe I'll wait until then to take my scale out of the bathroom. On a high note.... I burped alot less yesterday than any other day since surgery:thumbup:. Of course I had more gas. That may have been because I had cream of mushroom soup mixed with vegetable broth than I poured through a semi-fine strainer. I know that that cream stuff makes me gassy, but I wanted something with a little more texture:drool:. I'm so glad that my nutritionists approves of this. I do not know how people do a completely clear liquid diet for two weeks. Heck if I could do that I would not need the band. So anyway, no more creams this week. Today, its tomato soup mixed with vegetable broth. I also slowed down on the popsicles. I was sucking down like four a day!

HA! You can't burp. All I did was burp. From the day after surgery until about two days ago ( a week and one day) I burped so much I was sick of myself. Not small cute burps - big manly burps. I tried really hard not to do it in public. If I wasn't burbing I was passing gas. Yes I know its gross, but I figure this site demands honesty. I thought it was just the gas from suregry coming out, but now I'm reading that I may be burping more once I reintroduce real food to my stomach. I cannot say I'm thrilled about that, but hey, there's got to be some price to pay right? Anyway, I am happy to annouce that yesterday evening, I realized that I did not spend the day burping - oh JOY! I guess I'me moving to another phase.

I know you're scared. I was terrified. All I thought about was dying during the operation and leaving my five year-old motherless. Well I was banded on March 24, 2008 and needless to say, "I'm still Alive!!!!!" Not only that, I'm down 12 lbs. Have faith. You've researched this surgery. You know that it is relatively safe. You also probably know the risks of remaining over weight. One of the great things about this surgery is all of the pre-tests and approvals you have to get in order to be approved. Those tests helped me to make up my mind. I knew I was basically healthy, but headed towards danger if I didn't make a serious change. So I went ahead with the surgery. I was afraid, but I trust my surgeon and I have faith in God. In fact when I woke up in recovery, my first thoughts were, "Thank you Jesus, thank you Lord." Hang in there, you'll be just fine.

What are charcoal panties?

I was banded on 3/24/08 so I guess that makes me 8 or 9 days post op. I don't know if I should count my surgery date or not. Anyway, I went back to work yesterday. About half-way through I needed liquid Tylenol and a nap (I took both). I am not in the mood to go out. I was ready for bed at 8:30 last night. I am sure I'll be ready for bed around the same time tonight if not sooner. Functioning is one thing - going out is completely different. I don't want to give marital advice - but if you're not ready to go out, then you should not go out. My daughter wanted spaghetti this week. As much as I wanted to make it for her, I was not sure if I could handle the temptation, so I decided not to do it. Don't put yourself in harm's way and don't wear yourself out. If going out tonight will make it difficult for you to go to work tomorrow, then choose the important activity and go with it - either going out or going to work.