Anwyn

Hi Jess - we missed you! I'm sorry to hear that your new job didn't work out. At least you didn't do what I would have done... stay there miserable for a year or two, lol. Good luck with your job search and welcome home!

Thank God I'm not the only one! I thought I was being paranoid or something. I think she's related to HAL from 2001, lol.

Great job! If you can make it through December with no weight gain, you can maintain anytime!

Hi Penni, I was talking to my surgeon last week about erosion and he completely agrees with you. He thinks port infections often lead to erosion because the bacteria travels up the tubing to the band. It would certainly be interesting to know how many erosion cases were preceded by port infections.

1. get referral --> surgery consult: 1 month 2. surgery consult --> surgery scheduled: 1 month 3. surgery scheduled --> the actual operation: 4 months 4. operation --> leaving the hospital: next day 5. left hospital --> first fill: 6 weeks

I was reading a different thread where a new bandster was going to be discharged the same day as surgery. I'm curious... how many of you stayed overnight? Did your surgeon do a barium swallow after surgery to check for leaks? There was a very high profile case here in Michigan involving a Detroit city councilwoman. She died after her band surgery because the surgeon nicked her stomach with the instruments. A barium swallow after surgery will catch any nicks/leaks, so it became standard procedure at my hospital. What was your experience?

I'm just like Jamie... I usually start the day with a Protein shake. I'm too tight in the morning to enjoy breakfast, and it's helpful for me to get a chunk of my protein requirement out of the way early. The slimfast cans are easy and quick and they fill me up for hours.

Good luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you and wishing you a quick recovery.

Congratulations!!

He is absolutely adorable. Congratulations!!

Hi Cheri! Chili is a good idea, but my stomach was too sensitive for spicy food during mushies. Make sure it's watery when you puree it and go really slow when you eat. I think Beans are probably all high in Protein and Fiber but don't quote me on that. I'm not going to lecture you on chocolate - I inhaled some Godiva from my Christmas stocking just a few hours ago, so it'd be kinda hypocritical. Just go easy on your tummy and you'll do fine. Congrats on meeting your mini-goal!

baked potato = mushy chocolate = satan My understanding of mushies is very broad. I was told that anything you want to put in a blender with some liquid can be eaten as a mushy. I think a well smushed baked potato qualifies. Just make sure you're getting in your Protein every day (at least 60 grams). If you're not eating refried Beans, I highly recommend them with some salsa and melted cheese. That was my main staple during mushies.

With a support system like that you're bound to do great! Good luck with liquids and with your surgery.

Count me in! I like the NSV idea, but my suggestion would be to post one NSV a week instead of 2 or 3... That's just me though, I'm not very good at thinking of them. I don't have a big preference on the challenge length - I really like having a place to weigh-in every week.

I stayed completely sugar free for the liquid diet the week before surgery. Once I had my surgery, I started eating sugar again (i.e. normal popsicles, carnation instant breakfast, etc). I hate artificial sweeteners, so I okayed it with my nutritionist beforehand.

I split a bottle of red wine with my hubby 2 or 3 times a month. I was told that alcohol is fine in moderation, except for beer because of the carbonation. I guess it depends on what your doctor's definition of moderation is... drinking every night may be pushing it because alcohol is a stomach irritant. Talk to your band doc or nutritionist to get their recommendation.

I posted a similar thread a while back... unfortunately, we had to cancel our trip to Vegas, but Princess_n_thep gave me some great ideas! Here's the thread. http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=10871

Here's another... Yes, my house is always this messy.

I just had to post and share a few pictures of my little girl Callie. She was delivered by scheduled c-section 2 years ago today. She's my little devil/angel. Happy birthday Calliebuns (my regrettable nickname that she'll never forgive me for).

Thanks for all the great pics! It looks like you had a really nice holiday. Mmm.. coconut cake... On a side note, I see you like color on your walls... I have every room in my house painted a different color, lol. My kitchen/great room is the same green as your dining room.

I'm one of the "closed up tight on the period" chicks, and I sure wasn't happy about it yesterday. Why do we always want the opposite of what we have, lol? I think their next version of the port should be connected to a little Reebok pump... On days when you want more restriction, puff puff puff! But on rare days (like for Christmas dinner) you can press the button and let the air out for no restrictoin. I'm going to patent that and become a gajillionaire.

It's so good to hear from you Jodie - I was just wondering about you! It sounds like you're doing great!! Boy, that's what youth and a pre-baby body will do for ya - I weigh just 10 lbs more than you and I'm still in a size 22! Thanks for the update - soooo glad to hear that you're happy.

Hi Laura! Don't give up!!! I agree with ladysplenda - find yourself another doctor. I know you're feeling pretty defeated right now, but I sincerely hope you can find it in yourself to try again. Good luck!

I want to type every swear word I can think of right now. I'm just heartbroken for you Lisa. (((((((((((((((LISA)))))))))))))))))

Oh poodles, I'm so sorry! Appeal, appeal, appeal. You obviously have the tenacity to stay on top of them. Good luck!