Luscious

Could be the gas pain, after effects of the GA, the fact that your tummy has been beaten around by surgeons :-) Hang in there, it gets better - after a few days you will be feeling a lot more normal. Peppermint tea helps with the gas (well it did for me) and walking (take it easy though). Rest and get your liquids in. Don't be afraid to make use of your pain meds.

Thanks Batkitty... I know you have had to be patient also. You are right, hotels (and most restaurants) in the US are kink of used to special requests. I should not be afraid to ask for doggie bags also and take half of everything into the office next day for lunch :-) By the way - I went to see dietician yesterday and can move early onto soft foods - only one more week until I can have my cottage cheese and tuna on a cruskit.

My port incision has a small area on the left side that got a bit infected, and its taking its time healing fully. I finished a course of antibiotics and it got a little better, but still needs some more time. Doc has warned me he won't do my first fill next Tuesday if its not 100% - I totally understand that position, but my problem is I have to go overseas for work for a little while end of May, which means I would not be able to get my fill until I return 20th June, and those who have travelled to the US will understand that the food readily available when doing the hotel thing is not exactly healthy and in small portions. I am coping ok NOW, but I'm not too thrilled about having to wait 7 more weeks till my first fill. Please keep your fingers crossed for me next Tuesday.

I would blend some cooked salmon fillet with some FF sour cream/mayo, light soy sauce and wasabi. I had that about 4 nights a week on mushies... yum. Very good for your skin too.

Hallelujah IndioGirl....... I wish I had your post to copy every time I read where someone is distressed because they gained 3 pounds since yesterday :-) I agree that its important to track your food - 1200 calories (or less) adds up very quickly and can sneak up on you if you are not careful

I have lost 12 kgs (26 pounds) since my surgery 3 weeks ago. However, most of that was in first 2 weeks - the past week I think my body has been trying to "catch-up" with the large weight loss in first 2 weeks - so I fully expect not to lose any more until I start getting my fills.

Ok, so this isn't a dinner or lunch meal - but I used to love this for breakfast/brunch. I hope I will still be able to eat this when I'm back on "real" food. No doubt I'll have to seriously reduce my previous portion size. This keeps for 1 month stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Combine 4 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup wheat germ, 1/4 cup linseeds, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1 cup sultanas (or chopped dried apricots) and 1 cup chopped roasted or slivered almonds. To make the muesli, soak 1/2 cup of muesli with 1/2 cup low fat milk overnight. In the morning Add grated apple and 2 tbsp low fat natural or vanilla yoghurt then fold through.

During one of my recent business trips I was forced to try a "fluff" sandwich *blah*. Its a marshmallow spread. Yikes - who says vegemite is wierd.

Sounds great. Mountain bread is a brand of flat bread - similar to lebanese, but not "Layered". You can buy it at most supermarkets near the pitas and lebanese breads.

Hi.. its quite a shock when the other bills start arriving. I was told an amount for the procedure (which covered all appointments, the surgeon and fills, etc). I naively though that was it. Then I started getting bills from radiologist, and the anesthesiologist, and the pharmacy, and the pathologist..... all up I think I had to pay about $2500 in addition to what I had expected. Still, I figure it was all worth it.

Given that it takes 3,500 calories to add 1 pound of actual fat, its highly unlikely to be body fat weight. The scales are not your friend right now :-) Best wishes on your journey.

I'm so glad you are feeling a little better. Trust that you will feel better each day that passes - and ultimately, you will grow to love the band I'm sure. For me, once my life started getting back to some normality I felt much better. Last night hubby and I went out for dinner to a lovely restaurant - I had lovely Soup and some fish. It was nice to get past that fear that I couldn't eat out anymore. Of course I can, just not 3 big courses :-) Right now you are likely feeling overwhelmed by the reality of the life changes - but trust that those life changes will make your life so much better in the long run.

I have to say I agree with Jacut. There is very little healthy stuff in these bars. They have very little (if any) natural nutrients. I understand they are convenient at times, but not really a great thing to put into your body on a regular basis.

I didn't have to crush my pills. Doctor said to take them as normal, and I had no problem (even with the BIG ones).

I was not required to do any pre-op diet. I specifically asked my surgeon this question - his reply was that he does not request a pre-op diet for everyone - for him it depends on the patient, the BMI, the risk of liver issues, etc. Every surgeon is different though.

Yep, I agree with Elisabeth.... carb withdrawal kills me every time I reduce my carb intake. Same kind of headache I get with caffiene withdrawal - pain killers don't touch them. The only thing you can do is keep sipping plain water - it will ease up in a couple of days.

Reenie, I had no problem getting down anything either after my first week. My doc allowed me to go to blended/mushie food on day 9 - but definately no solids until at least 4 weeks. Its about not overworking your stomach. When you eat solids your stomach has to move around a lot more to digest - you don't want this happening until you are all healed up. Of course its your body so nobody is going to yell at you - just offer some advice that you should be careful with your investment.

Ahhh, nothing like a good roast. Its encouraging to read your post, makes me realise I don't have to give them up - just cut the portion and don't do them every week. I might have to revisit some recipies for lamb shanks so I don't end up with a whole leg left over in the fridge.

Hi Abby, congratulations. I am searching through ebay for nice things in smaller sizes. I bought 3 really beautiful (and new with label) shirts for $10 each recently. I figure once I stop fitting them I will onsell them on ebay.

I am type II diabetic. Was banded 2.5 weeks ago and have already had success with my BGLs. For the first time in years I'm showing normal readings. I am still taking metformin - hopefully, once I've lost weight I can stop that.(appointement with Doc in August about this). I've been able to stop my Diamicron MR, and Avandia already. Very happy. I'm still on mushie stage - but am following the principal of Protein first, then veges. I've been making really good quality vegetable Soup, and have a cup of that before lunch and dinner. Protein for lunch and dinner - fish mostly at mushie stage. I'm tracking food in Fitday - finding i'm taking calories equally from protein, good fats and carbs (mostly from vege soup). Its all good, am loving it.

Actually many times a caffeninated drink is recommended to raise blood pressure. This site may give you some useful information. Blood Pressure (Low) Good luck.

I'm glad you love your band. I know its hard, but try not to let the scales make you sad (they are our worst enemy sometimes). Fluid fluctuations, and a whole host of other things affect our weight. My surgeon did not require me to do any pre-op diet. I've been banded 2 weeks and 5 days - and have lost 12 kgs, which is about 26 to 27 pounds. Everyone is different though. My weight loss has no doubt been accelerated because I've been able to get my blood sugar levels more than havled, and into normal range. I've also been able to stop taking 2 of my meds (I gained about 6 kgs when I started taking them). Post op, I didn't really lose anything the first week, then dropped 8 kgs the next few days. Bodies are wierd, and all different. I have also tried to keep my calories from fat/protein/carbs about equal (which is the principal of the zone diet). I find as a type 2 diabetic it helps keep my blood sugar normal. I'm really focussing on getting my blood sugar normal - that will be a bit part of my weight loss. Also, I use FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal to track my food - calories/protein/carbs/fat etc. I just find it helps me to ensure I am getting enough of what I need to be healthier.

I always get very emotional when I think about those who have endured the hardships of war and being away from their home. Anzac day always brings at least 2 rounds of tears for me.

Hi there, congratulations on being banded. Please remember that the first 5-6 weeks post banding should not be about weight loss, but rather about healing. Any weight you lose during this time is a bonus. 10 pounds is a bonus - and you will likely lose more. I agree with ailbhe that you could probably increase your calories - make sure you get all the nutrients you need to heal. I have been banded for 2 weeks, 5 days, so just a little ahead of you. I try to take in 1000 calories a day, which includes 70 grams Protein. Best wishes on your journey.

Hi Aussie Friends. I know there is a food and nutrition forum here, don't know about you but I get a bit flummoxed (is that a word?) by the food the americans eat not to mention all those pounds and ounces. I thought we could start a thread for good healthy aussie produce, with metric measurements to give us some inspiration on new band friendly things to eat. Don't know about you all, but I love to cook. What I'm cooking for dinner tonight: chicken with Mushrooms: (Serves 2) 225 grams chicken thighs (i'm on mushies, will ask butcher to mince for me) 1.5 tablespoons shallots chopped 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1/4 cup white wine (sub. extra chicken stock if preferred) 100 mls low sodium chicken stock 1/4 cup plain low fat yoghurt 2 tsp chopped tarragon salt and pepper to taste In non stick pan (with a little cooking spray) saute chicken and remove from pan. Add shallots and mushrooms to pan and cook for 2 minutes, add wine, increase heat to high and cook for further 2 mintues. Add chicken broth and reduce liquid by half (3-5 minutes). Reduce heat to low and stir in yoghurt and 1/4 packet sweetener if desired. Cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in tarragon and salt & pepper to taste. I'm on mushies, so will put my minced cooked chicken and 1/2 sauce through mini processor. Approximately 200 calories per serve. What I had for dinner last night: Salmon with Wasabi Sauce (Serves 1) Place 120 grams salmon fillet into a non stick pan, and brush with a mix of crushed garlic (1 tsp), light soy (1 tsp), wasabi (1/2 tsp), lemon juice (2 tsp). (I like mine very barely cooked in the centre). Sauce: Wasabi (1 tsp), Light Soy Sauce (2 tsp), Light Sour Cream (1/8 cup), Light Mayo (1/8 cup), 1 Pkt artifical sweetener (optional, I leave it out). Mix togther and serve with the salmon fillet. (I'm currently on mushies, so I put through my breville mini processor). Approx. 250 calories, and very quick. (Yummy)