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I love Brandy. No, the problem is that they hear this stuff everyday so I think that eventually, try as they do, they don't always get the very individually nuanced issues. But in general, everyone there is really nice. I especially like Brandy(not crazy for Karen) and a couple of the dieticians as well. I'm just having all kinds of stuff like not getting back on foods easily- I'm sure all normal. I truly think the best place to come is here, because no one minds the same questions over and over. This is great support. Dr. Khalili is terrific. So are the others on his team. If you come across Dr. Eraj Basseri, tell him Gwenn Drucker (the woman from Federation) says hello. He's one of the wonderful residents who work with Khalili. They think so highly of him- Basseri told me that Khalili is the "Michael Jordan" of weight loss surgery. LOL. The nurses up on 7 South are terrific. I can't remember all the names but there wasn't one nurse or aide who wasn't lovely to me, didn't find time to get me what I wanted, etc. The rooms up there are as you may know, all singles (all of Cedars is) and that's very nice. They're all recently renovated as well, and I don't know it that matters to you, but to me, a spotless room that clean and fresh and new makes me more comfortable. My surgery was early AM so I was actually there all that day and night, and then not released until about 6PM the next day, so for me it was 2 days and one night and I was very happy because I felt well cared for there. WALK. WALK. WALK. And walk. And don't stay in bed much. I actually slept in the chair on and off. I couldn't sleep much the first night so every hour I got up and walked. It was easy once the IV was out. I did 2-3 laps around the floor each time. It eliminated almost all the discomfort. My shoulder was painful- very common. But walking helped get me moving and made a big difference. My first fill is scheduled for June 4th. Ask me anything you want- I had a very positive experience and am happy to share it or help you out. Gwenn

Hi Lizalee, I used to be on a board at South Beach at knew their system for adding stuff to the posts like tickers, etc. Is there anywhere on the site where I can find out about adding stuff? Or would you be kind enough to take a moment to tell me and send me anything I'd need.Thanks so much. Down 29 since banding on April 30th. Gwenn

Hi- Your pulverized chicken was a winner. Even with mayo it is a bit dry, but I added the broth and then was fine. Yesterday was great and it really made a difference all around. Mood also. I'm also a Protein girl. Today I tried to move outward a bit... mistake. I ate more than the 4 oz and felt over done. Then a couple of hours later was hungry (not sure if head or body) so I took another spoonful of chicken and when it happened later I did it again. Diet wise not an issue. Just proteina nd my calories are so low it really doesn't matter. But the dry stuff stuck a bit. I had ices and now made dinner. I used salmon instead of chicken, same pate concept. Delicious too. Ate a little while cooking. Now- HEARTBURN. Burping, burping. I guess the salmon might still be little too oily for me? Just guessing. It sounds like I ate a lot more today but actually I didn't. Just spread it way out, spoonful at a time. Now I"m enjoying a cup of peppermint tea to see if it will sooth. And a gas pill! So, I'm still a bit behind, but gaining a little momentum and that's good. Gwenn

Congratulations! Isn't it amazing. One minute you're waiting and then suddenly it's an hour later and you're banded. Sounds like you're doing okay. Keep walking! Gwenn

Yes, maybe try to stay more awake during the day....that might help. But just do with the flow. Right now, your body needs what it needs. If you're off kilter remember you've got drugs in you from surgery etc. I get on line if I'm up during the night. I play free cell until my eyes start to close. It works for me. I have to say that in the past when I've lost, I've promised myself to never see those higher numbers again. This time, when I said good bye to 300 and then to 290, I said to myself that this time it's really going to be true. It's a lot to take in. But good. Going out for a walk and to return a video. See you all later. Gwenn

Sounds like you're going through all the aches and pains that are normal. My surgery was about an hour as well. In fact, my surgeon told me they all tend to run between 45 minutes and and hour and a half. My liver had a lot of fat around it (big surprise), but I've known that for a while. Most if not all obese people have that. Supposedly, that will decrease over time. My brother in law told me the reason his surgeon has his patients on the 3 week PRE surgery liquids is to "flatter the liver". So I don't know but it seems to me that the liver is an issue all around. Good for you on the treadmill. Listen....I am walking daily, and I'm only doing 1.5. I don't care. In the past, I've always done too much too quickly and ended up hurting myself and then quit. This time, as long as I'm losing (29 POUNDS AS OF THIS AM), I'm staying in the slow lane. I sleep on my back- almost sitting up. Helps my back and helps me breathe. After the surgery, I slept sitting up and in a comfortable chair with my feet up. Do the pain pills help you fall asleep? I didn't like the Lorutab. I asked for Darvocet, because it makes me feel "high" and then after a while I nod out. The other I find makes me depressed. I had to crush the Darvocet, and man, was that bitter, but it really helped. You sound great. Take care of yourself. Gwenn

you're going to have to tell me what hte "friends and contacts" thing is. I checked yes so I'm on your list (or you're on mine-not sure), but I haven't a clue what it is and I can't find anything that tells me. Let me know. Glad you're doing well. I am finishing my first real day of mushies. Had mushed up pulverized chicken, a big of sweet potatoes and cottage cheese today. WHOOOOOPEEE!. Now let's see if it settle my stomach and bowels over the next few days. I know it all went down well and I didn't get sick or nauseus. Take care of yourself. Don't rush anything other than keeping active. Gwenn

I like the protein shakes too. I really like the atkins, but it's not doing my system any real good. I have used them for years, but maybe one a day as a breakfast or a snack when I was watching my weight. I know it's difficult, and sometimes I know I can't the future very well, but even my Brother in law, who has lost 118 pounds, went through tough times at the start. Now he really really eats almost everything- just less of it. We have to hold on. I thought the chicken would be awful but it's not. Only problem is that even with mayo it's dry cause you don't want to use a ton of mayo.So if you boil the chicken in broth like I do, use the broth to make it wetter. It surprised me just how good it was. I wish I could eat more but I really can't do it. And that is a blessing. Gwenn

YAY Terri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats. If you're up writing on-line, you're doing good. I am going to give you some advise....WALK WALK WALK WALK WALK and walk. It made all the difference for me. I walked every hour (I slept at the hospital). Walk around the house, around your garden, or up and down the hall if you're in an apartment building. I did. Up and down the hall 50 times when I got home. If you get gas pain in the shoulder it will help it go away sooner and it really makes you feel great. I promise. Got to go now.....I need to take my walk. I'll check in later. Gwenn

Hi DaisyMay I'm so grateful for these boards because they are saving me every step of the way. I'm having many of the same issues as you, and yup, we're losing more weight before the fill, but boy, it would be nice to have everything up to snuff and working- going in AND going out! I did use the pulverized chicken today. Had 4 ounces at lunch.....ate very very slowly. I had made it with mayo, but at lunch found that adding a little of the chicken broth helped wet it. It was so good. About 4PM I was hungry so I had a little of the sweet potato that I'd cooked with the chicken, with a little more pul. chick and again, it went down well and some but not much gas after. At dinner, I had broth and sweet potato, no chicken. According to my nutrition book, 4 oz of chick has 22-25 grams of protein depending on brand so the chick gave me 50. The cottage cheese gave me 14. So, I'll have a little more chck in a while- just a couple of tablespoons, so that I'll be at my protein goal. I didn't do well with scrambled egg and pureed creamy soup was too gassy, but this seems to be just right as the baby bear would say. Now I just have to see if it helps solve my bowel problems as I start to eat normal food. For the first time in days....I'm hopeful. Gwenn

Benifiber is the recommendation of the LB surgeon. My gastroenterologist prefers Metamucil. They do different things and my needs aren't about going, it's more about other stuff two gross to even tell strangers. I am trying Benefiber with the gastro's consent, and I'm up to the full dose today. Thank you for the suggestion about the 1/2 cup at a time. If I don't need the full three a day that would work. I also experimented and found if I stirred it continuously, it didn't clump. If my problems don't abate....I'm just went to mushies so that may help as well, I'll try to hold on until I can have solids and find out if I can really use the metamucil wafers. Whatever works. The bowel issue has been my biggest problem. I know everyone's different. I had problems before but originally was told I could take metamucil, so I'm aggravated. I would have had the surgery anyway. I actually had a pretty good day today. Had fat-free cottage cheese and pulverized chicken with broth and a little sweet potato. That in itself is progress. Gwenn

Hi Mominlov13 Sounds like you're doing great. Advice on the shoulder pain. WALK WALK WALK. In the hallway, around the garden, down the block. Walk even when it works. It will make a difference. No of days varies greatly. Mine went to a livable level after about 5 days and was gone completely in about 10 days. But gas lives on for quite a while and makes for lovely symphonies in the belly! Expect all sorts of feelings and sensations at different times of your recovery. After being here for bit, I've found out there's little that hasn't happened to others and it's all very normal. Feel Good! Gwenn

Thanks, Salsa, You give good advise. I'm trying pulverized chicken today and later, tuna. I guess I could try the Isopure although those Protein powders do have a taste and smelll strange as well. I had a little bit of cottage cheese this AM and aside form a little burning and tightness, I'm okay so far. My belly is going to react to not just having liquids anymore.....no way around it. But I do so envy those who are able to have sushi a week after banding. But I've always had a dicey stomach so why wouldn't it act up now? You gave me good advise and I thank you a lot. I love these boards!! Gwenn

Thank you, thank you. I've been feeling very alone and reading about people eating sushi a week after banding. I tried a little cottage cheese this AM as that was my staple breakfast most of the time prior to banding. I'm having a little discomfort and a little burning sensation high up, but my stomach is going to have wake-up issues. I'm making some sweet potatoes in chicken broth that I can use as a healthy snack. And I've pulverized some chicken breasts in the blender so I'll try a little of that today as well. If I don't get enough protein in for a few days.....I'm sure I'll survive. I'm miserable but hopeful for the future. Thanks again. Gwenn

I have used Metamucil for a few years to solve a stomach problem. My surgeon says no because he doesn't want me taking capsules and the liquid is too like glue. I'm taking Benefiber right now but it doesn't work as well. Does anyone use Metamucil? Does anyone use capsules? My surgeon said maybe to the wafers so I'm going to try them once I'm on full solids. Has anyone used them? Thanks, Gwenn

Your request gave me a chuckle as I started mushies and made soups all day today. But unfortunately, I made a GREAT one that it's too soon to eat. Cauliflower and black bean puree. I only had a couple of tablespoons but it made me very gassy. When you're ready for it: put a little olive oil in your soup pan and add a the standard combo of chopped up onion, carrot and celery. When soft but not brown, add in loosely chopped caulflower and the can of beans. Cover with broth...I use the veggie broth that comes in a box- I get it at Trader Joes. I threw in a couple of pinches of cumin and coriander, salt and black pepper. I don't spice heavily ever. Bring to boil and then simmer on a very low light until very tender. Let cool a bit, then pulverize in a blender. I froze most of it for down the road. It's brown in color but tastes great. You can also melt a little low fat cheddar cheese on top. Lots of protein between the beans and cheese. I also do butternut squash and puree veggie soup as well. Same start on all. With butternut I use a very little spice but add nutmeg when I serve it. Also I use a pinch of splenda. How this helps. Gwenn

My surgeon has his patients do their liquid diet after surgery. I'm having trouble adding foods and it's not only depressing, it's making my tush and belly hurt. It sounds like so many people just go right to foods easily and boy am I feeling envious. Is anyone else having my problem? What are you doing to transition? Gwenn

I have both also but am not having a lot of trouble with the whey proteins, although they smell awful. I use Atkins shakes and now I'm trying the new low carb Slimfast. I've never had a problem with my lactose issues with atkins. But I suggest you take a lactain chewable before you imbibe. Gwenn

gosh, i find this so surprising. I was led to believe sushi was a thing of the past. I was banded 4/30 but just finishing 3 weeks of liquid and having a hard time switching back to food. Can't imagine sushi right now. Bought some for my husband today and he wouldn't eat it in front of me because he thought I'd be too upset. That's sweet but crazy. My stomach is not a happy place right now. Do you think sushi would be good or bad? Gwenn

Thanks so MUCH! I really appreciate all the help. I went out and bought "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" and they had some recipes also. I love pureed Tuna, just don't usually have Tuna when my belly's been empty. I'm going to try to find some TRULY unflavored Protein powder. I've been using the warm Jello 42 gram stuff and my shakes. I know I have to swtich to food protein rather than chemical but at least I've been getting as much as I could during my 3 week liquid diet. I rummaged in the fridge this afternoon and found a head of cauliflower so and soup fixings, so I threw in a can of black beens with it, cumin and corimander and after it cooked I pureed it. Really good. I could also mix in cheese or Protein Powder. That I don't mind. The cooking's fine. Yesterday was just such a set-back. Do you know of any website for lap-band recipes? Is there a section here that I'm not seeing? Thanks again ! Gwenn

Again......GOOD LUCK,TERRI. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Gwenn

I'm in LA. Banded April 30th and having trouble getting to soft foods. I've been through 3 Shabbasim and it's not easy to watch everyone else eat, even when I didn't have to cook as friends brought food over for me. The toughest is freshly baked challah! I'm trying to just enjoy the aroma -LOL. A young friend came over last week as he had nowhere else to go while in town, and he said he could eat challah and indeed, had a slice during his meal. I was surprised. Guess there are many surprises ahead (if I can ever get to regular food again!). Gwenn

Okay, I know I'm being a BIG baby (no pun intended). I'm seriously depressed today after my mistake with starting soft foods yesterday with a scrambled egg. My esaphegous is inflamed (nurse at office over phone) and I'm still uncomfortable and belchy and really down on myself. I'm back on liquids today but can try again tomorrow, and now I'm scared to eat anything. I'm making pureed Soups for future use - sweet potato, and also cauliflower with Black Beans. They'll be delicious, but for now, I'm a silly silly wreck. Why write it....I guess I'm looking for some sympathy. And some ideas on what I might try tomorrow as I give it another go. The nurse keeps saying "food PROTEIN", but I feel like a small mashed potato would be better plus my Protein drinks. So what if for a day or two I don't get in 75 grams of protein. Any ideas out there? I have a tricky stomach at best. What do you think? A small piece of flounder or sole? Pureed tunafish? Just the mashed potato the first day? I'm beginning to strongly feel that the best advice is here, not the doctor's office. Thanks, Big Baby Gwenn

Until yesterday, I would have said the same! I have been doing great....and I'm no spring chicken. Mine had eggs on the okay list. I'm crossing them off for me for a while longer- they just didn't agree. They're through and gone now but left me gassy and uncomfortable. I'm back to liquids today and will try something thicker tomorrow. I guess much is trial and error. Just don't want to hurt myself much in the process. Thanks. Gwenn

I've just ended 3 weeks of liquids. My list of soft foods to go into included eggs so I had one egg, lightly scrambled this evening with 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese. I want to tell you that I've been suffering all evening. Eggs as a first meal was a big mistake. Too much. My espophagus (sp?) hurts and I've been burping and belching all evening. Nausea for a while but when I can belch, it passes. I've just had a nice cup of peppermint tea- known to be good for the stomach, and hopefully this will pass by tomorrow morning. And eggs were listed. So my advise is to take it very easy. I should have treated my stomach better today. Should have acted as if I'd finished a bad stomach flu and gone with watery oatmeal or farina. Or something completely pulverized in a blender. Live and learn. I don't think I did any damage to the band- I think it would take more than this- way more- but why make oneself uncomfortable. I know I'll be much more careful in the future. Take care and good luck. Gwenn