Bozzj

while i agree that we need to cheat sometimes...i'm more concerned that you're going to hurt your band. if your doc has you on mushies (not sure) then solids (pizza) could hurt you..or could stretch your pouch. maybe i'm more afraid because i'm self-pay, but honestly i think it's more with the fact that i could not imagine going through with all of this and have my band slip. my suggestion (although i'm sure a doc would kill me)..if you're going to cheat..have something soft (like ice cream). i mean it's probably better than you eating textures you shouldn't... just my opinion.

i'm new to the band as well...here's a suggestion. maybe you should ask yourself why you're eating things you shouldn't be? not in a mean way, but soul search for a little bit and be honest with yourself. i know it's hard...i'm going through it too...and when i'm down or when my head wants to eat...i go back to why i got the band in the first place. i personally think it will catch up to you in the long run and no one wants that to happen. do you feel "cheated" by the restricted foods? i'm on mushies until friday and i eat boston market's mashed potatoes a lot- which can get boring, but they are good. for your Protein shakes why don't you by davinci's SF syrups (they come in crazy good flavors). I don't mean to point out "what you're doing wrong" but i think you owe it to yourself and the band to do this the right way. you know? as far as the lbs. coming off...i try my best (doesn't always work) to NOT stress about it...i figure if i do everything i'm supposed to it will come off. no pressure.

Hi, Well my starting weight was 292 (4/17/08) and i'd like to ideally get down to 130ish (we'll see if i adjust that later on). I'm at about 140ish lbs to lose. My first self goal is to get down to 100lbs from goal weight...so i have about 40ish lbs to go (seems much more attainable). Jamie

Hi, This is the first time i'm checking into this group...could you add me? My date was 4/17/08 at a starting weight of 292. Thanks!! jamie

i LOVE...absolutely love my Protein shakes. Actually, i can't wait to have them once a day:thumbup: I drink ProtiDiet (it's powder in a bottle) and i fill it with Water (if i want it in addition to my meals) or skim if i want it as a meal. It tastes good (chocolate) on its own, but i usually put either: SF Peanut Butter syrup, or SF peppermint patty syrup (davini) or a little peanut butter (natural). You can drink it right out of the bottle it comes in, but i have a travel cup/blender thingie (from amazon.com) that i put all of the ingredients in, plus ice and blend and go! You can buy protidiet on www.mydietshopz.com I really recommend it.

are you exercising? i just started to do a jenny craig 1.5 in home walking tape with weights (light) and i noticed that's when it started to come off more. this tape is 20 min. long which is perfect for me now because it's hard for me to exercise.

16lbs is a great amout of weight to lose!! it hasn't even been a month..so look at it that way. no help on the Optifast--don't use it. Congrats on the weight loss!

my doc said to stop when you're full, but no more than 1/2 cup per meal. so i don't think stopping when you're full is a problem. if you continue to gain weight you might want to try mixing up what you're eating...but i don't think it's uncommon to gain a few after we start eating. it'll work itself out.

well my doc didn't call any phase "full liquids" so i'm guessing as to what might fall into that category...but how about Protein cold drinks (that was considered clears), such as ProtiDiet concentrated drinks or Protein shakes? maybe ones made with Water instead of milk. for the first week i just had clears, then i went to mushes and on friday i'm going to soft solids... as for soups, try campbell's select line (butternut squash is awesome, creamy tomato isn't too "creamy" so it's good, mushroom soup, etc).

yesterday: b: scrambled eggs (half piece of cheese) s: iced coffee with skim and sf toasted almond syrup l: protein shake with a teaspoon of peanut butter (made with skim) d: mashed potatoes & creamed spinach (1/2 cup total- but didn't finish) s: 1 oz of the peanut butter chocolate ricotta cream dessert (YUM) Today (planned food. YAY on Friday i get soft solids)!! b: protein shake with peanut butter (skim) l: (will be) 1/2 cup of creamy tomato soup (campbell's select) d: (will be) i think scrambled eggs with cheese? i'm sick of mashed potatoes

Hi All, I'm sure this isn't anything new, but i've tried something that i really enjoy. I drink ProtiDiet (Chocolate) shakes (they are Water based...all i can have at the moment). I like them--nice flavor--tastes like yoohoo (same texture too). 80 cal. 15g Protein. low fat. I was thinking of how i can jazz them up a little bit (because i have a sweet tooth). I was putting a tad of Peanut Butter in them, but i tried two syrups that i LOVE. DaVini has a HUGE line of sugar free syrups. I bought the peanut butter and peppermint patty and i really like them both. Almost no cals and it really makes the shake something i look forward to in the morning (or for lunch). Here's the link: sauces And Tea Concentrates

you're a day ahead of me!! i don't get my first fill until june 2nd (he's on vacation the week before). i've been telling myself that as long as i eat what i'm supposed to (which at this point my doc doesn't care too much about calories) and i eat the portions i'm supposed to (3 4oz meals) then it'll come off. don't worry--we'll get there! :thumbup:

i'll be on soft solids next week. chili is allowed then for me. the only thing is make sure you measure it..i'm only allowed to eat 4 oz. each meal.

i'm on mushies sooo.... yesterday b: protein shake- made with water l: mushroom soup (campbell's select) d: mashed potatoes & creamed spinach (2oz each) s: peanut butter chocolate ricotta cream (SO GOOD). in case you want to know how to make the snack..it's a cup of skim ricotta, a teaspoon of vanilla, 3 splenda, tablespoon of natural peanut butter, tablespoon of sugar free chocolate syrup (or coco). blend well (i used a food processor). chill. this makes a lot (for one). i had 2 oz for snack and i probably have at least 5 servings left. You can make this with any flavor if you're not down with peanut butter. today (so far) b: protein shake lol (but made with skim today) l: will be butternut squash soup

i believe it's eating too much and/or eating the wrong things (i.e. ice cream). band is a tool, but we have to make smart choices.

i'd check with your doc because mine doesn't allow oatmeal or chicken salad yet. i have to be on mushies for 2 weeks before i can have it. i've been eating cottage cheese doubles, yogurt, campbell's select Soups, mashed potatoes/sweet potatoes and creamed spinach from boston market, pastina (not filling though so i only had it once), runny scrambled eggs, farina, Water based Protein shakes.

go to MyDietShopz.com for e-Z Weight Loss, e-Z Shopping, and e-Z Prices ProtiDiet has blueberry pancakes and the website's brand has cheesy eggs with veggies. I heard they are all pretty good (especially the pancakes). i ordered some myself, but i can't eat them yet (mushies stage). they are all high Protein.

i'm on mushies so this is what i had. b: protidiet protein shake (choc. flavor- water based) with a teaspoon of peanut butter (low fat/organic) and some ice cubes. zip zip. yum. l: 1/2 cup campbell's select butternut squash soup. s: sm. iced coffee with skim d: (i will be having) 2 oz of mashed potatoes, 2 oz of mashed sweet potatoes I cannot wait until soft solids (aka tuna salad!!! )

i didn't have to worry about protein, as per my doc, during the first week. i just had clears. i'm now on mushies and i drink protidiet cold drinks (i like orange & grape) and they are pretty good-15grams of protein. considered "clears" as well. might want to try that.

i'm 13 days out and i promise you it gets better. just get up and walk every hour- around the house for like 10 minutes. it helps a lot. the worst for me was a few days after surgery...so hang in there..drink you're fluids and walk walk walk!! i feel normal except a little pain when i lean over near my port. otherwise i'm back to normal.

my doc suggested protidiet shakes (i like chocolate) which are water based and have 80 cal/15 grams of protein. I usually add a half of teaspoon of peanut butter (low fat/organic/natural) and some ice cubes. i like it quite a bit..and it's filling.

it's weird. i've read posts n blogs that say they weigh themselves everyday and i always thought "relax"!! well here i am weighing myself. first, my scale sucks and i have to get on a million times to ensure i got the right weight (that's another topic), but also i'm sorta pissed each day because it's been around the same weight (which is a 1lb down from last week...my official weigh day is friday). ok i know, i know..that's good..blah. but i'm freaking barely eating!! today was a rough day for me...i had cottage cheese which sucked (but i'm trying new things) and then for lunch i had soup (that was good but i was starving and got a bad headache). i keep THINKING about food. not high fat food..not like "omg i want to cheat" but i just want to EAT. i miss snacks. even if it's a good snack..i'm not allowed to have one until next friday. I think this is been just a blue day lol. i'm not getting enough water..i'm trying to keep up with that. i just miss eat more than a 1/2 cup. is it like that forever? like that's it?? all i know is i'm on a 1/2 cup (4oz) for 6 weeks. i'm assuming that's how it'll stay...UGH. ok i sound like a cry baby...and i am going to kick myself in the ass and have a better attitude..just needed to get it out. :rolleyes2:

maybe you're stretching your band?? just a guess. i'm 7 days out and JUST started soups, etc. no smart ones. the doc said that if i eat more/less/different than what he says i could make my pouch larger (who wants to do that). can you try sticking with 'real' mushies so that you don't damage it??

crackers aren't on my list:sad: If i was going to have some why not try wasa crackers. i'm on my first day of mushies (2 more weeks to go until soft solids) and i had campbell's select butternut squash Soup (just added pepper) and it was FANTASTIC. especially since i've been on clears for a week. :thumbup:

Hi All, I had my surgery last week (the 17th...exactly 7 days ago) and i'm back to work today. I'm on my last day of clears (which is killing me) and tomorrow i get mushies!!! My question is: i have this pain on the left side..feels sorta like gas because it moves a little (comes in waves), but doesn't leave like gas does from walking. It's been a few days. On my doctors "things to expect" sheet it said i might have pain on the left side. Is this normal? Otherwise, things are going well. Wounds are healing well and i'm down almost 15ish lbs since surgery (i'll check officially tomorrow). I'm ready for food though..even if it is cottage cheese:bored: because i have little energy.