JoannMarie

Hi Clempier, If I may suggest - try eating a little more Protein and less high carb foods on the days you are feeling this way. This might help you to be more satisfied when your body is dong the crazy things it does at the monthly cycle. When you are banded, and have advanced to a "regular" eating plan, most doctors recommend you have 60-70 grams of protein a day, secondarily some healthy carbs like vegies and many fruits, and starches/sugars last if at all. You can start eating this way now. The South Beach diet is a good one for people planning to be banded, because it is similar to the plan most doctors recommend after banding. I find it helps me to avoid the highs and lows of too many starches and sugars and I feel much better overall. If you are on LBTalk much, you will notice that the surgeons don't necessarily prepare you with much nutrition information. Many just tell patients "just eat less food." The research I've seen suggests that protein deficiencies are a problem for banded patients, and just eating less food is not going to deal with that. You want a healthy body - not just a slimmer body. Check Amazon.com for books on eating after lapband - there is one "Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding...." by Jessie H. Ahroni. It is on Amazon.com for $12.55 - a bargain. Very comprehensive book about all aspects of banding, including an excellent eating plan. My surgeon would not schedule a consultation until I had read this book and it is the eating plan she recommends. I do believe God has led me to this surgery as the best solution for me to attain the healthy body He wants me to have. He is with me every day in my effort to do what I need to do to make this happen. Don't be afraid of being left alone to fend for yourself. He is with you, and He will lead you to others who can help support you. Whatever you decide will be right because He loves you and wants the best for you.

Good luck, Sue. My DH has pointed out to me - this is a whole new ballgame! Trying to change old habits, retrain your brain, as well as your tastes, none of it is easy. The hardest for me has been to STOP when I am full. For several days I was having pressure pain in my lower chest/upper stomach. On another thread, several of my experienced friends suggested kindly I was simply eating too much. I backed off a lot - the next day it was better, and the 2nd day it was gone. My fill has helped some, but I can still eat more than I should (small bites and chewing well can work against me, too LOL). I am having to be very cautious about that. I am back to measuring 3/4 to 1 cup of food, heavier on the protein. When that is gone I stop. 99% of the time I am satisfied with that - get up and do the dishes... It has been working - BUT - I have to think about it and consciously DO IT every time I sit down to eat. I don't know if it will ever become second nature - I hope so, but don't expect it. That's okay - the band is a great tool to help me do what I need to do. The fact that I am satisfied and walk away is a positive step, I just need to keep it up whether I have good restriction or not. We are just getting used to this whole new way of eating, have a lot to learn about ourselves and our new bands. Keep on workin' it.

Hi Sue, Yes it is possible to stretch the pouch. You don't say what kind of liquids you are drinking - but you should NOT be drinking anything carbonated. Also, fruit juices or other sugery drinks should be avoided because they are empty calories. Liquids (non carbonated) will not stretch the pouch because they go right through. They also won't help your hunger issues - because they go right through. If you are hungry between meals - you might need a fill - but that does not seem to be possible right now for you. Try eating hard protein - a hard-boiled egg, a piece of hard cheese (like cheddar or swiss), an ounce or so of low fat deli meat (turkey or lean ham/roast beef), even a few walnuts. Carbs, such as fruit or bread, probably won't help you a lot, as they convert quickly to sugar and will just make you hungrier. Make sure your meals consist of at least 3-4 ounces of hard protein (chicken, fish, turkey, beef, lean pork) eaten first, then 1/4 to 1/2 cup of green and/or leafy vegies. Everything should be cut into very small pieces and chewed 25-30 times before swallowing. Don't take more than 20-30 minutes to finish this meal and don't drink any liquids with your meal. You should be able to last 3-4 hours on this type of meal. Again, if you are hungry sooner, try the small amount of protein. Protein stays in your pouch longer than anything and is the only thing that will reliably keep you satisfied till the next meal. I find this works pretty well for me. Even before my fill when I was feeling no restriction to speak of - I limited my food intake in this way and was surprised to find it really did keep me satisfied enough to follow the same plan at the next meal. I hope it helps you.

pmcfarm - I knew there was something about you that clicked with me! We are sheltie fans also - 2 year old Jack is our 5th sheltie! They have been wonderful dogs for us. Holly came to live with us at Christmas 1975, was part of the family for 16 years, and was nanny to our 3 children. She knew without her we would never get them raised. Since then each of the "girls" have taken care of us. We have learned that female shelties have a very strong sense of responsibility. Jack is our second boy - (Toby was our first sheltie and the only male we've had until Jack - little Toby left us way too early, as he was hit by a car.) Jack is 2 yrs old and has a more carefree attitude about life. He is a very talented sniffer, fence runner, ball catcher, and people lover. Our former shelties were sables, but Jack is a blue merle and his unusual coloring is quite handsome. We miss our little Abbie, but Jack has been very comforting for us. Glad to hear you are doing so well. I have not gotten into exercising as I should. I've had some eye problems and had urgent laser surgery on Saturday. Still healing, and they've recommended holding off on the exercise till I am checked again. I'll have to have the same surgery on the right eye in a few weeks. It is a form of glaucoma and can cause sudden attacks which can cause blindness in a very short time. It's been scary, but the surgery should take care of the problem so I'm anxious to get it all done and behind me. I had my first fill on Friday - 3cc in my Realize band. I'm doing well with it. I'm very careful with bite size, eating slowly, etc. I am full on 1/2 to 1 cup of food/meal and have had no hunger issues between meals. Trying to keep the protein up... 22 pounds so far - and I am happy with that!

Congratulations Trina!! You are doing great. I have my appointment for my first fill tomorrow. More new experiences... I think we have all had a million emotions during the month of December and early January. You are right - it will all be worth it.

I really believe I decided to get the band BECAUSE it will always be there as a tool to help me through those times when I can't quite do it on my own. Yes - I have to eat the right foods in small quantities. But life happens and everyone gets discouraged, hungry, stressed, sad, happy, etc, etc! It is inevitable that I will be human and fall down at times, no matter how determined I am to accomplish this life change. This tool will be there to help me pick myself up again. I will come to my senses (probably) and realize what it is I have to do to make it all happen - and the tool will be there as I begin to put all the pieces back together. This is what I have lacked in the past with all the dieting and regaining, dieting and regaining. This time I can only fall so far - and the band will be there to help me keep from regaining and get back on track with eating healthy and becoming that thinner person who lives within. (Well - the band and lots of prayers!!!) That's why we must be a great support system for each other. Guarantee when I fall one of you will be standing there to help me get back up again, and I will do the same for you.

About the timing of the different diet stages -- each surgeon seems to have his/her own timeline for these stages. My doc had me on clear liquids for 2 days, full liquids for 1 week, then to mushies and said I should transition from mushies to a regular diet over the next 4 weeks. I am just now (beginning of 4th week) carefully eating small bites of chicken, ground beef, turkey, etc. I have been eating soft fish for the last week. I am careful to make sure the meat is tender. Vegies have been cooked tender. I have had some salad vegies, chewed VERY WELL. The key for each of us is to FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR'S guidelines. If you run into any trouble you want to be sure you have followed his/her guidelines so they can help you with further suggestions. This 4-5 weeks before the first fill is time for healing - don't worry about losing weight during this time. And BarnGal - please don't worry about failure. You will follow the rules, make the right food choices, exercise - and you will be successful. Why do you think we are Holiday Hotties???

Hi Marilyn, I tried that 30 minute thing... 30 minutes turns into 5 hours before I know it! Oh well. The housework can wait a little longer IMHO! I love to sew - can't wait to get back to the projects after all the holiday stuff. First I have to clean off the work table, as it was a gift wrapping station during the holidays and I can no longer see the top of it. My project for the week.

Oh, girl - that is so disappointing. We have to do a lot of "psyching-up" to get through all this - how hard it is to be told you will have to wait a little longer. I hope everything comes back okay and you will have your band as the new year is young! Please let us know how everything goes. We are still here for you! Once a Holiday Hottie, always a Holiday Hottie!

You are in my thoughts and prayers today, mmnairn. I hope you have a successful surgery and speedy recovery. You are changing your life for the better and I wish you all the best. Food has been a best friend to all of us - and we are all going to learn how to be our own best friend over the next months as food becomes just another part of the day, and a healthy lifestyle becomes our new life goal. Please post soon and let us know how your are doing...

Welcome Luckyjyn. Seems like there is a lot to learn these days! I have been surprised by some very interesting belches the last couple of weeks. I think I might be able to give my son a run for his money in the belching department (almost 40, and still giggles when he belches...) I'm wondering if this is normal??? It could prove embarassing...

WOW! Top 10 - that's not bad... We already have a great group in the December bandsters, I guess it follows that we will continue down that road together. Pete - I am wishing I was in Florida right now. COLD in Kansas City area, and the Dolphins are coming to play football with the Chiefs on Sunday - high is supposed to be +5 with a windchill well below 0. With the Chiefs playing as they are and the cold temps, the stands will probably be close to empty. If they were in a winning season the stadium would be SRO no matter how cold! Its not even Christmas and I am dreaming of spring already... Ah... dogwood, redbuds, warm breezes...

It's good to hear you did so well! You are on your way, Marilyn. God Bless - take your time healing and take baby steps...

Welcome to December! I see Florida Pete has answered your question about the Holiday Hottie signature stamp. He is the designer of this work of art and we love him for it! I know how excited you are about your coming surgery. What a great way to start the New Year! My surgery was almost 2 weeks ago and I am doing very well. I will have weather-related arthritis pain - potentially always - but I am hopeful as I lose this weight my pain will also be going down along with the scale numbers. Right now that seems to be the only problem I am dealing with. I hope your surgery is successful and you have a great recovery.

China, you are in my thoughts and prayers today as you undergo your surgery - for a successful surgery and very speedy recovery. God bless...

Hi Greeniiii, I live in Independence -we are neighbors... Hard to believe you have had such a long wait. I started the process in March 2008, and was banded on Dec 4th. Because of better medicare coverage I went to Topeka and had my procedure done at St. Francis by Tallgrass surgeon, Dr. Berntsen. I've been very happy with Dr. B and her staff, but it still took a looong time to get all the T's crossed and I's dotted. I had my post-op visit yesterday and everything looked good. I am feeling great! Last week was good and bad - but nothing was too bad. My biggest problem has been fatigue, but we've had weather fronts coming through which always aggravates my fibromyalgia - hence the fatigue. No matter - I've graduated to mushies and had a scrambled egg for breakfast this morning! It was absolutely the best scrambled egg ever eaten! Good luck to you - this is an incredible journey we are embarking on, and we are all going to be so successful!

I am still on full liquids, and looking ahead to the next stages for ideas. My paperwork says I should aim for 60-70 grams of Protein, 25 grams of Fiber. My concern is that 25 grams of fiber. 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food, 4 oz of it hard protein - what can I add that will bring up the fiber content of my diet? There are high fiber pastas out there - but I know many people have trouble with Pasta. Beans are a good source of both, so they can be incorporated. What else can I do?

I'm glad to get this feedback on the Wii Fit. I had it on my Christmas list, but was waffling a little about it. It's a lot of money and I am beginning to think I will take advantage of my gym membership instead. Its already paid for and close by. I think we'll wait on that purchase.

Kerry - I will be thinking of you tomorrow morning. I know you will do just fine. I was surprised at how easily things went at the hospital - they seem to have all this down really well. I wish you a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

To all of you with port pain: Me too! Yesterday was tough - very hard to stand or walk. I did walk a little, but it hurt a lot. Today has been a little better. Please consider - think about how much it hurts when you have an injured muscle, esp in the back or abdomen, in muscles that support your core. That is what you have now - the port is attached to abdominal muscle, thus the muscle is "injured" and hurts like heck when you try to use it - as in standing or walking - or stretch it as in lying flat. It does help to support the port incision with a small pillow or just your hand as you walk. If you have had coughing or vomiting during this early recovery, it will hurt more. Just try to support the area and walk as much as you are able. My doc said not to worry about taking the pain meds - that is what they are for. If they can help you rest and get good sleep, you will heal faster. Rest is the key. Good luck to week 2 bandsters! We are here for you...

Congratulations to Karen! So glad to hear of this good news. I hope she loves her new job and does very well.

I want to thank everyone for your good thoughts and your prayers. They are appreciated so much!

Teresa, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband as he deploys. I am glad he was able to be with you for your surgery. Please let him know he will be in our prayers while he is in harm's way. We pray he and his unit will return safely. My thanks to both of you for your service and your sacrifice.

Just checking in with everyone. My surgery was on Thursday and I spent the night in the hospital. I felt really good post surgery, some soreness at incision sites, otherwise good. I was on some pretty good painkillers in the hospital, and have taken some since getting home yesterday. The 1 1/2 hour drive home was not bad, but I was really tired and sore after arrival at home. I went to bed early last night - with drugs - and slept well. DH got up at about 4:30 and brought me another small dose of drug, and I slept until almost 8:00. I feel pretty good this morning, still sore around the port site, but since that is stitched into muscle I think it will be sore for some time. I'm able to eat (drink!) my full liquids this morning just fine, and they taste good after nothing but broth and juice! yum - tomato Soup for Breakfast - my favorite! Hope everybody else is doing well. Sue from NE - you are doing great. I would not attempt a shopping trip this weekend! About the early weight loss - I don't think we should plan on a big weight loss early in the game. For one thing - if you are on liquids and drinking juices and broth, you are still getting a lot of sugar and salt. Even tho it's not a lot of calories, you will still retain Water. Post surgery, you have some of the same issues - not a lot of calories, but you may still retain water on the full liquids. Don't forget that when you drop to very low calorie intake, your body tends to believe you are starving (feel like it too!) and will adjust your metabolism to conserve its resources (fat). The scale will be playing tricks on you the next few weeks so don't get discouraged. Just follow the rules and allow your innards to heal - the weight will come off. Mr. Mike - it's good to hear from you. I'm glad everything is going well. I have not had any of the gas pain people have talked about. The nurse said some people just don't have it. I feel very lucky! Have fun at the grocery! Good luck to all.