Boo

Great advice! Thanks, I'll try that for the next week. Soft proteins... I guess that means mostly dairy and soft eggs?

Hey, I don't know the answer to your question, but I do know how miserable I felt on the clear liquid diet. Congratulations on your first 8 days! (And for choosing a great doctor)

Thanks for the advice. I followed my doctor's and nutritionist's plan. There is NO mushy stage. It is liquids and yogurt until day 22, then on to solids. I was eating the tiniest bit of chopped-up, paper thin deli meat. I think what I did wrong was try to eat at 8:00 in the morning. So now it is soft food for me and I'll try another go at it after I talk to the nutritionist. Hey, I'm thrilled to get to eat soft food instead of soup and yogurt! So you don't think a PB at 3 weeks will ruin my band?

How do you figure out what your "excess weight is?" Until a few years ago, I always weighed 125-130 lbs. Even after having kids. So do I add up all the weight I've gained, or figure off an ideal BMI? Or do I come up with a realistic goal for a woman almost 50? Is it up to me or the doctor? Are these too many questions??

I was so excited to finally eat food today. I chewed and chewed, yet by my third bite it started. The tremendous pain, the saliva backing up my throat...oh no! I held out as long as I could, but it would not go down. I had a PB:( ! Now I am terrified to eat and scared that my band will be compromised. What do I do now?

I'm feeling the same way, so I'm glad you posted. It is frustrating to be on the liquid diet and hungry and not have the weight falling off like some other people. I've lost 10 pounds and just don't want to gain any back now that I am starting solids. I started back at the gym, too. That always seems to help with appetite.

I was irritable and "down" until about 8 days after surgery...didn't know what was wrong with me. I needed protein, more water, vitamins, and rest. Then I started to perk up and am now going full speed at three weeks! I do agree with "StrawartS" in that my stomach felt like it was mad and fighting to get this belt off.

Heather, Good idea!! This would have saved me alot of time browsing to find something different to eat! Full liquid stage: For ice blended fans, I love Coffee Bean's sugar-free, fat-free pure vanilla and pure chocolate powders. I can whip that up in the blender with nonfat milk and ice for a protein packed milkshake. Or stir into warm milk. (I don't drink coffee.) The other recipe I found on here that is really yummy is a mushy. Bake ricotta cheese topped with marinara.

I live in Los Angeles and plan to go to TJ for fill. Does Dr. Powell use flouro for fills? I'd like to have an alternative plan if it is too much to drive to TJ. Thanks!

Three more days and I start solids! I have to admit I am a little scared to make the transition. What is the best solid protein to get down? Any suggestions? It seems like it has been so long since I have eaten meat that I hardly miss it.

Actually, after 5 days on clear liquids, I felt horrible. I couldn't stand up longer than 15 minutes at a time. I thought I was just having trouble recuperating. But it was the diet. I called my nutritionist and she advised me to add yogurt on day 6. Then I added protein shakes on day 8. Call your doctor, if you are feeling extremely weak!

I go get a pedicure or a mini-massage, and some flowers! :)

I go get a pedicure or a mini-massage, and some flowers!

The procedure takes 20 minutes to perform. With prep and anesthesia, you're out in 40 minutes. $24,000?? Maybe his insurance rates have raised. The $8500 fee I paid in Mexico was a real blessing!

I had to add international calling to my cel phone plan for the week. It didn't cost much and my phone worked great. At the Lucerna there are a few computers in the lobby area as well as printers, etc. Super easy to get e-mail. Be prepared for a very hard bed, and be sure to order the chicken broth and jello.

Don't eat solid food! It isn't worth risking it. I came home hungry also. Fill up with warm cider, or tea. Splurge and get a manicure, a massage, walk around at a mall, or take a shower...ANYTHING to get your mind off your hunger! Go out to a chinese restaurant and order wonton soup, but only eat the broth. You'll feel like you are having a meal being waited on. Hang on!

HAVE FUN with the friends that know and love everything about you!!! Most of the girls are so conscious about how they look that they never even consider what they other girls look like. Compliment all of your friends. That will put them at ease and you will find compliments in return. But most of all, make the night not about looks, but friends, dancing and fun!

I have the same thing. Eleven days and it is still bruised and sore. I just figured that I must bruise more easily than others.

Thanks everybody! I'm doing better. Jen, I think I was dehydrated, even though I was drinking alot. The added protein shakes and yogurt made an amazing difference.

Don't worry, Dana. My doctor said that most patients lose 10-15 pounds during the liquid phase. I've lost ten pounds in 9 days already! This is just the beginning of a journey. Trust the research you have done. Just look at the results on this board. It is a more scientific calculation for success than the discouragement of a nurse or "support" group leader!

What the heck are you talking about, "LOTS of gravy"?? Girl, don't even think about cheating! AND I am one day ahead of you, so there! Moving ahead meant I could move on to yogurt and protein shakes...NOT KFC!

What doesn't make sense is that my stomach feels empty and is growling! I am only eating 2-4 ounces of yogurt at a time and then even three hours later I have the "hiccups". Is that too much? Maybe I am swollen, but I will take your advice and try to slow down. I just don't want to get dehydrated or weaker than I am. I sure hope this goes away. It helps to know that other people have experienced the same thing.

Since surgery Ive been getting a wierd painful hiccup in my stomach. Is it gas? Is it a baby PB? (been on liquids) Is it harmful to my band staying attached? Anyone else have this?

Who sells the Magic Bullet? Thank you!!

I was just banded. I woke up and laughed and thanked everyone. Then I felt like I had been punched in the stomach really hard. Ice chips went down fine.