MissBS

I bought the Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein Powder at GNC (unflavored). It is 21 grams of protein per scoop. I mix it with my yogurt or sugar free Jello pudding. I have a protein shake in the morning (15 g.) and this in the evening (21g). The other 24 I easily get with the food that I am eating, and I'm only on the soft foods/mushie stage. Becky

I have a suggestion about the Isopure - don't buy a case, or even more, until you try them. I bought a case (12 bottles for $50.00 at GNC) and I cannot drink it. I drink the shakes... no problem.... liquids for weeks... no problem... but those things taste sooooo nasty to me. I forced 2 of them down, but going to see if they will take the rest back. Not everyone has the same taste buds, and I know lots of people drink Isopure, but just buy one or two until you see if you like them. I bought some unflavored whey protein powder at GNC, and it has 21 g. of protein in each scoop. I mix it with my yogurt and can't even taste it. I too think it is hard to get in so much protein when you aren't eating much food. Good luck to you!!! Becky

Good luck to you!!! It sounds like you are a perfect candidate for this procedure and that you have done your part - I will keep my fingers crossed that your insurance company quickly approves you for surgery. Keep a positive attitude and keep smiling. Again.... good luck and do keep us posted!!! Becky

Hi. First of all, let me say how lucky your boyfriend is. You sound like you are a great support system for him. You being involved in his post-op care is helpful to him, and to you as well. I suppose there are a lot of weird things that we do once we get banded. He will get used to them and you will too. I'm sure it was comforting to hear that he is not the only one doing these things. Because you are so helpful and so involved, you are NOT an outsider - you are one of us. Take care of him and tell him Becky said for him to take good care of you too.

Hi clb. I am lucky too. I also have a very supportive family. My mother flew to Houston with me to have my surgery. Try not to focus on how much you have to lose. Just remember that you have made a decision that will make you happier and healthier and take one baby step at a time. Little goals. Good luck to you - you can do it!!!! Keep us posted!! Becky

Hi. I was banded on September 19th and I felt much better a week after surgery. About 10 days after, I felt good. The gas is normal and it will go away. The things that helped me with the gas were Gas-X strips, heating pad, walking, and peppermint tea. Right after surgery I think it is normal to be up a few pounds. I only weigh once a week - I think that is best for me. Good luck to you and I hope you are feeling better soon!! Becky

Trish. Don't be hard on yourself. None of this is easy and we do the best we can. All of us have really good days and not so good days. Just keep a positive attitude. I read a quote on here that I will share with ya - It does not matter how much I weigh or how much I have lost, or what size I wear. What matters is at the end of every day I can honestly say to myself that I took good care of myself today. Not sure where it came from, but it is good. Keep smiling and do take care of yourself. Becky

I didn't know I had one, but he repaired it during the band surgery. There was no extra fee for the hernia repair. Becky

Bobbie. Oh do I know how you feel. I got my band on Sept. 19th and I am sooooooooo tired now. I am a night person and never used to get to bed until after midnight. Last night I fell asleep before 9:00. It has been that way the last 4 or 5 nights. I did not sleep much at all the first week after being banded, so I keep telling myself that maybe I am just getting caught up. I'm still just having liquids, so maybe it will get better when I get to the soft foods/mushie stage. Sure do hope so. Or maybe we will just be extra beautiful when we lose our weight because we are getting soooooooooooooo much beauty sleep. AND... we aren't eating eating while we are sleeping. Good luck to you and goodnight Becky

Stephanie. I am newly banded. Still eating creamy soups I am confused about the solid stage - the forever stage. Your daily menu really helps me. When you say you have meat for lunch (lunch meat) and dinner - do you weigh it or do you just know what a portion is? I can't wait until I have it all figured out. I'm sure it will be easier than I think it is going to be... but it all seems confusing to me. Did you count calories at first until you became familiar with what worked best for you?? I know everyone is different.... I just keep reading and hoping that it will all become clear to me. Becky

I had it too. It lasted for about a week. Gas X strips (extra strength), heating pad, walking, warm showers, and peppermint tea all helped. It will go away, but it sure does hurt. Mine was in my shoulder and my chest too. Becky

Ali. Where do you get Lifetime Cheese? Becky

Welcome!! You will love this site!! Lots of very nice people and you can get your questions answered and concerns addressed by kind people who really know what you are going through. Not long until your surgery!! Good luck!! Becky

I was told no straw either for the same reason.

7 months???????????? YIKES. We might all have to get together and live in a commune... cause nobody else will wanna live with us. I am not crabby.... just crying. I'm sure it is because we know longer have our coping friend...(food). These are the times we would eat, and now we don't. We just let it all out. I'm sure in time, we will learn to cope without food.... at least I hope so. 7 months????? :)Becky

Welcome. It's very exciting when it really is time to get your band - and your time is soon. Good luck to you!! Keep us posted on your progress. You're right .... today is a new day - enjoy it! Becky

WOW!! Congratulations!! That is wonderful. I am so happy for you. If you have one or two good tips for us newbies, please share them. You must be sooooo excited. Thanks for sharing!! Have fun!! Becky

You don't need her - you've got us. I agree with what everyone has said. Don't talk to her about it. If you don't live with her, and you are not asking her to pay for it, then who cares what she says. I lost 107 pounds on Weight Watchers... I think I was at goal for 4 minutes. We can all lose it, but keeping it off...... You sound like a very wise woman.... much wiser than your step mother. Keep your conversations with her about the weather or the price of eggs. Good luck to you!! Keep us posted. You've got lots of support here!! Becky

Hi Cleo's Mom. I was on the pre-op diet for 4 weeks. It was supposed to be 3, but I got stuck in a hurricane in Houston when I went down for my surgery. Then I had a week of clear liquids post-op. I am now on soups for a week, then mushies for a week and then week 4, I move to solids. It does seem like you are going to be without food for too long. 5 weeks of liquids (that's really what soup is too) .... YIKES!! You are going to float away. I don't have any advice for you - I wish I did. I can see why you would be hungry and weak. Are you friendly with anyone at your surgeon's office?? Are you comfortable calling and telling them you are feeling weak?? And it is hard when you read a post from someone who had their surgery at the same time you did and they are already eating food. Sometimes I read posts, and I say "Wish that was my doctor"... and sometimes I read posts and say "Glad I have my doctor." I would call - they may tell you to keep drinking - but you never know. Good luck to you. Soon we will be eating "real" food. Becky

Welcome LW5!!! You are going to love this site AND the Samurais!! You will get lots of answers and support here. Your surgery is not far off - good luck with that. You now have a whole group of friends who are with you!!! Keep us posted on how you are doing. Becky

I too was self pay. If I would have had to pay for a night in a hospital (lots of $$$), I probably couldn't have been able to have had it done. I felt fine to go home. Guess it just depends on you and your doctor or insurance. Not all the same.

Hi Becky. How are you feeling?? Good to see you up and about!! How long were you on the clear liquid stage and the soup stage??? You are already getting mushies. WOW. I have to eat soups for a whole week... but... I'm not complaining..... chicken brothed out!!!! I hope you are feeling and healing well. Becky

I was very glad to get to come "home" after surgery, even though it was to a hotel. I do not like hospitals.... and I was more comfortable in the hotel than I would have been in a hospital. They made me sign a paper stating that I had someone to drive me "home" after the surgery before they would even do it. Good luck to you.

Thanks Slim. That makes sense. I will blend AND strain. Good luck with your clear liquids stage. It wasn't easy for me, but it wasn't TOO bad. I ate/drank nothing but the liquids I was supposed to have. Keep smiling and drinking!!! Becky

Thanks Curves. What kind of soups did you have?? Canned?? What brands?? Homemade?? Any tips on really yummy ones?? I LOVE soup - even eat it in the hot summer. Thanks again for your help. Becky