Grandma26

I have been eating Chobani greek yogurt for the last week since I read about it in a post. A 6 oz container has 14 grs of protein and it tastes good. HOWEVER....tonight I tried Pomegranate flavor, tasted good, but it has actual pomegranate seeds in it!!! I didn't realize it until I swallowed and felt them going down. Not sure if they would have gotten stuck because they are not that large but when you're not expecting them you never know ! lol.

Now that I have lost some weight I can see a slight bump where my port is. It doesn't bother me, I find it comforting at times because the more I see it the more I am loosing !! Weird logic I know...lol.

Sunday I walked 3 miles!! My DH and I used to walk all the time but as I got bigger and bigger I could no longer do it. I had a hard time walking from the house to my car without loosing my breath or gasping for air. This time I was not even winded at all!

Is papaya enzyme something we should take every day or only when having issues? I took it when something felt like it was stuck and within a minute felt good again.

Congratulations ! I average 60 to 65 of Protein a day. I am supposed to have 70 gr but I can't always get it in. I have three 1/2 cup meals and two 2 oz. Snacks a day. My calorie intake right now is between 715 and 800. The biggest thing is to make sure you get all the Water in your DR. wants you to have. My DR. suggests 64 oz a day but they say a minimum48 oz is ok. Good luck!!

Breakfast is the hardest meal for me. I run out of choices!!My Dr. does not allow oatmeal but I have farina in a cup at my desk or a shake, or a piece of cheddar cheese and a few triscuit or wheat thin crackers. Cottage cheese with a table spoon of sugar free preserves is another breakfast favorite of mine. That keeps me full the longest too. I have three 1/2 cup meals each day and two 2 oz Snacks. So far I have not been very hungry, but today I am really hungry. I feel like I have been grazing all day. I only have fat free or low fat things in the house so at least I didn't binge on really fatty foods. I go for my 2nd fill on 9/14 but I may have to call to move it up a week or so. I am afraid of gaining anything back.

Congratulations and best of luck on your new journey!

I always understood that you shouldn't put any ointments or creams on fresh incisions. Check with you doctor before using anything on them. You don't want to risk infection. I only used alcohol wipes to make sure they stayed dry and clean. I am 9 weeks post op and my incision are slightly pink, two of the smaller ones you can hardly see anymore.

You are doing amazing and please don't be so hard on yourself!! I think we see ourselves differently then the rest of the world; when we look in the mirror we see all the imperfections, others see all the hard work so far. I hope you and your daughter can get on a healthy path together. You both need each other and can be a great team. At 16 self image is hard and sometimes overwhelming. You are a great role model for her. Maybe once the summer is over, school is back in session both of you can get on a healthier food path. I have had similar food issues, the weather is hot, work hours are too long, quick and eay foods are very tempting!! I understand having faced the issues. Keep up the good work! Hugs, G'ma

Cream of Potato is good, I also like the 97% fat free Cheddar Broccoli soup. Yummy and filling and the borccoli bits are so small it went down easily! I sipped creamed soup when I was on full liquids, helped keep me full and the warm soup was comforting while healing.

OK so......in my mind I am working out, I just can't get my body to cooperate yet!! lol My surgeon gave me the go ahead for excersie after my 6 week check up. I am walking more now then I have been able to for the last 2 years because of breathing problems. Since being banded I no longer am out of breath after just take a few steps. I love it!!

When I was on the liquid phase of the diet I asked the resturant to strain the soup for me so I just got the broth. I am finding that most resturants are happy to help me with anything I need. I don't tell them I am banded, I just say I am on a special diet and they are happy to accommodate! I have even had some waiters/waitress suggest softer food and make special combinations for me. I thought my dining out days were over once I had my band, but that's not the case at all.

Call your DRs office right away and let them know you have a fever. It may be nothing but why take the chance. I was very sleepy for a day or two after surgery until all the medication was out of my system. I think that's pretty normal.

Dear Thinneranniesoon..... Erin is 18 yrs. Old and scared. She has made the most incredible decision to take control of her life. She needs US all for support because we understand what she is going through more than her family understands. Would you speak to your own child like that? NO MATTER WHAT..this forum is for support and guidance. ERIN I will hold your hand anytime you need it. G'ma

OMG! I noticed a few wrinkles in my neck today!! I used to tell my older sisters (who weighs 90 lbs soaking wet) if I ever lost weight I WOULD TURN INTO ONE GIANT WRINKLE!! What can we do to help the neck wrinkles?

I haven't tried them. I try to stay away from sugar. I find on the days I have sugary products are the days I am fighting hunger all day.

I have days where I am hungry, but I am usually able to work throught them. I only had one fill so far, 3cc's in a 10 cc band, my next fill is scheduled for 9/14/09. Right now my meals are 1/2 cup portions with two 2 oz Snacks a day if I need them, and I average between 715 and 800 calories a day. I average about 65 gr of Protein a day. I found that a warm cup of broth or herbal tea seems to help the hunger, and I try to distract myself. Hang in there!!

My surgeon said with the band I should lose 60% of the weight within a year by just following the plan. If I put more into it, even with just walking my success will be greater. I am only 2 months post op and already down 32 lbs.

Congratulations Jen!! That is AWSOME!!! Reading post like this keep me going. Don't think of it a bragging.......think of it as a pep rally for the rest of us!! Great job!

WOW you look beautiful! Even your before picture show a beautiful person, you must feel great! I have been inspired by a lot of people on this web site and I thank each one of you. I look at the before and after pictures and it give me renewed strength to stay on course. Hugs, G'ma

Sorry Erin, I don't know what a narrowing is. Maybe swelling from vomitting? Not sure but let us know when you find out.

With all the food coloring dye added to our foods it is a wonder we all don't glow in the dark!! lol

I am not allowed any kind of Pasta or rice!! My Nut said if I aboslutely have to have it, it must be very overcooked and soft. If it isn't overcooked it contiunues to absorb liquid and swells in my pouch. I can have it as a special treat only once in a while. When I need that hot cheesy fix...I usually take 1/4 of a baked potato and melt the cheese on it, sometimes I stick it in the toaster oven and it gets golden brown on top. Goes down easy with no problems.

Hi Erin, If you are eating lunch in school with your friends, Please remember to eat slow, small bites and chew, chew, chew so you don't have any problems with getting stuck or PB'ing. I know when I am eating with friends and we get caught up in conversations or just a b***h session I sometimes have to remind myself!! Good luck girly girl...Remember relax and enjoy the new you! G'ma

LOL OMG...I only had one person do that to me and it turned to bite her in the butt!! We were at a luncheon with a buffet, we both went up together, I took a spoonful of 3 or 4 items, SHE heaped her plate. When we were back at the table along with everyone else, she asked if I was "allowed" to eat the one scallop wrapped in bacon I took. I po-liet-ly responded "I can now eat anything I want in modest portions and the one thing I have learned is that I no longer feel the emotional need to pile my plate so high I need a second plate for the overhang"!! She looked at her plate, her face went gray (with a very pink blush), pushed half her food onto a another plate and buried it under a napkin. I continued talking to the rest of the table as if nothing happened. That was the first and last time anyone said anything to me.