matilda01

It's my 3-week bandiversary today. I saw my surgeon on Friday, and he said I could start on pureed foods, so I went home and scrambled a couple of eggs with low-fat American cheese. I realized that was probably too much to eat at one time, so I only ate half. It was delicious! He said to stick to things like yogurt, scrambled eggs, etc., for the first 4-6 days, then move to things like refried beans, chili, etc. In the few days since I started pureed food, I've gained 2 lb. What the heck? I'm logging my food intake on Livestrong.com (I love that Web site!) and never go over about 550 calories in a day. Yesterday was the first day I was able to get in 60 grams of protein. It's pretty hard to get all the protein in when I'm not eating much. He did say to supplement with protein shake if needed. I got rid of all the leftover Easter candy...way too tempting for me! I went back to work on Saturday and Sunday and had no problems, didn't even get tired. I just work at my computer all day anyway (I transcribe medical reports for a hospital). Going to take my dog for a couple of long walks today...time to get some real exercise in. No more dreams about food!

It's my 3-week bandiversary today. I saw my surgeon on Friday, and he said I could start on pureed foods, so I went home and scrambled a couple of eggs with low-fat American cheese. I realized that was probably too much to eat at one time, so I only ate half. It was delicious! He said to stick to things like yogurt, scrambled eggs, etc., for the first 4-6 days, then move to things like refried beans, chili, etc. In the few days since I started pureed food, I've gained 2 lb. What the heck? I'm logging my food intake on Livestrong.com (I love that Web site!) and never go over about 550 calories in a day. Yesterday was the first day I was able to get in 60 grams of protein. It's pretty hard to get all the protein in when I'm not eating much. He did say to supplement with protein shake if needed. I got rid of all the leftover Easter candy...way too tempting for me! I went back to work on Saturday and Sunday and had no problems, didn't even get tired. I just work at my computer all day anyway (I transcribe medical reports for a hospital). Going to take my dog for a couple of long walks today...time to get some real exercise in. No more dreams about food!

I was vitamin D deficient and so was my coworker (we had our surgeries 1 week apart). I live in western NY and it tends to be cloudy here in the fall/winter. Lack of sunshine will contribute to vitamin D deficiency. They gave me a prescription supplement that I took once a week for 12 weeks. Didn't delay my surgery at all. At my postop visit I asked him if I should get a new prescription for vitamin D and he said, "No, just get some Viactiv." No worries for you!

Well, I have to the admit, the first 2 days of my 5-day preop liquid diet were hard. I kept really busy at work and home and just got through it somehow. After that, it wasn't so bad. I was really afraid to cheat because I thought it would make the surgery difficult for the surgeon. After surgery, I really had no appetite for probably 5 days or so. When it came back, I still was afraid to eat because I didn't want to cause damage to the new band. This week has been hard, and I have cheated a bit, had some plain fat-free yogurt a couple of times (no more than 2-3 oz). Today is my last day of clear liquids after 23 days (not that I'm counting). If I can do this, believe me, anyone can do it if they are motivated. I'm almost in onederland since my officical start in Nov 2009 (had to lose weight before insurance would approve me). Good luck and feel free to ask me anything! I was where you are now not too long ago.

Congratulations on your band! I was just banded on 3/22 and feel wonderful now. Get some rest but also try to walk a bit because it really helps with the gas pains.

What dreams I had last night. I'm still on clear liquids, but I hope to start pureed food tomorrow. Anyway, last night I had a couple crazy dreams. The first one was about a seafood chowder or soup that I was watching somebody make. They were using all kinds of odd creatures from under the ocean. Even though the soup looked strange, all I was thinking was that I really wanted to eat some of it. Later, I had a dream that I worked in Krispy Kreme donut shop. I was putting the icing on the donuts. I woke up with a smile on my face. Food is now creeping into my dreams. Not sure about that seafood soup, but I really enjoyed the Krispy Kreme dream!

What dreams I had last night. I'm still on clear liquids, but I hope to start pureed food tomorrow. Anyway, last night I had a couple crazy dreams. The first one was about a seafood chowder or soup that I was watching somebody make. They were using all kinds of odd creatures from under the ocean. Even though the soup looked strange, all I was thinking was that I really wanted to eat some of it. Later, I had a dream that I worked in Krispy Kreme donut shop. I was putting the icing on the donuts. I woke up with a smile on my face. Food is now creeping into my dreams. Not sure about that seafood soup, but I really enjoyed the Krispy Kreme dream! :thumbup:

Thanks for the nice comments, Teach. The next 2 weeks will fly by and then you, too, will be on the banded side! So far, I'm really happy that I had the surgery. Every day I feel better and better, and I know this will be very good for my overall health. Good luck to you!

Wow, what a great idea of bringing one to work. I think I will bring the MB To Go to work! Awesome. I can share it with my coworker, who was banded the week after me! On Mon I made Soups from leftover veggies from Easter dinner, artichoke Soup & asparagus soup. I'm also going to make cheesy potato soup from leftover taters and some split pea with ham soup. Starting purees on Fri!

Wow! It's been about 2-1/2 weeks since my surgery. The time has really flown by. Except for my incisions still being scabbed over and not being able to eat yet, I feel like my old self. I'm still on clear liquids and 1/3 of a Carnation Instant Breakfast drink 3x a day. I actually feel better than my old self because I feel much lighter! Since my official starting weight at the surgeon's office in Nov, I have lost a total of 41 lb. Since surgery, I've lost 9 lb (well, really 16 lb since I gained about 7 lb with surgery). Yesterday, I went through my clothes, tried on things, and bagged up clothes that are just too big now. I'm going to offer the things in decent shape to my friend. Now I have to go shopping pretty soon because I'm running out of clothes! I used to hate shopping and avoided it as much as I could, but I have a feeling that I will really enjoy shopping again! Easter was a challenge, but I made it through. Cooked for the family (brunch & dinner). I really had to fight not blenderizing some of the dishes and eating, but the worst I did was lick a couple of spoons. On Monday, I used my Magic Bullet & made soups from the leftover veggies (artichokes and asparagus) and then froze the soups to use when I start purees (after my followup with the surgeon on Friday, 4/09). I'm going to do the same with the other leftovers, might make a cheesy potato soup and a split pea with ham soup. Can't wait! Even though I am counting the hours until Fri so I can start mushies, I'm a little nervous about it. I'll be going from about 100-200 calories a day to more calories, and it seems that will add weight back on. If my surgeon says I can start exercising, I think that will help. We just bought an elliptical that I'd like to get going on. Probably will go back to work on Sat and I'm actually looking forward to it!

Wow! It's been about 2-1/2 weeks since my surgery. The time has really flown by. Except for my incisions still being scabbed over and not being able to eat yet, I feel like my old self. I'm still on clear liquids and 1/3 of a Carnation Instant Breakfast drink 3x a day. I actually feel better than my old self because I feel much lighter! Since my official starting weight at the surgeon's office in Nov, I have lost a total of 41 lb. Since surgery, I've lost 9 lb (well, really 16 lb since I gained about 7 lb with surgery). Yesterday, I went through my clothes, tried on things, and bagged up clothes that are just too big now. I'm going to offer the things in decent shape to my friend. Now I have to go shopping pretty soon because I'm running out of clothes! I used to hate shopping and avoided it as much as I could, but I have a feeling that I will really enjoy shopping again! Easter was a challenge, but I made it through. Cooked for the family (brunch & dinner). I really had to fight not blenderizing some of the dishes and eating, but the worst I did was lick a couple of spoons. On Monday, I used my Magic Bullet & made soups from the leftover veggies (artichokes and asparagus) and then froze the soups to use when I start purees (after my followup with the surgeon on Friday, 4/09). I'm going to do the same with the other leftovers, might make a cheesy potato soup and a split pea with ham soup. Can't wait! Even though I am counting the hours until Fri so I can start mushies, I'm a little nervous about it. I'll be going from about 100-200 calories a day to more calories, and it seems that will add weight back on. If my surgeon says I can start exercising, I think that will help. We just bought an elliptical that I'd like to get going on. Probably will go back to work on Sat and I'm actually looking forward to it!

Guess what? I decided to check Craig's List before I went to BB&B with my coupon. Somebody there was selling a Magic Bullet AND a Magic Bullet To Go with all the pieces and 3 recipe booklets for $40. I asked him if he'd take $35 and he agreed. We just picked it up and it looks like it's in very good condition. There are even extra cups (I have about 8 cups). So now I basically have 2 Magic Bullets and can take the To Go to the cottage and travel with it! Running everything (but the motor, of course) through the dishwasher now. So if you are thinking about buying one, be sure to check Craig's List, you just might get lucky like me!

Sold! I'm going out tomorrow and pick one up for myself. Thanks, too, Manda, for the link to BB&B. I just printed the coupon!

OK, now I think I need a Magic Bullet. I have some questions.... 1) Where do you buy it? Can you get it in stores or is it better to get it on-line? 2) What do they usually cost? 3) I don't have a food processor anymore. Should I get a food processor instead or is the Bullet better (at least for the mushy stage, which I start in 10 days). Oh, and for mushy recipes, check out the food/recipe section here on LBT. There are pages & pages of mushy recipes. I found a bunch I can't wait to try!

Thanks for all the good wishes. I feel MUCH better today. The gas is better and the best thing is, I figured out a way to burp! Yesterday, I had that feeling in my chest like I had to burp again. Well, I was outside with my dog at the time, bent over to pick up his ball, and out came a hearty burp and I felt instantly better!! I've tried it a few more times since then when I feel that pressure building up. When I feel that pressure building up, I bend over, wait a couple of seconds, and out comes a burp. Doesn't always work, but when it does, it sure feels good! Thanks so much for your encouragement.....it really helped me tons!

I had my surgery on Mon., 3/22/10, and I felt pretty much like you do until about Friday. Walking helps the most. Gas-X helps, too, but I had to take 4 at a time, several times a day. Get lots of rest, walk as much as you can (go outside for a walk if possible, it'll cheer you up). It's like they say, every day you will feel better and more like yourself. Today I finally feel like the old me, a little tired at times and the incisions remind me occasionally that they are there, but I think I've turned the corner this weekend! You will, too, very soon!

Day 5 postop and today started out as a pretty good day but ended with a case of the blues. I found out this morning that I don't have to go back to work until after my followup with the surgeon on 4/09. My work is going to put me on disability and I'll get my full pay. Yeah! As the day progressed, I got kind of blue. Not sure why, maybe I'm sick of not feeling like myself, still having pain from trapped gas. On top of that, I feel like I have to burp really badly but nothing happens! The burp is right there, waiting to erupt, but I get no relief! Ugh. I took a 20-min walk in the sunshine and it was lovely even though it was absolutely frigid outside. Felt okay for a while after the walk but ended up in tears tonight, feeling sorry for my burpless existence. After the cry, I did feel a little better. Tomorrow is another day, maybe I will burp! :blushing:

Day 5 postop and today started out as a pretty good day but ended with a case of the blues. I found out this morning that I don't have to go back to work until after my followup with the surgeon on 4/09. My work is going to put me on disability and I'll get my full pay. Yeah! As the day progressed, I got kind of blue. Not sure why, maybe I'm sick of not feeling like myself, still having pain from trapped gas. On top of that, I feel like I have to burp really badly but nothing happens! The burp is right there, waiting to erupt, but I get no relief! Ugh. I took a 20-min walk in the sunshine and it was lovely even though it was absolutely frigid outside. Felt okay for a while after the walk but ended up in tears tonight, feeling sorry for my burpless existence. After the cry, I did feel a little better. Tomorrow is another day, maybe I will burp! :wub:

Oh, yes! I have that feeling like I'm ready to burp and nothing happens, then the gas pain feels even worse! Well, I'm going to walk around my house for a while again and go to bed. Tomorrow will be better (or so my surgeon said, "every day you will feel better and better")

I'm not hungry at all yet. I see food and it just doesn't appeal to me, so clear liquids are fine for now. Not sure how long that will last though. On Monday, I can start having Carnation Instant Breakfast along with the clears and will be on that stage until my followup appointment on 4/10. If that goes well, I will start on mushies. So I'm glad my appetite is gone, since I have a few more days to go before I can even have shakes! I'm so thankful for Lapband Talk. It seems like everytime I have a question or concern, I can make a post about it and somebody answers to reassure me!

Dee, It sounds like you and I are experiencing the exact same type of gas pains. At one point in the hospital, I seriously thought I might be having a heart attack. It hurt so badly and I could only take very shallow breaths. Thankfully, that horrible feeling didn't last long. I also have that feeling of needing to burp but can't burp. I'm sleeping in a half sitting up position because lying flat just makes the gas worse. I hardly even notice the pain from the incision, it's really incidental compared to the gas pains. But it is a bit better today definitely and I'm going to keep walking. Oh, and the nurse suggested taking 10 deep breaths every hour, and while it is hard at first by the 10th breath, I am much stronger. Have you tried that?

I gained, too. When I weighed myself yesterday in clothes I had gone up 7 pounds. This morning I was back down about 4 pounds. I think it has to do with the IV meds and maybe even the gas. I'm not taking in many calories at all (maybe 300 in a day because I have to stay on clear liquids until Monday). Whatever caused the gain, I'm sure it's temporary!

Hi everybody, I'm banded now, too! My surgeon said my surgery went perfectly. I've had a lot of gas pain in my chest & abdomen. Yesterday was so bad I felt like I just couldn't breathe. Had to take lots of pain medicine and was on oxygen for a long while. When I finally got to my room from the post anesthesia area, the nurse got me up and walking right away and that helped. I've still been walking a lot, that is really the thing that helps the most. Still taking liquid Lortab for pain. Not sure if I will even try to wean off that until the gas calms down. I have 5 incisions that were glued closed & look pretty good, but now I'm getting some bruising, too. All in all, like most everyone else, the gas is by far the worst part of this.

I'm back! I got home a couple of hours ago and promptly took a nap. According to my surgeon, the surgery was picture perfect." Let me tell you though, the gas pain in my chest was scary awful. I felt like I couldn't breathe when I first got to my room. The nurse thinks it was because I was in the post anesthesia area for a while (due to my room not being ready). That meant I was on my gurney, flat, for about 3.5 hours after the surgery. The gas just sat on my chest I guess. Anyway, when I got to my room, the nurses had me up walking and that helped a bit. Still had to take lots of pain med by injection right up until this morning before I left for home. What everyone says is true...walking, walking helps! I can breathe better today, but deep breaths are still kinda hard. At the the hospital, every time I woke up I walked around the nurse's station over and over and over. When I woke up this morning, the gas pain in my chest was better (not gone but better). Gas-X didn't help a lick. Walking is the key! I feel kinda itchy today, not like an allergy itchy, I just find myself gently scratching my skin. Maybe I'm just dry (it's cold here again in western NY).