jennypenny

Yes, I hate addiction too! Unfortunately, it runs in my family. It seems that whenever I get one thing under control, another pops up....like little moles in mole holes. lol And I still smoke. It's my last holdout. After I get down in my weight, I definitely have to let that go. It's not the substance, it's our 'head' and the 'why' of our eating. Have you been to any OA meetings? They helped. Stay in touch. We have a lot in common! You and I can do this!!!

Oops. I think maybe I wasn't quite clear. I am Sober as in AA. I got sober 9 years ago. I ask because food is also an addiction for me. It is yet another thing that I was using to comfort myself, and avoid feelings. This is just me. I'm happy to be dealing with another addictive behavior.

So far so good. Today is rough though. Feel like I'm just on a regular ol' diet, don't feel banded, and want a fill already 'cause I'm hungry! I know that this is all part of the beginning but patience has never been one of my virtues.

I was just wondering if anyone else banded, has been sober for any length of time?

Thank you for understanding! Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't love to exercise. I wish I did! I seem to get addicted to everything else, why can't I be one of those people who gets addicted to exercise! ugh And might I add - WOW! You've lost a lot of weight! Congrats!

I hate to exercise. Of course I always feel great afterwards and say to myself 'why don't I do this everyday!' But the next day rolls around and again....I don't want to. I am 3 weeks post-band, and I know the weight will come off quicker if I even just take a walk.....right?! Why is it so hard for me to motivate! I'm glad this was posted, although I have to admit when I saw the title had 'exercise' in it, I didn't want to read the thread. I did of course, because I know it's something I have to commit to! lol C'mon Jenny Penny...get off your A....

Fran and the others are right! I was banded on 6/24 and today is one of those days where I feel like I'm just on another diet and so what the heck did I get the band for! And I'm hungry! There are days like that. I am on the mush stage, after 2 weeks of Soup and shakes, and there is a lot more variety now. But I too thought I would 'feel' more after getting the band. Now I realize, thanks to this Forum, that it won't really happen until I get filled. You are worth it. Don't sabotage, just hang in there and believe in yourself and the process! We are all in this together! JennyPenny

Uh oh...after reading these, now I feel like I'm eating too much! The sheet my Dr. gave me has me eating the following: Breakfast - 1/2 cup cream of wheat or oatmeal Snack - 4 oz Protein (usually have protein shake) lunch - 1/2 cup protein and 1/2 cup vegies Snack - 4 oz protein dinner - 1/2 cup protein and 1/2 cup fruit (mushed of course - e.g. applesauce) Snack - 4 oz protein I'm averaging about 900 calories a day, and getting over my 60 grams of protein. Can one have too much protein? Should my calories be less?

Before I was banded, I always got up and ate during the night. Last night, I had a difficult time falling, and staying asleep. I got up three times - one SF chocolate pudding, one bowl of Cream of Wheat, and one half cup of Carnation Instant Breakfast. Now granted, they are all foods I'm allowed, but the old shame and guilt were going strong. I forced myself to track them on my FitnessPal, but it's a habit I want to break! Anyone...? JennyPenny

Today is 3 weeks post band. Up until yesterday, I have been feeling great. I've lost 13lbs and am thrilled. I'm not hungry so that's great. I'm going into my 2nd week of mushies, and all of a sudden yesterday I started feeling awful. Terrible 'sour' stomach, bad heartburn, burping and extreme fatigue. I haven't changed my diet at all and have followed it to the letter. What's going on! ugh

I love MyFitnessPal too. It helps me to look at all aspects of what I'm eating, but right now I only focus on my protein and calories. I love the site though. It's easy to use and can even be put on your phone when you're out and about.

I want 'in'. I was banded on the 24th, and have lost 12. Let's all keep in touch! JennyPenny

CONGRATULATIONS!! And thank you for sharing it. You're an inspiration.

I'm on my 3rd day of mushies and have been doing well. (With the exception of the beans I ate the other night - big mistake) This morning I had a cup of Instant 1 min. Cream of Wheat and didn't realize I was only supposed to have 1/2 a cup. I feel way too full, but worse, I'm beating myself up. I'm really thirsty and know I can't have water for half an hour, but I also wanna 'wash it through' because I'm uncomfortable. Just needed to share.

Ooooo those all sound yummers! Thank you! I lost 4 lbs this week for a total of 11 since pre-op! I was so scared to get on the scale this morning! Yipeeeeee!

I was banded the day after you and having the same issue. I just started cutting up lemon and cucumber in my Water pitcher, and it's a lot better than plain water, which I've always found boring. The crystal lite is a good idea too. Easy to take with you.

I'm with you! No way could I put food in my mouth and not enjoy the full experience.

Hi Rachel! So almonds are ok? For some reason I thought they'd be hard to get down. I would imagine you'd have to chew them reeeeeally good! I like your suggestions here for lunch! How about some dinners? Jen

My fellow Banders, I'm about to move forward to Mush and would love some good healthy, low calorie, high protein ideas. My list has eggs, cottage cheese, and a few other things, but the list is short.

Thank you! It's comforting to know that it isn't just me! I haven't started 'eating' yet, but have been counting my calories even through full liquid, so I'm ahead of the game! I really appreciate your input.

I was banded 13 days ago. I am at the point now where the swelling has gone down, the gas has subsided, and other than the big hard lump under my abdomen skin, I feel all but normal. You would think this would be good news, but in fact I feel a bit scared...why? Because I had thought I would feel more restricted. I know the fill will do that, but I'm getting hungrier (3 more days of full liquids) and thinking about food more, not feeling as satisfied. I don't want to wait 4 more weeks for a fill! Can I ask for one sooner? I'm starting to feel like I'm just on yet another diet.

I'm so glad I started this thread! I now enjoy a cup of half caf in the morning and life is good! This forum is such a life line for me! Thank you all for sharing! jennypenny

Are we supposed to eat low carb when we get to regular foods? Ugh...I'm so confused. Calories? Fat? Sugar? Carbs? Oh my...

I'm curious.....what kinds of things do we eat during 'mush?'

I find it weird that we can have pudding during full liquid phase but not say applesauce. Also, did you or anyone have yogurt during this phase?