sherilynn

I can ONLY suggest (for high protein kicks) the New whey liquid Protein bullets. 42g of protein in 3 oz. of liquid. I only like the fruit punch flavor. But they are great!

I'M CLOGGED! No mincing words here! I'm concentrating so much on getting my protein in; I have no room (literally) for the fiber! I bought roasted soy beans last night; dried figs and some chick peas. I'm going to attempt to 'snack' during the day (ha!) in hopes of raising my fiber levels. I tried the Benefiber ONCE. The howls from my bowels were SCARY! But I don't think I have much choice; I need to get it in (if I want to get it out!). One more thought on the subject; I also have to remember that if I'm not putting much in, I can't expect alot to come out. :faint:

Hi Tulip; Actually Dr. Oz's study was on the effect of drinking water vs. NOT drinking water - and how it affects your SKIN/wrinkles/blemishes. I actually wrote into Oprah, b/c I was VERY upset with how he/Oprah somewhat mislead folks into thinking water was not as necessary as once previously thought - for other bodily functions. They needed to reiterate there were no affects on the SKIN...but they did not do that. Heck yea; I was so upset - I'm sure there were other people out there who wanted to hear all the GREAT affects that drinking water has on the body; such as flushing toxins, and lower elevated blood sugars. :ranger:

I only see one pic!

The reason for my doctor requiring a psych eval; is to be sure that I didn't think that 'the lap band would make me not think about food'. The band does not have a brain, and it can not work without your 100% dedication to it. Of COURSE you're going to still think about food. But in a much different way. Trust me, I've been in your shoes with the big band. I had to wait 3 months before my first fill; which was 7cc! Still little if any restriction. It wasn't until 4 weeks ago; at my 3rd fill that I finally have GOOD restriction with 10.2 cc in my band. And even with THAT - the weight doesn't just 'fall off' because I'm eating WAY less. Try harder not to put a time limit on yourself. Just be grateful that you're going DOWN; not UP!

You are truly an inspiration!

My endocrinologist was VERY pleased with my sugar numbers! He couldn't believe that I'm at a 14 day average of 103. He told me that I could come off my medication completely, if I so choose. However, with that I will certainly see an increase in my numbers - though he didn't expect anything drastic. He'd rather me a little bit high, than continue to see me have the extreme lows that I've been having. I told him that since my third fill 4 weeks ago; my food intake is minimal. TA DA! The other option is to go onto a different medication all together; that will help me avoid the extreme lows. I don't really want to go 'off' of anything right now or make drastic changes, especially before I go away on vacation again (out of the country...you just never know!). I also should be certain to continue my 'snacking' before bedtime; but for me, that is sometimes a little difficult. So I am PROOF that weight loss can improve blood sugars. One year next month I was diagnosed with an blood sugars averaging around 300. Amazing. :faint: I had tears of fear 1 year ago. Today, I am crying for joy. :biggrin1:

DRINK ON Lainee! Drink on!!!!!! :cocktail: There should never be any doubt in your mind about the health benefits of drinking water.

I think that I can say that I have never felt 'ugly'. What I mean is that even at my heaviest - I never let it keep me from strutting around like I was the cats meow. Low self esteem hasn't ever been an issue for me. I grew up with parents and family who always let me know that I was worthy, that I was beautiful, that I was SOMEONE (regardless of size). Now that doesn't go without saying that I didn't KNOW that I was fat/am fat. There is also nothing worse than hearing "You're so pretty, if you'd only loose the weight". THE weight. THE weight. Uh huh. I've always felt that there are too many people in the world that will put you down. And I never wanted to be one of them.

I would try in the PreOp Page! Tons of information in there!

It's funny how I never worried about anything that could possibly go 'medically wrong'. Didn't think about that at all. My worries were all food based. I think that is pretty sad of me. However, I educated myself on all fronts. Congrats on your upcoming surgery! Just think; 6 months from now - when it's 'old hat' for you - you'll be giving out advice to the newbies. And you'll be sharing YOUR then vs. now thoughts. I promise you, after bandster hell...and you have good restriction - you'll be amazed at how little 'food' really does/should play in our lives.

Congrats on the preop diet; we've all been through it. You will see, once you 'cross over to the banded side' you have a way of shifting focus. You'll see that it's just NOT that important that you eat the WHOLE thing (whatever it may be). I was devestated at the thought of not being able to have my sushi. Now, I just 'deal with' what I can eat. I've made alot of altered changes. But I've really not had to give up anything - that I should NOT have been living with to start!

The last time someone said to me, I'm taking the 'easy way out'...I said "No...the easy way 'out' is not doing anything and just dying of obesity".

"Greedy"! So that's what you call it! I like it!! I'd like to use that, instead of thinking I'm having head hunger - I'll just say I'm being Greedy! I agree; shakes get your Protein in (Which in the longrun will help you stay full longer) but won't 'fill' you up as a Meal Replacement.

Pre Band, I had a lot of concerns that were all 'unknowns' to me. But months out, I'm learning the band. The biggest revelation for me now that I'm at a very good restriction level (could this be my sweet spot?) is that I eat out of 'necessity' to fuel my body. I don't eat because I am hungry. I'm really not even eating because I THINK I might get hungry. My tummy has actually growled at me a few times in the last few weeks! I ACTUALLY ask myself 'Sheri, are you 'really' feeling hungry'? And almost all of the time my answer is no. Now, being diabetic, I am aware that I have to eat for the sake of my blood sugars. But at this point, I may be over medicated, as I am having very low readings consistently. I have a Dr. appointment next week. **This could be 'it'…possibly no more meds!? My PRE band worries vs. now… Then: I can't eat sushi (like a hog)! Now: So what! I am satified/full on just a few pieces of sashimi Then: I can't guzzle my water! Now: So what! I'm never thirsty, b/c I am able to get in all my required Water, and then some. Might take a little longer, but so what! Then: I can't have fun going out to dinner with friends/family. Now: Bull! I go out and have a blast! I am now just very careful of what I order, as to avoid any stuck issues. But I'm able to go to any resturant now as I did pre-band. The only thing different is a cheaper bill! AND - I have lunch leftovers for another day or two! Then: I can't have any carbonation! Now: So what! I've actually 'tried' a sip or three of some soda. The gas isn't worth it to me. I was never a huge soda drinker in the past, so I can do without. I tried the 'shake out the carbonation' trick. Eck…that healed my taste for ANY soda forever. Then: I won't be able to enjoy the holidays! Now: Ohhhhhhh yes I will! Now, it's 'old hat', my limited intake. Folks around me still make a fuss; "Oh what can you have…what can't you eat". I can have ANYTHING I want. I just know I won't be unzipping my pants after a thanksgiving dinner! Ha! Then: I have nothing to wear in my big full closet (everything too tight). Now: I have nothing to wear in my big full closet (everything too BIG!). For everyone considering the band, and everyone newly banded - there is no fear worse than the fear itself. There is nothing, in my case, that hasn't been 'worth it'. Doing without, for some of us, is often a cure for a better self. I promise you - it won't be 'easy'. But I also promise you, you'll be happy you did it...if not for the weight loss - but for your health.

Last week I had bronchitis and sinusits. Was treated with antibiotics. However, the doctor said I still had severe post nasal drip a week later. I went back, b/c I was coughing so much, I was 'puking'. But that's not what it was...turns out my post nasal drip WAS going into my pouch; and FILLING. So, I was PBing, my 'drip'...ECK! A Nasonsex and I'm feeling better; thankfully!!!!

I struggle with the fact that I see myself eat so LITTLE. That just doesn't make sense to me sometimes. So I will 'force' another bite (clean your plate syndrome perhaps) and pay for it with a stuck. Months out, and its still new day to day. Keeps it exciting!!

Me eating pizza is NOT a pretty sight. The dough can be tough to get down (a good thing, gone are the days of 3 slices!). But I have a tendancy to eat the tip. Then the rest I seem to chew, then spit onto a place. I get the flavors, but not the food. Demented; I Know. :help:

No, smaller than a shot glass for sure. But depends on when your surgery was.

Crash, Welcome! This is definately going to be the biggest and best ride you've ever been on! This Board is priceless to me. Was before I decided on my surgery, and is months after. SO glad to see you here. Sheri

For me, sliming occurs when I take too big a bite, or I eat something that is just not band friendly (egg roll!). The item gets 'lodged' above the band, or at the band. My body recognizes this 'lodged' item, and starts to produce extra amounts of saliva in an effort to 'dislodge' or move along the item. For me, it's like someone in there had turned on a faucet. It has caused me to actually drool. YES; it can be embarrassing at first, but I've learned to recognize the signs before it happens - and head for the ladies room. At home, I simply just get myself a tall cup, and use it as a spitoon. Sounds gross; it really isn't. It's just the body's way of reacting to stuck food. I don't 'foam at the mouth' like a rabid dog or anything. That's what I thought it would be like pre-band. AGain, this is my experience. Sheri:girl_hug:

EVERY SINGLE DAY is trial and error. That's why we're supposed to chew, chew, chew, in the event something doesn't go down well. Last night, I seemed like a bottomless pit! Had filet mignon and sauteed zucchini. But about 1 cup of zucchini! Sure, it's mushy and goes easier. Now today, I was full on Breakfast of three slices of bacon! And right now, I'm a little stuck on about 1/2 hot dog. Funny though...I've not yet had a problem with chocolate going down! HA! Seems that since my surgery, I've aquired a sweet tooth. Never had one before! But after all I've done, I only treat myself now to chocolate ONE time a week. And let me tell you - I look forward to it!

Kimmie, When was your surgery? Immediately after surgery, I would take 'medicine cup' sized sips. Worked myself up to shot glass sized sips. Beyond that, I got nervous. Just keep the sips coming; it's very important to stay hydrated.

I was diagnosed Type II last year; while having all my preadmission testing, etc. In hindsight, I must have been diabetic for YEARS; all the tell tale signs were there. Immediately after surgery (two weeks or so) my pill dosage was cut in 1/2. Doc wanted me off totally, but I was not comfortable with that. I'm still on meds, but I also watch my sugars and test all the time to see what food affect me drastically, and how. I am very, very level right now. Right now. But it has been a learning experience. I know now that before bed, I need to have a 'snack' with about 15 grams of carbs, to hold me in the over night, so I don't crash my levels into the 40's and 50's. I usually try a pudding 'snak pack' style. Easy to get down, and not that 'big' before bed. Three meals a day is a 'rule'; by no means is that rule meant to override any medical attention your body/blood sugar may need. You WILL be able to have your Snacks. You can even take glucose tabs, or gel if you're more comfortable with that. You will be eating alot less immediately, so it will be important to get in your Protein shakes/sugar source. I've had the 'shakes and sweats' in the middle of the night (wakes me up) as well as at work when I 'forget to eat'. I have so much to say on the subject. I have educated myself well, and continue to do so - each and every single day!. Education is a must. Jack is a HUGE source of information (as is this entire board). I'd be more than happy to share my personal experiences. I'm no doctor; but I have learned my body quite well in the last year. I had to, for the sake of my band, for the sake of my health. I would suggest to anyone to do the same. Listen to your body, know your 'triggers'. Its so, so, so important! :whoo:

7 months out, and the BURP is my 'soft stop'. I burp multiple times in a row also, almost like a hiccup. And most times after I eat my 1/2 cup or so...I burp a little later on - almost like when the band empties me. hehehe