nurse niki

I agree, Kathy! These guys ROCK, and we are lucky to have them be our mentors!

Heather, Congrats on the 45lbs! That is amazing...and I have complete faith in you to hit the 50lb mark by the next meeting...Way to go girlie! n.

ps-- I bought a scale the other day...Yeah, for me!!! I love getting on it! Who would have thought that would happen???

Hey guys! I have been on mushies for a few days now, and I am lovin' it! Who would have guessed? Last night I grilled pork chops for the family, I put some in my majic bullet with green beans and broth, poured it over 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes and---walah!!! It was not pretty to look at, but it tasted like real food! I am not sure what website you guys are tracking your intake on, but I switched to thedailyplate.com a few days ago, and it is sooooo much better than fitday.com. It has most info already in on the brands you use, and all you have to do is search by name of food. Anyways, my point was, after I stopped eating shakes for all of my meals, I am having a hard time getting enough protein in my diet. I know that Michelle said we should have 70gm a day, but I end up around 50gm. Does this mean my hair is going to fall out??? I could drink more protein shakes, but that kinda defeats the purpose of the band! Thanks, n.

Lulu--I was going to start the program next week (three weeks post op) if I haven't heard back from the doctor...but after reading your post, I think I will wait til I see the doctor April 6th. Thanks for the advice!

Angie, I know you have heard all that we have said about the people working at MidOhio...it wouldn't hurt to give them a call...or two, or three...

Prayers and hugs to you, today Mrodr!

Thanks for the info! I called yesterday and left a message, and I am still waiting to hear back. I did talk to my DH and he is going to do the program with me! I am just excited to get started!

I agree with Gloucester! I think you have done and amazing job, and you should focus on how YOU feel and what YOU want!!!

Hey guys! I just found your thread and it looks like this is something I really want to try! I have always wanted to be able to run, and I think this is the answer for me.... QUESTION--How long after being banded did you guys start working out like this? Tomorrow will be two weeks for me and I feel READY, but I just want to make sure you guys agree! Thanks for the inspiration and info! n.

Wow, Tyanna, 60 lbs is great! Think how much more fun this summer is going to be having lost all of that weight!!! Keep up the good work! Kathy, I think the green polish was cute! It was a reminder of all of the hard work and prayers that have got you this far, and the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow!!!

WORK---I am ready to head back, too...but because we lift sx patients, I don't start back til the 11th. I am going to start painting the house this week...I was hoping the weather would be nice so I can open windows, but looks like it might be too cold for that. Soooo, tomorrow I can start mushies. I am a little nervous about what I am going to make. As much as I am getting sick of the liquids, I have to admit they are easy to follow!

I agree, Heather! I am praying the weather is going to be great from here on out, so everyone can join us!

Hey guys! The 12th is coming soon (yah!) and the 7th is just around the corner! I am looking forward to getting together sooo much. It is so nice to chat with you guys--everyone is so "real" that you feel right at home! I am also excited to be on the "banded side" this time...and it looks like we are going to have a few new people, too! It just keeps getting better!!!

We were not able to shower that soon, so I didn't bother to take "products". Do you use a cpap machine? If you do, we were told to bring them. I also brought sweats to wear home. I wish I would have brought a book or something to keep me busy--Lord know I didn't get any sleep there! Other than the robe and slippers...you are set. Good luck--you will be in our thoughts on the 26th!

Greg, I know how hungry we are starting to get, and that liquids are starting to get old---really old, but please be careful. I would hate for you to have come all this way, and end up with something stuck, or a slip, just because of a little food. Believe me, Easter has been really hard. I have made cookies with the kids, twice, and now they each have three baskets of yummy candy that I am tempted with...but I am trying to keep my eye on the prize. Heck, I get to start mushies on Wednesday, and who would have thought that was exciting?!?! You guys are just a few days behind me...so hang in the man, we will all get through this TOGETHER!

I am doing excellent, and I think the "three amigo's" are all doing well. I check in with them on the Mt Carmel thread. Wow Hippiegirl, you are already down 20lbs?!?! That is awesome! Are you still on soft food or have you advanced to reg?

Happy Easter to all! Glad to hear the three amigos are all doing well. I am a little sad I don't have a scale to see what I have lost, espically since Kathy is kicking butt with her weight loss!!! You go girl! Although, I was able to buy a size 20/22 shirt for Easter...I was in a 24/26...soooo I am excited!

Looks like I picked the wrong week to have sx! lol. Hey, I was wondering if any of you guy are feeling like you are always doing an ab workout. I keep catching myself flexing my abs, like in a tense way, and I have to make a effort to relax my abs. It doesn't hurt, but I am wondering if it is just part of the healing process...heck, I guess maybe I am going to have killer abs after all is said and done!

Welcome home to all three of you! You were all on my mind, and I am glad to hear that things are going well. I had my post-op nutrition class today (I am also 1 week post op today!) It really wasn't anything special. Michelle did give us a few hand-outs, but other than that, she just read them out loud. I think giving you the info would be enough to start you on mushies in a few weeks! I have to confess...I have been bad about taking the steri-stripes off. I have three left on my port site, but that is it. I was eager to clean under them and put neosporin on them. I think they look good, but to a 3 and 5yr old they are scarey and gross. I wish I had a scale so I new how much I have lost so far....but I will tell you that the water weight is gone and I have found my ancles!!! It was exciting to see them again! I left a message with Diana, Dr Choban's nurse, to schedule my first fill...no new yet today, but it is not looking goood. I started to feel hungry for the first time last night, so that was another scary event. Makes me think that I will be ready for a fill in 6weeks! Today I am fine...no hunger yet! QUESTION--were you guys put on Nexium post op? Is it ok to swollow a capsule? It is longer than an M&M, so I wasn't sure

wow, with the loss of Michelle, and now having to wait 2 months for a fill, I am really getting a little worried about the program. I was wondering if I could schedule my first fill now...maybe I will call and ask. On a brighter note...I called today to check on Special K, and she was already discharged! I can't wait to hear about how the three amigos did!

Special K, I LOVE your new ticker!!! I think it is just perfect!

Thinking of my fellow shrinking shams...hope all is well today with you! Happy GREEN thought sent to you! n.

PS just a note...the heprin shot was the most pain. You get that in preop and it burns...so after the shot, think about it only being better form there on out! PSS the are no joke with rings! I tried to get mine off, but there was no way...they were ready to cut them off--yikes!!! I begged the anisthesia doc to atleast start with them on, but if he needed to cut them from swelling--I would understand! The first thing I did was look under the tape...and Yah, my rings were still on. whew! Sooo, work at taking them off in the am, when you have the least amount of sweeling!

Thanks again guys for all of the well wishes! Last night I took a percocet before bed to help me relax and get some sleep (you really don't get any sleep in the hospital. someone is there checking on you about every hour or two) I was a little confused bc I got percocet pills--not liquid. I just crushed them and put them in applesauce--yuck! It was really gross crunching the pills in my teeth. I guess it helped, bc I slept well. Rolling from side to side was a little uncomfortable, but nothing that needed meds for. Today I had my first shower..ahhh, it felt really good. I am starting to burp more...usually after I drink anything. Every now and again I feel hungry, but not to the point were I would eat anything I shouldn't. I am cutting my volume down to a half a cup. I didn't pay attention at the hospital, but I was eating a full cup at a time...I started my account on fitday.com like Michelle wanted us to do. I guess it is going well. I was a little surprised that the full liquid recipes she gave us didn't have a carbohydrate count...I might call her and ask her myself, just to have a complete profile. I was a little sad that my mom had to leave today, but Russ will be home later and has the weekend off. Until then I am trying to take it easy with the kids. This is harder than you can imagine. We are a very snuggley family, and they are really wanting Mommy to hold them and play with them. I am betting by Monday I will be 100%. I would say I am about 90% now...not so bad for two day post-op! Good luck to all of the St Patty's Day gang. My thought will be with you. And relax...it is sooo much easier than you are thinking. The three of you will be fine! love n.