This is going to be a fresh thread for all the band buddies that got banded July 2013

Hi Stephanie! I am 9 days post op and started eating mashed potatoes, very thin ones and that definitely helped me. But I didn't start that until 6 days post op.

I'm expecting to feel my old nemesis, Hunger, until I'm in the green zone (and then will continue to be on the looking for Hunger's skanky sister - Head Hunger). I've made my peace with it. I need this to work.

I'm not sure i want that recipe. Lol!

I would like the recipe please and you are right about the commercials that's all they show

I keep sending you my info for Facebook. This is my last try mariehornback@yahoo.com :-) my email and screen name are different.

Hi there. Been trying to send you my email I would love to join you FB page. Either bloomer.karen@yahoo.com or FB is Karen bloomer In Michigan thanks!

I emailed you both an invite to the facebook group. I also sent you private messages, on this site, letting you know I had invited you. Let me know you got the invites.

I would like the recipe please and you are right about the commercials that's all they show

Hi Bill

Skinny mashed potatoes

4-5 peeled Yukon gold potatoes

Low sodium chicken stock

Dice potatoes into 1 inch cubes, put in a pt and add chicken broth to almost cover potatoes.

Cook until tender

Drain potatoes, save stock

Put potatoes in food processor or hand mash add chicken stock to desired consistency

You can add Parmesan cheese if desired and black pepper

They are delicious!!!!!

I emailed you both an invite to the facebook group. I also sent you private messages' date=' on this site, letting you know I had invited you. Let me know you got the invites. [/quote']

I messages you and didn't get an invite either. Did you send one to me?

Hi Bill

Skinny mashed potatoes

4-5 peeled Yukon gold potatoes

Low sodium chicken stock

Dice potatoes into 1 inch cubes, put in a pt and add chicken broth to almost cover potatoes.

Cook until tender

Drain potatoes, save stock

Put potatoes in food processor or hand mash add chicken stock to desired consistency

You can add Parmesan cheese if desired and black pepper

They are delicious!!!!!

Thank you

Hi there. Been trying to send you my email I would love to join you FB page. Either bloomer.karen@yahoo.com or FB is Karen bloomer In Michigan thanks!

Please add me, my email is ILuvEeyore702@aol.com (ooooold, lol). Thank you!

I also tire of my vanilla and strawberry powders. Sadly I don't care for the choc ones. To make them more interesting I've been into smoothies. Strawberry powder with some diet lemonade blended with ice is diff enough that it feels like variety. And then you can get more elaborate from there.

Excellent idea!!!' Thank you

Ok fellow bandsters I just found out I got the sleeve instead of the band. I'm not sure how to process that yet......tbc

Please keep us posted! Sending warm thoughts your way... We are all here to support you.

So yesterday I had my one week follow up and I learned some interesting things that someone may need to hear. Ok my left shoulder pain is not gas but the muscles that are around the hernia that was repaired are in the same area. Never knew hernia muscles went up to the shoulder. Ok the thick flem I had and sore throat is due to having thrush. I got a strong antibiotic and medicine that you gargle and swallow. Let me know if names are needed. No BM or BM not on the horizon take 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia followed by warm water. If no BM repeat in 3 hours. Good way to relieve gas: get on your knees and drop to your elbows. Gas travels to the highest location to be expelled which would be your....rear end!!! I did try this and wait for it.....yes, it worked.

I was in heaven today because I am finally able to advance to full liquids versus clear liquids which I have been on since 7/11. I actually ate watered down grits and almost cried!!! I'm a southern gal and the grits were fabulous!!!!

Banded on Tuesday, July 16th.

We were delayed in Houston for the night after my surgery due to weather. I did not have my first dose of pain medicine until late in the evening on post-op day 2! OMGosh it was rough!!!! The drive from Houston back to Louisiana was..lets say intense, w/o anything for pain (i would not wish that on anyone!) My poor husband was having a "brain-fart" and thought we could not get my prescription filled until we got back home.... dear Lord i tried to "hint" that they have 24hr pharmacies across the U.S. but he was not on the same page! I did learn that I could endure WAY more pain than I ever imagined.

It's late Friday; post-op day 4 and it is getting easier every day. Removed my 3 small bandages today and took a shower, then I was exhausted and took a nap.

Down 10 lbs since surgery and 22 from my heaviest weight.

Noticed that I am never really "hungry", I just try eat or sip (up to 2 oz) broth, protein shake, juice or water at least every 4 hrs.

I have been walking around the house and in the backyard with my puppies. Occasionally feel the gas pain but it has really not been that bad. I actually walked up and down the hotel room the night of my surgery. I was up nearly every 2 hrs to urinate and walked several laps before going back to bed. My abdomen remains sore, esp near the incisional areas. I still require help sometimes getting out of various positions but otherwise doing great.

GEAUX July bandsters !!!!

I have a friend trying to have the surgery and can not afford the 28' date='000 . Can you give me an estimate of how much it is in Mexico? Don't mean to be nosy and understand if you do not want to.[/quote']

I was self-pay and it cost $9,888 here in Houston at True Results with Dr. Hollis (he's been a surgeon for 20+ years and was previously an ER doc). The $9,888 covers everything even one year of fills. And he was GREAT (so far)! I'm having hardly any trouble/pains other than a little sore in my belly. I'd recommend him anyday... and for sure over $28,000 you are suggesting.

I have a friend trying to have the surgery and can not afford the 28' date='000 . Can you give me an estimate of how much it is in Mexico? Don't mean to be nosy and understand if you do not want to.[/quote']

I also was self pay with Dr. Hollis in Houston also. I put 4388 down and financed 5500 at 190 a month for 3 years.

Discount protein products?

Okay guys' date=' I need to catch up on the thread but need your help while I'm thinking of it. I'm starting to get my hunger sensation back and am

1. On a very tight budget

2. SICK of my chocolate/vanilla/strawberry protein shakes.

I'm willing to buy online. Please reply to this thread with suggestions; I'm in the purée phase and already eat 1-2 Greek yogurts a day it seems.

Thanks![/quote']

I like Isopure in Dutch chocolate. It's a huge container and it costs about $42. I got it from amazon but you can purchase it from GNC.