Hello, and thank you all.

I have been working hard to up my calories.

I get in my 60 grams MINIMUM of Protein. I shoot and sometimes reach 1000 calories a day.

I walk a mile 3 days a week minimum.

I have been sitting at 231 for days, then dropped to 229 (I was 228 my first Dr's appt post op, 1 week out) So I have done pretty good at maintaining.

Honestly, I saw the drop when I took another bandster's advice...

Indulge in a little bowl of ice cream.

Ok, the wonders of ice cream..... I do not need to tell ANYONE about THOSE!!!

I swear the seratonin shot straight to the tip top of my head and brain.

Then as it melted down, it took over my thoughts and guilt started setting in.

I got up, rinsed the bowl and said dammit, it's going to be ok. You weren't loosing, and tomorrow you can start over. Again.

I do see the more calories is helpful, as your matabolism is like an old steam engine train. You gotta feed the fire to keep the fire burning.

BUT they use good coal, and the fire burns hot, throughly, evenly, and well - producing optimum steam. (it's about food choices - which I was making good ones, just not enough food)

It is still VERY hard. I still avoid eating. I am working on getting my mind around 6 small meals, rather then my lunch and dinner meals only. (which are mainly chicken)

Here's the question part: tomorrow I meet with my doctor, and hopefully a needle full of saline.

What do I do to get an optimum fill? I have read drink warm tea, eat, don't eat...

You guys haven't lead me wrong so far.... looking to you for guidance again.

Thank you!

Melanie

If I were you I would ask the Dr. what they prefer that you do and follow that lead as they are responsible for your best. And BTW, don't get so down about the ice cream, there is a little calcium there you know!!:second:

MelAnne, I'm glad things are looking up! I've been wondering how you were doing.

As far as your fill goes, please don't pin a million hopes on this one. You may not feel any difference right afterwards. If your appt is early in the day you might stick to liquids beforehand, and you'll be on liquids for the rest of the day too.

I'm glad you are trying to up your calories. If you're avoiding eating, a fill will probably add to that. Try to get in at least two Protein shakes a day in addition to whatever else you're eating; that will ensure you're getting sufficient calories in a nutrient-rich way. And don't worry about ice cream! Protein and calcium are very important. :second:

Good luck MelAnne and keep your chin up....slow and steady wins the race!

MelAnne, I have been wondering about you! You are sounding better...ice cream is a GREAT thing! Some foks can't go near the stuff. If you have enough self-control (I think you do) to limit it to a reasonable amount, you shouldn't beat yourself up about it. I think I told you on the other thread to drink a milkshake and check back in. It may not have been my partiuclar words that inspired you, but lots of folks told you to "eat!" Your body really needed those calories, so I'm glad it's working for you! Yay Mel!

For my fills, I do a soft Breakfast and get plenty of Water in before noonish appointments (the 3 appts I have had-2 fills, one unfill) and then did liquids the rest of the day, 1/2 the next, soft foods for another day or two...I make a slow re-entry. But, like Alex said (and she's always right!) you might not feel any difference on this one. Hang in there...your fills WILL work when you get that level perfect for you!

Keep burning the good coal! And don't be afraid of a little ice cream every once in a while! Good job!

MelAnne

Good to hear from you. I too was wondering how your were doing. I'm glad to hear that you are getting in more calories and are getting better. It is hard to eat 6 small meals a day but happy you are trying. Have you met with your doctor and/or nutritionist since your surgery?

This is a life altering experience but with all of your research and our help, you will do just fine! Just think, before you know it, us April 2006 Bandits will be talking about our first year as bandsters!