SHRINK'N VIOLETS

Hello all... I'm Tracy and I'm starting this thread because I just found out that I'm scheduled for Surgery on April 26, 2007.

fffffffffffffffffffast forward to April 30, 2007

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

We made it to the other side of bandland and now we are set to support one another while we shrink our booties and grow into our new smaller skins.

All are welcome to join in and post, but we are not a group that bickers..... please be supportive as we all have different paths to follow... but the journies to the more healthy self beckons....

Let the losing begin!!!!!!!!!!!

MDRAI..congratulations on your date!!!!!!

Hey... where are you guys getting your protein bullets? I can't find them online anywhere and the GNC here doesn't carry them. please help!

go to: http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/search/en/query.jsp?q=ids&intsource=main or call them at 1-800-223-1216.

$29.99 for 12 of the 43 gram bullets -- I use 2 a day. I put the 2 of them in a 16oz water bottle - add water to the top and drink a third at B-L-D.

I have a coupon -- that the website didn't recognize but I called them and they did honor it -- "Save $10 on any purchase of $50 or more" promo code VSC-3123 -- received it from my doctor's office - it also is a "Supplement and Grocery list for Gastric Bypass Patients." (Feel free to use it as well!)

Good Luck!

Jenn - yeah, that should be just great! ...and you can add some crystal light powder for flavor or some Davinci syrup. Here's a hint (if you don't already know) put the ice in a baggie and hammer it a bit before putting it in the bullet so it won't get quite so 'frothy' getting the ice chopped.

Hi all, I am just trying to figure out why I did this? Well, I know why...but WHY Like Lauriaj23 says, almost ditto from me! I am SO So sick and tired of this prepacked junk!! It just tastes so rotten, I have been on it 2 weeks Monday. Like she says also, about half of it, and I am full! I started to dehydrate today, blisters all over my lips, and I feel a bit weak. I know cause I am not drinking everything they sent. And, I cant!! I called the Dietician and she said I have to drink everything they sent!

Help from any of you would be great!!!

So sorry you're feeling like this Margi!!! I don't understand why all the post op diets are soooooooooooo different. I am so comfortable with mine and the variety of things I can have. Wish I could help you out!!!

Jenn, I had the same problem with water. Before surgery I could drink my 64 oz and plus. Now all of a sudden I cant. Now what I do is fill my 32 oz bottles with Cyrstal Lite, or what ever you beverage of choice is, the next day I make sure I drink at least 1 1/2 of them and have my shakes, and broth. I make my own and I make it a little more filling with Egg Drop Soup from the Chineese resturant.

When you get to the mushies I found a great recipe from my Dr.'s cookbook for frozen cottage cheese and I making it before I go to bed tonight.

1 8-ounce cottage cheese (small curd)

1 16-once pineapple (drained) - crushed

1 8-once cream cheese (softend)

1 3-ounce cheese cake sf Jello-pudding

20-25 snack size zip lock bags

Put cottage cheese into a blender or food processor until creamy and smooth and place in a large bowl. Fold in dry pudding mix. Add soften cream cheese and mix well. Add pineapple and mix well. Put 2 heapint tablespoons into a zip lock bag and freeze. You can eat frozen or slightly thawed.

I thought I was hungry all day so I measured out a half cup of cottage and couldn't even eat 2 tbs of it and I'm still full. So much of what we feel is in our minds, but it sure feels real!!! So cottage is my new friend. It as never tasted so good. (eat it with a baby spoon)

Did you appeal your insurance decission?

Wooo Hoooo Madri!!

Even though you're technically May, we'll adopt you as an official April... something or other!!!:biggrin1:

So far we have....

April Fools

April Flowers

come on ladies.. we gotta have more choices than that!!!

How bout The 2007 April Blossoms.... since we're blossoming into new bodies??

Shrinking Violets ???

I like shrinking violets...the name reaffirms our mission!!!! Add this to the list.

I have a protien question - I am on clear liquids for 2 weeks, but can add skim milk today, no yogurt or anything else - but can i add protien powder and ice in the bullet and have that be ok?

I've been making my shakes with skim milk from day 1. I put 8oz, protein, ice and a little flavoring blend it in the bullet, for an added kick, I add a pack of Instant breakfast sf 0 carbs and it tastes just like an ice cream shake.

Today I tried my EAS smoothie with a banana, 1/2 soymilk,1/2 water, 2 scoops of EAS protein powder. It took three sessions to finish, but the taste is good and it is filling. I go with the soymilk because i am somewhat lactose intolerant. At least I got 27 grams of protein, plus the soy protein. I can see that getting enough protein will be the issue. I appreciate all the ideas here. I like the April Bloomers.

Hi Guys!

Terry thats great news on the weight loss and shrinking sizes!

I got on the scales again this am, I havent lost anymore weight, Im still down 14lbs, (I was down 15 at one point) this weeks been not typical (sophies B'day, given up smoking and on these tablets now to help me,my anniversary, started back at work, wrong time of the month) its like everything happened together. Im going to have to try harder and incorporate exercise. I read that lady's post yesterday on how she though shed lose weight (Krystals dairy) by just the band, it really did bring it home to me and make me think. I think once I'm on solids (2 weeks time) I might follow the South Beach diet, and just exercise, exercise , exercise!!!

I am keeping a food diary, I write it down every night, most days I average 850 cals now, although this week I did go high on my anniversary night re the red wine. I'm going to have to really focus, I just dont want to fail, not this time, not ever again with weight loss, I just cant...........

Daves taking Lucy my eldest back to Cambridge today, she's studying Philosophy there, so he wont be home till tomorrow, so today Im going to get active, then start studying for this exam (work one which is in 3 weeks).

Janibug, take it easy, and enjoy it at your mums

Have a great Saturday :biggrin1:

Loves ya all!

Sara xx

P.S I cant think of a name for us, I just keeping well April is in spring, newness etc new beginings etc....and I cant think! lol, I'll just go along with you all re the name x

Good morning everyone!

thanks for making me feel better about the water and protein things. I am going to try to make a milk shake this morning and see how that goes.

Since I gained a few lbs from my starting weight, my ticker doesn't look that impressive, but for me I've officially lost 9lbs, which put my total at 31lbs. I am so happy, and when the swelling is completely gone, maybe i'll drop a size too. My belly still feels so full.

I did manage to sleep on my side last night without hurting when I moved. and no pain meds at all since Wed.

This was major surgery, and I am glad my dr mentally prepared me for what I could and could not do after. I was head hungry yesterday, but I knew if I even tried to eat it would not be good, so I had a cup of broth and was fine.

Here we are, it is saturday - and the weekends are the hardest, so if I can survive today, I can survive anything!

Hello everybody...I'm BAACK!!

I've no computer at home & I didn't want to be seen coming over to the office walking kinda funny to use this one so i couldn't post til now..was having withdrawals from LBT!!

Everything went so great for me..the team were terrific! The surgeons were gentlemen & were very gentle with me...

I was up & walking after a few hours.

The trip home was tiring but showed me how I was as I was able for the journey with no prob other than being tired & only a bit sore.

I had a lot of gas then on day 2/3 which is gone for the most part now...

Still quite bloated or maybe it's swollen.

Not consuming a lot but sipping about 1/2 glass of whatever, milk, protein shake or soup every 2 hours or so.

I can't even get through a whole cup of TEA!!! SARA MOS...you know what we're like with the cuppa's this side of the pond!! Every meeting requires the kettle being put on!

Amazingly, when I got weighed pre op I had lost 10 LBS on the pre op diet!!! I couldn't believe it!!!

I weighed myself when I got home & that had become 14 LBS... A WHOLE STONE!!! I had NOT expected that so I'm delighted about that!

Yesterday I felt quite weak & tired so I stayed around the house & kept busy.. I imagine the weakness is bc I'm taking in so little cals.

The funny thing is my stomach is GROWLING so much I swear it thinks my throat has been cut!! The hunger pangs are quite severe at times and some even are uncomfortable...anyone else experience that?

I don't have an appetite to speak of but I did find myself yesterday having bouts of food fantasy which got me down a bit as I began to worry about fighting these as I improve, but being around the house on my own all day was the reason mostly I'd say!!

What is GREAT though is that if I was DIETING now.. yesterday would have been a cave in day for me & would have resulted in a major binge eating all the things I had been fantasizing about FOR SURE!!

So the band has already given me confidence to know I won't DIE without letting rip if you know what I mean..I didn't have to go through a compelled binge because I couldn't!!

thank you all for the pep talks pre op...I got very nervous, which lasted until they actually brought me to the OR & prep'd me with that lovely stuff they put in the IV to relax you...hello FLOATING ON AIR!!! LOL I was very comfortable then & knew I was on my way.

My sister was great to come with me & she stayed in my room too which was fun!

Hi all, im home. got home yesterday. They ended up keeping me an extra day becuz of the pain and I was also very nauseous (?Spelling). I have a question..im a little concerned becuz I cant drink much at all. Little itty bitty sips and they feel like they get stuck. Im concerned that ill get dehydrated because the feeling is so painful that I just take a sip or two and I cant take any more for at least half an hour. Someone please tell me this is normal?????

I have a question..im a little concerned becuz I cant drink much at all. Little itty bitty sips and they feel like they get stuck. Im concerned that ill get dehydrated because the feeling is so painful that I just take a sip or two and I cant take any more for at least half an hour. Someone please tell me this is normal?????

Jullee, I didn't have the problems with water that many of you are...but PAIN doesn't seem like something you should be experiencing at this point. If you haven't called your doctor about this, I highly suggest it. Are you taking your pain meds? Maybe that would help you get the water down. Excess gas might be the problem as well, so get on a regular dose (4x/day) of Gas-X for 2-3 days and walk at least a little bit very often during the day. I don't have to tell you how important it is to stay hydrated...if nothing else it will help speed your healing and prevent complications. Keep us posted, ok?

What is GREAT though is that if I was DIETING now.. yesterday would have been a cave in day for me & would have resulted in a major binge eating all the things I had been fantasizing about FOR SURE!!

So the band has already given me confidence to know I won't DIE without letting rip if you know what I mean..I didn't have to go through a compelled binge because I couldn't!!

I have found that the band has really served as a constant reminder that I am on a NEW path now and will require NEW behavoirs. This is by far the coolest thing ever. I'm not very restricted right now at all....could probably eat anything I wanted...but I'm not. I guess my stomach has "shrunk" though because I am stuffed on such little food now. Last night I had about 1/4 c. refried beans and 1/4 c guacamole salad and I was so full....for at least 3 hours!! If I'm not restricted, how do you account for that?? Anyway, the experience so far has been incredible and I'm looking forward to a long, healthy relationship with my band.

I got on the scales again this am, I havent lost anymore weight, Im still down 14lbs, (I was down 15 at one point) this weeks been not typical (sophies B'day, given up smoking and on these tablets now to help me,my anniversary, started back at work, wrong time of the month) its like everything happened together. Im going to have to try harder and incorporate exercise. I read that lady's post yesterday on how she though shed lose weight (Krystals dairy) by just the band, it really did bring it home to me and make me think. I think once I'm on solids (2 weeks time) I might follow the South Beach diet, and just exercise, exercise , exercise!!!

I am keeping a food diary, I write it down every night, most days I average 850 cals now, although this week I did go high on my anniversary night re the red wine. I'm going to have to really focus, I just dont want to fail, not this time, not ever again with weight loss, I just cant...........

Sara, be patient with yourself right now! Sounds like you have a LOT of stuff going on. You're lucky with all of that thatyou haven't gained 6#!! Sounds like you're doing great to me. Re: your thoughs about "I just can't fail, not this time...", I'm sure all of us can relate to that. I'm reading a great book right now that explains in detail how the brain works to create new habits and discard old ones. One thing it says makes really good sense: You should not focus on your past failures and behaviours, but focus (religiously) on what it is you want to become. Keep the visual in your mind of the slim & fit you, the one wearing a size 10, feeling good and strong. This engages the emotional part of your brain that is essential in allowing new behaviours to take hold. Try it for a day or two and I think you'll find a new level of excitement and confidence creep into your thinking. We're all behind you 150%.