So I decided to go "public" with my surgery. At first I thought I would makeup some story such as "I'm having my gall bladder removed" but decided what the heck...I told one person - they were totally supportive...so I told another - got the same response. So I started to tell everyone. Then, I started a blog. It's funny, a bit quirky...but I've posted pics of my surgery, recipes of my "frappuccino" like low-fat/cal shake and more. I'm banded and proud, baby!!! Check out my blog and be sure to comment. This is for all of us: Lise The Loser’s Weblog

Catheters are usually placed after falling asleep and removed prior to waking up...even if it is just a straight cath...they need to monitor kidney function during surgery

Just an update - everything is going very well. On to the mushy stage and been experimenting (not too well...made mushy friendly crab cakes and they did not turn out very edible). Tonight it's mushy friendly lasagna. We'll see how that goes! Thank you all for your support via my blog. It's been a trip so far!

How exciting. Congrats on being banded!

Thanks, Julie - gaving a blast with it so far!

How exciting. Congrats on being banded!

Lise, you should add roasted yams to your mushy phase, well if you like them that is. I cut them either in fry shape or rounds and roast them with a teeny bit of olive oil and salt and pepper at 400 degrees for 25 min first side and 20 min second side, they are one of my favourite food items even prebanding and I could eat them every day!!

Can't say I've ever had roasted yams...but they sound good (well - right about now ANYTHING sounds good!) I've saved your recipe below and will try them out this weekend. But let me warn you - I am not ..I repeat NOT a good cook. I burn Jell-O. Often. But I'll give it a shot! Thank you!

Lise, you should add roasted yams to your mushy phase, well if you like them that is. I cut them either in fry shape or rounds and roast them with a teeny bit of olive oil and salt and pepper at 400 degrees for 25 min first side and 20 min second side, they are one of my favourite food items even prebanding and I could eat them every day!!