Will T

she has excellent recipes if you delete two thirds of her butter, and one half of her sugar -- "y'all"

gracias bonita!! Estoy alegre todo fue bien. Las enfermeras.... eran grandes. : )

OK, let's post an update. Starting the pre-op diet: March 22 Weight loss 0 Day of surgery, 16 days later: April 8: Weight loss 13.5 pounds Day of first fill, 55 days from pre-op: May 17 Weight loss 21 pounds First fill + 5 days: May 22: Weight loss 26.5 pounds Today: June 13: first fill + 27 days: weight loss 34.5 pounds # of PBs: a bunch.... 3 major ones first fill: 5 cc in a 10 cc band in Roswell, GA # of times I've felt like I am starving: ZERO scheduling the second fill this afternoon.

You're so right, Donnie... old habits are hard to break. After the first bite, I remember the new rules LOL. Neeters, I couldn't tell you about cottage cheese. I'm allergic to most cheeses. I can handle mozzarella, if there is something to mix with it. i can handle small amounts of parmesan too. Not much more. I ordered a sandwich once in the car, and they put some funky cheese on it (they messed up my order). Without looking at it, I started to eat it, and less than halfway through, I was having major problems. i survived though, I think.

I've only been banded two months or so. It takes a minimum of 6 weeks for the initial procedure to heal, per the OCC, and they won't approve a fill until after that time. At my first fill at a Fill Center, the rep told me that many people have as many as 7-9 a year, depending on the success, the amounts of the fill, etc. I can see some people being tentative about a fill, wanting to go in small increments. That is a solid, safe strategy, but results in lower weight loss over a longer time. It also means more fills. I can see some people wanting an agressive fill. And that has an element of risk involved, but can result in a more dramatic weight loss in a shorter time. Ergo, less fills as well. There is no right path, or wrong path, it seems. It depends on the individual, and that individual's reaction to the fill.

I was raised in the South, with lots of bread with every meal. I have had pizza several times, thin crust only. Cut it into small bites, and chew the daylights out of it. I've not had a sub sandwich (grinder, hoagie, whatever they are called in your area) since before the surgery. I have used a wrap (flour tortilla shell) instead. I've also had a piece of texas toast once in a while with certain foods. Again, I make sure I chew it up well, and take small bites. I think this is part of the process of re-learning to eat. Smaller bites, less quantity, better food selection.... I am weaning off habits I've had for 30+ years. And, though I loved a good sub sandwich like Jared from Subway, I haven't missed the bloated feeling at all. I like the taste of the meats and veggies without the bread. The same goes with pizza. I'll have my pizza : ) but the thin crust enables me to enjoy it with less strain on the band. Bread is one of the "white foods", and it's always been said that, the more color a food has, the healthier it is. Rice, potatoes, bread = not as good, colorful = best.

I've been observing all the comments about feelings immediately after fills. (Hey, I'm a scientist... I always look at the scientific angle) I'm beginning to think that a lot of what we experience immediately after fills is due to swelling. Notice how many people can't swallow well for several days, then it gets easier and easier over a few more days. I'm beginning to have a theory that our bands may keep the stomach swollen for as much as 6 days for some people. I'm not a doctor, and I don't play one on TV, but the theory fits at this point. I'll keep observing. mama... tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The rep at the fill center needs to know if you had a complication from an earlier fill so he/she can keep a closer eye on you. I was given the cell number of the fill center rep in my area. She wanted me to feel confident that she was available should I have a glitch, though she didn't predict one. I voted to tell the whole history.

Good luck Suzanna!! Shortly you'll be an official bandster.... and your life will begin to change!! Dar said it right... walking and sipping!! The first few days will go quickly. Let us know how it goes, and tell Dr. Ortiz hello from the peanut gallery!

Ohh... but you KNOW i love it when you're that way ; )

HUGGGSSSSSSSSSSSSS

not yet dolittle... lisa's still singing

I think it's time for a group hug and a long round of "Kumbayah" on this thread. Anyone wanna join me??

both val and nicole have 6 kids????? [will T faints]

Using that logic, cedar, don't drive a car. Don't eat ANY food with any additives; eat only organic in specifc quantities. Don't spend more than 20 minutes on a computer because the radiation from the screen MAY cause serious problems. Don't.... see? ANYTHING you do can cause you some type of injury. No one encourages behaviors that are detrimental, but we will support that person because we care, just as a parent supports a child, or a brother supports a brother (sister to sister also) EVEN THOUGH that person has strayed a bit from a path. We're glad that person recognizes they strayed, and that is the first step in any "support program" - positive encouragement.

Excellent point Ruth. The three doctors who do this procedure that I investigated had three different post-op programs. One doc does a fill after three weeks. He does an agressive fill, and many of his patients are averaging a 20 pound per month weight loss. Along with his program though, is a check-in at least two times, preferably three times per week, M, W, F or T, Th, Sat. The second doctor, and I had to go look after Ruth's post, had a plan similar to the one she mentioned. liquids for three days, and creamy soups and such for three more days, then mushy foods for three days, then after a check-up, the solids could begin (with limits). The OCC has developed a program that they feel is a wise way to proceed. Do I damage my band if I don't adhere to them? It would depend on how far overboard I went. Erin.... You can eat ALL you want ... for now : )

Forgive me, but I was never told that certain foods were off limits. I was informed that certain foods would better benefit weight loss over others. There are foods that were recommended that I am allergic to. There are foods I enjoy that I still will eat, though in moderation and infrequently even then, because I do like them. Does that mean I am violating diet rules? No. It means I am adjusting to eating much less. If I drink water, I'll lose more weight than if I drink sweetened tea. But sweetened tea wasn't ruled out. Everyone here knows what Dr. Miranda said. If we were in control of our eating habits, this forum would be totally empty. I will support those who "fall off the wagon" because they will be here when I do, to give me encouragement and make me feel positive again. Heaven knows how much crap ALL of us have endured in a lifetime of largeness. There are beautiful people in here. I've discovered this in only a couple of months. Lifting each of them up, and praising their successes, and encouraging them when they wane is my role. Each person here WILL achieve their goals... they have me.. and they have you... to help them. Success is one day at a time, everyone. We will win more days than we lose, and soon... there will be NO losses - except weight and clothing sizes!!!

When i hit the creamy stage, I was fine with the bacon chunks. There werent that many, and I was just sure to chew them well. I also liked Wendy's chili. At both places, the family could order regularly, and I felt closer to the old days, just with new dietary requirements. Schlotzky's makes an awesome Chicken and Wild Rice, also. I lived on them.

ARRRRIGHT.... cut that out. After reading this thread, i went out and had some sumptuous Scholtzky's Potato and Bacon soup with some crackers. MMM MMM Good. And now, that oreo milkshake is in my sights for dinner. Why doesnt someone mention a succulent steak, or barbecued chicken, or something like that once in a while??? Hmmmmmmm?? Or maybe a small scoop of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey, or Cherry Garcia...... MMMMMMMMMMMM.

Try THIS doctor, and THIS system. What is important to them is that you are READY to make a change in YOUR life. Talk to them. Your story echoes so many I've read on here. Sparetire, who is a cutie, is right. We are ALL here for the same reasons, and support each other immensely. Welcome, and know that there are many people who read these postings every day who have walked in your shoes. We will walk with you.

that's awesome val... his support means a ton!

Your situation is the same as all of us, pretty much. Insurance did not cover my surgery as well. Neighboring doctors list their fees as $27K and $20K, while the OCC charges only $8K. Dr. Ortiz's facitlity was shown on a past Oprah show as well, a state of the art, comfortable environment that is clean. Previously, dianna posted that she is a registered nurse. Believe me, if the place were unsanitary or not up to standard in ANY way, she would've mentioned it immediately. So would all of the others including me. If you are still uncomfortable about it, take a quick weekend and go visit the facility. The investment you are making entitles you to that, if for no other reason than to allay any fears. There were the same concerns in my household, and again, the entire procedure from arrival to departure, including doctors, staff and facility, earn my highest marks.

Neeters.... did it work? I hope it "passed"

Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday dear Kimmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy Happy Birthday to you!

no babe.... YOU are a hottie : )

all you women are making my laptop sweat a little..... [will fans his 'puter]