JazzyJude

Carrie - what you've said is heavy and so true. Thank you for this too. I am new too, just having my surgery less than 2 weeks ago, and this really inspires me to keep on doing what I am doing. That darn measuring cup is following me everywhere! It's nice to know others who have gone through this stage to share it with the newbies. It's a constant remimder, I know...but I need this right now so I can adjust to my new lifestyle change. Chanting is more like what I need to do! LOL Good topic and post to read. WE CAN DO THIS STORMY!!!

Hey - of course, YOU are worth it! LOL Wow...how convenient that I went shopping yesterday to stock up on these protein bullets (bought a case (12) of different flavors...orange, fruit punch, grape and boysenberry...yummy flavors) and bought a few of those "to go" Crystal Lights drinks. I thought if I get these now and when I need them...give myself a shot or two! GREAT idea of mixing the two! I love Cyrstal Light and thanks for the suggestion of using a portion of it in my drink, when I need it! Congrats on a good fill!!

Interesting. I was 'lucky' to watch someone getting a fill the day I signed up. The dr was soooo quick!! He just looked at the flouro, stick the needle in, wrap a tiny gauze around the needle and after all said and done, pull it out and boom!...your're done. I am not a needle person either, but watching the screen, I think would help me and I did notice the dr talking to the patient...that would help to divert the issue. My first fill is on Sat, Dec 6 - 8 weeks out from surgery! I think I'll have my hubby take pics for my scrapbook! LOL

Ooh...good info - thanks Mindy!

You can start drinking the drinkable yogurt starting at Day 4 of your clear liquid week. It fine and no problem. Everyone has their own agenda of how they are going to eat the first 21 days post op. Dana had posted a good topic on this yesterday. Read it. What I've done was VERY simple: The first week all I had was broth, broth and more broth! Towards the end of the week, I was docking the broth with tobasco sauce for some 'kick' into it! BUT, remember, you just had major surgery and this is a healing time between you and the band. Starting day 4, I started the drinkable yogurt for breakfast and then broth the rest of the day. Protein water saved me and LOTS of Gas X...and WALK, WALK, WALK! This is so important to help get rid of the gas inside of you from surgery. (I personally didn't have a lot of gas right after surgery because every 2 hrs until 6am in the morning, I walked the hallways in OCC and I slept for a few hours but woke up with no pain or too much bloathing. The next stage is the 'creamy soup' stage, for 2 weeks - just like everyone is saying, if you can't drink it through the straw by itself, then you can't have it. VERY simple - NO blenders to blend any veggies or meats. It is convenience to buy the Campbell's ready made soups in this stage, unless you are a cook and make your own - your option. I use either skim milk or 2% for the 'creamed' soups, or use the broth or water for the regular soups. It's not bad at all. It's surprizing to see what YOUR taste buds are and you are being renewed to herbs and spices too. I gourmet my tomato soups! HA! You are doing great and keep up the spirit! Never forget your goal and the reason for this band! Good Luck sweetie!!

Thanks Dana for clarification...I am on track, hence my 10lbs lost already. It's only for 9 more days of liquid soups and then it's solids, which can be crazy with all the options we have out there! Cathy - GOOD point and appreciate the reminder that we are healing ourselves first...we tend to forget this and so much in the rush to get to the next stage!

Good Luck Dolittle! We will be thinking of you!

I AM planning ahead and I am having my first fill on Sat, Dec 6 at OCC, which will be 8 weeks out from my surgery. I know we are suppose to come between the 6th and 8th weeks after our surgery, but I couldn't see getting a fill before Thanksgiving and having a 'tight' fill and drinking liquids while others were going to EAT food and, of course, the weekend after Thanksgiving is our Xmas 3-day shopping spree marathon! LOL Cheryl - wishing you and your sister good luck with your surgery! Maybe I might see you there!

I am just checking if you all still do this on Monday nights? If so, is it the same website and password?

Julie - thanks for your post. Now are they flavored or just the normal white chalk stuff? I am thinking of getting a few, for the reason you said.

OH! I am ((HUGGING)) you right now! I am having such a hard time doing the darn thing with the pictures!! I had one but took it out to do the now picture and then I couldn't do it any more? Thanks for this post Jann!

Sharon and Billie - Congrats on your decision to be banded! It is awesome! I was banded on OCt 8 at OCC, and it's a good change for me. I've lost 10 lbs since the surgery and I am going strong for the rest of my journey. Just remember to sip, sip, sip and walk, walk, walk! Walking helps with the gas alot! I also take Gas X or Phazyme too. Another thing that helped me focused on my goal, is to keep a daily journal for the time being. I jot down what I drink/eat, my feelings and reinforce my goals. Make your goals reachable ones to start with! Anyway, as far as losing on your preop weight, do as much as you can, for it's for your benefit. The more you lose, the less fatty tissues around your liver. Have lots of protein...which I did protein shakes for breakfast and lunch. AND, Amy! Good luck with your surgery in Texas! We will think of all of youse tomorrow! :lb11: We will see you on the other side soon! :bye:

I thought this most interesting while browsing the website (http://lapbandtransformation.com/Adjustments.htm), so I am sharing it with you. Adjustments How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome” b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It’s also a stomach irritant c. Fruit juice is just sugar water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can’t just eat what’s easy c. Cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. Chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. Meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad” e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables a. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (6) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste (7) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest, especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention. (Note: Pepto-Bismol or other medications with bismuth will turn your stool black. Iron supplements can also make the stool tarry.) e. If your pain is severe This was written by Jessie H. Ahroni, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., C.D.E., B.C.-A.D.M.

Hi Everyone...the above recipe came from my bandster buddy, Mary Beth. We were banded together on the same day, Oct 8. She is from Tennessee. She loves to read our posts as I encouraged her to do so, since you all have helped me out soooo much. Please welcome her!

Mary Beth - you are a sweetheart! Thanks so much for sharing this - I like the idea about adding hot sauce! I will try this tomorrow. I'll let you know how it tastes! Hope all is well with you? I've lost only 10 lbs since the surgery...so much for me to wait until my one month anniversary on Nov 8. HA! But I just couldn't resist since I am not at work and hubby is out hunting. OK...I will report back to you soon!

YAY...a family affair! WTG Julie!

AWESOME results from the looks of your tickler! You go girl! And you were banded in May! Great success for you...continue to keep us posted on how you are doing. You are inspiring me as I've just recently been banded last week. Enjoy!

Julie! Congrats on your new addition! Can't wait to see his picture when you do post him. I just love animals, especially the rescued. I have always gone to the humane society for my additions. Have fun and keep us posted on his progress...this too shall help you focus on your weight loss too, because you are so happy! ((HUGS!))

HAPPY BANDIVERSARY MISTY! WOW...you look FANTASTIC! 7 months and you lost 60 lbs! I am so PROUD of you! You must be on cloud 9 and it shows it too! Look at that figure and your glowing smile! You are truly inspiring me! I just got banded last week...so I am going to continue to watch your progress...and to think you only have 20+ more to reach your goal! AWESOME!!! It's also nice to hear that your fills were very successful! You are lucky! Thanks for sharing...it meant a lot to me!

Thank you all for this = God Bless YOU! I am VERY touched by your words and my family and I WILL go forward! I read a few comments and it was all I can do not to cry because these folks have no clue as to what they are saying. So, I just stopped from reading any further and I am not going to listen to any more negativity! In fact, I am more determine to see this through! And I know my son and his family feel the same. OK...as the song goes..."Onward Bandster soldiers...marching to our dreams!"...

From one Judy to another! Sorry you are in pain...most definitely call the doctor ASAP, don't wait to get the help you need now. I am wondering if it is 'gas' you may be experiencing?

Hi Darlene, I just got my band last week and I am a newbie, but not an expert of giving advice as to what you should do...BUT...! You need to refocus on your goal again. If you have to, go back to the way you felt before you had your surgery and remember that feeling of how you are going to reach your goal weight. BELIEVE in the band and yourself! Be more positive and motivate yourself to do this. I can't say anything more than what the others have already said...but it is never too late! Get energized again and get the glowing feeling of I CAN DO THIS! Come to this forum and ask for help...that is what most of the bandsters who have lost their weight because they can associate with how some of the issues others are having. Listening, asking, and doing - all ties into one another. Sorry...just can't see you really bombing out when you've just started and you are not giving yourself another chance. As my Mum have always said to me, "When you are feeling down and out, lift your chin up and smile and start over with a smaller reachable goal". So, that is what I am challenging you to do Darlene! Chin up, smile and just take baby steps and go forward from there. We are here for you!! Talk to us...if it takes to getting you back to the basic, isn't it worth it?

Oh, this is so great of an idea! When I get closer to my 'solid food' stage, I will make a batch for my snacks. Thanks for sharing this Jessica!

OK...did I mess something good? LOL! How do you make the Cheese Chips?

Very interesting...thanks for sharing this...