JazzyJude

Hi CJen and Welcome to bandland! You should follow the guidelines of what your doctor has given you as he may have a specific program for you to use People who were banded by the doctors at OCC in TJ, Mexico, have a (3) stage postop diet, as follows: ~ First stage is the "clear liquids", where you would go on clear liquids only for 7 days, starting the day of the surgery. On the 4th day, you can start having a yogurt smoothie ~ Second stage is the "creamy soups", where you would have thicker consistency from day 8 to day 20. Here you would have 1/2 cup of soups of your choice, with no chunks, lumps or bumps of any kind of food, and have it often throughout the day. If you can't drink it naturally threw a straw, you can't have it. Also, at this stage, no blending of foods, as air fluffs intergrate with the food mixture and can cause gas and air bubbles, which can cause some discomfort. ~ Third stage is the "solid", where you start to eat solid foods, suggested to start off with the softer foods and then progress to the hard, denser foods. All this is a progressive step to eating and in the meantime, you are learning healthier eating habits to: ~ portion control your food and not go over 1/3 of what you use to eat and eat proteins first, then veggie/fruit, and then carbs/starches ~ take smaller bites ~ chew your food very well, at least 30 times before swallowing ~ take the time to enjoy your food and not be rushed to swallow foods, where you might get it stuck and be discomfort Hope this helps you...and good luck with your weight loss journey!

((HUGS!!))...ahh sweetie ~ you've been missed so much and you just got to do what you have to do! We've all missed your wonderful, motivating posts. Now that you are back, you go girl! There is nothing to stop you, except you babe.

Calicat ~ EXCELLENT post! I totally agree with everything you said. Last week, I changed my routine completely and 8 days later, I lost 4 lbs! I kid you not! I was plateauing for over a month, because I lost a lot of weight to begin with, and my body is catching up with me. Although, I am losing the inches, just not the poundage. BUT, my newly changed routine includes some hard core strengthening and cardio exercises AND I am better monitoring my calories intake (tracking from a different website) and BOY, has THIS made a HUGE difference for me right now! Good luck...YOU CAN DO THIS! Take the time to know the new you...

Thanks Carrie, I value inputs like this and I agree with you. I did have a 'feeling' when I thought I was stuck with a food and really, it was me being stressed over what I could eat. So, the trial in error plays into the stress syndrome too if you let it, which obviously it did to me, because I was thinking, "Can I eat that?" before I ate and also, while I was eating. Yes, stress can react instantly. But, like I said, listen to your body and know the signs. It's all part of re-learning how to eat healthier and really, this is a good thing to know. There are w-a-y too many other food substitutes to enjoy as well.

Good luck ladies! You will all be fine. Just listen to your body and don't compare. Don't focus too hard on the food. Plan your meals accordingly and know the basic food eating habits and start your day. Make it simple for yourself and don't forget to exercise too! Add up your calories and proteins and away you go!

Yes Christy, the ladies are right. The purpose of restriction is to eat smaller portions, which would make you feel full quicker and hold off until the next meal. Food being stuck is because: ~ you took too big of a bite, which you should take small bites ~ you didn't chew well, which you should chew the dickens out of the food ~ you swallowed too quickly, which you should take the time to eat slowly and swallow when all food is chewed well NOTE: Although we are all different and foods react differently for everyone. What one would be fine for you, the other will find it getting stuck and starts to PB and slime, etc. It's a trial in error on how you take to foods and is recommended to "try a small piece" and really chew it and take the time to enjoy this bite. Wait a few minutes and see how it reacts to you. If it went down with no problem, continue on. If it got stuck, then stop eating it. BUT, eat this food at another day and see if it agrees with you...if not, then this may be one of your "no no" foods to eat. In addition, it depends how narrow or wide your esophagus (throat) is too. For me, I have a very narrow throat and after my 2nd fill, I have a total of 1.6cc fill in my 4cc band. This is MY sweet spot for the time being. But for another person, having a larger throat width, would probably have a larger fill than mine. Hope this helps...

Liquid - GOOD suggestion! Where did YOU buy yours from?

According to the instructions, take 2 in the morning and then 1 or 2 in the afternoon. If caffeine keeps you up at night, don't take them at night. I personally take (1) at 5am and then (1) at 1pm and that is it. You want to make sure you get a good night sleep and excessive use of these pills can screw up your body routine and your beauty sleep you so need. Just don't overkill the purpose of this. Update: I went back to WalMart last night and again, I bought another 30-day program of DA Cleanse and again, another 30-day FREE Green Tean/Fat Burners. The whole thing cost me $31.84 plus tax. GOOD BUY for me! So, after this 30-day I am doing, then I am going to try Vangirl's water and lemon suggestion and then later on, will start the DA Cleanse again. I just want to detox my body real good as well getting back my daily routine of the roto rooter plumbing! LOL...

Vangirl ~ THANK YOU for reminding me of this! Gosh, it's been w-a-y too long since I've done this lemon cleansing and it worked well. This thread reminded me of it and when I am off the 30 day program with Dual Action Cleanse, I am going to do this. Where did you purchase the stevia?

Hey Gurl! Yes, after being on liquids for 21 days, you would be weak...but then you had a choice to increase your proteins while on liquids. It is important to maintain your protein intake daily to be successful. It gives you the energy you need. Also, as I am finding out myself, as the months go by, MY body needs are different and I need to listen to what my body is saying and asking. Right now, I am doing between 90 and 110 grams of proteins because I am doing heavy cardio and strengthening exercises. I eat anywhere between 1100 and 1500 calories too. Between the both of these, I am balancing out my metabolism and my energy is great! In addition, I am doing a colon cleansing with the fat burner pills and I am on top of things my body is asking for. I am sleeping great, my energy is right there, I am WANTING to do more exercises and you know what?...I am NOT focusing too hard on my foods intake! YEAH! In fact, I have to use my cell phone and set calendar 'events' to make sure I am taking in my vitamins and supplements AND my 3 meals a day. So, right now, this is working for me. I am happy right now and I am enjoying my life with my family and friends. This is a good thing for me! Hope I haven't babble on nonsence...but just want you to know where I am at and how I am doing it.

...DITTO here, as I am interested on what food guidelines were given to him, such as is he getting in his proteins every day, eating 1/3 of what he use to eat (as Dr. Ortiz recommends), and drinking all his liquids for the day? Please, as Lisa says, come back with more details. There are a lot of bandsters here, such as Lisa, who has succeeded beyond their goal, not only in losing weight, but maintaining and really embracing this healthier lifestyle. Good luck!

GREAT post Mona and thank you so much for posting your trip's experience! This is good info to share and it helps me as well. Wow...what a pleasant trip this was for you and I am sure you are so relieved to know all is ok ~ especially having the docs to take the time to pow wow with you! AWESOME Mona! Now...a thought , I am betting, since youve been stressed over your issue and now you know you and your wonderful band are just fine, you will start losing the weight! Wouldn't this be so cool! I am HAPPY for you Mona!

Shy ~ did you buy just the Green Tea Fat Burner pills for $15 at WalMart? Because, when I purchased the Dual-Action Cleanse box, it came with the 30-day supply to go with the program for the 'roto rooter' issue. I paid $36 for the both. Between the cleansing and the fat burner, it is working together beautiful and I have NO side effects, other than having more energy, sleeping great, no deep craving of foods, and my skin seems more moist, if you know what I mean...the more I exercise and sweat, the more I drink water, the better my skin (actually, overall body-wise) glows and feels healthier. So, for me, this is a good thing and if it helps you all...all the better! Again, I have an issue with taste/texture of drinks and if it's awful tasting or gritty, etc, I won't drink it. Now the cleansing/purifying pills have a real nice "sweet-nature outdoorsy" smell that is pleasant tasting and I have no problem taking them with hot cocoa, OJ, Crystal Light, milk, or whatever. The fat burner gel pills have no smell at all.

That's great Shy! Let us know how you do at the end of your 30 days. TIP: I use this rule of thumb on pills or capsules: If the length of the pill/capsule is bigger than a water bottle opening, then do not take it. I've taken my Iceland Health Omega-3 Fish Oil pill every day. THIS gel-filled pill, to me, is huge! It's the full length of the water bottle opening and I can swallow it and it doesn't lodge anywhere down my throat. Also, I make sure to take these size pills/capsules at least an hour before I eat, for I don't want to risk of it still being in my new pouch and the foods to stack on top of it. Just a suggestion...

Hi Shy...no I haven't and I've been on them for 2 weeks now...

:lb24: :lb21: AWESOME Jenelle!! That is just great! I haven't worn a belt since in my late 20's, early 30's. That is what I am really looking forward too! Congrats on getting to one of your goals! Woo hoo!

GREAT post Karen and I totally agree. I snack EVERY day. I've posted a post regarding snacks and hopefully that can help you too, which also list Almonds. I do not do TV dinners at all. Maybe once in a blue moon, to be 'different'. You need a more variety of foods and what better than home cooked meals freshly made? Also, increase your water like you said and make sure you are doing other exercises too. My calories are between 1000 to 1500, depends on my activity level. Good luck ~ don't get too discourage. Stay motivated and in about a month, you will see a difference! Hang in there - YOU CAN DO THIS!

GREAT research Mona...thanks so much for sharing!!

Hi Kelly ~ Congrats on your weight loss thus far...84obs ~ YEAH! WTG! It is my understanding that the 'weather' has no bearing for the band to be tight. Mental stress and physically exhausting does. If you are stressed out (due to job, illness, vomiting, etc) or do heavy hard core exercises, your stomach expands. As well, when you get your fills, your stomach expands from the swelling, because it needs time to adjust to the tightness. The band is made of a silicone elastomer (for flexibility) and a small amount of titanium, which is an amazing unique element that is low density. light weight, corrosion-resistant, and strong. Your body's internal temparature keeps this band warm at all time, so it never gets cold. Hope this helps you. So when you start to feel tight, examine your situation and treat accordingly. I to the same as you, to have a warm (not hot) cuppa to ease my fickle band. Also, I up my protein and iron intake for more energy and warmth. If you are still concern, contact your doc for assistance. It could be something else.

WOO HOO! WTG Dana! You are doing awesome Babe! Keep up the good work...EVERY pound lost counts, no matter how small. You are doing great and I am thinking of getting a fill sometime next month too. I am trying something different and switching around my foods and exercises before I decide.

OK...there is actually no name on the box, but found out the website who makes these "Green Tea Fat Burner" liquid soft~gel caps I have. Again, it was included inside the Dual-Action Cleanse I purchased at WalMart. It contains EGCG, which clinically researched to help burn calories and it's new with "2x Boost". Here is the website were you can purchase (3)-30 day supply for $38 (includes shipping and taxes, etc). http://www.appliednutrition.com/greentea.htm Hope this helps...

Sure you can eat salads! I do every week. I make a meal out of it sometimes and add hard boiled egg, cheese, raisins, pine nuts or other nuts, cut up meat (chicken, turkey, steak, tuna, shrimp, etc). I also make a "taco salad" type of thing too and add ground chicken or turkey with homemade salsa, olives, chilis, grated cheese. Also, it's a GOOD thing for fiber AND the 'roto rooter' too! LOL

Angela and Ckiki ~ I will have to look up the actual name of the fat burner, as they were INCLUDED with the Dual-Action Cleanse box I purchased. It was a package deal together. The whole thing cost me like $36 for 30 days. I am going back to WalMart and get another box or two, as the fat burners were free. Like CindyLou says, it's geared towards the metabolism and the light caffeine/energy the fat burners gives. I will check the name and report back.

DITTO and what everyone has said thus far. It't important to keep hydrated at ALL times. At this stage of the game, the first 21 days are the toughest, because you have to DRINK your proteins and such to keep ahead. Water is the best and when you start to feel headachy, weak, and such, try one of those whey liquid protein bullets you can get from GNC. I take 1/2 in the morning and the other half in the afternoon, to spread out protein intake. This helped me a lot during my clear liquid and creamy soup stage. Also, when you start on the creamy soup stage, get some unflavored protein powder and mix it in your soups....AWESOME picker upper for you! Good luck and hang in there! You are doing just fine...just keep on focusing on the plan and remember, this is a progressive process and it's not a ruch. Take the time to relax and healing properly.

Yay Slim!! :lb24: :lb21: