macleay

Fish is a good idea! I like most fish, so that won't be a problem. I've been assuming I'll have little to no restriction, but I could be like Revy and have a good restriction, so I'll play it safe. Don't want any embarrassing accidents! I just can't wait to eat, seriously.

I'm now 4 days away from my first meal after the liquid phase, and am trying to decide what to eat. I'm leaning towards scrambled eggs. What did you have for your first meal and would you recommend it? I'm also going out to lunch that day and thinking about that meal. It's tempting to have soup, just because I'm not sure if I'll have any restriction, but I know we're supposed to eat solids, so I'm wondering whether grilled chicken would be a good choice?

Sounds like it is okay, as long as there aren't any food chunks in it that would cause your stomach to have to churn and work to digest it. Just curious, is the broth from chicken noodle soup much different from the broth you buy in the boxes? I've been using Pacific Foods free range chicken broth, and it's pretty good.

WOW!! You're my hero! Congratulations--I can only imagine how good you feel today. Thanks for sharing!

Wow--thanks for posting that! I'll have my first fill under fluroscopy at the OCC on Feb 22nd. After that, I'll use a local doctor. Uniquelady, I'm in Salem and am planning on using Dr. Fitzpatrick--is that who you are referring to? Although she doesn't use fluro, I've read enough good things about her that I'm feeling pretty comfortable with her. I am lucky, though, because I'm going down with my daughter for her to get banded, so I'm having my first fluro down there.

Okay, Angie, I'm now officially starving!!!! lol I'm on Day 16 of the liquid phase and can't wait to eat!!! And I can see Amy is anticipating it as well! Amy and I are banding buddies--we were down there at the same time. I think her surgery was about an hour before mine! Anyway, thanks so much for these tips, along with making me SO ready to start chewing something, they also give me a good shopping list to start with.

Your post really touched me. I'm sorry you feel so bad and can relate to the depression being overweight can cause. I've fought my weight most of my life and by the time I started considering the lapband, I felt I was out of control. My weight consumed my thoughts, it was my first thought in the morning (usually guilt because I'd gorged the day before) and throughout the day: when I got dressed, showered, could barely tie my shoes, was going to require a seat belt extension on an airplane if I gained any more, looking at pictures of myself...the list goes on and on and everyone on this site can relate, I'm sure. I'm so glad you've made this decision. I'm almost as new as you--I was just banded January 7th. For me, this was a last ditch effort after being miserable with my weight for years. I'd always thought of it as giving up, as in giving up on diets, in a bad way. Now I think of it as NOT giving up--I'm doing the ultimate to accomplish my goal, and I know it's not going to be easy. Are you going to be going to the OCC and Dr. Ortiz? If so, they make the process very easy and you won't have to wait long if you don't have to. Please keep posting and you will get tons of support here. Best of luck to you on your new journey.

This is very good info--thank you, Angie! I'm especially taking note of the papaya enzyme tablets. I'm not to the eating stage yet (1 more week!), but once I get there and start having fills, I'm sure these will come in handy. Your point #3 is also helpful--I'm on week 3 of liquids and I swear, I'm craving food so bad it's awful! I'm starting that internal talking that is so bad for you, i.e. what's a bite of something going to do--you only have 7 more days, your stomach won't know the difference, and a bite of anything can't stretch out a pouch, yada, yada, yada. I can tell this week is going to be a struggle and your post helped--thanks!

Margie, thanks so much for this info. I've been struggling with whether I should go for convenience (salem) or with someone who I've read tons of good things about. Your experience really helps me make the decision.

Hi Margie--I'm going to OCC for my first fill and then I'm planning on going either to Dr. Fitzpatrick or the doctor from Fill Center in Salem. Are you happy with Dr. Fitzpatrick? I've heard nothing but good about her, so I'm leaning towards her, but I live in Salem, so it would be really convenient to use the doctor in Salem.

Question: What's the best way to drain sliced tomatoes?

Just made this--I used medium enchilada sauce because I love my spicy foods! It is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I made a double batch and I know it's going to be a staple for the rest of my liquid days.....

No kidding--I'm loving the soups!!! I'm going to rotate between the Pacific Organic Roasted Red Pepper & tomato and the Pacific Organic Creamy Butternut Squash soups. I added Splenda brown sugar to the squash and it's wonderful! Hey, we're more than 1/2 way done with the liquid diet--10 days to go--woohoo!

Yumm! I'm going to try this too, but you're leaving the chilis out, right?

From what I understand, this is typical, and wouldn't necessarily indicate an unfill is needed. I've heard that drinking a couple of glasses of water helps. I haven't had my first fill yet, so am not speaking from experience!

I emailed Dr. Miranda to see what the scoop is and here is her response: "If you are hungry after the surgery during the post-op liquid diet you can have a metamucil capsule with plenty plentu of water. Dr. MIranda"

Well I lost 1-1/2 pounds yesterday, so YAY for me! I ate more like all of you suggested, so that may be it. I'm going to rotate between 800, 900 and 1000 calories or so and see if I can keep my body fooled!

It IS frustrating! I keep trying to reach for some food, and then remember no food, just liquid. And then when I get on the scale and find I actually gained .04 ounces! LOL You're right--it is a process and I'm just venting. I'm just gonna keep plugging away and I know the weight will drop. I know others call the period after the liquid fast bandster hell, but I have to admit I'm looking forward to some solid food!

I'm going to give that a try as well. Thanks for the tips!

Thanks to both of you. I feel like I'm drinking something all the time, but I'll change out some of the water for something with calories. My body has always held on to fat pretty well--my dad called me an "easy keeper"! I'll also try to change it up every few days. It'll be easier once I can have some creamed soups. Amy, how're you getting protein?

Here's yesterday's liquid consumption: Approx 8 oz apple juice, diluted 120 calories 2 liquid yogurts 160 calories apiece--320 total 1 cup broth 10 calories 1 popsicle 15 calories 1 cup miso soup 35 calories 4 cups low cal gatorade 100 calories lots of water That's it. It seems like I should be losing and I actually gained 4 oz yesterday! lol

I'm curious as to how much weight you lost during the 3-week liquid phase? I was banded a week ago today, was down 10 pounds at the time of banding, and have lost only 4 pounds since! This really surprises me, because I figure I'm only getting about 700-800 calories max each day and I'd expect the weight to be just dropping off! I'm worried because if I don't lose during this phase, what's going to happen when I start eating solids?

I would just add one other thing--a light bag to take to the clinic with you to hold your pj's and slippers. No need to take toiletries to the clinic because they'll have you on the shuttle back to the hotel at 8am the next morning. Also, if you want to take your laptop, great, but they do have computers at the Marriott and also at the OCC clinic. At the OCC clinic, you'll also have a phone with US lines in your room!