Apprehensive

This soup is the only reason I was able to stay on this post-op diet without being locked up in a nut-hut, or being wanted in at least 5 states for a capitol crime. I hate soup...but this is actually good. And... when it is cold... it would make a terrific dip. I am not sure, this is only an educated guess, but the calories for a 4 oz serving would be approximately 300 calories. Ingredients (I don't really measure these, all ingredients are approximate) 1 small onion 2 stalks celery 2 tsp olive oil 4 medium carrots 2 cups chicken broth (fat free) 8 oz shreded Cheddar Chesse (reduced fat) 4 oz Parkay Spray Butter 3 tbs flour (ubleached preferably) 2 cups of Fat Free Half&Half (evaporated Milk may be substituted, fat free of course) In a small sauce pan, heat chopped onions and celery in olive oil, then turn heat low and "sweat" the veggies in a covered pan for at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile chop the carrots coarsely then add chicken broth and carrots to the well "sweated" veggies and simmer for at least 20 minutes. In a separate large sauce pan mix the spray butter and flour and heat for at least two minutes. Add the half & half and whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth/thickened and a bit bubbly. Puree the carrot/vegetable mixture in a blender and add to the white sauce(what you made with the flour/butter and half&half ) bring to a full boil and add the cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheese is well blended. Check seasoning for salt and add pepper if desired. Bon Appetit! NOTE: If the flour/Parkay Spray does not blend well with the half & half, the hot mixture may be smoothed in the blender. The white sauce is much easier to make using real butter or margarine but of course that adds unnecessary fat/calories For even less calories, omit the cheese...for a good but not great soup. I have found that the cheese is like a reward for being on this damn diet. Go ahead, I am still losing weight.

Greetings to All, Seems like I have not experienced REAL food for months. Actually it has been quite a while and it makes me wonder. What is a good type of food to start with and what types of foods are best to introduce slowly? Right now, I can come up with numerous foods I want but stepping back and realizing it has been some time since actual regular diet foods are going to be available to me...I don't want to eat things that will make me wish I had not eaten. The pre-op diet was a hassle, but workable. The post-0p diet seems like it is taking twice as long as the calendar says. Not so much that I am that hungry...I just want something different. You know, things that might have a crunch, or something to CHEW. And...not salads...not at first anyway. From previous surgeries, not weight related...I have tried fried chicken and wished I had not taken the few bites I did. Stomach said "NO". With this band (without a fill yet) I am curious to see what and how people worked back in to eating regular foods. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have seen some of these wonderful recipies but want to "wade in slowly" because I don't want to make an error my first day out of the gate. I would really like to hear from some of you who have been there and know the ins-and out. OH no...that is my favorite burger place. In and Out Burger...only in California. See, I am really clutching now. Any suggestions? Thanks

Hello, When I went to Tijuana Mexico, I stayed at the Marriott. We were picked up by Raul, the driver for OCC when we landed in San Diego. He took care of everything. I did not even have to get out of the van when we crossed the border to go in to Mexico. As far as safety...I walked all around the motel and to different shops etc. There are armed patrol personel that we saw quite often but I did not feel in danger in any way. ON the way back, Raul picked us up at the motel, then while we were "in line" to cross the border we came to a place where Raul gave us instructions as to what to do. We took our luggage out of the van,(actually Raul did) then we went in to the building, showed our passports, and were asked about anything that we were bringing back in to the states that we purchased in Mexico. It is very important to be completely honest about this. After that, we put the luggage on the screener and walked through to gather our belongings on the other side, just like at the airport but with less hassle. At this point, we walked down along the walkway by the train tracks and there in the parking lot, was Raul waiting for us to take us to the airport. Hope this gives you some useful information. Raul (OCC driver) is so effecient and friendly. YOu will not have any problems. The time it takes naturally depends on the traffic. We came in at rush hour but it did not take very long, less than 1 hour. I thought it was very interesting as to how they handled things. Good Luck with the travel and the banding!!!

Thanks for sharing your information about fills. I have not had my first fill and now after reading what you have posted, I am so glad I decided to go back to OCC. It is something that everyone should consider. If one stops to think about the process, how will anyone know without the fluoroscope? Sounds like you really dehydrated quickly. Many people don't realize how fast a person can become dehydrated and then the real problem begins. So...thanks again for your post. Maybe this will prevent others from taking the wrong method for their fills. Thank You Apprehensive

Keep up the great work. I always like to see positive posts from you because I am not that far behind you. Yes...I have already started planning my menu for the day I can have REAL food. I do appreciate the creamed soups...but I want FOOD. I have come up with what I am going to have on my big day for my first real meal. I have changed it about 19 times now. Regardless...you have done a great job. Keep doing what you are doing. GREAT JOB!

Sounds like a winning recipe...I am REALLY looking forward to the day when I can actually eat something solid. Keep up with the posting of these goodies...they all sound great. Thanks

It is so great to read posts like this one. CONGRATS! You have done something so many of us dream of. With seeing that you have come this far, makes it more realistic for the rest of us who have just started the journey. Best of luck on your final goal...but by the looks of things, you will have no problem acheiving your goal. Again...CONGRATS!

I have just been banded and wondered how people did after the first fill. 5cc's does sound like quite a bit for the very first fill...but I would trust the doctor's to know what was best. I will check back to see what other posts you put up on your new fill. Good luck and Congrats to your Mom for her new band. '

Hello, You will probably learn right away, that the "diet's" OCC suggests for you to use are not as bad as they seem. For me it was the pre-op diet that was the hardest. After I recieved my band on the 18th, I can eat...chicken broth, potpsickles, and drink juice. Believe it or not, I don't usually finish all of it becuase it is too much. This comes from a person who thought a large pizza was a two serving meal. LOL Just remember what Dr. Ortiz says...follow this and you will meet your personal goal. Anyway...what you said about writing about your feelings on here...that is a great way to VENT and to hopefully get suggestions that may work for you as it does for others. This site has given me much support and taken away or at least helped with the doubt I had and am having. So...try to keep a positive attitude, look towards the end of your goal, then just fill in the blanks....that what I am doing..day by day and it is working. Hope this helps you some. Keep us posted as to how you are doing. Appy

I have read many diet suggestions and recipies...I have to admit... yours are more towards my liking and I am writing down some of the ones you have posted when I can eat real food again. Some people would say it would be hard to think of this food when you can't have it. I find it helpful to know, there is good food that won't kill you in calories. So...keep the good recipies coming. Snickers Pie....I will be sure I have the ingredients ready to go on the FIRST DAY. I don't know if I will fix them then, but at least I know I can. Thank you Appy

Great decision Brian. I am new at this band thing...my surgery was March 18th 2010. I can tell you that the pre-op diet left a litte bit to be desired...mainly because I am not a salad fan, but the drinks I was able to have were great. They were the meal replacement that is on the site recommended by OCC. I had one for breakfast, one for lunch with a salad...then for my dinner I had a lean cusine and a salad.Was not long I opted to skip the salad at dinner and was perfectly content with the Lean Cusine. At first I thought, this is not much food...but in no time, I was pretty satisfied with the entire meal thing. In just this short of an amount of time, I feel much better and that gives me the incentive to keep going. And...with the band in place now, it will be easier. The post-op diet sounds hard too... from first hand information on that, it is much easier than I thought. You have to keep telling yourself that this will be the last real diet you will ever have to be on. I hear horror stories about people who don't follow the post-op diet and I don't want to be one of them. Dr. Ortiz will tell you the same thing. It is not the band that failed, it is the person that failed. So, keep that in mind and keep a positive attitude. When you see the weight start coming off it will begin to make more sense to you. So....Best of Luck on your journey with the new way of life. If I can answer any questions, don't hesitate to ask. People on here have been great to me and I would like to do my part too. keep us posted on your journey to this NEW YOU. All My Best Apprehensive (that is just how I felt at the beginning but not any more!!!)

I am not very good at giving a play by play action about my surgery...but here it goes. For all of the people thinking of having this surgery, and ones who have a scheduled date, maybe this will help. As you see, my name on here is Apprehensive. That is putting it mildly. I have an anxiety disorder and without the help of my little pill when I need it I would have been a total basket case. I grew some bigger huevos (that is what my brother-in-law who is from Mexico calls BALLS), and I gathered the courage to have the surgery. I think the biggest help was from fellow "Bansters" and the information they were so kind to present on this site. So...thanks to all who answered my questions and offered suggestion. I would name the people but I am afraid I would leave someone out and I want everyone to know how appreciative I am. I went to Tijuana from Kansas City. From start to finish everything went very well. The driver, Raul is such a nice person, so informative and his information made me feel more comfortable right away. We had absolutely no problems at the border, Raul took care of all of it and I did not have to do anything but sit there in the van. My flight came in after noon, so I went right to the Marriott. I receved a phone call from Michelle and she asked me to be in the lobby the next morning at 7am and the journey would begin. I went to bed at 10pm, again at mid-night, again at about 2:30am and finally stayed up at 4am. See where I am going with this? Yep, I had every thought about the what if's known to man (and woman...I want to keep this politically correct). Finally 7am arrived and I was in the lobby...really trying to talk myself out of doing this surgery. I reluctantly got in the van and off we went to OCC. I was greeted by such a wonderful staff. I had to do the bloodwork and the pre-op tests the same day of surgery because of the time my flight arrived. First was the blood work, Carmelitta was very good and it was nothing for her to have success on the first stick. Then I was taken to speak with Dr. Miranda...she weighed me and told me about the "diet" that I would be on. Of course I only heard about half of it because I was thinking about the surgery. She was very kind. She gave me a packet of information of what we went over which is helpful. Next, I went in to speak with the Cardiologist. He asked a few questions, had me do the spirometer (breathing effeciency test) which was no problem. Also did the EKG and then back out to the waiting room. I really do think they should call it the pausing room because the wait time was nothing. Next,here comes Doctor So to take me back to the room where I will be staying for pre-op prep, explained to me what would take place and then the journey began. I was really tense and the nurse gave me sublingual pills (I was hoping for regular pills so I could have some water)...they are so efficient. The nurse then hooked me up with the IV... and again, no pain due to her ability to do the sticks so well. Before I knew it, I was taken to the O.R. in a wheel chair and the last thing I remember was the anesthesiologist asking me what hobbies I had..while putting the little mask over my nose and mouth...I told him I liked....and the next thing I remember, I was back in my room, and they asked me if I felt like walking. Because I wanted to go back to the motel so badly...I got up and was walking like a champ. The first walk was with Carmelitta (she was there for safety reasons...me just coming off of the anesthesia). The next time I was up and down the hall myself. I think they should make post-surgery walking an Olympic Game...I know I would be a contender for a metal. With the I.V. going and me walking up and down the hall, they stopped me to ask if I wanted a popsickle. I immediately said YES...they were very good. Much better than the ones at the Motel...as you may see. I think I had three in total. Then Dr. Ortiz came in to answer any questions and to tell me a bit about himself...he is so nice and has a great sense of humor too. Dr. Martinez talked to me in length after Dr. Ortiz left. Then the I.V was finished and I was able to go back to the motel. Now, I am at the motel wondering about the "diet". Room service knew the routine and brought me what I could have...denied what I could not.....lol The motel staff was so effecient, and I did not have to do anything but rest. Well, me rest? I made it through the night and only got up a couple of times...wondering why I did not have much pain. I was amazed. The next day however, I began having some pain in the abdomen....Naturally I thought...here comes the big one, I will kick the bucket and all of this will be for nothing. Well, I called the Doctor and he had the motel bring me in to see what what going on. This is at 6pm on the day after surgery. He took me to the room where they do fills and he had me swallow some liquid that allows him to see if the band was in place and to see what may be causing the pain. I watched it on the monitor. He said, see the band, it is perfectly placed. He then said "see the white contrast...and believe me there was alot of this. He said this is GASssssss. He then had the nurse give me two kinds of medications and told me I could stay at the clinic if I felt it was necessary but I did not have to. I went right back to the motel. I had already planned to stay a couple of extra days...just in case something was not right. During those days...I walked all around Tijuana, to the store to buy vitamin water, gas-x, vanilla because it is so inexpensive for the good stuff, and just checked things out. On the 22nd, I came home. I am doing better than I ever thought I would. The pain is almost non-existant. I have no prolems sleeping or doing the typical things around the house. So...if you are sure about the safety of this procedure...trust me, they will take all precautions that any U.S. surgeon would. Being a nurse, I knew what to look for and what questions to ask. Other nurses will probably agree with me, NURSES make the worst patients! I am so glad I did this surgery. I am on the liquid post-op diet now. I am not really hungry but I do wonder about food. With all the good people on this site, I have been able to bounce questions and even answer some now. If you are going for the lapband....go with Dr. Ortiz and his group of caring, professional staff. You won't be sorry. I am looking forward to the time when I can say.."I remember thinking a large pizza was two servings". So...good luck with your new and/or future lapband. Again..Thank You to everyone who made my surgery such a success!

Greetings, Well, I said I would keep checking to see how you are doing because I am only three days behind you. Talk about GASsssss I tell ya, they might just capture me here in Mexico and tap my system to supply natural gas for the entire Tijuana area...plus some. I thought I was going to burst. Ok, I will admit, I was spooked and called the doctor. He said for me to come right back in and he would check it out. I just knew something terrible happened and that I was on my way to needing to call the coroner. Well, they hooked me up with a ride, I went in...did the barrium swallow and watched it on the monitor...everything seems to be working fine. Then, I saw all this white contrast on the monitor...he said here is your problem..it is GASssss. I was releasing enough to fill the Goodyear Blimp but still was not getting enough out. The good Doctor gave me some medication and told me I could stay at the clinic or go back to the motel but regardless, I was to keep him posted. Naturally I came back to the motel, even though they are such wonderful professionals, I would not have been upset if the Good Doctor said I had to stay at the clinic. Today has been much better than yesterday and I hope I follow your lead and tomorrow will be even better. Well, the painters are here to re-paint my motel room... Glad you are doing so well...and it sounds like you are on the mend.

That comment is so funny. It is something to wonder about...what will the archaeolgists think in 10,000 years when they find your remains. When humans today find something out of the ordinary we usually can come up with a weirded out story to justify the findings...so your guess is as good as mine. I still think that is hilarious!! I am on day one post-op so I will probably look at your posts just to get a sneak preview of what I have to look forward to. Well, I figure it is time for another walk. Walks are OK until I pass one of those street vendors with the tamales etc....but I am really not hungry. My brain is asking me..why are you not stopping to purchase large amounts of goodies. Now, every day will be a learning experience. Your blog made me laugh...yes, it did hurt to laugh...but it was worth it. Keep up the same outlook and the 21 days will just breeze by....then I will have 3 days left of mine. So...the quicker you make it through the 21 days, I am not far behind. Good Luck!!

I was informed that since Tijuana was doing so many surgeries, they could not give Dr. Ortiz the time needed to go from one place to the other because travel time was wasted when he could be doing the sugeries here in Tijuana. I was informed of this when I first began to look for a place to have my surgery done. The first place I looked in to was Cancun. Cancun would be nice but just knowing all the success stories coming from this clinic...I think you would be very happy coming to Tijuana for your sugery. I had mine done yesterday and am feeling pretty good about it today. Good luck with your future banding. This site has numerous people that are very kind and can answer most if not all questions you may have. I know I am very appreciative of everyone helping me along my way. Best of Luck

Yes, you probably have answered this questions before, but thanks for doing it again for me. There have been other kind people on this site that have given me piece of mind too. I figured that since you are all over the board with suggestions, comments, and just being there for people (which I find admirable) you were the one to ask. So, I thank you very much and best of luck with your continued success. And a BIG thank you for all the others with suggestions for this journey. This is a great place for answers from people who have been there.

Thank you for your note. I am glad you saw it...I was beginning to think no one reads my questions. I know deep down, if I pull everything I have together, I can do it. I guess I just wanted it to be easier. I am like you...knowing that cheating is not an option and could cause more problems, I won't cheat. I really do appreciate your reply. Good Luck to you during the rest of your journey and thank you big time for being upfront and honest. I WILL DO IT Apprehensive

I have typed several different notes, then delete, write again, delete... I guess I just want to say..HOW IN THE WORLD DID YOU STICK TO THE 21 DAY LIQUID DIET? I am due for my surgery on the 18th of this month.. I have been able to sick to the diet Dr. Miranda suggested, but here comes the surgery, and then TWENTYONE DAYS of LIQUID???? That is like having a three week colonoscopy!! I really don't know how you did it and any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. I am having even more doubts about this surgery...as I said in another post...I think Murphy was an optimist. Congrats to you for being so strong and able to get through this. And...good luck on continued success. Apprehensive in KC