Apple Blossom

I'm on the pre-op to the pre-op for band to sleeve surgery next month. This means Atkins until I reach the liquid phase. I actually appreciate this phase because I feel like it's going to ease me into the liquid phase more gently. I am steadily losing a nice amount of weight and my abdomen is deflating. I carry a lot of weight in the highest part of my abdomen which is right where surgery will take place so it feels especially important to me to comply. I want a flawless surgery. When I move to the liquid phase I know I will be much more hungry and challenged. My idea between now and then are to pick out some Pinterest projects to complete. My kids are nearly grown, ages 14-20. The first project is to create timelines with beautiful photos of their accomplishments on a wall in our "hang out room". This should take quite a bit of time because I have hundreds of photos and digital images to go through. I'll have to get larger prints made, purchase frames and possibly decorate some of them, etc. I know I will need to be more involved in doing something with free time to help keep the urge to eat under control. Is there anybody else in one of these phases that wants to share what they did or are doing to trudge through the hunger successfully? Judy

2.5 years later, I hope all is still well for you! Judy

If anybody has had batwings removed at OCC, I would like to hear how it went. It's something I've considered a few times during my life, but the long scar is hardly worth it to me. I have put it off, waiting to hear that they can now trim and pull to the armpit for a scar there. (no news like this yet) I need a mini tuck, only for the upper most arm. I am converting band to sleeve next month, so the cart is in front of the horse for now, but the time will come soon when I'm hating that part of my body again. Judy

I really love click mocha also. I like Fit Miss but it also has 15 or 17 grams protein. I imagine after surgery I can mix with 50/50 unsweetened almond milk and water to give it a boost. I like the proticcino bottles by healthwise. I am imagining it really is difficult like Doolittle said to get that much protein with so little room. Are the protein requirements even higher for men?

Reading through other message boards, people who get into marathons, etc and really burn the calories eat small amounts of nuts and avocado. It seems to give them what they need.

You are beautiful! Wonderful posting. Thank you and congratulations. Judy

You are doing great! Congratulations....I bet you are down another very nice amount by now. Stay happy and healthy Judy

Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on all your success. I am sorry for the loss of special people in your life and I hope that time has been your friend. Judy

Hi Tbiker-I spoke with OCC yesterday about a commitment I had 2 weeks following surgery. I was told that patients can normally return to a desk job two weeks following. I have not revised yet so I can't say from experience. Judy Band to Sleeve 6/14/16

This is an older thread, but I love coffee flavored. Healthwise protoccino and Click cappuccino are my favorite.

YouTube....

Boogirl- I think that proceeding forward should be done only if you experiment first. Try eating a diet of only proteins that you will eat. Get 70-100 grams of it daily for a few weeks and see if you can life with it. Do you like tofu? Do you like veggie "meats" made from soy and tofu? You don't have to answer to me, but what is the reason for the aversion to eggs and milk- both can be purchased from local farms if you want to make sure animals were humanely treated. If you can't tolerate the digestion of these, then I would think twice and seek other vegetarians who have already done it to see if it is something you could live with - forever. Nuts are a protein source, but a high calorie one and a food that in my early research seems to be used mainly for those who need to stop weight loss and maintain. Best wishes, Judy

I'm very sorry to hear your story joycekim. What will you do differently if you have it done again? Have you learned anything that you wouldn't mind sharing with us who have not had the sleeve yet? Judy

I got my "full" diet back officially as of July 30. I did a bit of a mushy stage that was not in my instructions from Dr. Miranda. I struggle with food. I feel that scrambled eggs, peanut butter, runny oatmeal and the like saved me from tossing in the towel and eating way off plan before I got to the solid stage. I'm not proud of myself, but that's what I did. The band obviuosly doesn't cure my addiction. I didn't expect it to. I also struggle with an all or nothing mind set when I diet. Right now, I am really concerned about the next 2 1/2 weeks until my fill. I feel like I am one of the few who has an appetitie that is equal to my pre op appetite. I feel compelled to eat lots of foods I've missed that are not healthy. I know I don't need them but the urge is there. I am already questioning whether or not I will be successful, but I am still optimistic. I know the band is there and I know it is in place. I was shopping last week and got tomato soup at Target's food court. It came with a bread stick....a very soft bread stick that I did not resist. I got a piece stuck and learned the feeling........... PAINFUL. Sliming....it was more like foaming from the mouth and nose along with the mucus in my throat. It was an awful experience, that's for sure. I almost did it again this evening and I realized the coincidence. I need to really pay attention when carrying on conversation while eating. I tend to swallow quickly if I want to talk and that's what triggered the bread episode and the near episode tonight. In getting to the point, my appetite is in full swing. I haven't found anything I can't eat. I chew well and things go right down. I am hungry. Yes I have huge head hunger but I also have real hunger when my stomach growls. I find very few messages refering to this period and the struggle. I feel so alone. I wonder if I am alone or people don't talk about it. My will power needs practice and I already have a 2 pound gain since switching to solids. I am afraid of this pattern. Can anyone else share their experience with this period between full foods with no fill up to their first fill? Thank you! Judy

Hi Diana, I'm scheduled for August 20 at 1PM....but I just got a letter from my youngest sons teacher that kindergarten open house for seeing his classroom, his seat, etc, is on the same day. I'm very booked the rest of the week and then school starts for my kids the following week so I was considering a fill more locally although not under fluro. That makes me a little nervous though because it's my first fill. My husband "can" take my son to the school, but I'm in limbo. I would be really happy and feel much more comfortable learning the trolly/bus system with a buddy. Please PM me if you are still scheduled for the 20th. Judy

I'm happy for you Judy. May your weight loss pick right up again! Was your Dr. a fill centers Dr? If you don't mind me asking, what was the cost? I am going back to Dr. Ortiz for my first fill, but I saw that a fill center is opening soon within 2 hours of me and I'm trying to get an idea of what people are paying. Judy Banded 7/9 -19

Mikey, I'm sure you were disappointed, but you have a great attitude and you will be banded soon. You've done a great job losing weight so far. It's a huge commitment. Congratulations. Judy Banded 7/9 -19

I suggest the Lucerna's restaurant across from front desk. I recommend the chicken fajitas. Light, healthy and very good. You don't want to get uncomfortable before surgery. Judy Banded 7/9 -19 lbs

I don't have a recipe, but I ordered some products online by Nashura Nutrition. They are for bariatric patients. I ordered chicken soup, beef soup, jello, flavored drink packets and hot cocoa. All of them are very tasty and each are liquids. The soup is broth. They have 15 grams of protein in them and nearly no sugar...most had no sugar at all. About 60 calories each. The protein helps me with hunger pangs. I don't want to promote the website I found so just do a search and you'll find them. Judy Banded 7/9 Pre-op -11 Week 1 -8 48 to go

Hi you two- I know today was your day. I hope you feel your experience was as fantastic as mine. Best Wishes. Judy Banded 7/9 Pre-Op -11 Week 1 -8 48 to go

Samia, I'm not sure what your BMI is, but are you using Dr. Ortiz? I did and I still had a pre-op diet. It was in the big packet of medical history. I had a "lower" bmi - almost 33 at inquiry and 31 at surgery. The pre-op shrinks the liver to help make surgery safer. The post-op was altered by the nutritionist though and she said it was due to lower BMI. You are right, food issues do not go away. I still struggle and miss over eating. Judy Banded 7/9 Pre- OP -11 lbs Week 1 -8 lbs 48 to go

I've been banded. You can view my experience under the July Surgeries thread if interested. =D> Judy

Hi Darlene, I hope you don't mind me intercepting. I don't think you'll be getting fills as often as you anticipate. After talking to Dr. Ortiz prior to my surgery, I learned that the average is 3-4 fills for your LIFETIME. I asked him to repeat...I thought from reading the message boards that I would be going back every couple of months. He said, so long as you don't challenge the band....repeat, don't challenge the band, you will need few fills. Judy Banded July 9 (4 days ago!) -5 lbs since surgery 16 since pre op diet 45-50 to go

It's so easy for me to say from the "other" side of recently being banded to relax. I was also super worried, but had I known how great the experience would be, I would have not worried a bit. I watched Extreme Makeover in the Hotel the night before surgery and got a great quote from it. "There are lots of things to think about, but nothing to worry about." BTW, you will lose weight if you follow the simple rules and don't challenge the band....."Don't challenge the band"-words from Dr. Ortiz prior to my surgery. I keep repeating them. I am losing weight nicely and you will too. Judy

Sending you a hug Judy. I'm so sorry it took you so long to get back home, but you were a trooper. I look forward to hearing of your successes also. Judy