julieburns

I do believe that you can have the protein shakes or bars for you "non" food meals. I remember seeing it on the papers I received. If you are careful to compare the labels like you have, you should be fine during this pre-op time. Now of course after surgery you won't be able to eat them until after the 3 week liquid phase as you know. You will find things you can and can't eat for a few weeks then you may have no restriction until your first fill. This is the willpower stage, and it's tough.

Hey Vix: I'm so proud of you for writing your letter. In the few days ahead before you give it to him you can tweek it if you need to or just read and reread it to help confirm to yourself how serious this matter is to you. I am one of the blessed ones whose husband was supportive, for the most part from day 1. He balked a little at first but when he saw I was serious he go on board. Your husband will too. Be patient with him especially at first because it will take him some time to come around. You have had many weeks or however long you have researched this to be comfortable with the idea. He too will need some time to adjust to this way of life for the both of you!! Hugs to you. I can't wait to read your post. Remember don't get angry or really even respond to his negativity just be positive and assured and confident that you've made this great decision for yourself.

The only way to know for sure is contact Dr. Ortiz's office.

You need more calories!! Even if you must have some sort of shake with added protein powder, increase your calories. shoot for 1000-1200 minimum. This is healing time and your body needs calories to heal. I don't know if this will help but try it.

I have a dictionary on my tool bar so when in doubt I just look it up quick. Now you have to think you are misspelling a word to know to look it up so I know this way is not the best or fastest but it works for me. My computer will underline any misspelled words so it's not too bad. And you know what, all we want to do is hear from you. Spelling does not matter here, but I know how you feel.

This same thing happened to me. I got my first fill and now I can barely eat, like just after the surgery. :lb4: I hope all of the upcoming fills will do it for you!!

:lb4: You still have plenty of time to lose your weight.

Don't you love how we can share "crap"like this! Hope everything comes out OK... Why the colonoscopy if I may ask? Is this just routine? I thought you were way too young to be doing this.

I use some sort of protein shake when I am really in a pinch. I know we shouldn't rely on these and I don't very often. I keep a few in my car so if I have no options all I need is a cup of ice and walah...lunch, dinner or snack!!

Isn't he wonderful!! What great thought he put into you. Sounds like a keeper!!

Hi Trina, I was wondering where you've been, seriously I was going to PM you today to make sure you were allright. I'm sure you are just busy. Now this post...ROCKS. It is one-stop shopping for all of us. It reminds us of all the little but also "huge" rules we must follow to be successful. Thanks Michelle, again!!

Belated Happy Birthday ! I think you should be pleased with how little cake you had. Think of how much you would have eaten before the band. :lb10: :lb24:

We all long for this day. I can't wait to have to ask for a cushioned seat at a restaurant because the chair is too hard. I'm not sure my bum will ever get too little padding though, it's a family thing!! What a great NSV Nicole. :lb10: You've lost alot of weight and are an inspiration to all of us Thanks for posting.

Great info!!

I lived on fudgesicles and the like when I was on the creamy liquids phase. I found the Haagen Daz raspberry sorbet and vanilla yogurt pops my favorite!!

Thanks so much Stacey. I to am a nurse, sometimes I thinks that's my problem!!! I take a whole slew of meds and am on Cymbalta after trying many, many different types of this type of med. I was happy to read your post though because yes this is a huge change for me and I do tend to get cranky during times of change. It has been noticably different though since the band, and you are right on with your comments. Thank you so much for those of you that replied so soon. Gotta go to work for now.......I'm putting on my happy face and trying to not snarl as I go out the door!!!

Great advice Michelle. I'll do that after I decide what flavor I like.

Since my first fill I can only eat 2-4 bites and then I am full. This may or may not change because I was filled only 10 days ago, your surgery date I believe. Anyway as previous posters have said somehow because it takes so long to eat that amount and the chewing involved you really do feel like you are eating more. Yes I am having a hard time in my head because my head wants me to eat like I used to, but my body won't let me. That's the beauty and I hope eventually I'll just not long for the large portions I once could put away. This is a process and part of that is giving up our old unhealthy styles of eating. Don't be scared as everyone here is so supportive and explains things so well it really has helped me to understand this whole process. Best to you and I hope you are doing well. How's the creamy soup stage going? Have you found a favorite one to keep you happy, happy girl?

Since I have been banded I am having some serious mood swings. Last night at work I felt like I wanted to explode as I was having a very stressful night and before I knew it my mouth had sort of spewed words that I normally wouldn't have. I totally embarrassed myself. It was probably not as bad as I thought but then I just couldn't get it out of my mind. To make peace I then went to the candy machine and bought about 7 or 8 things for my co-workers. Of course I ate a few peanut butter m&M's but not the whole package or 2 like I used to. I then cried off and on for an hour and came home feeling terrible. I imagine it's food withdrawal but I hate how I feel inside. I also am suffering from some sort of 2 week PMS hell, no no happy blessings just menopause rearing it's ugly head again. Thanks for letting me vent. I am just dreading going to work today. I feel like "CRAP"!! But as I post frequently... mama always said "This too shall pass". I need to heed my own advice!!

I was wondering about these differing sizes as well. I do think the fills though are as varied as we all are, no magic number whether it's a 4 or 10 cc band from what I've read.

I just ordered some of these. I got 1 of each flavor, total 8 to try and see which flavor I like. They were $2.99 each. I just googled "Profect" and the website came up. I looked around and didn't find a better price, plus you get a 15% discount. Of course shipping is another thing, $12.00!! I am too lazy right now to go out and try to find them at stores here. I'm sure they are around but this for me was easy. I'll post when I try them as to which flavors I like. I read some great reviews and of course some ones that said they don't taste that great. We all have different tolerance levels of what we can swallow in the name of health.

:lb13: :lb10: :lb24: :lb21: Erin I am so happy for you!!

Wow from Wills description I want to see "Gettysburg" too!! History is not my strong point but picturing those men.....It gave me goosebumps!!

You've had such great results, don't be too down on yourself. Stress is a perfect reason to eat for us emotional eaters. I totally understand. As others have said you may need a fill or simply to just get back on track with a plan for eating, the bandster rules. How much can you eat before you get full? Do you chew thoroughly ? Do you eat fast? These are some of the questions that will help you determine if you do inded need afill. Only 1 in 2 years is awesome with such great success for you. Be gentle with your spirit and do what you need to do to feel better about yourself!! :lb19: you've had this pain in your life. As mama always said..."This too shall pass". Believe it.

I'd be happy to have them. Anyone else though? I don't want to be greedy.