JenniferJS

Hi Jude: For the lunch, it was probably 1 and 1/2 cups total of food. The fish was probably half a fillet, now that I think of it. It all fit in a very small pyrex bowl. It definitely wasn't a full cup of rice - I just didnt see an option on that site to track less than one cup. As for the broccoli, it was about 5 oz. I put .5 of a serving because it was giving me an option of a 10oz package as a serving...so I just put .5 (half) of that. Does that still seem like a lot? As for dinner, about the same as my portions above but maybe closer to two cups. I have not had a fill. It was my 2nd day of solids since surgery. I appreciate your thoughts....thanks...

Okay - I googled "cod fish fillet protein content." I get varying grams...from 19-22g of protein. So it's not 41g like sparkpeople says. So if I take off say 40g from 124g - I'm at 84g for the day. That sounds more reasonable, right? And my point remains, 84g is more than enough without the protein bullets/supplements, am I correct? I'm appreciating this dialogue, for sure...thanks....

Okay, Mona and all...I wish I was on my Mac at home, I could just take a screen shot and post it here but here is the copy and pasted info: I did double check the serving sizes as you all suggested. The only thing I screwed up on was the broccoli (it gives you like 10 oz package or __ grams or something....like who eats their broccoli in 10 oz 'packages'?? I just put .5 versus 1 serving of the broccoli. That brought my total protein grams down from 134 to 124. As for the broccoli, I didn't measure but it was maybe 5 oz? I do have a scale and will measure from now on. As for having fish twice in one day and it being considered excessive....what about if I have fish for lunch and chicken for dinner...the protein values cannot be that hugely different, can they? If so, please enlighten me! Here is the low down on yesterdays food. Also, 1 fillet....is that excessive? I may have had 3/4 of the filet, to be honest. And defintely not 1 cup of rice...more like 1/2 to 3/4 but didn't have that option to change that I think. Even with deducting a few grams here and there for that slightly reduced amount of food...it is still ALOT of protein. Please give me your thoughts! Thanks!! :) Slim Fast Rich Chocolate Royale (1 can), 1 serving 10g protein Cod (fish), 1 fillet 41g protein White Rice, long grain, 1 cup 4g protein Broccoli, frozen, 0.5 package (10 oz) 4g protein Cod (fish), 1 fillet 41g protein White Rice, long grain, 1 cup 4g protein Broccoli, frozen, 0.5 package (10 oz) 4g protein Frigo Light String Cheese, 1 oz 8g protein Frigo Light String Cheese, 1 oz 8g protein 124g protein for the day Jennifer

Hello.. I started tracking everything I'm consuming on sparkpeople.com and it gives you a pretty accurate idea of what you are getting in terms of calories, protein, fat, carbs... I read another post about how we americans tend to consume WAY too much protein to begin with. Apparantly we need about 50-60 grams of protein a day (it varies if you are male, female, vigorously working out, etc). I thought...oh okay, I need to get supplemental protein thru these bullets or whatnot! But in reality, even on my first and second days of solids, I'm getting TONS of protein (if that site is correct with it's numbers) with just normal eating, nothing supplemental. Just yesterday I had a slimfast shake in the morning. For lunch and then again for dinner: a small filet of baked fish, broccoli, white rice. For snacks (a no-no I know) I had two low fat string cheese servings at different times during the day. With just that and no supplements - I had a whopping 134 grams of protein, folks!!! And 1,410 calories. (not bad on calories, I thought even tho I'm trying to keep them at 1200 - that is the reccommendation, right?) Okay bandsters.....What are you thoughts on this? Did you think what I ate would add up to 134 grams of protein? More than double what I need??? I certainly do not need the bullets. I could see needing them when I'm super tight after a fill and getting hardly any solids down, but in general....

Okay, cool...thanks for the info! Jennifer.

Great post, thanks for sharing, Chopper. Just because you are new (like I am) doesn't mean you can't share your experiences. Your input is just as valuable to me as the long term bandsters. Keep us posted! Jennifer

I love how this forum is so dang supportive I'm so excited to have my band. BTW..the seroma issue I was having (grape sized knot under the scar) it gone. YAY! The fluid must have reabsorbed into my body. My scars are so minimal. Started using Vit E a few days ago. I probably could have started that sooner but I forgot. Now I'm using it faithfully. I need to remember my ticker password so I can update my weight loss to 15 lbs. Good luck everyone and know that I'm reading everything and even older posts just to get all the info I possibly can (tip, tricks, unforeseen issues, etc.) This is the best forum! Regards, Jennifer

I was told and given paperwork from the OCC that said coffee was fine (decaf or reg) with dairy free creamer. I was told fruit juices were fine (just dilute them some with water). Yogurt smooties and creamy soups are the only things you are really allowed during the later stages of the 21 day liquid diet. Your list is not quite accurate, I think. However, I'm pretty much a newbie...there are tons of much more experienced bandsters than I... I finish my 21 days of liquids this coming Monday. Good luck...this forum is a wealth of info! Jennifer

I'm scared when you say it takes so much work on my part. If I could do this work consistently, I wouldn't need the band. I'm glad it's all working out for you, tho! Great job!

The doughy cresent roll doesn't present gumming problems? I'm surprised. I have heard of this same recipe except omitting the cresent roll dough and cream cheese (basically making little mini omelettes in muffin pans) - what do you think about that guys? I need to try it before I go touting it, eh? lol Happy Saturday!

Glad you had a good experience. I am in West Palm Beach, FL and driving down to Margate (an hour south) to get my follow up care and fills. Where in FL are you?

I'm starting solids in 3 days and I'm sooo scared of everything you just wrote! I just know this scenario is going to happen...will be following this thread for sure... J.

Bebe - I'm getting sooo nervous about solids foods and either gaining or maintaining before my first fill (or maybe even 2nd fill) - But please know that your post here means sooo much. You are flawless, girl! You look amazing. So knowing that it took your 2nd fill to help with restriction and weight loss...it's a relief. I think all new bandsters are nervous that WE will be the one who fails - even with surgical intervention and a huge lump sum of money paid....Thanks again Bebe! You are giving me hope

I attended OA for years (on and off of course...never steady). It is a 3 part deal: physical, emotional and spiritual. I found it was helpful but I could never commit to the program. Getting a sponsor and reporting DAILY to the sponsor, turning everything over to a higher power, following a strict food plan (NO WHITE STUFF - i.e. flour, sugar...!!) - it was so hard for me. I was hoping the band would once and for all be my saving grace....but I know there is head-work to do still....it's scary...this journey I'm on...

My port is where the largest incision is, correct? That is fine. The tiny incision almost in between my breasts but below a bit....that has a knot. I'm pretty sure it is what I described above (seroma). I'm less worried now that I have read many people experience it. Sometimes it may have to be drained but often it just reabsorbs into the body. It is on a the other lap band forums left and right. Not sure why its not on the OCC forum more..but I maybe I didn't search correctly on this one.

Oh darlin...I wrote 2 letters (1 to my dear daughter and 1 to my sister and her family). I'm not close with my parents and my friends who knew what I was doing were told how I felt about them, what I wanted for my daughter, etc. It was very important that I got those letters written. I cried the whole time I hand wrote them. It was very freeing. I then bucked up, turned my thoughts to only GOOD ONES and had a wonderful experience travelling, having surgery and being in a foreign country. I was not alone, my bff went I couldn't wait to get home and tear up the letters I wrote and strategically placed to be found only 'if...' I am down 15lbs and on a wondeful amazing jouney. I get to hug my daughter every day and she gets to wrap her little arms around a skinnier me everyday....life is good. Like the other posters said, its completely normal to feel the way you do. I sooo sympathize with you!! My heart does go out to you. Know you will be well taken care of. I'm proud of you (even tho I don't 'know' you) :) BE WELL! BE HAPPY! Soon you will be back with your baby...let us know when you return! Jennifer

Yes!! Just a few weeks and the shoot is on! :) So exciting! As for the lump, I did some google searches and see that many people experience this after lap band and other surgeries. It is a seroma, I'm thinking. "A seroma is a pocket of clear serous fluid that sometimes develops in the body after surgery. When small blood vessels are ruptured, blood plasma can seep out; inflammation caused by dying injured cells also contributes to the fluid. The remaining serous fluid causes a seroma that the body usually gradually absorbs over time (often taking many days or weeks); however, a knot of calcified tissue sometimes remains. It may require visits to their doctor to have the seroma fluid drained. " Thanks all...

Why do you not have to be on any pre-op diet? I'm curious.. J.