Welcome, steelers fan and fbridges. It is so inspiring to hear that you both have done so well. I think my eyes are wide open as to what I expect from my surgery. I'll be using it as a tool to help me meet my goals. I've set a size goal. I would like to be back into a size 14 pants. It's been about 8yrs since I was that size. I had lost weigh with Weight Watcher's and slowly let it slip back. I watched the scale go up and up and up, and didn't do anything to stop it. I have beat myself up for it and hated myself, but no more. I'm going into this with a positive attitude realizing that I may stumble but I won't let myself fall into unhealthy habits again. I have two bad knees and I very much want to get back to being active. My husband is retired now and I really want to be able to golf with him now and then.
Thanks or the good advice about taking a pillow for after surgery. I'll be sure and do that.
Seems like we all have some goals to meet. Let's begin.

Hi all,

I was Banded on July 27th. So far, so good. I'm on pureed foods now and about to progress to soft. I'm eating 3 very small meals and 1 snack. I'm on around 700-900 calories a day, right now. I figure that will increase to 1000-1200 a day, once I begin eating real solid food. So far, I'm down 20lbs. from June 21st when I had my preop consult with my doctor. The 2 week liquid protein diet was a challenge for me, but I made it through and only had a bit of real food a couple of times. I must have done pretty well, as my surgeon said I had a very clean liver for a bariatric patient.
I'm loving my Lap Band. I know it's fairly new, but I definitely feel some restriction with it, and I'm able to stick to my food schedule with no hunger and no cravings. I've been very good with sticking with my program, as I do not want to cause myself any problems. I have had zero nausea or vomiting issues, so far. Twice, I think I took one or two bites over what I should have and I had an uncomfortably full feeling, but other than that, I've been trying to eat slowly with small bites and look for the feeling of having had enough. It's a subtle feeling, but I'm starting to recognize it. I'm very determined to make this work for me. I'm happy and excited so far and thinking that this will be my ticket to success. I know it won't be easy as time goes along and that's why I'm trying to be more faithful about signing onto My Fitness Pal and keeping a log of my diet and exercise and achievements.
If any of you have some really good high protein recipes that have become your favorites, I hope you will share them.
I'm making lasagna today with no noodles. I'm using lean ground beef, ground turkey and ricotta and parmesan cheeses as my protein source. I may still have to puree it a bit this time around but I'm making enough that I will have 3 servings to freeze. I've also heard that a lot of Bandsters make muffin tin meals and then freeze them individually. I'm going to try that with a vegetable quiche recipe that I have.
Have a wonderful day.

Deb