HI I'M A MAY BANDER!

I'M LOOKING FOR SOME ADVICE FROM MY FELLOW BANDERS! I HAD MY LAP BAND ON MAY 31 2005. ITS BEEN ABOUT 2.2 WEEKS AND I LOST 22 POUNDS. I'M AT THE END OF MY LIQUID DIET AND I'M GETTING HUNGERY. I REALLY DISLIKE THE PROTEIN SHAKES, VERY TIRED OF JELLO AND ICE POPS! DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? I DON'T KNOW ANYONE WHO'S HAD THE BAND SO I DONT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.

I just wanted to reply to you Crystal - I'm a RNYer, so I'm not sure what I can give to you as far as advice goes! Keep posting, though - there may be another bander here somewhere!!

Hi, Congratulations on your loss! I am a bandster, have been banded for a little over 2 years, down 115lbs. If you are at the end of your liquid stage, you should be moving on to mush foods. Refried beans, tuna, chix salad (pulsed in food processor until no big chunks), are all good for protien. Just about anything you can get mushy in a food processor will be good for you as far as your soft stage. Just remember to take it slow. A fantastic board for Bandsters is the yahoo group for Dr. Rodriguez. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Dr-Rodriguez-bandsters/ They have answers for almost any question you have. It's a great resource. Good luck, and if I can answer anything else, just let me know. Kim in RI

Hi Crystal I was banded the day before you so am at the same stage - have been having lots of blended up foods, chicken, tuna, vegies and fruits. Just have it mushy and move slowly to not so mushy. I have not had a problem with anything so far and down 16kg (approx 35lbs) including the pre-op loss of about 14lbs. There is also a bandster forum on this site - if you go to the main page it is in the search area - here is the link anyway:- http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/posts.html I have had heaps of help from here and also from this board - everyone has been very welcoming and have received some great advice. Good luck and enjoy the journey! Wendy

Hi Crystal, I was banded on 5/5/05 and have just graduated to the pureed food stage for 4-weeks. I too am tired of the jellos, puddings, popsicles, etc. I have found a protein shake that I do love and have every day making sure I get 60+ grams of protein just in my shake. If you haven't already, try the Nectar-Fuzzy Navel flavor with some crystal light in it. It's great tasting if you like peaches, oranges, etc. I have lost 42 pounds so far, exercise daily and have deviated from the meal plan every so slightly. I have had lots of cream soup and even tempted myself with some crackers with success. I have had some peanut butter (small dabs on a spoon) and am enjoying cottage cheese with applesauce right now. Keep up the great work ... you'll find those foods that work best for you. Keep Loosen My Friend, Cathy (Skinny Minnie)