Hiiiii everyone :biggrin:.... soooo, I told my husband 10 days ago that I wanted to have LAP-BAND® surgery in Mexico...he said NO WAY...so...I took my savings (it's ok, I'm the breadwinner around here), and went ALONE...was banded 5 days ago. I'm only about 40-50 pounds overweight so I'm sure nobody will question my weight loss...besides my unsupportive husband, only my BFF knows, and she's far far away...I am pretty isolated and have so many fears and concerns, so I thought I would reach out to you all...since I've been reading this board all day obsessively.

1. Please don't tell me you feel sorry for me that I can't tell anyone...I don't feel that way, I could tell people and I'm sure I would find some support but I have chosen to keep this to myself. My family members are all total health nuts and would disapprove and I really don't feel like being subjected to their judgement.

2. I've been really good about clear liquids, juices, broth...all week and I am starting to go crazy and crave real food again...did anyone else feel this way and did anyone CHEAT? Cuz I just ate a nacho and a bite of a cookie...I KNOW...BAD...somebody keep me on track!

3. The gas and shoulder pain are starting to go away, but I have no energy and I am really just wanting to take a nap. ??? Does this get better?

4. I can REALLY feel my port, it's still pretty swollen and bruised in that area, but I'm afraid it will stick out...doctor told me post surgery that it would...yikes! I didn't know that...I'm into surfing so that's really going to BLOW if it hurts to paddle out on my board :huh2: Is there anyone out there who surfs?? :cool: I mean :thumbup: I really hope I didn't make a big mistake.

5. I AM HUNGRY!!!!

Ok, that's all for now...please write back!!!

Storm

PS- Due to the SECRET nature of my little escapade across the border, I probably won't be posting any pics but by private email if I happen to make some friends.

I am 10 days post op and when I feel like having more than liquid I have a popsicle and that helps, especially the fudgsicle. The gas pain does go away, I found that gas-x helped. That is what people recommened to me and a heating pad. Good luck!

Hi! I'm a lower starting weight person, too. I was banded 1/11/10 and was 181#. I had my second fill yesterday for a total of 4.0 in the band and I now weigh 170. It is not a cure all, I'm hungry a lot. I'm 5-3 and should weigh about 130. I'm a 50 year old tennis player and my knees are going-- that was my primary reason for banding. I paid cash in the LA area. NOT 1 800 get slim.... I live in So Cal by the beach with all the skinny, pretty people. You are probably younger than I am (the surfing has me guessing that) but I'm just a bit ahead of you in band time, so email me privately if you want more info about my first 7 weeks. Good luck. I'm feeling like it was money well spent even this early.

My email is groupoften@aol.com. My first name is Jan.

Hola Chica lol....just kidding! I think its awesome that you had the balls to go and get want you wanted! A lot of people , me included, would never be so brave. And I think its a good choice to keep it from peole until you are ready. I mean why have to deal with haters! I really really wish I had limited who I told! All I can say is congrats and good for you! Ps the swelling will go down, but it takes some time. I couldn't sleep on my stomach for a good month after, and now its like nothing.

Congrats to you. No pity here...I think it takes balls to make a huge decision like this all on your own.

As far as cheating goes...I don't think we can look at it as cheating. I think that we defeat ourselves by doing that. If you're going to eat...eat some protein. A good piece of cheese or turkey product will go a long way.

I too can feel my port but am unable to see it. You'll know when to make adjustments so that you don't feel it so much...good luck with the surfing. :biggrin:

Remember that your body just went through a tramatic experience...give yourself time to rest and heal. Take that nap without guilt. Just know that in the next week or two it will be time to get back at it. :thumbup:

Best of luck and keep us posted.

Good for you...ALWAYS do whats best for you...and only YOU know that! Yes I surf and the port is no problem yet but I am still 30 pounds overweight...5"4" and 175. It does stick out...I see it in the mirror especially if I have my arms up like blowdrying or whatever...but it never bugs me. There's lots of soft stuff under it even if youre skinny to let it sink into when you lay on a hard surface...that's what my doc said. I had asked about the surfing and since I got banded in LA apparently its a common question and he said he has not had any patients with a problem with it!

Oh my word..I told only my sister. I also talked with my husband and he said JUST EXERCISE. so i did it without telling him. however he did find out when he saw my scar 4 months later, at that point I had lost 35 pounds. I told him I did it for me and he's been great ever since. Still I have told no one, just the 2 of them know it. good luck