So this is my first entry. Hello fellow LapBanders! I was just banded on Tues July 15, 2008, so that was 5 days ago. I am on this full liquids diet thing and I've lost 10 lbs so far. I can't believe I really am doing this thing. I started at 304 lbs when I came home from the hospital on Wed. I'm down to 294. I'm convinced this is only because I am drinking everything. Not that I doubt my ability to succeed on this, but just being realistic. The weight loss will slow down as soon as I start on my mushy foods. The pain wasn't too bad for me. The gas, on the other hand, was horrendous! I mean, I could hear the gas rumbling around in my stomach, from the outside. I guess in all this surgery stuff, I seemed to have forgotten that I am SEVERELY lactose intolerant. What do they have you on after surgery? Milk, milk, and more milk!! The Boost Protein shakes (lactose free) were disgusting and I honestly liked the Carnation Instant Breakfast better (full lactose). So, I bought some Lactaid, and I am a brand new person. Together with the infant gas-x drops, I don't have to sing that song anymore.

So five days in, and I'm still alive. The hardest part is convincing my mind that I'm not hungry, and recognizing when my stomach is telling me when I'm full. I can't eat anything right now, so it's not an issue, yet. Any suggestions from anyone who happens across my rambling, please feel free to email me at alicianhooper@yahoo.com. I'm a firm believer that we are all in this together and to hell with those people that said that weight loss surgery is the "easy" way out. They obviously have never had to struggle with anything. This is a life change, a tool, and I rather do this than do nothing and die because I ate myself into an early grave. (Sorry, just felt a little emotion right then.)

God bless and thanks for reading,

Alicia:wink2:

Hi Alicia,

I was also banded Tuesday the 15th. I am very tired of liquids and am thinking constantly of mushies and what I want to have on July 29th when I get to have them. I have lost 11 pounds so far, and that is great motivation, but I still feel pretty miserable. I'm not in pain at all. I just feel weak, hungry, and nauseous. I can't make myself choke down a protein shake, but I know that is what I have to do to make myself feel better. Hang in there. You're right. . . we're all in this together. Pen

Oh, I meant to add. . I also love the instant breakfast. That helps.

Hey Pen,

Thanks for stopping by. Wow, you have to stay on liquids until 7/29? My doc only gave me 1 week. I feel you though, I am tired and hungry. A girlfriend told me I should talk to my doc bc I shouldn't be hungry. I don't know. I'm going to call on Monday, just to make sure I'm not having a fit

Anyway, best of luck to you also!