Purpleshell

I don't know what is happening to my posts. Well the first one I lost as my husband asked to look at something on the Net in the middle of it and then closed it I then wrote another one and its not here! I had my first fill (2cc) yesterday and it went very well- painless. Dr. told me to be on liquids for 48 hours and then resume normal foods. I'm feeling a little more restriction but not in the same place as the last couple of weeks. Its more in my upper chest and throat?! I also now know where my port is I don't know why I thought it was directly under one of my incisions! Its makes more sense now why the area where the port is has been a little more tender than the rest of my tummy. I can't feel it unless I push quite hard down onto my stomach though. I really hope I lose some more weight now. The scales have been up and down with the same kilo for over a week now I need to exercise more too! DaleJR88- thats an amazing loss- well done! This is my support group! I would love to meet other bandsters however there are no support groups where I live and everyone who is banded keeps it to themselves. I think theres a girl in my office thinking about it as she started talking about the lap band the other day and knew how long the waiting list was at the local hospital. I think she might suspect I had more done then just my gall bladder out too Hope you are all well and everyone keeps losing!

Thanks for this honk. I will try it as I am quite hungry. Why do you have to wait 5 hours before you can eat again? My Dr. hasn't told me anything like this. All he said was liquids for 48 hours

Thanks for posting this. I've just had my first fill today and I'm STARVING! I feel like I have restriction in my throat and upper chest but my stomach is growling like crazy! I've just eaten 2 bowls of Soup without too much difficulty and have stopped but I think I could eat more. My Dr. only put in 2.5 cc's. He told me at surgery that he had put in 2cc, so I'm guessing I'm at 4.5 now. I have no idea what size band I have, I forgot to ask. He also told me that he likes to "fill" slowly and that I might not notice too much difference until the 3rd fill. I hope I lose this month though. I've stagnated for the last 2 weeks and want to see those numbers on the scale go down again!! lol

I was banded on the 6th Dec too subpoptart and Lori. I'm back to normal foods now and feeling hungry often. My Dr said I would get a fill at the next visit and hope to make it there Thursday. The surgery is 1.5 hours drive away and I don't like driving there by myself- its a big city compared to were I live I'm trying to keep my portions small and also trying to fill up on proteins first. I know I need to exercise more and have just started using the Wii fit again- bit boring though. I also have the Dance game but I'm just too uncoordinated for that one at the moment Maybe I should try the Zumba game? Looks great but I think I lack the talent! I'm looking forward to the first fill but nervous too.

I was nauseous a couple of times during my hospital stay. As soon as I felt it I called the nurse/Dr whoever was around and they gave me anti nauseous drugs immediately. I didn't throw up at all and still haven't. I was banded on the 6th Dec and feel great. I also have hypothyroidism and hope my medication will be drastically reduced from losing weight. I'm also doing this for my family and for ME! (I have 2 little ones). Good luck with your decision.

More new bandsters for Dec- Yeah and welcome! I've been away on holidays and a fantastic time relaxing on the beach and then taking the kids to see the snow (indoor ski centre). That's the closest we get to snow here in the Middle East I was very pleased with myself as I didn't overeat, even thought the buffet breakfasts were amazing. I was full very quickly and made good food choices and have to continued to lose- which is amazing. I'm loving the fact that I can get back into all my old clothes and now can't wait for them not to fit Yes Melissa its normal to feel very sore. It probably hasn't helped that you were dry heaving as it would put more strain on your stomach muscles. I hate morphine. They gave that to me for my 2 c-section and I was a mess. When I saw the anesthetist this time, I said please DO NOT give me morphine. I don't know what pain relief I was given in hospital but it was great and I left with a packet of Paracetamol in the tablet form and took them for about 3-4 days after surgery. Congratulations on your weight loss and the pain will go away and you'll feel back to your normal self very soon. Happy New Year Everyone! Just think, this time next year we'll all be different looking people

Thanks for the link Kookeygirl. I'm def going to try the honey. I have some in my cupboard. Its excellent for all sorts of things but didn't know it could be used for scars.

It's 3 weeks today since I was banded! Yeah!! I'm now back to eating normally again, but I quite like the protein shakes and broth so will continue to have them when I'm hungry I think my port is in the middle too but I'm like HeatherinCA and not really sure. I'm still itching like crazy. Its where the plaster strips were and not the actual incisions. I removed the plaster strips ages ago so not sure why there's still a mark. I sometimes have an allergic reaction to band-aids if I leave them on too long, so maybe that's what has happened. I'm off on a short holiday break today and plan to stay on track with my diet. Love the photo EquusEMS. It looks SO cold though. When we are on our holiday we hope to take the girls to the indoor ski and snow park. That's the closest to the real thing here My 2 girls are wanting to see snow so badly at the moment. I think its all the Christmas movies they've been watching. Congrats to all the new bandsters!

How long after surgery did you wait before swimming in a pool or at the beach? I'm 3 weeks post op and heading for a beach holiday tomorrow. I would love to go for a swim in the pool or at the beach but unsure. My incisions have nearly completely healed. Two have a small scab on them but the others are just red and itchy. I will check with the Dr but wanted to hear your thoughts and/or experiences on it too. Thanks!

Jess55- I had a problem with my left arm after surgery. All around my thumb and index finger were numb for about a week. It was horrible. I also had a sore back. Apparently it was a pinched nerve in my back from the way I was positioned during surgery. Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas day (of those who celebrate). I did very well considering my usual. I gave myself a couple of treats- a tiny piece of christmas cake and a glass of wine. The rest was healthy Turkey and vegetables I'm officially back to a normal food tomorrow! Well normal as in low fat, low carb and chew chew chew!! I'm feeling more hungry as the days go by but still eating very little compared to what I used to eat. I think I will need a fill at my 1 month check up. My Dr. said his fills are very small and takes up to 3 months to notice a real difference. I'm happy with my progress so far so don't mind. My scars are still itching like crazy and its 3 weeks tomorrow. They're healing very well though and I hope to go swimming soon. Its great reading everyone's experiences. It really helps! Thanks!

Check with your Dr. but I haven't had a problem swallowing any pills. The Dr sent me home with Panadol and Vit B tablets. I also have 2 cc's in my band. And yes its not fun being bound up with a sore tummy. I wish I had taken something and still need to get something to make things easier and its nearly 3 weeks post op.

I'm sorry to hear this as its awful to have your dream shattered, but it maybe a blessing in disguise. You never know what's around the corner. I hope you find a career that is very rewarding and just right for you in every way.

I was banded on Dec 6th and will be back to normal food on Monday. I've started to eat "normal food" again, e.g. Today I ate Turkey and very well cooked vegetables and chewed it up really well. (The vegetables were pretty much mushy ). I even allowed myself a little Christmas cake and a glass of wine! I am still shocked in how little I can actually eat. I usually eat all day on Christmas day and feel stuffed and sick. Today I ate just the right amount and felt great! Who knows why all these Dr's have us on different diets. I guess their experiences are different and hopefully they are only looking out for our best interests. I've lost about 26 pounds since surgery and feel really good. So will continue doing what my Dr tells me and of course common sense.

I'm like you Vickyd. I'm going to try and not weigh myself for the next week. I've also started on more normal food this week- not so mushed up and not losing like I did the first two weeks. I need to put more exercise into my routine too. I've been very slack and the only exercise I'm getting is strolling around the shopping centers buying Christmas presents. I wouldn't have a clue about my calorie intake. I've never been one to count calories and don't want to start now. I've only been eating whole foods and in very small portions, so I wouldn't think it was too much. I love the way my clothes are fitting me too They are so much more comfortable Can't wait to go down another size as I might actually be able to find clothes that fit in any shop. I'm really enjoying walking around the shop and looking in the windows of clothes stores and thinking "I'll be able to go in there soon and actually buy something!" I know that my new fix will be clothes and no longer food. Keep up the great work everyone.

I'm newly banded, so using tea tree oil to keep the incisions clean and to aid in the healing process and I am also using Vitamin E oil. I will also try other recommended creams when I heal more.

This sounds awful and I really hope I don't have any complications. I wish you all a speedy recovery in fixing this problem. I was lap banded on the 6th. I actually really don't know where my port is. I think its about an inch above my belly button as I can feel something harder under my skin?? I had never heard of the realize band before so googled it and read that in Oct the company who makes the realize band were recalling their product.. I'm not trying to scare you all and they say its not a health risk but thought you had the right to know. I know this can happen with the lap band too and its just one of those things that happens to some but it's interesting to read and be aware. I've added the link below FYI: "In the extremely rare instance when tube kinking occurs at the Injection Port, the physician might be unable to adjust Fluid volume within the gastric band, which may require additional surgery to correct." Realize band

I love my morning coffee! I didn't think I was allowed to drink coffee from reading all the posts here pre op. The day after my surgery I was still only allowed to sip Water and by lunchtime I cried. I just wanted something with taste, broth would have been fine. So the nurse called the Dr and he ordered me a coffee! I was so surprised but didn't argue. It was the Dr's orders after-all! I enjoy my morning coffee everyday and don't feel guilty about it.

Oh that's terrible. I was banded on the 6th Dec and have 2cc in my band and didn't have any of the difficulties you are experiencing. I'm able to eat just about anything- but I'm still sticking to mushies and liquids and feel hungry about every 2 hours! I'm also still having the Protein shakes as I like them and they fill me up for a little longer. I hope you Dr. can fix this asap. It can't be good for your band or you. Good luck!

I was allowed to shower the day after surgery. Just before I went home from the hospital. I was allowed to wash my hair too. My steri strips are all off and the one stitch I had is out. I think the stitch was for my gall bladder, although I have no idea really. I'm not even sure where my port is, as I have 2 incisions that feel tender and can feel something under both of them Maybe ones scar tissue? I'm healing well and can recommend Tea Tree oil to heal the wounds. Tea Tree oil is fantastic and also kills any bacteria on the skin. It also gets rid of the sticky marks from any plaster that you may have. Pamalamadingdong- I know what you mean about gaining during "that time of the month". I think I will stay away from the scales for the next week so I don't get discouraged. Does anyone know when we can go swimming? We are going for a short break next week to the beach and there is also a very inviting pool there. I will check with my Dr. but wanted to hear what you have been told.

Wow its so interesting what we're being told to eat and not eat. Thanks for posting what you're Dr's have told you. It helps me make decisions and not feel so bad. Glad to see another overseas bandster on here too- ckeely I'm day 13 post op today and still rather scared to eat anything with lumps, even though I've been told by week 4 I'll be back on normal foods. I'm still blending all my food, but letting my soups become a little thicker. For lunch today I'm eating an avocado and plain yoghurt dip that I made and using an oat cracker to dip into it. I'm biting off the smallest amount of the cracker at a time and chewing it to a pulp What I really miss is washing my food down with a drink. My Dr. didn't really go into this but from what I've read on here its not the best idea. I'm staying away from rice, potatoes, corn and pasta due to the high carbs. I lost a lot of weight years ago by eliminating these from my diet, so I thought I would give myself a head start and do it again. I haven't been told to by my Dr. but I know it makes sense for me. I don't want to live forever without these in my diet if I don't have too though. I'm on holidays now, so have to really watch myself. HeatherinCA- I think you'll be fine in Vegas. There will be so many other things to distract you I have a friend who was banded over a year ago now, but she said buffet were the best for her as she could eat small amounts and go back to the buffet but over a longer period of time. A set meal was harder for her to eat. I guess you'll just have to have a tiny spoonful of a lot of things- just for the taste Have a great time. Anyone rewarding themselves for their losses? I usually always reward myself with food. So now I have decided that for every 7-10 kilos (14-22lb) I will buy myself some clothes a size smaller. I don't want to buy too many as I hope to not fit them for too long, but thought it would be a more suitable reward than food. What are you doing?

Fantastic!! I can't wait to be saying the same thing one day. Thanks for sharing your wonderful news!

Thanks everyone for your input. It makes me feel better to know that what I'm being told here isn't too far off what you're doing over there. Thanks Joan for the reminder re: bubbly. The restaurant we are going to on Christmas day has bubbly included. I will just order a glass of wine from the menu instead Has anyone tried fine breakfast Oats with skim milk yet? I need the fibre IYKWIM but forgot to check with my Dr. My Dr is very pleased with my efforts so far and said the weight I've lost so far is "on the house" and not due to the band. I've lost 9 kilos since the day of my surgery ( thats nearly 20 lb) The real weight loss will be noticed after my 3rd fill apparently. He told me that he will only gradually add to fill to my band and I won't notice much restriction until the 3rd fill. I was a bit disappointed hearing this at first, as I've read that many people's first fill is a big one but happy now and glad to be taking it slow. Glad to hear people are recovering well and feeling much better. Thank you for all your support!

My gas pains disappeared Day 4- thankfully as I can't buy gas x where I live. I hope yours goes soon Amy. Heat pads and walking helped too and I'm sure managing to sleep on my left side helped. I know if you need to get rid of wind, if you lay on your left side it will come up, so maybe this helped me too??? I live overseas (Middle East) and things are often done differently here. So, I would love to hear what your Dr's are saying about your diet. I'm on a liquid diet for 2 weeks which includes homemade Soups with lots of Protein, diet yoghurt and fresh juices. Week 3 I'm allowed the soups to become a little thicker and introduce more pureed food and then week 4 he said I should be able to eat normally again! Which will be one day short of Christmas day!! What are your Dr's telling you? And- Is anyone allowed a glass of wine (alcohol) on Christmas Day? I haven't asked as this is a muslim country and my Dr is also Muslim. I don't want to offend anyone or let them think I'm an alcho lol I was thinking that 1 glass might be OK but not sure. What are your opinions on this?? I will be nearly 3 weeks banded by that stage. Thanks!

Oh No!! I have just been banded and had my gall bladder removed and was hoping my extreme bloating during ovulation and periods would settle down and not get worse!! During "O" I often have more pain than my periods and lasts a few days before and after, so I know what you are describing but yet to know if it will affect me now with the band. I guess I'll find out after my first fill in Jan or maybe in a couple of more days If you find a solution please post and please let us know if those Water pills work. I've never heard of them before, so thanks for sharing.

Day 8 post op for me I'm back at work and doing fine. A bit tired tonight, but they maybe due to the late nights and early mornings. I was able to sleep on my side with a pillow wedged under my belly on night 4 I think it was. It took a huge effort, but the next day I felt great and my gas pains had disappeared. We had our work Christmas Luncheon today. AHHHH!! I had some watery broth which they called Asparagus Soup and a fresh orange/strawberry juice. I am still hungry! I also ate my soup and Protein shake for morning tea and didn't seem to hit the sides I can't wait for some real food I can chew! When I eat and do feel full I still have this empty growling feeling in my tummy. Anyone else experiencing this. I have a tightness in my chest but still feeling hungry. Is this how its going to feel forever? Speedy recovery to the newly banded.