blissa033

So I'm 5 weeks post-op and I've been experiencing really intense breast pain for the last few days. I don't know what it's related to OR if it's even related to the surgery. Basically, I stopped having periods when I hit 200 pounds a few years ago. I had an IUD put in because I was afraid my birth control pills weren't working as well as they could due to my weight. I gained quite a bit of weight from the time I had the IUD put in until my surgery date (about 50 pounds). Since surgery, I've lost about 28 pounds. Enough of my rambling. I'm wondering: * Has anyone experienced intense breast pain after surgery? Should I assume it's hormonal? Or should I get it checked out by my GYN? * For those of you that experienced a complete stop of periods due to weight, when did your periods return after surgery? How much weight should I expect to lose before my periods come back? I'm 25 year old female, by the way, with no history of breast or reproductive issues. Thanks all :-)

I'm 25 and relatively healthy (only co-morbid condition is PCOS). Aside from my weight, I don't have high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. However, I was SO NERVOUS about complications related to the surgery, particularly death. My surgeon explained to me that the complications for this type of surgery are very small. He also explained that continuing to have a significant weight issue actually had more risks than the surgery itself. Therefore,it was on that information that I decided to get the surgery done. At my highest weight prior to surgery, I was 280 lbs. at 5'6". I knew that it was only a matter of time before I developed some type of complication related to my weight. On my surgery day, I only remember going under anesthesia and then waking up in the recovery room! I feel amazing since getting the band! I'm making much healthier food decisions and I go to the gym everyday for an hour and a half. It's amazing to have people notice that I'm losing weight! What it comes down to is that I needed to weigh the benefits versus the risks. I realized in my case that the benefits definitely outweighed the risks. I had tried all conventional forms (and unconventional forms) of dieting. I knew that lap band surgery was the best option for me. Yes, there are risks, but in my opinion, living with extra weight carries more risks. Ultimately, you need to do what is best for you :-) But based on personal experience, I can say getting the lap band has been a wonderful decision.

I waited three weeks to have sex. Yes, it was difficult, but my incisions were still really sore and tender. I wanted to give myself enough time to heal first and foremost. Secondly, a lot of positions were really uncomfortable and my favorite position (being on top) really hurt. Our main focus for those three weeks was intimacy without sex (massages, kissing, cuddling, etc.). I would say you need to do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you're in pain, stop. There's a reason for pain; it's our bodies telling us that we need to chill. I would recommend avoiding positions that put pressure on your incisions or require excessive bouncing (and tell your partner to be especially careful of your port area). Otherwise, enjoy yourself :-) I do have to say, losing weight has definitely increased my confidence in bed!

I've always had a really hard time sleeping. It's mostly related to an anxiety issue (which I work with a therapist for). I've tried prescription drugs for sleep issues in the past but I hated how groggy they made me feel in the morning. I've tried Simply Sleep type of pills and they don't really work for me. Does anyone have any recommendations for over-the-counter sleeping pills that are safe for a bandster to take?

I've told selective family and friends. These people HAVE to be considered trustworthy in my eyes. It's not that I'm ashamed by my decision. I'm actually really happy about it. It's more that I'm still adjusting to a new lifestyle and I need support from people I trust; not judgments from people who may view the surgery as an "easy way out." It was slightly difficult going back to work having lost 20 pounds during the first two weeks post-op. I'm a teacher and my students definitely noticed. I just replied "Oh yeah, I've been watching what I eat and it's finally starting to show!" No one really questioned me too much after I said that. Ultimately, you need to do whatever you feel comfortable with. It's definitely important to have a good support system, in my opinion. Therefore, letting people you are close to in your life who will support you is a positive thing.

Congratulations! Keep up the good work! :-) You're an inspiration!

I am so fortunate to have people in my life who support my decision to get the band and have been nothing but encouraging and supportive. However, there are a few people who have really surprised me by their reactions to my weight loss thus far (24 pounds), my commitment to make healthier decisions, and not wanting to play the role of the "fat friend" anymore. I was talking to a friend of mine today who has been dieting and watching her weight. She started dieting around the same time I had surgery. Obviously, I've lost weight faster than she has because I just had surgery 3 weeks ago and I've been following the post-op diet. While she claims to be happy for me, I can tell that she feels threatened or is weirded out by my success. Today, I was telling her about my Pasta story and how I just can't tolerate it--and some of the foods bandsters have difficulty tolerating. I wasn't complaining about it--just sort of telling her. She replied, "Well, maybe you can just get the band taken out?" Maybe she didn't mean anything by this but it sort of hurt my feelings. I'm only 3 weeks post-op and someone is suggesting I should just have the band removed?! At another point in the conversation, she said again "You could try normal dieting and get the band removed." This person is someone who is very close to me. It just sort of hurts that instead of encouraging me to keep going and what not, she's implying that I should have surgery to remove the band when I'm obviously experiencing success with it. Prior to getting the band, I didn't always engage in healthy behaviors. I drank a lot and I could drink many of my guy friends under the table. My weekends would frequently involve getting drunk and eating horrible food (pizza, Chinese, etc.) after hitting up the bars. I'm not engaging in that behavior anymore and it seems to bother some of my friends. No longer will I be "the partner in crime" to get drunk with and eat terrible food. I'm making healthy decisions, which I think sort of forces them to look at their own behavior and consider if it's healthy. Unfortunately, as a result of the surgery, I've lost quite a few friends. I met many of my friends at bars and clubs--now it feels like we don't have much in common. Obviously I realize this is just a component of adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle. It just makes me sad.:-(

So prior to getting the band, I was addicted to Pasta. Loved it. Ate it almost everyday in huge portions. I'm 3 weeks post-op and allowed to start eating solid food. Of course, I went right for the pasta. I figured "It's soft..why would it be difficult with the band?" I knew it was a problematic food for a lot of bandsters but I figured I'd try it anyway. Big mistake. I ate the pasta carefully in small bites and chewed carefully. However, within about 3 bites, I was in AGONY. I can't even describe the pain. It felt like a lot of pressure. I felt the need to get up and walk around and take some deep breaths. Luckily, I didn't throw up and the pain eventually subsided. But it appears I just cannot tolerate pasta. I see many new bandsters like myself asking about pasta. Basically, the advice I would provide is to approach with caution. Some people can tolerate it and do fine with it. Others (like myself) just can't. I've learned that food tolerance is highly individual and no one can know for sure what they'll be able to tolerate. However, it's best to approach some foods with caution.

Sounds good, thanks :-) Yes, she has a very traditional view of weight loss. "Diet and exercise!" When I did mention WLS once, she started talking about all the other options I should be exploring versus having WLS. I tried explaining that to get to the point of requiring WLS, you HAVE tried everything.

I was banded on 12/23. I am currently on the pureed phase of my diet, gradually moving into soft food. (I've tolerated chili, refried beans, soft canned fruit, soups, etc.) A friend if mine (who I haven't told about being banded, she's sort of hardcore with nutrition and weight loss stuff) is having a birthday party tomorrow at a local tapas restaurant. Granted, tapas are great because they're small portions. However, after looking at the menu, I'm not sure if there's anything I can eat! If I don't go, I know she'll be upset. However, I don't want to go and not eat anything and draw attention to myself. I'm attaching a link of the menu. Can I get some opinions on what I might be able to eat? I was thinking rice pudding might be okay or the tortilla espanola (Spanish potato omelet with romesco sauce). I appreciate any help you can offer :-) http://www.ibizatapaswinebar.com/menu2.htm

I just dealt with the same thing recently. I am a bridesmaid in a wedding in May of this year and I was just banded on 12/23/10. The bride pressured me to order so I ordered a size 22 (I was a size 26 pre-op). I explained to the bride that there's no way I can predict what my size will be or what my weight loss will be after this surgery but she didn't seem to care, she just wanted me to order. When I ordered, I explained to the woman at David's Bridal that I am having weight loss surgery and I have no way to predict what size I will be. She was totally understanding and put a comment in the computer. She said my dress should be arriving by March and I can try it on then. She said they can take in dresses one to two sizes. If I require a smaller size, I should be all set as long as I let them know by March and they'll exchange my dress for a smaller size. I think if you explain to the people at David's Bridal what is going on, they will be accommodating. They must deal with this sort of stuff all the time. Best of luck. :-)

I have to agree with the other posters. How long are you chewing each bite? Are you taking small bites? At my support group meeting, they recommended using a baby sized fork and spoon to ensure that each bite is small enough. If you are able, maybe make an appointment with your dietician as well. I met with my dietician today and she cleared up a lot of issues for me. Best of luck :-) Hang in there!

Thanks everyone! :-) Happy New Year to my fellow bandsters! :-)

I was banded on 12/23 and I'm feeling great. My dietician just progressed my diet to pureed foods today! For New Years Eve, my friends invited me out to dinner and to watch the ball drop. It will be my first outing since being banded. On a pureed diet, options are pretty limited. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to order at the restaurant while doing the pureed diet? I was thinking maybe a side order of mashed potatoes? What about chili? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated :-)

So I was banded on December 23 (Christmas gift to myself!) I'm doing pretty well overall. I'm still a little bit sore but generally I'm feeling good. I am on stage 2 of my diet (Protein shakes plus clear liquids) which my surgeon told me to start on day 2 of post-op. I weighed myself yesterday for the first time to discover that I've lost 10 pounds since surgery! I was stunned! I figured I'd lose some weight...but 10 pounds seems huge! I weighed myself again this morning to discover I've lost 13 pounds total (3 more pounds since yesterday)! (I went into surgery at 270...I am now down to 257). I knew rapid weight loss was possible--but 13 pounds in 4 days?!?! I've been following the diet as recommended by my dietician--3 shakes a day with 2 scoops of whey protein plus other Clear liquids in between shakes. Has anyone else experienced such rapid weight loss? Do you remember how much weight you lost in the first week? The first month? I don't mind the Protein Shakes I'm on. However, I would love to get a little more creative with the shakes. For example, a chocolate shake blended with banana and Peanut Butter sounds so wonderful right now. Are we allowed to do that so soon after surgery? Or did you stick to plain old protein shakes? (I'm using Atkins Advantage shakes). What do you fellow bandsters use to spice up protein shakes? :-)