mandyb

I had alot of gas, and believe it or not I still do. I use gas x strips alot! Its normal. Also don't worry about using the bathroom. YOu have nothing solid in your body! WHat do you plan to come out! Well good luck on your journey!

GREAT QUESTION I found out before surgery I have a small heiatal hernia! Also found out that I have acid reflux! (NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT) I never had any symptoms...and occasional heartburn!!! And I mean occasional, maybe 2-3 times a year! Now that I had the Lap Band done, and I am eating solids I have such heart burn and it hurts like Hell to burp! I planned on callin the dr tomorrow! A friend of mine told me its alright to take the tums. Her dr told her to take 1500 mg each day! to help prevent heartburn! IF you hear anything let me know! THanks

THank you all for posting your blogs...I look forward to reading them...and commenting! Nice to be among people on here that are going through the same as me! I love this website! Its full of some really great info!

you should be taking chewables.... nothing bigger than a dime! And vitamins can be horse pills!!!

Rachel, I smoked for years...Granted I am young, but I also started smoking at a very very young age. I understand how difficult it is to quit smoking. I finally made the decision after my 2nd round of Pneumonia. I never though in my life would I have Pneumonia at the age of 28. I began the Chantix at the end of March and quit date was April 8th. I have been smoke free almost 9 months now! Rachel- you are only lying to YOURSELF! What makes you think you are ready for WLS if you are not ready to commit to quitting smoking! Honestly just think about it! You want to lose weight to be healthier; but yet you are still going to smoke! If you want read my blog below..Go to the begining April of 2010....read about my journey when I chose to make the changes for a healthier me! QUIT SMOKING!!!!! Good Luck!

I just recently got banded 12/6/10 At UMASS worcester! Dr.Kelly! I feel good overall. Nice to see others from Worcester area.!

that was me a few days ago...LITERALLY! LOL..

My first week of surgery I didn't go to the bathroom either! You really have nothing solid in your system to go! I would worry when your on solids and can't go! I suffered constipation this past week and it was AWFUL! 3 days I didn't eat....Mirolax worked wonders for me though! Good luck wiht your journey, Happy New Year

You know since surgery, i have little energy too. I feel like I can't keep up. I don't think my body is gettting enough! I am having my Protein, but I guess I really should keep better track of how many grams. I can't eat alot though. I am only able to take in about 2-3 oz in solids...but about 6 oz liquids..and then for 3 days I couldn't eat I was so constipated, thought I was going to be sick. I am having a hard time tolerating pork chops...and sometimes chicken. But what are good Vitamins to be taking> I take Calicum w/ vit D now...

I have to agree! i am addicted to both!

I am North Central too! Leominster/Fitchburg Area... Outside of Worcester!!!! Good Luck Monday. You will be fine! It is a bit of a long process but each hospital is different!!! Took me 8 months. My blog is below...I was banded on 12/6...best decision of my life! Happy New Year!

I had to do it for ME too! I have always been big...since my I had my daughter at 19...I had tried alot of things too..and I was able to lose about 20 lbs but plateau and then gain it back out of frustration. I am so happy about my decision for WLS. I had surgery just about 4 weeks ago and I am down almost 20 lbs... almost 5 lbs a week. I feel so GOOD! I haven't felt this good in a long time! I have so much energy! I had to quit smoking and really focus on making me healthier! I had my surgery done in UMASS in Worcester. Great team of Dr's...and really great support! It is nice to see someone from MA on here. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer..

are u from boston MA???? I havent seen anyone else on here from MA! My name is Mandy! I began my journey with the Lap Band (first intial visit was back in April 2010.) I was banded on 12/6. I was required to lose 15 before surgery! I am down almost 40 lbs and feeling really good! I began at 270 and have not been where I am now 230's since I had my son almost 6 yrs ago! I wish you the best of luck. My blog link is below! (Ever since I began my journey in April).... Please keep me posted!

I am going to have a drink tonight. Just one! I don't need much...Just enough to taste and toast with! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!

keep up the good work! Congrats to you!!!! Happy New Year!

Oh I don't know how many times I have cried through this journey! I don't know you, BUT I am really PROUD of you for taking care of yourself and making the choices to get you healthier and on track to adding more years onto your life! Its amazing what WE realize about ourselves when our lives are about to be turned upside down and inside out! Your post really inspired me and I know exactly how you feel because I felt the same. I find myself crying alot and its because honestly I feel like the outsider now, I used to turn to food for ALOT of different things! But i did what I had to do to get me healthier and keep me alive longer for my children! I think alot of us who are on this journey have shed many tears and have come to many realizations that we never wanted to face! Good for you on taking the biggest step to changing your life!!!

So I posted yesterday I am having trouble with constipation! Had some Mirolax (3doses) and it worked a little bit! I know I haven't eaten alot...so I suppose I shouldn't expect alot to come out! Here is the thing...now the past 2 days, I AM NOT HUNGRY! I want to eat, but when I take a bite...I feel sick! I don't know what to do! Do I eat cause I need the Protein and nutrients or just keep sipping on my Water and hope for a miracle! I know the diet change is really screwin with my body, and I was eating what I was told, but I really don't know what to do! Almost 2 days with out eating.... Some Advice would be helpful!!

I had to be on clear liquids for 2 days (i couldn't get anything down anyways I was so sick to my stomach)...but 2 weeks liquids. Protein shakes, water, crystal light, gaterade, clear jellos, freeze pops. Your stomach needs to heal!!!! And eating the heavy soups wont help. After a week and 1/2 the nurse told me I could have soups (cream of chicken, but stain out the chunks!) Tomato is alright just add some milk. but tomato is also acidy! Shrimp really shouldn't be introduced til a later time! For me the 6th week after surgery. I can do proteins now, but they need to be soft and moist (scrambled eggs, tuna with light mayo, chicken salad) ect...

I have to agree with you Sun Rae, I am down 35 lbs and wow...what a difference! I lost interest too in sex b/c i was overweight and really ashamed of myself. I have been with my husband 6 years and I have always been a big girl (even when we met..) but just kept getting bigger and was not happy with myself! But now I am feeling so good about my choice of WLS and how I am looking...things are getting hot and heavy again!

SHould you be eating already!!! What happend to the liquid diet you should be on!!????

MIne should be below my signature...frog and the owl.. I share it with my best friend. but its mostly me and my journey.

I think many people have to go through the "MENTAL TEST" before anything else is decided. I had a 10 page questionaire to fill out before my initial intake visit. They emailed it to me and when I went to print OMG 10 pages. It was all about my family history, my history, when i became over weight, diets I have tried, suppliments I used, reason for being overweight, my religious views, my work status, maritial status, if my spouse is alright with my choice of WLS... Then to have to be evaluated by the psychologist!!!! I am diagnosed already with anxiety and depression...I don't need them to tell me that! Anyways, They really have to do that because some people are SERIOUSLY addicted to food. I had a friend of mine, her brother had the band done, and has completely lost his mind (because he couldn't turn to food). He turned to alcohol and drugs...lost his license and (WAS) a local fire fighter...Needless to say not anymore...but these surgeries are LIFE CHANGING!!!! Remember that! If you are not mentally stable enough then honestly, you shouldn't have surgery! Good luck on your journey!!!

I really must agree with you. I should have done this after my son was born! I was 23 when I had him. I did not plan on anymore children! I can't wait to really lose this weight and feel so much better and feel fit and energetic! I can't imagine waiting til i am in my 50's to have surgery! They are nuts....I want to enjoy life while my kids are still young (not just myself)! Good Luck!

I suffer from depression, but it is well managed! (I don't take meds or anything, but I have not had any symptoms for years)...Through this whole process (April 2010), I have been an emotional rollercoster. I took the CHantix to help me quit smoking! That added to the depression. I gave up alot to have my surgery and I don't regret a thing. But just remember too, we didnt become over weight from stuffing our faces with bananas! We all obviously have a food addiction and as any other addiction it is hard to give up! I never really realized why I was over weight until after I had surgery! (I turned to food for comfort) And boredom! Being home for 3 weeks with out eating killed me...I would sit here and just cry, the hunger pains and thoughts of food! It's sad, but its the truth. I love anything salty and goooey chewy goodness. But I have come to the realization I want to me a healthier and happier ME!!! New lifestyle and many changes to come in the New Year! I wish you luck on your journey!

I am having a really difficult time here! I started on protiens (Solid Food) does not have to be mushy, but soft and small enough that it won't get stuck! I am only eating about 2 1/2 to 3 oz. I can't eat anymore than that! Well today is day 4 of constipation! I called Dr office today b/c now I am at the point I CAN'T eat! I don't want to drink. I feel so sick to my stomach with pains. Past few days I have take a stool softner in the morning and Milk of Mag at night...(AND NOTHING)!! So, Dr told me to take Mirolax. Anyone else have this trouble! I am 3 weeks post op and miserable. I am feeling good on the weight loss...just miserable inside! Anyone else taken Mirolax before. I used to never have any problems with constipation and I am not sure what to expect with this medication! Ever heard the expression "Full of Sh*t" That is me at the moment! LOL