mom2amwt

You are super inspiring!! I hope I am in the same place in a years time! I am so happy I found this board! I definitely didn't realize the hard work involved - but have come to appreciate over the past few weeks! You are amazing !

I had surgery this past Tuesday. I didn't feel great for 3 days. 4th day was medium. Today I woke up feeling pretty normal - fingers crossed it stays that way! I plan on returning to work on Tuesday! My job is in an office - so not a lot of standing or lifting - so it should be a breeze. It will be easier than being home with my 4 kids .

needanger - Best of luck to you as you explore banding! I am not that experienced with it yet...I am only 5 days in. I've have been thinking about who I was going to tell for a long time. It was really easy for me before the surgery not to tell people. Once I had it - I really was so excited I wanted to tell my friends - some of which I talk to almost every day. I'm glad I kept myself in check and kept it private. As I read posts on this board (which I find hugely helpful), I realize that people may discount your weight loss or think negatively of you. The band is hard work and I definitely don't want to have to constantly explain it to people. Also my neighborhood is a big network of women - and I can just imagine how the phone would be ringing to discuss my "WLS". The other school of thought is a good one - if you can't tell them - they are not your real friends. I guess that it true too - these are my "social" friends that I have a laugh with - but wouldn't trust them with secrets that could hurt me.... I did tell my husband (very supportive), dad, sister and brother. They are all fantastic and non-judgmental! They just want me to be happy. I told one friend - my best friend from college, but she did not have a very warm response. So the reality is - I just don't want to talk to her about it. I'm not angry, but I am not going to give her the details etc so she can judge me. Her and her husband each lost 40lbs on Weight Watchers - so she just doesn't see the "need" for this dangerous surgery . Oh well - I doubt I will make her understand.

hope it's better now. I would have said sip water...but I think I read somewhere that that was the wrong advice!

happy - thinking about you - hope you are feeling better. One other thought I had was that it might be helpful to see an ENT. I had a chronic cough that was debilitating me. I did internists, allergists, pulmonologist etc. Norhing was working. I went to an ENT and he helped me straight away. A part of the problem was inflammation (due to heart burn). One thing he gave me to help heal it was steriods. Within a short time I was doing much much better. Maybe you need something to help with the inflammation itself and not just the cause of it! Best Ann

Best of luck to you at your Dr. this week. I am new to the banding - so can't give any advice, but I wish you the best - as I am sure we have many of the same goals .

i can't read your posts - making me too hungry. I am still on liquids. The blender is coming out in 5 days and i am pureeing these two things!

I' m also reading books a lot more now - less food commercials and my hands are busy. Just need to stay away from books like Eat, Pray Love - I imagine that would make you crave food!

Tanqueray - Ha! I can't tell you how far from fun I consider that at this point in my life. (one of the reasons I did the surgery). Maybe in 50lbs.

That's awesome. I can't wait to get back to skiing too! I've gone up to the mountains with my family for the past 5 years, but I always hung out on the side - too embarrassed to ski at this size. Maybe next year.....

Awesome - can't wait until my girls start noticing!!

SLD - after the evening I just had - I need the whole bottle Kids are crazy and I can't lift the little one - so she just keeps running from me. Now my left side is hurting - so I feel like crap. momtofourredheads - (cool name) - The psychologist who did the exam for me said the same thing about the success. thx for the book tip - and I agree with waiting til solids!! This is going to be one of the hardest nights for me. Husband is at work. I would typically get all the kiddies to bed by 8:30pm - then have a glass of wine and dinner to relax. Then I would break out the Snacks and watch tv . I guess i'm going to have to settle for a Protein shake and a bottle of Water - maybe with a book? Any good book recommendations.

Thanks Mkrupa - Appreciate the post. I'm kinda where you are in terms of it not being part of post op. However - I honestly don't feel like it would hurt either my weight loss or my band - but that said - my body feels a little to fragile to have a glass of wine. Fluffy - Really?? Is that your idea of support? Ultimately I will incorporate wine into my weight loss and I expect my surgeon (as great as he is) to be supportive of that. My view is that if you build a sustainable happy place for yourself with food and the band (even some alcohol) that you will be more successful in the long run. I was half joking about having it now - but wasn't looking for a preacher....

Thx. I know you are right - will check with surgeon next Friday. I'll hold off until then

Can't have the jack and coke because of the carbonation . Seriously - I don't think it's acceptable - but could it really be worse than having the pain meds.....

I think my friends would be weird about it - and would discount any success I have. Maybe it's all in my head . I told one friend from college and she did not have a very positive reaction. I haven't called her since - not mad or anything, just don't feel like defending my actions or explaining myself! I told my husband, Dad, brother and sister. My Dad couldn't hold it to himself and told my aunt . They are all really supportive. I will definitely message you - thanks much!

My Dr, said ok to shower after 3 days with the glue or steri-strips exposed.

No FB for me. I am keeping this really private - only told close family and one friend. Are you being open about it?

every surgery I have ever had (2 cesarean sections, 1 ovary removal) - I have thrown up and was also nervous about nausea. Surprisingly with the lap band, gall bladder removal, hiatal hernia repair I had this week - not even a little bit of it!!! best of luck!

I was banded on 1/11 too! I don't feel hunger either - but my stomach is growling as well. there's lots of noises going on in there - so I thought it was all the gasses moving around . I have had a few bouts with mental hunger. Just wanting to have that glass of wine or something to "chew". I haven't reacted to it yet - hanging in there! How did you lose 51lbs before the band - that is terrific!

That's awesome! My starting stats are similar to yours! Can you share your experience - how you approached things? I am on day 4 post op right now. Feel great - no hunger. I am justing having Water, Protein shakes and bouillon - at least for the next 6 days! How do you feel? it must be terrific! Why do I have no idea what ccs are in my band . Did the Dr. tell you that before surgery?

Definitely, definitely talk to a professional! I have been working with a therapist/psychiatrist for almost a year now - it has really helped me (cognitive behavioral therapy). Also the drugs don't hurt either . Would be happy to share my experience if you are interested. There is a book that my therapist had suggested that was super helpful to start with. Wish you all the best!

My dr.'s guidelines - 2 weeks liquid pre-op 10 days post op liquids then 10 days post op pureed then 2 weeks mushy So no solid foods for a month after surgery. Interesting how every Dr. is different. I agree to go with your Dr's advice! Best of luck.