Ponderer

WooHoo.....look at you!!!!! Congrats.

When you stay off carbs you lose weight because....the body will run off of sugar for the energy it needs. Carbs when processed by the body are just like sugar. If your body has no sugar to get energy from it will use fat for energy instead and that will burn the fat off. That is the simplistic explanation. One other important factor when doing low carb.....drink Water water water.

Fabulous.....you go girl!!!!

You need to call your doctor and get instructions for how long to have the ice on and how long in between to have it off. The pain you are feeling is not just about being cut into. Your port is actually stitched into your muscles and that can be quite painful for a little while. You will notice it most when standing or sitting and rolling over in bed because those actions use the stomach muscles, more then we realize until it hurts to do so. It does get better but you will actually feel a bit of discomfort from that area for up to 6 weeks. Nothing like it is in the beginning, but twinges nonetheless.

Phase 2 is typically known as mushies in the band world. I realize there are different order from different doctors, and even a bit different terminology, but phase 2 is mushies 99.9% of the time. I would smashed cauliflower is very good, of course mashed potates, smashed carrots. Avocado, though technically a fruit, is very good too. I would stay away from gassy veggies such as broccoli.

The one thing that jumped out at me from your post was not wanting to tell because you were embarrassed you could not do it on your own. I would encourage you to really work on changing this outlook because if you think about it.....the band is going to lend a bit of an assist but you are still going to do the work. This is not an easy out and you need to give yourself credit for the work you will have to do for it to be successful, and it WILL be work! Good luck on your journey!!

Hi there. I was banded on 3/16 and I was definitely tight and felt like crud in the morning for the first 2 1/2 weeks. It is much better now....hang in there!!!

I was banded by Dr. Neal on 3/16/2011. Although I am still in the beginning stages, and have not even had a fill yet, I am very pleased so far with my choice and with my doctor.

Productive Burp

6 weeks seems like a lot of time to me to be off of work. Is that because of the hernia repair that the time off is so long?

Kelli, I just wanted to say hello and congrats from one March 16th Bandster to another! Keep up the good work!!

I cannot help but wonder if your body picked a most inopportune time to get the flu. I hope you get the help you need and feel better soon!

I was banded on March 16th. I am down 17 pounds. My first fill is scheduled for April 18th. Healing has been going rather well although I did deal with a bladder infection 1 week out from surgery and at 2 weeks out my large incision was giving a few problems. All in all though things are going well and I am very happy I did this for myself!

I have a 14cc band. I was just banded 2 1/2 weeks ago and have 0 fill as of yet. I confirmed none is put in at surgery and I go in for my first fill on April 18. I carry my weight in my stomach and I suspect that is why it is the larger one.

I am so interested in this thread. isaviolinist your blog is amazing! I love your writing style and your recipes and suggestions rock! I am 45 years old and as of about 20 minutes ago, literally, I have this very strong feeling that it is time to give up meat. I will eat seafood and I will continue to eat eggs and dairy but for now I want to remove meat from my diet. I have 2 nieces that eat this way and I have already told one and she was so happy she wanted to cry. LOL I have been a meat eater all my life but I think in the back of my mind I have not felt really great about it for the past few years. I figure having been banded 2 weeks ago now is the time to make these changes. It is nice to meet you all and thank you for sharing all of your wisdom with those of us that are just now joining this lifestyle!

Thank you for taking the time to look see. I am getting ready to schedule my surgery as a self pay. I am looking for someone that has traveled as similar a path as me as possible. I know everyone's story is different but I think it would be helpful to me personally to have another woman to correspond with who is similar in age and is on the other side of losing a substantial amount of weight. I am 45 and at 5' 7" I am looking to lose 180 pounds. To anyone who reads this, whether you reply or not, I hope you are having a spectacular day!!!

I am on my 5th day out from banding and today is my first day back to the office. I am not sure I will do a whole day but fortunately I have flexibility. I am feeling really good. Everything is coming alone nicely, I am doing well with my liquids and I am down 12 pounds as of this morning. I know there will be some scale movement up and down when getting back on solids and such, but for now I will own it and see it as a very good start. Have a fabulous Monday everyone!!

It has taken me 4 1/2 days to get to know my band and learn it is a she, and I have named her...Bandzilla. Together we will conquer the world!!!

Thank you for the tip!

Mine is exactly the same. Interior stitches and super glue exterior.

I was banded on the 16th. I carry the majority of my weight in my stomach. I have been trying a bit here and there to feel for the port but I am not sure I am finding anything. Has anyone else experienced this or know if that is normal until some weight is lost, and perhaps more healing has taken place and I do not have to touch so lightly?

I am thinking when I get to the mushy stage the first things I will try are cottage cheese, oatmeal, refried beans, ricotta cheese bake. I think of the mushy stage as things that really do not need chewing and just very small bites. I have no doubts that I am going to be very cautious at first.

I am on day 2, having had my surgery at noon yesterday. I had my doubts up until a few hours ago but now I think I just might survive this. LOL I got behind on pain meds and decided that is not a good idea. I hate the taste but it is worth it and I need to take them as prescribed through tomorrow at the least. My biggest hurdle has been coughing but I think I have everything out from my lungs now. I have been doing really well on the sipping Water, I have had apple juice, chicken broth and 1 coffee today (having gotten permission from my doctor on the coffee). I already know this is the best thing I could have done for myself other than quitting smoking 7 years ago. I am excited for this new life. I hope everyone is doing well and I hope those with surgery coming up are encouraged.

Had surgery at about 11 am today. I am sore. Had a really tough time coming out of anesthesia but just hope to be feeing better soon.

Several of you are being banded today and please know I am thinking of you all and sending good and healing vibes your way!!!