NJGirl32

OMG! That doesn't sound good at all That's a lonnng time. I agree water, water, water and maybe a glass of prune juice.

Thanks! those are words I really needed to here. I will just have to start eating like a skinny person does! You are both right too that eating is not something that goes on all night so I can just make a plate and that's that. It's just really difficult now without a fill yet. Thanks!!

Okay, he only stayed 1 hour -but I know he would have loved to stay longer. You are right-sometimes I'll have to bite the bullet and go with him...but it's hard right at this point. I know he's only seeing Bridesmaids tonight because I want to see it so I guess I can compromise too. Although I did compromise last weekend by going to the BBQ. It's going to be a lonnnng summer!

Happy Birthday!!!! Just keep thinking how great you are going to look this time next year!! Don't give in for what you want right now (cake/steak) for what you always wanted (to be skinny). Don't let food have that much power in your life anymore! Get pleasure or treat yourself to things like pedicures, massages, an exercise class,a good book or some nonfood item. Enjoy your day in other ways and be proud that you are taking control of your life! You go girl!

The first week after surgery was great - I got filled with very little! This is week 2 and I am hungrier and can easily eat more. I am trying to stick to the diet and I do wait an hour after eating before drinking any water. This is what I would call Bandster Hell. I am not replying on the band to reduce my hunger. basically, I am dieting on my own. I'll get a fill in 4 weeks-that seems like such a long time, but I can do this!! Also, the first fill might not get me to that point-so BH might last a little longer. I think going into surgery you have to realize that for at least the first 55-6 weeks you will be dieting on your own (maybe longer) depending on when you reach that "sweet spot." This time period is all about patience and portion control.

I was prepared for 5 incisions. When I woke up and picked down on my tummy I saw 6! Even on my discharge paers they had to cross out the pre-written 5 incisions and make it 6. I am wondering if the doc . made one where he shouldn't have! They are nice neat incisions and 2 of them are larger than the rest. I guess the on on my left upper side is the port because that hurt the most after surgery. Just curious-how many incisions do you have?

Awesome! Congrats on taking controlof your life and putting you first! You will do great with your spirit! And you will be "One Hot Mama!" You go girl!!

Something doesn't sound right. You should be losing more I would think, especially of you are watching your diet. What did your doctor say? Do you have an appetite? Be an advocate for your Band! Do you have a NUT to goover your food choices? Good luck to you and I am sure things will turn around for you!

Use Carnation Instant Breakfats and mix in a blender with skim milk (I add 1/2 scoop of injury to boost the protein) You could add fruit to the shakes to increase protein-do your research. I also add a little Splenda to sweeten it up. Blend with some ice and it is delicious. GNC also has Totally Lean 8oz protein shakes (it's new) and it's 170 calories with 25 grams of protein. It is not think and doesn't have an after taste-the best I have found. GNC also has an excellent return policy. If you don't likeit-bring it back. For water-I advise you to purchase a contained that holds 32oz of liquid with a pop up top (like water bottles have). Fille 1/2 the container with ice cubes and the other hald with water. Leave a little room to add some of your favorite juice. Basically you are making a favored water. You can add pear juice, apple juice, etc. Also Crystal light is great in water and it's decaf! When you are done the bottle at least you have 32 ozs inyou and the rest should be easy! Good luck!

Glad to hear you are doing well! Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!

Make sure you are drinking enough water too-you could be getting dizzy from dehydration!

This stage is not about losing weight-it's about recovering!! Any weight loss should be considered a bonus! Your body is healing and adjusting to the new way of eating. The lump in your throat sinply means you drank too fat or too much at once or ate without chewing or ate to much too fast...slow down and listen to your body's signal. When you feel that sensation coming on you need to slow down or stop. I know when I drink something fast I getthe feeling. Good luck to you!

Also, keep in mind that people who tend to post are those that are struggling or feeling discouraged because they are seeking help. So it might seem that a lot of people "hate their band" or have problems but keep a perspective. I would say the first 6 weeks you are pretty much just dieting on your own (that's my experience so far). You don't have a fill yet and haven't reached that 'sweet spot" and that may take several fills. Good luck!

Hi Jonathan! I think what you are experiencing is 100% normal. I haven't lost as much as I thought I would and have been at a standstill for about a week. My surgeon said not to worry because this is normal. Your body is still healing (even if you feel great). Also, you don't have a fill yet. I was banded on May 25th and my hunger is back 100% - I know I could eat anything without a problem and it's REALLY tempting! But I keep sayingto myself I can do this for 4 more weeks. I also think -I didn't go through all this surgery just to go back to my old eating habits. You can get through this Bandsters-hell period! Throwing up was your body's message to you saying "Hey, slow down here and don't push it" I don't think lots of breads are the best choices. Plan your meals for the entire day and stick to that plan. Make sure you are getting your protein in first - because that will fill you. Als get the water in and take some walks with the kiddies for exercise. You'll do great!!! Thinkof your body as a GPS - when you go the wrong way it wants you to find the next available u-turn (even if that means puking).

I would make an initial consultation with your doctor. They have tons of experience and can let yyou know what your type of insurance requires. You might want to get the ball rolling because it can take a while to get everything done. Good luck to you!

I think the day of surgery you are still on major pain meds-but the day after you start to feel really sore. My throat also hurt for a couple of days. Remember to only drink/eat very small abouts every hour and to get those protein shakes (4oz) in - protein aids in healing. I am over a wekk post-surgery and I feel great-hang in there!!

I am so sorry that you felt so aweful!! I had food poisoning twice and it was the worst pain ever. The one time I felt as if I were in labor-that's how bad the pains were. I couldn't move off the floor! If you don't feel any different I am sure the band is fine. Definitely get those fluids back in your system!! Hope you feel better soon!

Awesome post!!

My stomach is swollen too! I lost 14 pounds but my pants are snug-I even had to unzip some. I still have some soreness-I think the stiches are skrinking. Have you tried ice packs on the area? Pain killers?

PS- I am reading the book "Bandwagon" which really tells you everything you need to know about Lapband suregery and it's written by someone who had the surgery. I ordered it on Amazon for $19.99-I wish I had it before I got my surgery!

You won't be able to lift anything over 5 pounds-at least that's what my doctor told me. I would REALLY advise you to have your husband take off! He might be able to get the Family Leave Act which secures his job while he cares for you (it's worth looking into). Good luck with everything!!

Congrats on making one of the best decisions of your life-one that will actually help you have a healthier, longer life too! This site is terrific and we are all here to help and support one another! Welcome Aboard!!!

Congrats on your date!!!! That was a good idea boxing clothes and putting a date on the box! I was banded on May 25th and when I buy clothes now I buy them snug-hoping soon they will fit!

My reading said to think of it as a ballon that has been stretched over and over-it never really goes back to normal-But we have fills to help!

So I went in for my 1 week visit. They tookoff the bandages and Imust say that I was very impressed! The scars are so thin and look like they will be barely visible soon enought! I do have 2 vertical incisions about 1-2 inches but they aren't bad at all. And her I thought I was going to look like Frankenstein! lol