lizzy2150

I so look forward to the day that this is no longer a joke for me, but TRUTH!!!

Woohoo!!!! Congratulations!!!

So far, no regrets--and it's only been two weeks, so the post-surgical pain is still a fresh memory. Seriously--I had given up on ever being able to lose weight and be "normal" again. But since I started this journey (beginning with a six-month doctor-supervised diet to satisfy my insurance requirements) I have lost 47 pounds and gained the ability to climb a flight of stairs without stopping, to chase my toddler around the house without huffing and puffing, to go for walks outside with my husband and daughter without feeling exhausted. This is the best decision I've ever made for my health.

I get "gummy fish" pills at costco. They're technically for children, so I eat four a day rather than two. They're not bad. . .

I just signed up for this; would love to be added to friends lists! I'm lizzy2150 there, too.

Okay. It's official. I'm in bandster hell. It's been 12 days since my surgery. All of my surgical swelling seems to have gone down. My incisions are only the tiniest bit sore. I feel energetic and good. I've lost 10 lbs. But I am HUNGRY. All the time. Just like before I was banded. I could, if I allowed myself to, eat MUCH more than the 1/2 cup per meal that my doctor says I should be able to eat. I'm technically still on "soft food," but my mother just had her knees replaced and I've spent a lot of time at the hospital and have eaten out several times. Yesterday for lunch I ate two cheese enchiladas--about twice the amount I should (but still much less than I've eaten before!). I'm having to fight myself not to overeat. I am so very glad that my dr. is aggressive with fills--my first one is scheduled for July 29, only eleven days away. I can't wait to get that "Oh, I can't possibly eat that much" feeling back! Anyone else hit bandster hell yet?

The only real difference is in which part of the chicken was used to create the liquid. They're roughly the same, and there's certainly no difference in terms of consuming them after lapband. Stock might taste a little better and make you feel a tiny bit fuller b/c there is some gelatin released from the chicken bones when they're simmered (broth doesn't use as many bones in the prep stage), but I honestly have never been able to differentiate between the two very much.

sugar-free popsicles, apple or grape juice. I liked having ice packs on my incisions and heat on my shoulder for gas pains. I'll add more if I think of it, but this covers the major stuff.

K: I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. I lost a whopping 4 lbs. on my 2-week pre-op diet. In the first nine days after the surgery, I didn't lose a single pound. Then this morning, I weighed (as I do every morning) and I had dropped five pounds overnight! All my years of dieting have taught me that I often see the loss in my clothing size before I see it on a scale. Just follow the rules and let your body lose at its own rate. Don't compare yourself to others!!

I'm on day 10 and today I woke up feeling good. I still have a tiny bit of tenderness at my largest incision, but other than that, all is well. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Sherrypep: I think you'd probably be fine going back after a week. I was banded a week ago yesterday, and I spent the day shopping and getting my hair done and was otherwise out and about. I'm a teacher, too, and although it would have been a little more tiring than usual, I could have taught yesterday.

I could have coffee immediately after my surgery.

My surgeon says that he allows a lot of things in the post-op stage that he might not suggest later. . .

Hooray! I'm glad it went well!

So did your insurance pay for the port replacement surgery? If so, was it because the port had become unstuck? Would you replace the port if it hadn't come unstuck--if it was just visible? I've had my band a whole five days and already I'm making plans for tummy tucks and low-profile port replacements. Sheesh.

I know that I'm probably supposed to be more moderate than this, but . . . WHAT? That's ridiculous. The diet is designed to shrink your liver. Your "cheating" wouldn't even be a blip in that process. Postponing your surgery over the tiny amount of actual food you had a week before your surgery is un-frickin'-believable. Sheesh. If I were you, I'd ask to speak to the surgeon directly to make sure he or she agrees that the surgery actually needs to be postponed. But then, I tend to be pretty pushy when irritated . . .

Today is day 6 for me, and I could easily have gone back to work today. I'm sitll a little sore, but absolutely functional.

I'm not naming it, exactly, but I think I might start referring to it as "My Preciousss," ala Gollum. . .

Hi, Jengy! You probably won't even be aware of the catherization--they'll almost certainly do it after you're anesthetized and remove it before you wake up.

My nutritionist suggested these: http://www.revivalsoy.com/products/chips/index.html I haven't tried them yet, but I plan to.

I just started mine. It's not only about my new life as a bandster, though it will certainly include that part of my life journey (in fact, I haven't yet finished and posted the "I got banded!" entry): www.texasprairieharpy.com

And by comparison to wannabe, I barely made it walking about 1/4 of a mile tonight but have no problem at all drinking enough Water and then some. See? All different.

Kimiky: I was banded on the 6th, too, and I think you're doing great. I left my house for the first time today. I went out to dinner with family (I sipped Soup broth) and it wiped me out. It's important to remember that everyone heals differently. My husband, for example, thinks I'm bouncing back quickly, since when he has even minor surgery, he is out of commission for weeks. On the other hand, if we both get a cold, he's up and running the next day and I'm in bed whimpering for days. Cut yourself some slack--this is a major trauma to your body. Let it heal. You're up and moving around some, walking some, and sleeping a lot. That's exactly right for healing. If you're still worried in a few days, give your surgeon a call. That's my $.02, anyway.

I'm glad I could help some! Let us know how it goes!!

Alie: I had the same concern. I am allergic to virtually EVERYTHING. But I did some research, discovered what you've already been told--that allergic reactions are incredibly rare--and decided to go ahead with it. And so far, so good. I say go for it and don't worry; it almost certainly won't be an issue (and there's no way to know ahead of time!). That's what I did, anyway.