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Hey Everyone, Just had a quick question about the post op diet. I am doing the shakes and soups, but read that some people are blending up "real" food. I love the soups, they feel warm and yummy, but I am only having 1/4 cup at a time. I am just wondering if there is more variety out there? Dave, I will feel tight in the chest from time to time, but I am also doing the breathing exercises Terry talked about. And the shoulder pain comes and goes (much prefer it when it goes...that really hurts). Keep breathing and sitting upright as much as possible. I am going to try to go to the gym this afternoon and just do 30 min on the bike (not fast, but to just get things moving). If not today, tomorrow for sure. I think moving as much as possible helps.

Hey Tracy, Over the last few months I've come to think of you as a friend. So, on that note, I am sending you a BIG HUG! Hang in there girl, just think that you will be banded soon!!!! We are here for you. Hang in there!

Happy Easter!!! This is day 6 post op and I am feeling so much better. The shoulder pain that arrived Friday night, left Saturday night (and I hope it stays away). For those getting banded this week...WELCOME! Don't worry, we will all be here waiting for you :biggrin1: . Remember, the first few days are rough...but then there is always day 6! This is so exciting, and even more so that we are doing it together! I haven't started exercising yet, except for my many mini walks. I think I will go to the gym tomorrow and try the bike for 30 min. If not tomorrow, for sure on Tuesday. Anybody else exercising (besides walking)? Just finished 1/2 of my breakfast (am sooo full). Gonna take a nap! I am so glad I took this week off too. I hope everyone enjoys their Easter!!! peaceout

Happy Easter!!! T

Terri and Sara, Thanks ladies for your help w/ my shoulder pain/problem. I have been doing the pain meds and heating pad today. My neices and nephew came over today to see Aunt Pam Pam's "owwies" on my tummy and get their Easter baskets. I chased the little guy all over the house, had fun, but went to the kitchen and swigged the pain med out of the bottle. My heart goes out to those bandsters w/ little ones, hell, even big ones take a lot out of you. Anyway, I am glad to hear I am not alone in this shoulder pain...it is pretty intense. I don't even think about my tummy anymore, which is good! My inlaws and partner go home tomorrow:cry . I will be a bandster on my own. My partner lives in Long Beach and has been on leave this whole week for my surgery/recovery stage. I am pretty sad about this. Does anyone else live alone? She and I are together every weekend (it has been this way for over 2 years). During the week, I teach all day and then 2 nights at the local junior college as well. Then 1 night a week I have my study group as I am trying to finish my doctorate degree (finally). So during the week I am busy. But the next week, I am off both jobs (thank God for Spring Break) and will really be alone. I guess I am just feeling a bit "sad". I do always have you guys!!! As for what we are eating 5 days post op: AM: 1 4oz yougart, skim milk, 20 grams protein powder (this is usually consummed in 3 sittings LOVE THE MAGIC BULLET) Midday: SF pudding, skim milk, 20 grams protein (same as above) PM: 1/4 can of soup, mixed w/ water, 20gram protein powder(consummed in 2-3 sittings) I usually feel full after 3-4 sips. I put it away in the fridge. I am really trying to listen to my body...when the pangs of hunger go away...so does the food. Makes sense to me. Anyway, thanks again...i swear...YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

Hey everyone, I still have my question about my left shoulder. Last night was my first night in bed and as soon as I got in and rolled on my right side, my left shoulder started throbbing.:cry I imagined that all my gas from my tummy rolled right up and settled in my shoulder. I had just taken pain med and was so tired, besides having my inlaws in town for the holiday, so I just laid there all night. Now today, I feel like crap again. IS THIS THE GAS? I had heard everyone talking about the shoulder pain, but until last night, I hadn't felt any. Please advice. Terri and Sara- how are you feeling? Anyone else banded at the beginning of the week? I am ready to feel good again! peaceout

I want to start by saying how much I enjoy LBT. I read it several times a day...there is a GREAT FEELING here. Can't explain it, but I think we all know what I am talking about. Just wanted to give you an update on my post op progress. My inlaws are in town so I went to sleep in my bed for the first time since before surgery. I have a Temperpedic bed, which if you know, is a wonderful bed...but...is alittle hard after surgery. I got in and rolled onto my right side, then BAM...left shoulder started throbing. IS THIS THE SHOULDER PAIN EVERYONE HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT? I have been VERY gassy, but have had nothing in way of shoulder pain. I was very tired from the long day and had just took my pain meds (first time since breakfast). So I laid still and took some deep breathes and woke up at 4am. I think I have a cold, my head is so congested, my neck and shoulder ache, my body aches...AAAAHHHH. I have not had an easy week and was soooo looking forward to feeling "a little" better today. We were going to take in IL's to the house we are thinking of buying, and I wanted to take flowers to my mom's grave. S*#T...I feel like crying. Hey, that reminds me, what is the date? Oh yeah, I am due for (.) tomorrow...that explains a lot. Maybe I will wake up tomorrow and feel better about the cold, and only have cramps.:sick I wanted to throw my 2cents in...I bought my Magic Bullet at Gottshalks (or Harris' in some states). It was $59.00 but worth it. I have a little trick for my banded buddies from this week: I have had A LOT OF GAS TROUBLE. I have been walking, but in between I put my hand on my right side of my tummy (no incisions there) and gently "giggle" my tummy (this is not PRETTY since I carry most all my weight in my tummy, total apple). Anyway, this gentle wiggle or giggling for about 3-5 minutes will break the big bubbles up and allow me to burp or pass gas (which I have been having trouble with). At 4am this morning, this saved me from a lot of pain. I hope this helps someone...check back in later!

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to check in and say hi! I am taking my first shower since Tuesday morning. I have to go to the doctors office today since I was discharged by mistake from the hospital on Wednesday. Apparently, the doctor came in and asked, "Where is my patient in 27?" and the nurse said, "Oh, I thought you wanted me to discharge her." The doctor was not happy. Anyway, he needs to see me. I am looking forward to going actually, I want to put on some makeup too, just to feel like myself again (even for a little bit). I slept in the recliner again last night. I think I am ready for the bed tonight. My in-laws are coming here for the holiday so the den will be occupied. Just hope I don't need to walk in the night. I have been using my living room, dinning room and den as my walking path...doing about 30 laps. It is just too hot and uncomfortable outside. I am glad to hear that my 4-2 and 4-3 peeps are feeling better. I am coming along, just really think I am such a baby. Perhaps others would not feel as bad as I did the last few days. I woke up at 6am this morning, and went straight for the pain meds (even before I pee'd). But it had been 13 hours, so I guess I was due. Here is a question??????? My tummy is rumbling and howling sooooo loudly. I think it is gas. Is anyone else having this? I hope it does it during my doctors apt today. It is like taking the care to the mechanic, and then the "noise" is gone. Anyway, it sounds terrible. I was hoping to go to the movies this weekend, and don't want to be annoying to the crowd, lol. Yes, it is that loud. Just wondering if it is only me. I've had some food this week. After so many days w/ liquid diet and broth, I call yougart food. Vanilla yogart, strawberry unjury, milk and a little sweetner....YUMMY. I have to drink it in about 2-3 sittings. I don't really feel hungry, but every few hours I feel like I need the protein, so I am drinking it in small doses, just to get the protein in. Also, I had chessy/broc soup (in the magic bullet) and that was so good too. One can of small Campbells soup made 5 "meals" for me. I am doing the Isopure too. It doesn't taste great, but if I can get a bottle in a day, there is 40g of protein, and I don't have to worry about it, just add some powder to my shakes. Now that I've re-read this post, you can tell that I took pain meds an hour ago...LOL, enjoy! Have a great day everyone! Check back later.

Terri, I think it is like yours...it does the trick, it makes me sleepy though. I have no refills, but would imagine the doc would get me one if I did need. I am doing ok today. I had a yougart and Unjury Strawberry mix...yummy, then a pudding, some protein powder, and it was ok. Doing the Isopure drink today, not the best tasting but it is ok. I am walking around the house, actually back and forth in between the den, dinning room and living room. It is 93 degrees today, and it does not feel good outside. Also, I second the suggestion about wearing comfy clothes. My tummy is so distended right now, from gas and being swollen. For our future bandsters...keep that in mind. Tracy, I LOVE HAMBURGER HELPER!!! Wondering if I'll ever get that again???????????????

Well, I am 52 hours post op, and am barely coming around. Terri and Tracy thanks for the props...this has been harder than I thought. I think Sara and I posted that "if we would've known how much pain this was, we might've reconsidered!" That was yesterday, today I am glad it is over and I know it is worth it. I am still in a lot of pain. I am jealous of those of you out at Walmart, etc. This was my first surgery ever and I've never had kids, so I am pretty much a baby when it comes to pain. I was fine in the preop room and as soon as they started rolling me, I started balling...I meaning sobbing...just sooooo scared. I remember the nurse saying you just had your first shot that will feel like a cocktail, then the next thing was recovery. I slept most of the first day, was glad I stayed in hospital, but am so glad to be home. I spent last night in the recliner because I didn't want to bother partner getting up and walking, and moaning (did I mention this really hurts). On a side note, I SUGGEST PEOPLE FOLLOW THE HINT ABOUT BUYING THE TOILET TONGS FOR POST OP. I CAN'T REACH! I know, TMI, but liquids in and liquids out, and reaching is important. Actually as the day goes on, I am getting a little better. There is so much more I will post. I am proud of all of us...those who are done and all our April bros/sisters still pending. I can't wait to see what our thread looks like in May or June, when we start posted on our weight loss! peaceout

Wow, Hi everyone! I am home from the hospital...thank God! Had surgery Tuesday at 7:30 am...in my room at noon...and am so glad to be home now. I must say, if someone would have said how much it hurt, I might have reconsidered. I am glad it is over, but the pain is incredible. I will be hitting up the pain med as soon as I post. The surgery went well, the docs gave me a thumbs up. Just hated the hospital, the IV's, the push thing on my walks...yuck yuck yuck! I am officially in BANDLAND! Came home and had 3 oz of creamy soup, yummy. I was ready for something different after 10 days of liquid, 2 days of broth, and yesterday and today! Anyway, good luck to everyone, and I hope all my band siblings are doing well. April 3 has come and gone! peaceout

Tracy, You get used to the hunger pains. They become a constant, and you get used to them. Everytime you feel 'em or hear 'em as was the case w/ me, smile to yourself and say..." I am doing this so I can be at my best for my surgery. I am worth it." The headache, which will come if it hasn't already, is because your going through sugar withdrawl. Not from sweets, but from all the carbs that turn to sugar. It goes away in about 3 days. You'll start to feel lighter, things will fit better, your skin will glow (because your not putting in the bad stuff) and your gonna start to sleep great! There are so many perks...hang in there...you can do it...and your worth it! Pamela:girl_hug:

Hey All, I am 18 hours until BANDLAND!!! freakin can't wait. I am on bowel prep, and I haven't heard anyone mention it. I did a 10 day liquid prescribed diet from the doctor (like opti or medifast) and lost 11 pounds! Now, 2 days clear liquid...and yes I am starving, but day 2 is better. The bowel prep is a bummer, makes you sick to your tummy so your not hungry anyway. I just want it to be Wednesday, when I can put some real creamy soup into the Magic Bullet and drink that. After the 10+2 days, I am more looking forward to that than anything (oh, yeah, and losing the weight). I did the Last Supper thing for months and put on 5 pounds from January until 3-21! I was shocked but it reinforced why I am doing this. I've mastered the eating thing...and was on my way to real trouble. I am glad that I will never be that high again (280). Anyway, hang in there guys and gals...it will all be over soon. Can you imagine our threads in May when we are ALL banded! God Bless! peaceout:clap2:

HAPPY APRIL!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM 2 DAYS AWAY. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE GONE THROUGH W/ IT W/OUT ALL MY FRIENDS HERE ON LBT. I REALLY FEEL THAT I WOULD'VE GIVEN UP AND CHICKENED OUT W/ OUT ALL THE INFO HERE! TO ALL THE PEEPS HAVING IT IN THE MORNING...I AM SENDING ALL MY LOVE, AND POSITIVE ENERGY THOUGHTS TO YOU. PLEASE POST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AND TO MY TUESDAY BAND BUDDIES...LETS ALL HOLD HANDS AND JUMP INTO OUR FABULOUS FUTURE! I CAN'T WAIT TO GET HOME AND GET BACK TO LBT, TO READ AND POST MYSELF. GONNA GO ON A WALK NOW...TRY TO CLEAR MY HEAD! BE BACK LATER FOR MORE SUPPORT! LOVE YA, peaceout

Hey Everyone, I had my preop apt. today and I've lost 11 pounds on the doctor prescribed diet. I am so excited...I've never lost 11 pounds...never even tried! I am tired of thinking about all of this, I told my partner to just drive me there on Tuesday, just tired of thinking. Good luck everyone, gonna catch up on the thread tomorrow...gonna relax and watch a movie, and eat a SF pop! peaceout

What a funny thread. I too enjoyed what "Mother Earth" gives us...and then the munchies hit...and hit...and hit. I guess that is why I am now having weight loss surgery next week. I gave it up because the munchies were crazy. But now...I say...live and let live. "Whatever gets you through the night...it's alright"! peaceout party people

I am so glad it is over for you. I go in next Tuesday, and can't wait to be home and have it over...been thinking about it too long. Keep us posted, as we will want to see how you do in the next few days. I am glad we were all able to be in there w/ ya! Rock On peaceout

Today was my last day of work!!! Tomorrow I am in meetings, then Friday is preop...Monday is Bowel Prep (eeeeewwwww) then Tuesday it the big day!!! I can't believe it. I started this journey at the end of November...wow, and here we are. The next time I go to work, it will be over. Amazing! I am on day 7 of my liquid diet. I am hungry, but doing ok w/ it. I can really feel that I've lost, but wont know the number until Friday's preop. Just wanted to check it...I can't believe we are here now! Wow...deep breath!

Ladiejane, You said that you knew you would not have a cheerleader in your journey, but you do. WE ARE YOUR CHEERLEADERs, YOUR SUPPORT, AND IN MANY WAYS YOUR FAMILY. The first thing my partner said when I told her I was gonna do the band was, "Your gonna leave me when your thin." The first thing her mom said was, "She is gonna leave you when she is thin". The weird thing is my partner is size 10, healthy and fit. The reason I am doing this is so that I too can be healthy and fit...but I thought both of their responses were weird. There is not much difference between a lesbian and straight relationship when it comes to this. I would question his motives w/ bringging the "goodies" into the house. Misery loves company, and he may be trying to sabatoge (not spelled right) so you don't look "too good". One thing I was shocked to hear was about the divorce rate w/ bandsters. I know these are life changes but I pray that doesn't happen to me. But it is out of my hands, and one thing that is in my hands is my health and well being! Keep your chin up...focus on yourself...

WOW...Some moments are harder than others. I am drinking my "soup" (hot water and yellow powder) now and feel better. Am concluding day 4 of 10, so tomorrow this time, I WILL BE HALF WAY DONE. Kind of snapped today at partner...I mean out of NOWHERE, I said something so terrible, then starting crying and apologizing...truly being an ass, but she is the best. Forgave me and all is well, but I will have to be very careful and not snap again, after all she will be my care giver ater surgery. I have a personal story w/ my tattoo. I always wanted one, so when I was 19 I told myself to wait until I was 25, just to make sure. Then 6 months from my 25th bday, I opened a book...and it jumped off the pages and said, "I am your tattoo". It was in Anne Rice's The Mummy. I went to the library that day,researched the meaning and found out it was the Eye of Horus. It is an Egyptian amulent against injury. I just think of it as my personal good luck charm...for life. It is strategically placed on my behind, never wanted my parents or students to see it. I do have my nose pierced too. I would love another tat, but will wait for something special that speaks to me. Ok...thanks so much for all the love here. I swear, when I am freakin out and starving...I need LBT like a fix. much love and peaceout:kiss2:

:) :mad: I AM SOOO HUNGRY...CAN BARELY FOCUS. MY DISSERTATION PROFESSOR IS SUPPOSED TO CALL ME BACK AND I CAN'T FORM A LOGICAL THOUGHT! I CAN DO THIS...BUT, WOW! THIS IS TOUGH

Mazzie, LMAO...very funny visual. I am on day 4 of preop liquid diet. My partner is in the kitchen right now eating cold pizza from yesterday. My MIL was here yesterday and everyone ordered pizza and wings (acutally, they didn't want to cook because of the smells) and I went and watch the news in the bedroom. It sucks, but I told myself, 'YOU KNOW HOW PIZZA TASTES...believe me, you've had enough". Anyway, that was a funny post. Thanks to everyone for the advice about whtat to bring to hospital. I appreciate all you input. peaceout

Hi everyone, I will be in the hospital one night. What should I bring? Should I bring PJ's, books, etc...all that crap or will I sleep all day from the drugs? I know I have to walk, can I wear sweats? I don't want to wear a nightgown. Just woke up and had these thoughts...of course I just woke up and popped on here, lol. Welcome to all the April bandsters just joining our family!

Welcome Pat! We are banded on the same day...banding buddies. I know your scared, but think about this...what if you don't have the surgery. The problems w/ weight will limit, or end, your life for sure. The chance of not getting off the table is small (not sure of exact stats). But if you do wake up and lose weight, and have a wonderful healthy life w/ your wife and daughters...the thought of that should outweigh the scary thoughts. We are so close... Please feel free to ask any questions here. We are all scared, freaking out, and excited all at the same time! Mazzie, I am in preop hell too. To put is bluntly...I am FREAKIN HUNGRY. It is funny, I feel alittle "out of it" and weak. Thoughts are not forming well, hunger pangs can be heard across the room, energy level is so low. I just keep telling myself, I can do this. It is day 2 and I am not cheating, actually never thought I could. My partner and I were driving today and we passed EVERY fast food resturanut, our favorite Mexican places, and the smells of a little Italian place we used to go to. MAN OH MAN...that was tough. Came home and drank this nasty "soup", which is just powder and hot water. We can do this...I have 8 more days to go! I told her, I need to go home and get on LapBandTalk fast...I need my peeps. This is a great site. peaceout

Hi April Peeps! Day 2 of the pre op diet...headache the size of Texas for 2 days, but honestly, I feel skinnier already. What a mind trip, my pants were not this loose last week, lol! I even went into the teachers lounge today where they had ice cream for someones bday! I just drank my shake and was fine! Remind me next week, when I am pissed at the world and hungry that I felt this good. peaceout