Dulci

Making a decision like this is such a personal one. However, I can share the reasons that I chose Lap Band over the sleeve or bypass. I was afraid of the long term effects of malabsorbtion that is a part of living with bypass and I didn't want to experience "dumping" if I decided to occasionally treat myself. I really liked the idea of the sleeve, but the idea of actually removing most of my stomach terrified me. I have co-workers that have had all three procedures done. The two people that had more drastic surgeries did lose weight quickly, but neither of them look healthy. Both of them remind of someone that has a lot of weight due to a long illness. The two people that have the band look great. Both of them exercise regularly - one has joined a biking club and the other is training for an triathalon competition. I chose the lap band because I preferred a slow and steady weight loss. I have successfully lost weight many times before, but my biggest challenge has always been maintaining my weight. Since puberty, I feel like I have been either gaining weight or losing weight constantly. Lap band seemed to be the perfect tool to help me become healthy. Good luck with making the decision.

I spent a good amount of time waiting for a room in the hospital. I was in the recovery area, but fully awake and I didn't have a TV or anything. I was very happy to have my Kindle with me. You won't be allowed anything by mouth until have they have done a barium swallow to make sure that everything is ok. Bring some kind of lip balm; your lips will be very dry. Good luck!

I would look for basic skirts in black, brown and navy. Skirts are more forgiving and easier to wear if they are tight for now. I'd invest in a skinny belt or two so you can belt some of your bigger tops as you lose. Congrats on your new job and your weight loss success.

I have a sedentary job too. I took off a full two weeks and went back to work on Monday. By the end of the day on the first two days, I was really sore from sitting in a office chair most of the day. If I had to, I could have gone back sooner, but four days would have been too soon for me.

That was a great article. Thanks for pointing me to it.

Before I started my preop diet, I had a list of things that I wanted to have because I wouldn't want to and/or be able to have them again. My list was: an untoasted cinnamon crunch bagel with hazelnut cream cheese from Panera Bread, pizza from my favorite delivery shop, and dinner at a churrascaria (an all you can eat Brazillian steakhouse). I had all of them, but none of them were "right". The bagel was toasted, which made the cinnamon sugar melt and it was a sticky mess. The pizza crust was doughy, like it wasn't baked correctly. Finally, the steakhouse that I wanted to go to was closed for a private party, so we went to a different one -- most of the meat was overcooked and dry. It was a fitting beginning to my healthy lifestyle.

I was banded on October 28. I can understand how you are feeling and I agree with the above posters. Slow down on the walking, relax a bit and be kind to yourself while you are healing. Feel better, it will all come together for you.

There is no need to be nervous. When I met with my surgeon for the first time, he was the first medical professional that understood my frustration with my weight and wasn't judgmental. He reviewed my medical history with me and then asked if I had decided on a particular WLS. He agreed that the band was the best choice for me. If you have a list of questions, write them down so you don't forget to ask something. Good luck!

Have you tried mixing the protein powder with something different? When I made mine with almond milk, my system seemed to tolerate them better. You could try water, skim milk, almond milk or soy milk.

Hang in there! Your approval and date will come.

I am only 17 days postop and still eating soft foods, but a container of Chobani fills me up. I couldn't manage Kashi cereal or an apple, too.

You will be feeling better each day! Good luck on your journey!

I absolutely love Chobani's Pineapple flavor. It took me a while to get used to the texture of Greek yogurt, but now that I have, I enjoy it. I like all of the Chobani flavors and I also like the Fage brand.

Try lying in a position that keeps your head at a 30 degree angle, instead of lying flat. I spent the first night in the hospital and my surgeon's orders were that I remain inclined. The nurses kept waking me up because I would slide down as I slept. I have had issues with acid reflux, kind of like the pain you describe in your chest. Lying flat always makes it worse. Good luck and feel better.

Stretching with my arms above my head helped me with the gas pains. A lot of people recommend a heating pad also. It gets better, I promise.

Hopefloats, Everyone's doctor is a little different. I'm two and half weeks post op and I was advanced to "soft proteins" as tolerated at my follow visit. I was told to start with yogurt, puddings and baby food consistency. If they were tolerated well (no pain, nausea, belching, ect.) I could move up to lumpy foods like cottage cheese and flaky fish. Again, if they were well tolerated, I could try moist chicken and turkey (bites are to be about the size of a pencil eraser and chew until liquid). I am not permitted any fruits, veggies or grains. (or Pringles) I was also told to resume Vitamins. The nutritionist said that any vitamins, minerals and Fiber that I am missing from being on a nearly all Protein diet will be made up the vitamins. She also explained that the high protein diet will help my body to continue healing, keep me from losing muscle mass and help keep my metabolism going. Listen to your surgeon's team and follow your plan.

Congrats!

I am feeling the same way, exactly. I was banded on 10/28/11 and I have lost 19 lbs so far (including the pre-op diet). I'm so afraid that I did this for nothing. I know that I have to do the work and the band will help me, but I have failed at every other diet I have tried. What if I don't have what it takes to do this successfully? Good luck with your journey.

Congrats! Good luck on your journey.

I was banded the same day you were. I feel like I am doing very well so far. If I were in your situation, I would pass on the margarita because you are still healing. Alcohol isn't the most tummy friendly drink. Also, margaritas have a lot of lime juice and any citrus juice is quite acidic. I would be concerned that a margarita may cause acid reflux issues. Good luck and have a good time at the party.

I didn't wear a bra until about 7 days after. I have an incision right where the band of most of my bras hit. I have two that don't bother it.

Amazing transformation - Congratulations!

Congrats and good luck on your journey!