Holly

Hi All. I haven't posted much at all and am newly banded, 3 days post op. I was wondering what was the earliest someone has started mushy foods? Thanks ! Holly

I too can relate! Please, please talk to your primary dr asap! you need to get on some meds to help w/ this. I know I've been there & I still struggle w/ depression & anxirty. I have a similiar situation as you. My shoulders are carrying the weight of the world, but you MUST take care of yourself or how will you be there for your family? I work ft, have two kids (three if I include my husband) my mother in law lives with us, and so on. I have been on medication for several years and sometimes still have to adjust the dosage but I cant imagine how I would be w/o it. I use my lunch break to do things for me and it helps. PLEASE take care of yourself. I know it may seem like you'll never get through this - but you will!

Thank you both. Since I'm going in at 8 am I will probably not eat, just to be safe.:cry ~Holly

I am going for my first fill on 3-29-04 and wanted to know f I am not supposed to eat anything beforehand. The dr's office didn't tell me anything. I have to go for an ultrasound at 8 am and then right to the dr at 9 (there in teh same hospital). I am really looking forward to this. I was banded on 12/18/03 and have lost about 23 lbs, which was in the first 2 weeks after getting the band. Right now I really don't have much restriction and really want to get a jump start on losing again. ~Holly;)

Sultana, Your post really hit home for me! I have been feeling the same way. Thanks for letting me know that I'm not alone. My next follow up isn't until 3/22/04, which seems so far away. Goog luck Holly:Bunny

I too felt the same way! I am 1 month post op and sometimes still feel like I am eating too much. Just listen to your body and STOP when you think your getting full. good luck Holly

Hello fellow New Yorkers! I too am from Long Island and also had the surgery by Dr Geiss. I have found this site to be the best source of support. Renee, best of luck on your journey to "the new you". ~Holly

Peggy, Hello and Congrats! I too was banded just before Christmas (12/18/03). Everyone thought I was crazy too! But I wanted it done before the end of the year and figured why should I have to go through another holiday just to gain more weight. Again congrats! ~Holly:Bunny

I think your both right. The tubing or something. I know it's not the port, the dr specifically showed me where it is, right on top of my belly button. I just didn't expect to feel anything else. Well at least I now know I'm not the only one. Thanks for the replies! I really must say that I love this site!:banana Wether just reading through the postings, or by getting replies to something I posted, I feel the support of everyone! Thanks !!!!!!!!

I have been feeling this strange kind of sensation on ocassion when I turn a certain way. It almost feels like I can feel the band itself. I know it's not the port, it's not in the same spot, which is near my belly button. This is up closer to my ribcage, near one of the incision spots. And it's not a painful feeling. Just like I know something is there. :cry Has anyone else ever had something like this? I don't think anything is wrong. Just curious I guess. Thanks for any input.

I'm now two weeks post op and on mushy foods. I feel like I am able to eat too much! I am not eating anywhere near what I used to. But it just seems like I should be eating a lot less than what I am. Yesterday I had cottage cheese & peaches for breakfast, then a snack of pudding, lunch was 1/4 cup of tuna salad and a few crackers, snack of pudding, dinner was chili, and then I even tried some lasagna! All this without any problems!! Is something wrong?? Why am I able to eat so much? It almost feels like I am not banded! I have lost 20 lbs in the last two weeks, so I know I'm on the right track. But it still seems like too much food. Help!

I found that once I started on "mushy" foods I was able to eat more. I went for my two week check up today, and the dr explained that the food is still able to slip through the band at this point. The real test is when we start solids and are eating 3 times a day. That made me feel a little better. I just did not expect to feel this good so soon;-) I love this site! Everyone is so helpful and nice! I find that this site is the best source of support and information! Thank you all so much!!!!!!!! Holly

Thank you all SO much. After reading your replies I feel more at ease. I did not expect to feel so "normal". At least now I know that others have had similar experiences.

A few of my "goals"...... being able to run and play with my 6 yr old & 17 month old instead of sitting on the side just watching. going shoppong in a "regular" size store. and the one that makes me giggle the most, to be able to wear a thong! ~Holly

Thanks for the replies. I am trying to stick to the diet as closely as possible. I don't want to take any chances with any problems.

Thanks Sue. I'm currently on full liquids. But am constantly craving eggs or cheese. I never thought of the soft boiled egg yolk, will definatley try.

Went to the Cardiologist last week and was told they found something wrong with my heart. :think I have aortic valve leakage, which means blood is flowing back into my heart and the heart is working harder to pump the blood to the rest of my body. The dr said I will eventually need a valve replacement and will be on medication for the rest of my life. I have to go for a stress test before they will let me know if I can still go ahead with the lap band. Not only do I have to deal with the heart condition, but deal with the fact that I may not be able to get banded. Does anyone out there know of someone who has this condition and was able to still get banded?

Thank you for the responses. I AM thankful that the dr found the problem, especially before it was too late. The last fews days I have been on a roller coaster of emotions, scared, thankful,etc. I do want to make sure that I take of my heart and am around for a long time-especially for my two children. Becoming healthy was the goal the entire time. But the doctor did say that I may still be able to have the band, and I was wondering if there is anyone out there who had it done with this kind of heart condition. If I can't get the band so be it. At leadt I will still be around:D Thank you again for your responses;-)

I am pre-banded, consut on 8/12/03 with Dr Geiss. I was wondering on average how often do you need to get a fill? I know that everyone is different, but was curious about how often I could expect to need one. Thanks.... :cry

Thank you all for the information. It has been helpful. I willalso check with my doctor to see what he usually does. At this point I just want to get the pre tests done so I can get a date! Tahnsk again!

I guess I will ust have to wait and see then. Thanks!

Hi Chris. I too am from LI and plan on using Dr Geiss! I have a consult on 8/12/03 and can't wait. It's grerat to see someone else from LI. Good Luck ~Holly

Hello. My name is Holly and I looking to get the band. I have scheduled an appointment with Dr. Geiss for August. I have always had a problem with my weight since I was a kid. About a month ago I woke up and truely realized what I look like and how unhealthy I have become. After a lot of research and talking with a freind who had the band done, I know that this is the answer for me. And the journey begins.....

Thank you so much. I am looking forward to the consult with Dr Geiss. I have heard a lot of positive things about him. I will update once I meet him. ~Holly