waitingpatiently

That is awesome!! It makes it much easier when you have someone that understands what you are going through. Me and my best friend started the journey together. She had to complete a 6 month diet, I didn't so I'm going to be about 3 months ahead of her when she gets hers done....but thats ok...I told her that way I have already worked all the kinks out and she will know what to do.---

Probably not. But it never hurts to ask your doctor...thats what we pay them for. More likely you may be a little constipated...if you are try adding some metimucil clean and clear to your diet or something similar..With protein first....fiber(veggies) often get pushed aside.

When in doubt give your doctor a call. But just to reassure you a little. I'm about 6 weeks out. My port site still gets sore from time to time especially if I wear pants that push on it. I too half a egg size firm spot that is very obvious (mostly in the morning hours). I asked my doctor about it on my follow up and he said both were normal. But again....its always best to ask the doctor or nurse.

Doesn't fill great!! I just bought my first pair of size 14's......can't wait to see 199 this week ....2 pounds to go!!

Greatful you did it! you made it to goal!! There is no one on this site that knows you like you know yourself. What we can do is encourage you. Life happens....I hate that you had to go through all of that. But don;t let it hold you back. Get yourself plugged in,re-educate yourself, and get down to business and commit to the lifestyle change. I look forward to following you and seeing your great transformation!! Good Luck.

Thats I cool idea!! But I don't think my husband would go for it!!!hahaha Just kidding we have been happily marriend for almost 22 years. (started dating at 14) Good luck to you..............everyone deserves someone special!

I'm glad you are healed and ready to start your journey...this is a great site for support. Good luck let us know how you are doing.

I felt like mine took longer...I had other stuff done as well (2 hernias and adhesions removed) but even today at almost 6 weeks out I still get a little discomfort around my port site and sometimes strange random pains. But all in all after about 3 weeks and (some real food) I did start to feel better. I guess everyone is different.

Thats better. Ok here's the deal. Everyone on here has opinion about what works best....and if you were struggling with loosing weight, I would suggest you consider something different. BUT it sounds like you are doing well. and have learned what your body wants from you. So I say stay the course. If in the future you hit a flat spot, then you might want to re think things. shake things up. Change your exercise routine...things like that. But I certainly wouldn't abandond what seems to be working for you. Just curious, why did you wait so long to fill your band?

I guess we need a few more details. How much are you eating?What are you eating? Are you exercising? When was your last fill? Looks like you had your surgery quite some time ago, are you just now having these concerns? Or have you been struggling all along?

I can't really address either of your concerns, because I not experienced with either with the band. But its been my experience that good or bad for you, if there is a will, there is a way. But There is one line that you wrote that bothered me. Here's the thing, it sounds like you are self medicating. From your statement it sounds like you rely pretty heavy on these drugs to relax,sleep,work, socialize thats a very large aspect to someones life. Have you ever thought about why? Its my guess that food for you may be another "drug" to self medicate with. I would suggest that you talk to your doctor...most patients must have a pych exam before having the surgery. I think you might want to figure out to source as to why you "need" these druds in excess. You may benefit more from anti-depressants and Therapy. The lap band is not like some of the other WLS, if you want to cheat , you can. It's very much a head game. It will be what you make of it. If you choose to make bad choices wheather it be in food, alcohol or drugs, you will probably not be as sucessful as someone that committs to the life style. Good luck lemons........please consider talking to someone about your concerns/issues.

Hi gang thought I would try this again this month. This will be a challenging monthf or me. I have 1 daughter that is playing in regionals and states for soccer, another daugther we are seeing graduate from high school, plus we are on a cruise the first week...so there are going to be a lot of emotions flowing as well as a lot of time spent away from home.....and away from me making my own food. I set a conservative goal of just the 2 pounds a week. Hoefully I will be able to meet that. Good luck to everyone!! Name, real or screen~waitingpatiently-Tina Goal weight for May 29th~193 Weight on May 1st~201 Age~40 Dietary goal for May~maintain the low carb life style Exercise goal for May~ ramp up the walking to 3miles a day/3days a week and 30 mins elliptical/2days a week Personal goal for May~not to gain weight on the cruise Date banded~ 3/19/2012 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~35 What is your favorite flower~ lillies

Welcome to the group Kathie!

Im not a crier!! But I sure did the first few days after surgey...I didn't know what was wrong with me!! But it did get better after the first week.....But if you are still weepy after more than a week or so, you may want to let your doctor now....surgery of any kindcan cause depression to set in.

Welcome to the group!! You will find this is a great place to educate yourself on all the pro and cons to the band. This is a great group of people who do a great job of encouraging and guiding each other through this life changing event. Feel free to ask any questions you might have...most of the time you will get multiple replies with all different view points to consider. Goodluck...if you ever need to talk feel free to inbox me.

I'm a newbie too...actually just had my first fill thursday...so I can't answer for the long term but I can eat them now. I'm not sure if you are sticking to a low carb diet, if you are you, might want to consider the Ole Extreme Wellness tortillia . there are a few that are high fiber/low carb. with about 70-75 calories/4-8proteins/ and only about 5net carbs!! good stuff. I found them at kroger and walmart has a couple flavors as well.

Checking in at 201!!! 2 pounds to go....as long as I'm 199 when I step on the cruise ship next friday I'm good with it!!haha NSV----My daughter and I went shopping yesterday for cruise clothes. I grabbed a pair of capris and she met me at the dressing room to "approve" she saw the capris in my hand and said "I just put those back, they were to small for me...you might want a bigger size"....I thought well I will give them a try, just to see how much bigger I needed. BUT THEY FIT!! They actully FIT! they were size 14!! they were slightly (and I mean slightly snug) but nothing 2 or 3 pounds won't take take of!! I don't think my daughter was as excited as me........the shopping trip was now over.---I hated it for her, but I have worked my butt off these last few months!!! But on the other hand, she is very competitive and couldn't stand me being smaller than her.....first thing this morning she was on the treadmill.---I hope she continues....I worry about her so much. I think my enthusiasm is wearing off or her. She sees how much better I feel.

First doctors apptointment Jan.19, Approved for surgery on my burthday Feb.21-(took 1 week), Surgery about a month later on March 19.

I'm extra lucky this time around....it seems like we are all on the same page for once. Everyone is trying to be healthy for reaon or another. My husband is in the Army and has mandatory weigh-ins---he is always boreline line at 170 lb., so he is wanting to loose a few. My oldest daughter is 17 and has been diagnosised with PCOS she has gained 60 pounds over the last year so he wants the weight off asap. So she is working hard too. My 13 year old son has discovered girls so he wants to "buff" up so he has lost 30 pounds and looks great. And well my youngest daughter is the health nut in the family and lost 30 pounds playing soccer and is our cheerleader (all 120 pouns of herself). Between all of us we have lost a whole family member....at least one of the skinney ones.--feels good There is no junck food i the house...nothing. Makes life much easier. And the grocery bill has drooped significating as well!!! We are putting any extra money we are saving into a jar for our family vacation.

had my first fill yesterday too!

You poor soul!! The only way me and fish come together is if it is breaded and deep fried....guess those days are gone.--haha

Yep...I certainly discovered that today as I was swimsuit shopping. Couldnt even think about buying one that had a v front....had to get one that was straight across the front. ON the good side......I was able to buy a size 16 swimsuit ....could have probably gone to size 14 but the boobs wouldn't cooperate. Told hubby I'm claiming the next few income tax return checks to fund my efforts to put everything back where it belongs....before children!!!

This seems to be a hop topic this last week or so. It seems crazy that in todays techno world that we as patients can't get a straight answer from health professionals. I really think it boils down to that every single body is different. And what is the perfect diet for one person maynot work for another. I think its great that we can come together and share all our different ideas, maybe it will help our follow bansters. But just remember, its just suggestions.... Here are few things to consider: *Just like in weight watchers, you will need less calories as you loose weight. *The goal isn't to starve yourself!! I can't tell you what your magic number is, but I KNOW its not 300 or 400 calories!! *If you exercise hard...you need more calories, if you walk alittle, probably not .but it is important to move....even if its small steps at first....establish the routine and make it a part of your new life *This time is about learning what our bodies what from us. For some of us, our bodies don't do well with a lot of carbs....for others they feel great with them. Its about trial and error, it may take you a few attemps to figure out whats best for you.........But whatever you do, accept that it is a learning process and just don't give up because your first, second or even tenth attempt isn't producing the results you want. ---just keep trying. And just because the scale didn't move this week doesn't mean it won't...there are other resons at work that might prevent the scale from moving....hormones or maybe you had more sodium this week. Don;t abondand what seems to be working automatically. And if you have been consistenly loosing weight, and haven't ramped things up a lot with exercise, then you probably don't need more calories....you may need a few less. I have lost 35 pounds since mid- january. I wasn't banded until March 19th and my first fill was yesterday so most of this weight has been lost without the band. So i'm really looking forward hitting 199 by next week. What works for me is: 800-900 calories a day (but I don't do excessive exercising....I walk 2 miles in 30 mins 3 times a week and do the elliptical for 20 mins twice a week)-if I exercise I give myself an extra 100 calories. I personaly have been on a 1200 calorie norm for years and gained about 3/4 a pound a month. I wll not loose unless I'm under 1000 calorie 35 carbs a day---yes I know this is a very low count....but I feel good at this level. NO its not what I will do forever, when I get to where I want to be I will add more healthy carbs back in. I also give myself a day a couple times a month (usually TOM week) to eat a few extra carbs and satisfy any cravings I might have been having.--Or like this week I had a fill and need to do the liquid/puree/mushie thing for a week therefore a low carb diet is out. I make sure to get my 60-70 grams Protein in So this is what works for me....it will be different for you...but maybe something you want to consider

I use the New Whey protein shots and mix half with a crystal light gives me 21 grams of protein. I like to mix the grape with grape, the acai berry with blackberry, and the watermellon with cherry lime-aid

Its always best to listen to the doctor and nutritionist.....but I might question them as to their reasoning. Are they aware of how much you are exercising? My second question would be Are you sure you are tracking your calories correctly? And are you sure you are tracking your exercise calories accurately?