Kiera

Becky, I have noticed that I have to be careful when chewing gum that I am not swallowing the frothy spit that you get when chewing the gum to fast creates. I find that if I just chew slower and don't swallow as much I am much better off. I would suggest drinking more Water while you are chewing, that seems to help me. As for the liquids I would suggest a little bit of egg drop Soup. That is (mostly) clear but it also has the egg bits in it and the Protein in the eggs will fill you up a little more and satisfy your stomach. it also gives you something to chew. I had a tiny bit trouble with scrambled eggs in the beginning but I never had any problem with the egg drop soup because the soup lubricates the eggs and keeps them from sticking. While it may not be strictly "clear liquids" it is less bad for you than eating tuna at this point. You might also try other lite Soups with some overcooked (tiny) veggie chunks in them. Or if it is easier simply use the blender to create a veggie puree and add that to your soup. This will flesh the liquid out a bit but should not give you too much trouble as long as you don't eat too much of it - and chew chew chew on what little chunks you find in there. If you are on Protein shakes try blending a banana into them. That will make them thicker and more satisfying. It is also a good potassium and magnesium source. Hope that helps. Hang in there. This will get easier.

Quakergirl, way to go!!!! When I dropped below 250 last month I was so excited - it is the first time in 12 years that I have been this thin. I know how those numbers starting in 2 and 3 are hard on a person. I was up to 320 a while back and that 3 at the beginning was killing me emotionally... I started this jouney in the 2s but only by a hair (299.5 LOL). I am looking forward (one of these days) to being in the one hundred and somethings - I know I will be kicking up major happy dances when that day comes (I will be minus 100 pounds then)!!!! I've promised myself a new iMac on that day - it helps to keep me motivated. Do you have any treats in store for yourself as you reach your mini-goals?

Anne, It is good that you see that now. Don't be afraid of those feelings - this is a good time to bring them out and hold them up to the strong light of day and get in touch with them. I did not do that before surgery because the process moved so quickly for me. It hit me a few days after I got home from the hospital and I had a very serious depression that was hard to shake off. I found myself feeling like a complete screw up. I too had been in denial and once it was over I could no longer hide it from myself. The time to be thinking about all this stuff is NOT when you are already miserable and have low blood sugar! Just be careful not to pile it on too deep for yourself. It is not weakness to ask for help and that is what the band is - help. It's sort of a built in coach - or a traffic cop on your eating. but without the annoying nagging and guilt trips. My mom and grandma were MORE excited than I was too. So excited that it was a bit annoying really!!! I was like, "ok - I get it - I AM FAT. LOL, leave me alone!" I was a little insulted but I knew they meant well. hehehe, it is a bit funny now when I think about it. You at least have the exercise going. For me that is more of the problem than the food. I just HATE to exercise and to sweat and huff and puff. It is a battle just to get myself to go outside if I think there is exercise out there waiting for me. I have managed to lose all of my weight so far without it but it is really slowing down and I must get my butt moving or I am going to stall, and I know it. If exercise is something you like then the band is probably going to be a good success for you. One of the things I suggest you do now is to start a journal - write about what you eat and the reasons you eat it. Examine what triggers you to eat - are your issues with food about portion control or binges or what (you don't have to post that - just get a handle on it for your own peace of mind). If it is mostly a matter of portion control (which was always my problem) then the band is an excellent choice. If you have issues with eating tons of sweets then the band will be more of a challenge to you (but that does NOT mean it won't help). That is why I suggest examining when, why and how you eat. That way you will be able to come up with strategies to help you overcome your issues and reallly make this band a success. I hope that makes sense. I don't say any of that to scare you off - but to help you to flesh out your monsters so you can fight them when the time comes. You will do fine. Focus on what you do right too - don't forget that part. The exercise, the seeking help when you know that you need it. Those are strengths and don't you forget it it! Ok?

Sultana, I am glad I could turn you on to something you and your DH can both use! I really like these syrups. My husband is particularly touchy with artificial sweetners (picture major puckerface and you have what he does anytime he tastes anything diet ) - surprisingly anything with splenda (and these syrups in particular) have passed his fake sweetner sensor with flying colors! You might want to check if they are for sale anywhere in your area. The shipping can be quite costly. I have also hear from a couple people I converse with online that the bottles are cheaper at some of these outlets - like $6 per bottle instead of $7.50. Chances are though that the stores wont have all the flavors - that's always the way. Below is the list of places that sell these SF syrups (from the davinci FAQ page I only order mailorder because I am in Belgium and have not seen any similar products here yet... Albertson’s_________ Bi-Lo (SC) Bruno’s (AL) Dillons Gordman’s Kroger King Sooper Larry’s Market Marshalls Pick N Save (WI) Price Chopper (NJ) Ross Ralph’s (CA) Safeway Super Wal-Mart TJMaxx Woodman’s QFC I use the instant three minute oatmeal. It does not seem quite a sticky as the conventional stuff. It might help with the looseness you are experiencing too - by simply adding some bulk in there. Try just a little bit at first and see how you tolerate it. Dont eat more than a half a cup in the first sitting - 1/4 is you are worried. If that works then you are set to go. I like the new siggy. Here is to watching that middle number slide on down toward the end one! ;D

Sultana, Every single doctor has a different idea of what the newly banded should eat. My doctor recommended liquids the first couple weeks and then smooth and mushy foods until about week six. That was why I was living on hot and sour soup. I needed something to chew before I went nuts! Do you have any blood sugar issues? Those headaches could be from low blood sugar - you are not getting as many calories and sugars as you are used to. You might want to use fitday.com to check and make sure you are meeting your daily requirements - you would be surprised how easy it is to *undereat* during this phase of your diet. Are you taking any Vitamin suppliments?

I like Chai - I have not tried black currant but it sounds great - I LOVE currents. I am only 37 (LOL, only, heheh) so I'd just be drinking it for taste. I have discovered dandilion tea. My grandma calls it PEE tea. It does seem to help loosen up Water retention water - something I am prone to. I really like it, surprisingly so does my hubby - I did not expect that. In fact, I am going to go make myself some right now! Since we have covered all the other gross topics of the band, has anyone mentioned the problem of constipation? That was something that hit me hard from day one - even when I was drinking every drop of water I was supposed to. Less going in equals less going out - but it can get uncomfortable. It is a good idea to start adding Fiber to your diet ASAP. I have some I mix with water and drink. It is halfway decent - tastes like lemon sherbert. oatmeal is also a good idea. Once you get to your squishy phase you can eat oatmeal - just make it extra thin so that it does not pile up on your tummy and sit there (uncomfortably). This is not so much of a problem later but at first it is better to be safe. Oatmeal is boring so I like to spice mine up with raisins or prunes (finely minced). My alltime fave though is to add sugar free syrup that I got from http://www.davincigourmet.com - they used to have a flavor called danish pastry but I think it was a limited edition or something so now I use hazelnut or gingerbread. It really makes it good, like you are eating coffee cake or something instead of boring old oatmeal. I took a look at my syrups and I think you can probably eat them - they are made with splenda. The website does not list everything so here is the list from the side of the bottle (in case you are interested): water, natral and artificial flavors, cellulose gum, sucralose (splenda brand), sodium benzoate (to preserve flavor quality), caramel color, citric acid serving size 1 tbsp calories 0 fat 0g sodium 5mg total carbs 0g sugars 0g Protein 0g all of the bottles have roughly these same ingredients with just different colors - as far as I can tell. I like to mix these syrups with my water - it makes it more palatable to get it all in. They make a couple of tea flavors that you can use as instant tea - the lemon tastes like lipton instant without the calories. The chai tea is quite spicy tasting but nice as long as you don't make it too strong - it has quite a strong clove flavor to it. They make a low cal chocolate *SAUCE* that I have heard good things about but have not tried yet. i am afraid to get it, I am sure I will find bad things to do with it - and it has some calories, unlike the syrups. There are lots of ways to get decadant tasting things into your life that do not have even a fraction of the calories of the real thing. I went overboard on the syrups and stuff so that I could still have tasty things and I did not feel like I was giving up all good tasting things forever... know what I mean?

I hope my novels help. I guess I am just in a journaling sort of mood today. We are all in this banding adventure together! I have not tried squid since banded - but I would be suspicious of it because of it's rubberyness. Sushi might not be as hard actually - that seaweed can be chewed down. The only way to know is give it a try - at home where if it does not work you are not bad off. Some things I expected to be hard aren't. I eat steak just fine - in fact I seem to crave it these days. I am just careful to keep to the cuts that are NOT grisseley (sp?). I had some troubles with pork chops in the beginning but not anymore. I think it was just the learning the *art of band chewing* issue. When eating pork or beef it is probably a good idea to have somesort of soft smooth food to eat it with - porkchops with apple sauce for example. or steak with steak sause or something. I know that all *good dieters* would probably smack me for that advice since it does tend to add calories - but in the quantities we are talking it is not that much and it will not make that much difference if you are otherwise careful of what the rest of the meal entails. I keep seeing people say not to drink for X amount of time before during or after meals. The during meals makes sense because it will wash the food faster and let you eat more. The after makes sense because you will wash the food down and you might feel hungry sooner than if you didn't drink. I don't find that to be the case so much - if I am thirsty after a meal I drink. And frankly, I think the bit about not drinking *before* your meal is utter nonsense. I have no scientific data to back my claim - however - I find that a nice cup of tea a little while before a meal makes my tummy happy and sort of primes it for food. I have far fewer problems when I have had something to drink beforehand. I think it actually helps me to feel fuller sooner because there is something in the larger part of my stomach. Perhaps it is all in my head but as long as I am losing weight I am going to do it my way. (shhhhhh) I also find that after a PB a nice cup of tea is just the thing to get me settled again. I never used to drink tea but now I have practically turned british or something with having all this tea all the time, LOL. You sound like you are feeling better. Is the gas starting to let up yet? Have you been trying to walk around to get everything moving?

That's a great idea! I am very fond of putting sugar free syrup in my Water. The ones by http://www.davincigourmet.com are really good. I am very fond of their watermelon flavor in water. strawberry and raspberry are also great. Here is a good tip for making Protein shakes. Freeze bananas - peel, cut and toss in a baggie in the freezer. Then just take a few of the chunks out and toss them in the blender with your shake and it makes it cool and thick. Ok, that's not a water trick - but it IS a good frozen trick. It is also a great way to save bananas that are about to go brown before you can eat them up. You could probably do the same frozen shake thing with other fruits as well - I have not tried that yet, but now that I thought of it I will have to do so!

Marcia - do you have any comorbidities? Some people with a BMI of 35 are able to get their insurance to pay for their surgery if they have sleep apnea, diabetes, bad backs, all kinds of things like that. Sorry if I am repeating something you already know, but I thought I would toss it in just in case... Is there any good reason Larry has not told anybody? Frankly in your shoes I would make him fess up to your nearest and dearest!!! What is the need for secrecy? He is being DISHONEST with them (a lie of omission) and that dishonesty is hurting you! :-( It is really that simple, isn't it? So as this voice from the internet ether - I say to your dear hubby - "Hey, Larry, get your band out in the open to your nearest and dearest - it's no big deal that you have had the surgery - so WHY keep it a secret when it is HURTING Marcia?!"

I hope that nausated feeling was not caused by my TMI post, LOL. I have never been one to dance around grossness. For me I can tell I have possible PB troubles if I start to feel foamy and have a hard time swallowing. It feels sort of like I swallowed a meatball - whole - sort of stuck. But it is not a choking kind of stuck - I can still breathe and everything - I am just as uncomfortable as heck. I have never had a PB without warning of at least one or two minutes duration. It's too bad this board does not have a polling feature - we could see if other people get the same warning or not... I have had to excuse myself twice from lunch at work to make a dash for the bathroom. I eat lunch in the cafeteria every day with my coworkers. The first time it was just panic more than anything else - it was the second day back at work and I ate a couple more bites than I should have. The second time was just a couple weeks ago - when (like a fool) I took a couple of bites of dessert on an already overfull tummy. It just looked SO good - I figured what could a couple bites of chocolate moose hurt - it's *light* right?! Well, I could feel that second bite. I had plenty of time to excuse myself and head for the bathroom. I am still kicking myself for being so dumb - I *knew* I should not have done it before I did it... It was a case of fighting head-hunger and the inability to walk away from "food on my plate." As long as you don't make a production of heading off to the bathroom your lunch companions will just think you needed to go. If you need an excuse dribble some food (preferably that won't stain) on your clothes and give yourself an excuse. I considered getting a few of those little bags like they have on airplanes - but once I realized I always have warning I didn't bother. If you are worried you could just keep a small brown lunchbag in your purse - just in case that would give you peace of mind. I have only had troubles with the volume of what I ate and the amount of chewing. I would suggest that once you do get back onto more solid foods that you peel your fruit - apple peels for example are really hard to chew small enough. I can eat them now but in the beginning it was hard. Oranges give some folks fits because the skins on the individual wedges do not always chew down well enough. You would not think you need to chew oranges that well but trust me - chew them like they are beef and you will be fine. It is not as complicated as it sounds. If you just pay careful attention to all of the textures of what you are eating you will be able to tell how much chewing is required. Anything with skin, or that feels stringy or chunky needs more chewing. *If in doubt over-chew!* Ocassionally I feel like a cow, LOL, with all the chewing. But it does tend to draw a meal out and make it SEEM like you are eating more than you actually are. That is good for satisfying head hunger - most of the time.

I must have pasted in the wrong bar, LOL, because neither of the ones I thought I was pasting had fructose. Take a look at all the bars at that site - I know there is at least one more you can probably eat. I have not had *that* many PB problems all in all. Usually the only time I have run into problems was when I either ate too much or too quickly without chewing enough. I have had once or twice where I "rented" lunch and then the same thing happened at dinner. So these days if it happens before dinner I usually just try to eat soup for dinner - that way if my tummy is still sensative I don't set myself off again. But honestly, it is not a big deal once you know what to expect from your body. Once you get into an eating routine it gets easier. I have discovered a technique that really helps. If, while you are eating, you feel like you need to toss (for whatever reason) try this. Get medium sized plastic bowl (one that will fit easily in your bathroom sink) and keep it in the bathroom where it is handy. If you feel the need to toss - go and stand over the sink. Bend at the waist just a bit and hang your head over the sink. Turn the Water on a little and rinse your mouth out - then spit the water out. If you are foaming (a common symptom just before PB) just keep spitting and rinsing your mouth out. Many times just NOT swallowing the extra saliva and foam will do the trick. If not then just let the food come up in the bowl. When you are done dump it into the toilet and wash. Now this bowl business probably sounds gross - but I find that if I put my head over the toilet I am BOUND to retch. I mean ewwww - even if it is perfectly 100% clean I don't want my face down there. Also - bending that far over seems to make the retch impulse worse, at least for me. The plastic bowl can be put in the dishwasher so it is ALWAYS going to be cleaner. It is important not to just toss in the sink because sinks are not set up to be able to handle solids - and you could give yourself a plumbing or odor problem if you throw up straight in the sink. If you feel like you are going to toss the most important thing is NOT to panic. I can tell you from experience that if you start to panic you stress out and THAT makes your tummy even more upset and liable to heave. I have pretty much come to the conclusion that I am much more comfortable MUCH MUCH sooner if I just let my body do what it wants to do and not try to fight it. A couple of times that old PB has given me *instant* comfort so I guess I just don't find them as bad now as I did that first month or two. The gurgling and burping happened to me too. The gurgling seems to have settled down now (8 months out) but the burping is EVERPRESENT, LOL. My husband is so used to it now that he hardly notices anymore. If anything it has started to encourage him to "keep up" and belt out a few belches with me each night after dinner - heheheh! I do like Belgium. It takes some getting used to. I used to live in the dutch speaking half of the country which was easier because most dutch speakers speak english - at least all the ones under 50. Now I live in Brussels where they speak mostly french. French speakers in general seem less likely to we able (or more importantly - willing) to speak english. I have been trying to learn French but I still feel like a child. Luckily I work in English so I get by. The thing I like best about Belgium is that I found my doctor here. He has done well over 1000 lapband surgeries and has been doing them over a decade. The insurance here is really good and did not even blink when I asked for the band surgery! I was approved in next to no time without anything more than my surgeon's recommendation that I was a good candidate and needed it. From finding out about the surgery and making the initial appointment it was six weeks to surgery - 2 weeks waiting for the initial appointment and 4 weeks from then until surgery. I still cannot believe how quick and easy it was. If I was still in the US I don't think the band would have ever been an option for me, considering all the US insurance horror stories I have seen in the various band forums I read. I feel truly lucky to be here now banded and working.

Holly, I agree with the others. My own experience was that I was not terribly restricted at all. Unfortunately it was seven months before I got my first fill. But even with only minor restriction I still lost about 50 pounds. So don't worry if ;you feel like you are eating more than you expected. After you get your first fills you will have restriction. Remember your body needs time to heal, that is why they don't put the fil in when they insert the band. Also keep in mind that mushy and liquid foods go right through the band - thus you can eat more. Just make sure that the foods you are putting in your mouth are good choices and that a little extra is not going to increase your calories too much and you will be fine. These first few weeks are not aobut losing weight, they are about healing and getting back to normal. Don't *should* yourself too much with regards to what you can and cannot eat or how much - everyone's experience is different. Just be conservative in your choices and only eat what you *actually* need and you will be fine!

Yep, I am in Belgium. I am a native of California but I have been here two years now. Breathing the first couple days after surgery gives you gas! Remember that when they do Lap surgery they basically blow you up with gases and many of them are still in there and have to work themselves out somehow. I found that anything "milky" really made it worse that first week so I avoided them as much as possible. If you can get up the energy try walking around for 15 minutes or so at a time. I found that it really helped me get that gas moving. I made my husband come with me though because I did not feel that good - just compelled to walk a bit. Alergic to corn huh? That's ROUGH! I did not see any of the items you listed in the two shakes I like - but I don't know all the product names they make out of corn... The ingredients are on the list at the bottom of those links I put in my other post. Just out of curiosity I looked up my favorite Protein bars and it looks like two of my faves *might* work for you (I did not see any of the offending ingredients) - once you get to the solids phase. Just so you know I don't have any connection to the website in these urls - it is just who I order from. It is very difficult to find items like these here in Belgium so I just order online. http://www.wlssuccess.com/detour.htm http://www.wlssuccess.com/uturn.htm These bars are big enough that when you have restriction about half of one will fill you up. It is a great Meal Replacement when you just don't have time to stop and or when you feel the need for something decadant. They have lots of protein so they stick with you. I usually use them for Breakfast because I am just not a "fix myself breakfast each day" sort of person.

<I think this surgery has really affected me on so many levels.> Oh yes, I get it - that is how it was for me too! I know from previous surgeries that the sleepy gas and I do not interact too well. I was quite gassy and it took a long time for the "see stars and cuss" stabbing pains in my shoulder to go away. I think that is why I slept the first couple weeks away - I was more comfortable asleep! I would slow down a bit on the nibbling for at least another week. If you need egg then I would suggest an egg-drop type soup. The bits are smaller and are in liquid which means they will be easier on your stomach. The pureed soup is probably your best bet for the moment. I would wait for another week or so on the cottage cheese. Chances are it won't have hurt you to try it - but lay off the more solid foods as long as you can. Fluids are your friend right now - get as much as you can in. It WILL get easier and more comfortable, just give it some time and try not to worry.

Sultana, welcome to the other side! I hear you about the post surgery business. I was a wreck for at LEAST the first two weeks. I mostly just slept and sat around feeling sorry for myself, LOL. It took about a month for me to really feel "normal" again. Other people bounce right back. Everybody is different and you cannot fairly compare yourself. Don't should yourself - just relax and let your body heal. You will feel better when you feel better. The best thing to do is keep yourself distracted and not dwell on things too much (like I did! . Remember not to worry about the weight right now. They have had you hooked up to IVs and that can pack the Water weight on you. Do yourself a favor - only weigh yourself once a week, first thing in the morning when you are still "empty." If you don't have any Protein shakes I would recommend getting some - they are easier to get down than eggs (at least they were for me). More protein will help with the depressed tired body part. I recommend these two products - my favorite are the champion chocolate and apple nectar flavors. This one tastes a lot like quick chocolate milk: http://www.wlssuccess.com/champion.htm These flavors are fruity and not milky at all - sort of like juice: http://www.wlssuccess.com/nectar.htm If shakes are not filling enough for you try blending up a banana in them for additional bulk. If you freeze the (peeled) bananas and then blend them they act as ice cubes and make a VERY satisfactory milkshake. They taste decadant! My doctor recommended staying on liquids and soft foods for the first month to six weeks. Most US doctors seem to be a bit more liberal about that - it is weird how it varies from doc to doc. I had mixed success with being able to do that - the business with the kiddy burger for example. But on the whole it was not too horrible. I ate lots of hot and sour soup and other soupy favs of mine. Keep your chin up. I hope you feel better soon! Happy New Years!

I was banded 4/28 and it was not until the week after banding that I really started to feel the "loss". I had my last suppers in the weeks before surgery - I was eating out every other night those last couple weeks, LOL. The bizarre thing is I LOST weight those two weeks - it was perverse I tell you! Anyways, right after I got the band I was really depressed - i was taken by surprise by that fact. It hit me like a ton of bricks for about a week and a half or so. I was not only grieving the loss of foods but I was also beating myself up for needing surgery to fix myself after having let myself get into such a state. I did not expect it and it took me time to get myself evened out again. Finally at about two weeks after surgery I went and got an ice cream sunday and child sized hamburger at the local burger place. It was SO wrong and yet OH SO theraputic. I could only eat the meat from the burger (VERY SLOWLY) and I put a serious dent in the ice cream. Oddly enough that helped me to get over it. Perhaps it was just old habits dying hard - but also it was sort a reaffirmation for me that all was not lost. Yeah, in the old days that "binge" would have been a serious sized burger, large fries, coke and ice cream - but I *could* still eat junk. As it was I probably ate 350 calories or so during that little breakdown - instead of the 1700+ in the old days. I am sure that sounds nuts but I think some part of me just needed to know that I could still eat - just less and a bit differently - but I COULD still eat. It was a turning point for me actually. After that it was more about making the choice to eat right and that made all the difference. I think part of the problem for me was that I read posts from other banders who's doctors were telling them to plan to never eat out again and stuff like that. I was worried I could never be social again or something. Whatever you do - DO NOT fall for that load of bunk. I eat lunch with the guys at work every day. I just get something small or ask for a half serving. I eat so slow these days that I usually finish about the same time as everybody else and once they got used to seeing such small quantities on my plate they don't even notice anything different. I love Chinese food. my husband and I have worked out a sytem - because ordering a whole dish for me is a waste unless we want to bring some home. So what we do is get me an order of Soup as my main course - and he orders a main dish we both like. I eat my soup and then a few bites of whatever he has. I have turned into a really cheap date, LOL. They looked at me weird the first time but it does not have to be a big deal. Another technique I have used is to ask for a to-go plate when they bring the meal. Then I immediately chop half (or more) of the meal off and put it in the to-go container. This helps A LOT because it is very very VERY hard for me to leave food on the plate and walk away (again, old habits die hard). By taking the food off the plate before I start eating I am able to better control my portions and give myself permission to not eat every bite. Again, the wait staff might look at you funny but eh - big deal! As long as you have strategies for dealing with food you will do fine. Just be sure to do lots of thinking so that you don't get caught by surprise like I was. Even if you do, all you can do is be aware of the issues and deal with the problems as soon as they surface. You'll do fine!

Congrtulations on your surgery! It is still a bit early to worry about eating. My doctor suggested staying on liquid for a couple weeks and then soft foods for a few weeks (basically bringing you up to the time for the first fill at 6 weeks). I had lots of Soup - with overcooked veggies that melt in your mouth. Eggdrop or hot and sour Soups are quite nice, the egg in them brings up the Protein content. These are good for if you start getting the hungries in a week or two. You do not have to worry about drinking too much as far as I know. Remember pure fluids are going to work their way right past your band pretty quickly. If you feel full, stop drinking, that's all. Stay away from carbonation (at least in the beginning) because that can cause you discomfort. I still snuck in a cup here or there but that is because I am a diet pepsi fiend. PB'ing is really not that bad - it is not like full on Linda Blair or anything like that. It does not happen to me very often but it is not a big deal - I was afraid it would be but I find I am able to take in stride. One suggestion I have for you is to have a special bowl (a small mixing bowl sized bowl will work) that you keep in the bathroom - this way if you do have to run for it you do not have to put your face in the loo. I have this little crecent shaped plastic bowl (a garbage can insert actually) that fits just right into the sink so that it can sit there and I can run the Water (the shape lets the water go into the sink not the bowl). This may sound like a really odd thing but I have found that if I ran to the toilet I was almost 100% sure to toss (toilets no matter how clean are just gross that close up, LOL), but if I just stood over the sink, bent at the waist with the water running gently I would feel better. Sometimes it helps to just spit in the bowl and stand there. The reason for this is that if I feel overfull I start to get phlemmy and I feel like i need to gulp and that seems to make the problem worse (not to mention giving me horrible gas from gulping down the extra air). By spitting into the bowl and rinsing my mouth out I avoid the worst of it. When I am done I just flush the contents of the bowl, give it a quick rince and I am done. The reason for the bowl is that if anything (besides spit) does come up it will stop your sink up and/or possibly create an odor. Don't let all that freak you out or anything, just keep it in mind so that if and when it does happen to you you are prepared. Just stay calm, I tended to panic the first couple of times but once I discovered the bowl technique it is no big deal for me. I hope that helps.

Mary, as one of the banded who is also down about 40 pounds I HEAR on you all of the issues. I know how much better I feel and how much looser my clothes are but aside from my husband nobody else has really noticed. I have lost a lot of weight in really odd places - like the back of my neck, my calves, under my arms, and my boobs. Those sorts of places are not the ones people pay attention to. I can REALLY see the difference in you in the pictures - but I know exactly what to look for because you appear to have lost in the same ways that I have. The difference show up in your face, neck, chest, and hips in the photo. As soon as you have lost enough to start buying all new clothes I am sure more people will start to notice. I think sometimes people are afraid to mention anything about weight to someone our size because it would be really embarassing if they were wrong - you know?

I have found that Protein bars and shakes are a great way to feel like you are eating something decadent without all the empty calories. I would suggest trying Detour Bar = is like a snickers bar with 30 grams of protein http://www.wlssuccess.com/detour.htm OneWay Bar = is like a dense three musketeers bar with 30 grams of protein http://www.wlssuccess.com/oneway.htm UTurn Bar = is like a snickers bar with extra Peanut Butter with 30 grams of protein http://www.wlssuccess.com/uturn.htm They have also just come out with one that is like a mounds but they don't offer it at wlssuccess.com. I am not affilitate with that site but I have used them several times now without any problems. These bars are not cheap - compared to a snickers for example - BUT at least you are getting the protein and not just the empty calories. Protein Shakes (doctored up of course) are also a way to have something sweet but still be on track. I like the chocolate flavor of these http://www.wlssuccess.com/champion.htm it is really good with a frozen banana tossed together into the blender with a couple ice cubes. If sweets are your weakness then try to find ways to get foods you consider sweet into your diet - but just make them foods that fit in with your diet plan and not just any old candy bar you find. I don't know about you - but as soon as I do not allow myself to have something that is EXACTLY when I have to have it! Good luck!

I think I have started to feel sexier since losing the 40# that I have so far so my sex drive has gone up. But I have also noticed that for the past couple of months I have had a serious (and very unusual for me) craving for yoghurt! I had not eaten yohurt much in YEARS and then all of a sudden it is a gotta have it food for me. I wonder if my body is compensating for something... My favorite Breakfast is fruit at the bottom yoghurt with granola mixed in (and let sit for a few minutes to moisten up so that it is easier to eat). I find that this combo is really good for keeping me *regular,* solving that uncomfortable problem that has plagued me from the day I had the surgery. As to your latest post... I wonder if your hubby isn't whining because this is all "real" now that the surgery is done and he is starting to feel threatened that you will get skinny and _____ (fill in his fear here)... It never helps but if he thinks "your jobs" around the house is too hard it should be noted that he should appreciate you more for all that you DO DO when you are able to AND how much MORE you will be able to accomplish when you have lost enough weight to start feeling comfortable doing it! You have to be careful with that line and use it wisely - you will know when. Perhaps if you buy a sexy nighty to Celebrate a WL milestone and make a show of it he will be more excited about your WL and quit his b@tch'in... Make it all about what is good for him. IE - good behavior helps you lose weight and feel better about yourself and you reward that with some naughtyness of your own that will tickle his fancy. , you'd be surprised how well that can work on a whiney bellyaching spouse!

All of the literature I have seen mentions the LEFT side. I am a bit surprised by the folks who have it on the right. To those of you who have had your port installed on the right hand side - is that also the side of your biggest lapband incision? I would think they would put the port near the largest incision (as was done with mine)...

Actually there are things that can be done to soothe a sweet tooth while dieting on the band. I take Protein suppliments that come in shake form and there are some out there on the market that you can toss in the blender with some ice and maybe a banana and the shake that comes out is as good as any "bad for you" shake - but these give you a big shot of protein at the same time so you are benefiting from it and it is not even cheating. Another way to fight a sweet tooth is to get some Protein Bars. You can find these in chocolate and all varieties of flavors. Some have more calories than are strictly required BUT they taste good and they DO provide protein and Vitamins - which is more than you can say for a hershey bar. I think that people with sweets issues CAN work their diet around their need for sweet tasting food - BUT - I think they need to plan for sweets. Most diets seem to require that you skip eating ANYTHING THAT TASTES GOOD - so is it any wonder people break down and cheat? Getting a bunch of sugar free syrups (like those at www.davinvigourmet.com ) and adding them to boring foods can make them "seem" sweeter than they actually are and will help fight that sweet tooth.

This is probably a question best answered by your doctor. I can tell you that there have been a couple times where I have done lots of bending and streching (vacuming & waxing a wood floor and my hands and knees for example) where my side was a little sore. I have basically been going by the philosophy that unless it hurts equiv to a mildly sprained ankle I figure it's ok. My doctor told me that I should call him if any of following occurred: * there is unaccounted for pain (small aches are ok) * A fever * Inability to eat anything without tossing * Any hardness in my stomach area I hope that helps. If you are really worried you should just call the doctor's office.

Amy, I think Brandi is right, I read that same thing about the councilwoman who died. I also read that she went to a different hospital than where she had the band so it took them longer to figure out what the problem was. Everything I have seen on the subject blames the fact that she was in severe pain for days and did not seek help. It is a very sad story but it is one that could easily have been avoided and could also have happened with many kinds of surgery not just the band. It is important to remember that ANY kind of surgery has some risk involved. Compared to RNY bypass surgeries the Band is much safer and the risks of dying are very very low. But also consider what your risks are in staying obese. From my POV I was much more likely to die of some medical problem brought on by my weight - high blood pressure, (pre-)diabetes, all kinds of yucky things were looming in my future. Now I am losing weight and everything has improved. Hmmm, guess I got off on a ramble there but the point I was trying to make is that it is important to look at all aspects not just one pecular incident. Hope that helps.

Alexandra, It is important to remember that liquids do go right through an unrestricted band, so it is NOT surprising that you can drink that much at a sitting. All you can do is make sure that the liquids you are drinking are good choices. I tend to mix my Protein shakes up a little on the thin side (more Water than the recipe calls for) and that way I get more Fluid with less calories/carbs. I also found water loading helpful in the beginning. Water loading is when you drink a lot of water about 15 minutes or so before you eat. This helps to fill up the lower half of your stomach so that when you do eat (or drink your soup/shake as the case may be) you will feel fuller sooner.