SashaWLS

Thanks guys... I'm still uncomfortable, but doing a little better. I took a whole bunch of Tums and switched to liquids, and that has definitely helped, but I'm eating some Soup now and I'm back to hurting again... Called the doctors office and they think I have some food that's stuck in the pouch that won't go down. I'm going in Friday to have them unfill some, see if it goes down, and then refill it again.

Don't think it's gall bladder because it's in the middle of my chest...

Is it going to hurt? Will I be throwing up? I can sort of eat anything now, not as much as pre-band, but no restriction. I know I need a fill, but... wah! I'm nervous!!

The only one I didn't hate (and that I really liked!) was GNC's Lean Shake, in chocolate.

OMG, what an irresponsible article! They make it sound like the sleeve procedure is safer than the lap band?!?! the sleeve has a 1/200 mortality rate, while the band only has 1/200. And they don't even mention the long-term, hugely painful complications that potentially come with the sleeve, namely stomach leaking... Regardless, I do wish taogirl well!! It makes me so sad to hear that you've had trouble since the very beginning!! I don't know why it is, but it seems that there are as many different experiences as there are people. Every surgery has a potential risk, and it's a really good reminder that there are no guarantees... Some people have a really hard time with the surgery, need revisions, removals, or even die... And of course we all know the potential up side, which is why we're all here in the first place!

About a week for me... And as long as you brought this up, I can share up a very private little NSV! Last night, the first time in about 9 years, I could see over my belly enough to watch. woo woo!! :-) hehehe... It was like my own little porn movie!

YES!!! At least 3 days... You will be healing and it may scare them. And funny story, my first day seeing my 4yo daughter after surgery, she runs up to me yelling "Mommy" and stops short before hugging me, then get this funny look on her face, and decides on a new plan... At the top of her lungs sh screams, "YOU'RE IT!!" and slams my belly with both hands, then takes off running. Yikes!!!

Sounds like you're doing great! Chin up, this is hard!!! Especially if you're 28 and two are 50+, that lends a different dynamic than the usual peer-friend situation. Don't forget to have fun!!!!

this is a slow journey, for the long haul. try not to worry about the numbers so much, and worry instead on healing, getting used to eating again, etc.

a pleasure... First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!! You will love Despina and Dr. Fielding. I'm a little in love with him. hehehe. It's been a great experience for me. I was banded April 18th and have lost 36lbs so far... My scars are PERFECT little lines, totally neat and straight, and quickly disappearing. The postop healing period was harder than I expected, but living with the band has been much easier than expected. I can eat a small plate of food at a time. The other night I had roast chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli... The other day at work I had Chipotle at lunch. I can pretty much eat anything and I've only thrown up once (which was because I didn't chew something enough). I try to do Protein first, then fruit/veggies, then carbs. Sometimes I don't do that. I take my Vitamins every day. I've cut my medications in half, and I've gone down 2 pants sizes... The hardest part has been not drinking with meals. But everything else is great.

Well, in my mind I've always dreamed of being a 14 again... I remember getting really mad at my mom in high school because she bought me size 14 jeans and I thought they were sooooo huge... So ever since I exceeded a 14 I've felt really badly about myself. That said, I started this journey in April at a 20/22, and at only 36lbs down am already wearing an 18... Suddenly wearing a 14 doesn't seem so far away!! So all things being equal, I'd LOVE to be an 10/12... I don't see myself in an 8, but a 10/12 would be amazing!!!

"start new thread"

People tell white lies when telling the truth would cause more harm than good. Only Memphis is in a position to judge the situation... Some friends should not be told. I once told a friend that I was on a diet, and now every time I see her she asks me how I'm doing with food. It drives me insane, and I wish that I had never told her.

You don't have to tell them. I just returned from five days away with 20 of my closest friends and none of them knew. Tell your friends that you had a stomach flu yesterday, and that food is not really appealing to you. After a few days if they ask you why aren't better yet, tell them that you're totally better, but still don't really feel like eating, and as long as you feel that way, you're going to run with it! Wrinkle your nose at food! The great time!

Just know that you're not the only one! Find your Zen space, block out the smells, and just focus. The food you cook for your kids is NOT for you. You can do it! And I highly recommend them super healthy, single ingredient foods. You will be less tempted to cheat by sneaking a bite of chicken then you will be to sneak bite of pizza. You can do it!

My first fill hurt also, but the second one was totally easy...

For what it's worth, i had my surgery on April 18, and I'm in exactly the same boat. I feel like a total failure for not being able to eat smaller portions. And I have already had two fills! I just pray that after my next fill, I see a little restriction and the band starts to help me, rather than just be there to remind me that i suck. All that said, we're actually not failures. And we know that we're in band hell. And we know that just like right after the surgery, the band will stop us from being able to overeat. Eventually

Is this normal? Bandster hell or something? I feel like a big fat failure...

I am out of control, but I also don't feel full at all and am overdue for a fill... But I can't remember what restriction feels like. Hoping I remember after my fill!

This is a fantastic description, and makes sense considering the lap band has all those tiny little compartments...

OH -- It's burping up food? Not just burping air 100x in an hour?

My nutritionist said to stop drinking 5 minutes before the meal to make sure all the liquid has gone down, and then not to drink within 30 minutes after the meal.