yellowrose88

My doctor told me the same thing not to use a straw. I've seen alot of different things on here my doctor said "No no" but others our doing it. I don't get it either but I have been deligent in following my doctors instructions.

I wouldn't suggest cheese yet...

I was a self pay just last month...

There are so many things but here are a few I used during the mushies: Avocado, sweet potatoes, yogurt, baby food, bananas, Jello, cottage cheese... Hope this helps...

I was banded on a Friday morning and went back to work on Tuesday!

Where are you located?

I was banded 02/03/12. I had a lot of gas pain at the begining and it slowly receeded. Are you getting the grumblies all the time or just around the time you should be eating? I have noticed mine usually starts right before it is time for a meal. I eat only 3 meals a day and it usually is about 10-15 bites which is equvilent to about 1/2-3/4 cup of food. Once I feel the tighting I stop.

AWESOME!! I have noticed the same thing recently and felt the same way. I had a similar experience with my husband when he hugged me he said "Hello skinny!" I laughed. It is amazing what weight does to you and the love ones around you. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

You just have to take it slow. It was painful to get up and out of bed for me as well. It will get easier... Good luck to you!

I was banded on a Friday and went back to work on Tuesday. I have a desk job and was fine. The only thing that really bothered me was the driving to and from work for the first week.

Try walking and see if it helps.

I was banded February 3! Great to know there are others out there going through the same things!! Good Luck!

No fill today because I am on track and don't need it this time. Total lost of 23.4 lbs.

Me too. My husband knows and my children. I also told one good co-worker but no one else. I believe it is a personal choice and I am happy with my choice thus far.

I tried this recipe last night and it was to die for. Hope you enjoy. http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/five-ingredient-recipes/parmesan-crusted-tilapia

I started at 235 at initial appointment, weighed 225 day of surgery and on 2/15 weighed 217.

It really depends on you. My doctor told me whenever I feel ready. It was a little over a week.

Hello! I am new to this website and blogging. There is a lot of new in my life at this time. I was banded on February 3, 2012 and I am a little over three weeks post-op. I have listed below what I have experienced over the last month. Prior to surgery my doctor, Dr. Fox, had me on the South Beach Super-Charge diet phase 1. He doesn't believe in the liquid diet because you will be on liquids after the surgery. I lost 11 lbs. prior to surgery. The couple of days before surgery the center called, a nurse called and the anesthesiologist, Dr. Wong, called. I was surprised and relieved. The day of surgery I had to be at the surgery center at 7:00am and my surgery was scheduled at 8:00am. The staff was very nice and considerate in every way possible. After signing off on all the paperwork I was brought back to change into a hospital gown and some nice warm grippy socks. I was brought back into the pre-surgery room where I was hooked up to an IV and given a shot in my stomach which was a blood thinner. Dr. Wong came and asked me a bunch of questions and answered any questions I had for him. My surgery nurse came in and introduced herself to me and said I would be brought back soon. Within the next 10 minutes my Dr. Fox came by and asked me if I was ready and from here is was a whirlwind. My surgery nurse and Dr. Wong came back. Dr. Wong gave me some sleepy drugs in my IV and I was wheeled back into the operating room. My head was already flying high and people were everywhere. The last thing I remember was this handsome guy at my right side strapping my arm down and I said "Hello". LOL it is funny now thinking about it. Well the next thing I know I was woken out of a deep sleep to "Melodie please take a deep breath" and this happened for the next 10 minutes I guess. I couldn't keep my eyes open but I kept taking the deep breathes as directed. I slowly began to wake up and they took the oxygen off and told me I would be getting up in a few minutes for a short walk. I was moved into the next room where I was able to sit and they gave me a warm blanket and the nurse brought my husband back. The nurse (I didn’t get his name) kept checking on me and asking me how I was doing. He brought me water and told me to take small sips. I was still very sleepy and kept dozing off on my husband. The nurse came by and took to me restroom and I walked myself back. The nurse stated I was faster than he was. He asked me if I needed anything else right now and I told him I felt sick to my stomach and he said I can fix that. He came back and put something in my IV and within seconds I felt better. The nurse then came back and brought some post-op paperwork we went over and brought me some plastic thing to help with breathing. It was very difficult. I had to use this thing every hour and use it 10 times. I also had to get up and walk around every hour. Dr. Fox came by and asked me how I was doing and asked if I was ready to head home. YES by this time I was ready to head home and crawl into my own bed. The nurse removed my IV and I was released about 11:30am. When I got home my husband went into the house first and put our dogs outside. He didn’t want them to jump on me. We have a two story and he helped me up the stairs and I crawled into my bed. My husband was a very good care taker bringing me water, making sure I used the breath thing and walking around. Also he made sure I took my medicine as needed. After I was settled my husband went to fill my prescriptions. Once he got back I took the pain killer which I highly recommend. I took my every four hours and took Advil two hours into the four hours. Dr. Fox recommended this, which I would do the same. I did this until Sunday and then went straight to Advil alone expect for bedtime. I thought I would be able to go back to work on Monday but was still sore so I called in sick. I did go to work on Tuesday and it was very uncomfortable driving. I was still very gassy at and took gas-x chewable which helped. I have been following my doctor’s post-op instructions to the T. I had a follow up with him on February 15 and he said everything is healing and looks good. At my weigh in I had lost a total of 18 lbs. J He gave me my meal plans for the next two weeks and told me to stay away from pork and beef (except hamburger) until 3 months after surgery. I have to say I did have some pork-lion the other night for dinner and it went down fine. One thing I must tell you if you sneeze you will feel like you are dying! I sneezed on the way to my last doctor’s appointment and thought I was going to die, it hurt so badly. It has gradually has gotten better. It still hurts a little but is bearable. The insides take longer to heal the outside. I still get gassy after drinking my protein but it passes and I can count on one hand how many times I have had a bowl movement (gross I know). Weird… I have my first aftercare appointment today. We will see how that goes and if I get my first fill today. I hope this way helpful information for someone. If you have any questions please ask. Melodie

Are you drinking your Protein? I found this to be very helpful with hunger. Good luck to you...

Karen - I was banded on a Friday morning and I returned to work on the following Tuesday. I was uncomfortable due to gas but I made it through the day and just got easier as the week went on.

Hi February Banders! I was banded on February 3! It has been a little over three weeks. So far I have lost 18 lbs and very happy about it.

I went directly to my surgeon. They were very helpful and know the process.

I have been having the same problems and glad I clicked on this subject!