New_girl_in_town

You're right, Medicrn. It's just a bit easy to compare yourself to others who have lost 10-20# in the first month. We are each very different. I'm still determined that this tool WILL work for me!

I was overfilled at the time of surgery. I had significant pain with swallowing liquids until he took most of the Fluid out. So if you're wincing with pain after drinking Water, just know that it shouldn't be that way. This pain should also be different than your surgical incision pain, which takes a few weeks to go away.

I was banded on 1/14/13 and am only down 7!!!!! I had an unfill 3 days post-op after being so sick (stuck just on liquids) that I wondered why in the heck had I done this. I'm glad that I did it, but I'm eating 1300-1500 cal a day and pretty much not losing. I think it's time for a fill. I'm also exercising......

Any consensus? I was banded in January and would love to talk to some other people. I'm flexible....can do Baltimore, Columbia, Annapolis, etc.

Yes, I count my calories on myfitnesspal. It's a free app which is wonderful. Pace yourself to get at least 60g of Protein per day (the app adds carbs, prot, and fat for you based on your food entries). I have found that my homemade split pea Soup is wonderful right now (2 weeks post op).

Don't feel guilty. This is a journey that he has chosen and all you can do is be an emotional cheerleader. I'm 2 weeks post op and have made my kids dinner in the past week (baked French fries!!!) and didn't eat it. So if he's decided to make the change in his life, it will be fine.

Hi, kindred spirit. I was banded on 1/14 and he left 7ml in mine, too! Except I wasn't ok with it: winced with each swallow, ultimately had horrible frothing/vomiting. He met me at the ER a few days after surgery and now only have 2ml. Well, one good thing is that I definitely know what it feels like to be stuck! If it's working for you, that's all that matters.

Hi, everyone! Thx for the warm welcomes. I am doing considerable better after an urgent "unfill" last night. I was overfilled. Much better now. To all of the other new bandsters, I look forward to sharing our journey.

Wishing you well, klr2012! It may be bumpy, but you'll feel better every day. Congratulations.

I have a ? about drinking: After your post-op period, how much can you drink in a 15 min span? I'm fearful of becoming dehydrated, but I'm only 3 days out. Just trying to look a bit down the road :-).

Congratulations!

I'm about to send my hubby on a gas-x run because the gas pains are so bad. It's also still sore when even a little sip goes past the band. How long before a little sip can pass without discomfort? Thanks!

Thanks, Angela!

Thanks, Cheznoel! Not feeling so great right now, but I'm very hopeful that this feeling will pass. I'm very encouraged by everyone's stories.

Well, guys, I had surgery yesterday and I feel like crap. Didn't quite expect to be in this much pain. Drinking is very difficult. I just need someone to tell me that it gets better and soon.

Hi, everyone. I just had surgery yesterday. I had my upper GI and the radiologist thought it might be a little tight and it HURT when I drank the contrast. Normal to have pain when u drink an ounce?

Thx, Catfish!

Hi, all. I was banded yesterday and am doing great. The pain is tolerable. I am just dying to drink something and I have to have an X-ray (with contrast) done first. So, just wanted to let all of my other jan '13 bandsters know that it really isn't bad! Have a great day.

Thanks! Appreciate it.

I'm being banded on Monday, the 14th! I can't figure out how to join the group. Help!

I, too, put off surgery in April after getting insurance approval to "try one more time". Well, in scheduled for Monday morning because I finally figured out that I need assistance. And the band is just that....an added tool.

Annapolis works for me.

Thank you for your advice. I'm sure you'll find a way to finish your weight loss journey. Think of how far you've come.

I'm a Marylander (Bowie) and would love to meet in Baltimore, Annapolis, or Columbia. Pretty flexible. Having surgery on Jan 14 and very excited/ little nervous.

Thanks, Nanu! My surgeon doesn't actually use it, but didn't tell me not to . When did you have your surgery?