goldielocks<3

So, this might sound totally ridiculous, but I'm afraid to let people know that I've been banded. Mostly people like ex boyfriends and people who made me feel uncomfortable about my weight in the past, are the ones I absolutely never want to find out. I have this constant fear of random people finding out because it's such a small world! I'm embarrassed that I allowed myself to gain as much weight as I did, when it comes down to it. I really want to post pictures of myself on here and track my progress, but I'm terrified of anyone recognizing me or word getting around (which is dumb considering there are only lap band patients here). I have only told a select few people from my Mom's side of the family, absolutely no one from my Dad's side (which has been total battle considering I'm under his insurance), and my very best friends. I know that this lap band is just a tool that is already helping me, but I'm afraid that people are going to think that I'm just lazy and took the easy way out. In all reality, we're doing all the work, the lap band is purely a tool. BUT I'M STILL EMBARRASSED. ugh. I don't know why I'm so terrified of people knowing. Anyone else feel this way? Or have a great perspective on it that may ease my paranoia? Please and thanks!

Thank you. You're right. It's totally personal. I'm so glad I posted this topic. It's really been stressing me out. Especially thinking about going to visit my dad's side of the family. eeek. I really appreciate everyone who responded!

Ok sound great. I might work on it! Thank you so much, Jen!

Hey there. I don't know if this is the "best" advice for this but I was struggling to go to the bathroom as well for a little while. I had been drinking decaf coffee per the whole pre-op guidelines. Coffee, well caffeine actually, is a diuretic which they don't want you drinking prior to surgery due to the possibility of dehydration. However, I started drinking regular coffee again and I feel like it really helps with going to the bathroom in general. Just be sure to drink your 64 ounces of fluid minimum a day (32 of which should be plain water) to avoid dehydration. I love me my morning cup of joe. Hope this helps.

Thanks for responding. Most of my family and friends didn't think I was big enough either. Do you think it's safe to post pictures on here or should I just cut my face out? haha

Thanks for posting this article! It was really nice to get a different perspective on things!

94 pounds in 5 months! That is amazing! Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration! 1. How long have you been banded? I've been banded for about 3 weeks. It'll be a month on May 10th. 2. How much weight did want to lose? I want to lose 75 to 100 pounds (depending on how I look and feel about myself). 3. How much weight have you lost? I've lost about 30 as of now (including the pre-op diet). 4. How happy are you that you have been banded: scale of 1-10 (1 being regretful, 10 being elated) I'm pretty happy with my band so far. Although I have yet to have a fill (my band is completely empty), I feel like it has helped me immensely with portions and even though it's a slow process, I'm motivated to keep going. I can't wait to work out when I get clearance and I have already seen some of those non scale victories mentioned previously. My face looks a tad thinner, it's easier and more comfortable to cross my legs, etc. As of now, I'd rate it a 10 and I'm not even using the "tool" to it's full potential yet. I can't wait to get my fill and exercise! Good luck and thanks for the questions!

Is everyone still drinking decaf coffee? I feel like I'm drinking enough fluids that I should be peeing a little more frequently and I feel super bloated and waterlogged all the time. I'm thinking about going back to regular coffee? Thoughts? Imput? Please and thanks!

Thank you all for responding! I'm definitely going to try putting some protein party in my regular coffee

What is the protein/meal replacement that you found, where at, and how much dinero? I am seriously struggling with the bariatric advantage protein they provided - nasty. Do the ones you found taste alright?

Yeah, just make sure you tell your doctor! They were happy about it since they don't recommend pregnancy within the first year....i think? Good luck!

I have Mirena and they didn't say it would effect anything. You should be just fine

I agree. Today marked 2 weeks for me, I've lost 12 pounds since my surgery date on May 10th, but I think it's just from all the liquids. How do your incisions look? I'm struggling to get enough protein and fluids. How do you feel?

Hello Everyone, I'm really excited that I found this website. As mentioned in the subject line, I just had my surgery last Thursday, May 10th and I would love to talk to others about their experiences with the lap band and also just to make some new friends I can relate to and vise versa. I'm 23 years old and I've struggled with my weight for my entire life. I've done the yoyo dieting and tried just about every single diet under the sun. There were some small successes but I could never keep it off. I want to be healthy and feel healthy! Please feel free to say hello or message me at any time and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Also, I'm technologically challenged so if anyone knows of any really great forums or tools on the site, please let me know! Can't wait to talk to some of you! R

I was banded on the 10th! I wish I was hungrier. I'm not very hungry and I'm struggling to get all of my protein and fluids. eek!

It's good that you're keeping up with the walking and breathing even though it is annoying, i'll hand it to you! lol I'm glad you're not in too much pain. Ummm, I drank all Clear Liquids for the first three days and I felt like I could drink pretty freely, just small sips. You should be able to eat 1/2 cup of food or drink that much liquid without a problem. Your band isn't filled yet so that's strange. Maybe you just need to slowly ease yourself into a little more food. Hope you feel better soon!

Hey everyone, I had surgery a week ago (May 10th) and I'm still working on eating/drinking full liquids such as pureed Soup, malt-o-meal, applesauce, etc., and I'm having trouble getting this down, as well as just clear fluids like Water and broth. It feels like my esophagus is tight and occasionally I get hiccups. Sometimes it feels like heartburn but there's nothing in there to be causing heartburn. How is it possible that I'm having trouble getting liquids down when my band hasn't even been filled yet? I thought maybe I was eating too much but I never eat more than 1/2 cup of anything at one time. I'm thinking about going back to just Clear Liquids for a day or two but I'm worried because I'm struggling to get Protein. Any feed back? Can you relate? Suggestions?... Please and thank you!

Yeah, it sort of feels like that. Mine has gotten a little better. Honestly, I think it has to do with drinking and eating a little too fast or taking too big of mouthfuls. Hope you feel better soon!

Sweet! Yeah, I only told a few of my very closest friends and only a select few in my family. I know I should be proud of myself because I'm bettering myself and getting healthy, but I can't help feeling a little embarassed (some of my family are health/workout freaks). I was soooo nervous and excited but yes, it's completely normal and everything will be just fine. Yeah, my surgery was not last thursday but the thursday before. I'm on day 9 of post-op!! It actually went super duper well. I wasn't in the recovery room for very long but I woke up pretty much right when they were done. The first couple days were cake. Sugar free popsicles, chicken broth, sugar free juice (which i always add water to), stuff like that. I have a lot of pain around my port but I think i'm doing pretty well. HOw exciting that you're only going to have 1 incision! I have four and they are super ugly already, but I scar really easily. Ugh. haha I am soooo excited for you to have your surgery! Definitely write me anytime! Good luck love!

Thanks so much!

Hey Stacey! I'm Rach, I'm 23 and I just got banded on the 10th of May. We're a little off date wise, but it would be cool to have a buddy who's going through the same stuff if you're interested in being lap band buddies! lol. That's awesome that you only have to do liquids the day before. Good luck! Are you super nervous and excited!?

TX mom27 - Congrats on your surgery! how are you feeling? I hope you're doing well! Let me know if you need to talk about anything.

Patty, I am totally excited to hear about your recipes! I'm struggling with the whole Protein thing right now a little bit...but I'm still on full liquids (Jello is included woot!). Christine, I felt the exact scared/nervous/excited feeling too (kinda overwhelming right!?)! But the surgery really isn't bad at all and you'll do great as long as you make sure you stay hydrated, rest a lot, and also walk around a little to get the air out. sugar free popsicles were my favorite thing to have right after surgery. Feel free to ask me any questions at all. I'm still learning too!