goldielocks<3

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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?

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!