A New New Dawn

I was told not to, as you can ingest a lot of air and cause pain as well as over indulging from drinking too fast.

It is before/after any meal. For me, I worry more about drinking afterwards rather than before. Essentially, they don't want you drinking before so you aren't just filling up on liquids and have an appetite when it is mealtime. I have no problem having an appetite so I don't worry about the before meals. But that is just me and what works for me. As for after, I would wait 1/2 hour after eating any foods so you stay satiated longer and don't just flush it through without getting the full effects. Just keep sipping throughout the day.

I had surgery 7/25. I began my preop diet 2 weeks prior. Since then I lost 52 lbs. I make sure my calories aren't over 1200 per day, I eat (roughly) 60 grams of Protein per day and I have been exercising. I don't exercise faithfully every day but try to 2-3 times per week. The other thing is have patience. We all want to drop 50 lbs instantly; however, typical and recommended loss is 1-2 lbs per week. If you are watching calories and exercising it will happen.

If you can have some cream soups those helped me not go crazy.

I can totally understand your frustration and the waiting period can be daunting as we are all excited to start our journey. Try to be patient. It will come. You have dealt with your weight probably for a long time... what's a few more days. You DO belong. You are welcome and knowledge is power so it is good that you are on here even if you are not quite "there" yet.

Yes, I haven't hardly eaten in a week and been visiting the "porcelain God" several times.... I had some chili for lunch. It was amazing!! Thanks for your help w/ my ticker too!

Got a fill last week (putting me at 5cc in my 10cc band). I was miserable with heartburn, could barely get mushies down, etc. I went back to surgeon this a.m. and got 1/2 cc. removed and it is a WORLD of difference. Halleluia!!! I can eat again without agony!

thanks! Then do you just paste the image or is there a way to link it to your status here?

Very well said and congrats to you and what works for you!!!!

Actually, I just reread your post and it looks like you are losing almost 2 lbs per week which is good and normal. It looks like you are on track.

Some people feel restriction with no fill, some need much more. It is different with every person. I was up to 5 cc last week (after my 3rd fill) and had to go this morning to get 1/2 cc taken out as I couldn't get anything more than liquids down. Even without restriction or full restriction it is very important to be aware of what and how much you are eating. Are you keeping calories under 1200? Are you eating less than a cup of food per serving and are you getting any exercise? I am not trying to interrogate or berate you, just trying to see why you are not losing. I have been trying to follow these guidelines and trust me, I have a treat here or there and I have been losing fairly consistently 2 lbs per week. I have been walking and started doing zumba too. Good luck to you!!! It will come.

I can understand. Before going back to your doctor, I would suggest calling your insurance company and asking them what THEIR requirements are. If you meet your insurance requirements (which vary by company and plan) then perhaps explain that to the surgeon's office or seek out another surgeon. Don't give up!

Ok Missy - totally off topic but how do you get these cool holiday tickers on your signature?

Do you have any comorbities, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes?

Congrats that you have begun walking. Like Mis73, Floridays and CG have experienced that it will improve and you have to start somewhere. Good for you!!!! I know it costs a lot to join a gym and walking is great exercise in and of itself. If you are still interested in the pool, perhaps you could check your local hospital or Y to see if they have classes for Aquacizing. It is much less expensive to pay for classes than joining the gym. My local hospital (and Y) offer very inexpensive aquacizing classes that many bariatric patients have raved about. Just thinking that may be another option for you since you seem to enjoy that.

That is awesome! You even look much happier in your picture!!

I have seen others post similar experiences so I would guess, yes. If it is causing issues there is nothing wrong with getting a slight unfill until it passes. No sense in stressing emotionally with your mother's situation and physically from the band. I hope this all passes soon.

Great job! Congrats.

Leason learned with the hotdog. As much as moments like those are miserable it is a great reminder of the band's effectiveness and how we need to make better choices. A guy I work with had a similar experience so I don't dare even try a hot dog ~ though I have had a craving here or there. Glad it passed for you and wasn't any worse that it was. I remember a woman in my support group meeting saying she had to go to the ER for having a pickle spear stuck for several hours. From my pre-op (mid. July) to now, I am down 52 lbs and SO excited. It's weird because I know I have lost a significant amount of weight but I still feel so "fat" that I don't really realize I have lost that much.... Weird. I tried on my winter coat from last year that was snug and I am swimming in it!!! Wooo Hoo. Sunday, I went downtown (Chicago) with my friend and daughters and we did my first 5k "race". I power walked it but was very proud of myself. From walking to/from the hotel, the race, etc. my friend's pedomoter said we walked 6.83 miles. Six months ago I could have NEVER done that. Tomorrow back to the surgeon though... I had a fill last Tuesday and I think I am too tight. I don't dare try any solid foods as they aren't liking me right now. I thought I would give it a few days as I can get liquids down (slowly) to see if it was just inflamation... After a week of not getting much down I think it's time to get a slight unfill. I hope everyone else is doing well!!! I should be after tomorrow ~ waiting for that relief!

absolutely and she is very lucky to have you for her support system.

Aw, soooo cute. I like having animals in pairs too.

There are a lot of tasty sugar free options too. I really like jello brand chocolate mousse if I am having a sweet tooth. You have to limit it to one or a skinny cow icecream bar. Again, not an everyday thing but for those cravings they are tasty.

Sorry to hear that but glad you got to the bottom of it. Unfortunately, many people have gallbladder issues as they start to lose weight or after having lost weight. Hang in there and relief is coming soon.

I remember talking with someone before having surgery and he said it's like losing your best friend and how you go through a mourning of sorts. I agree. Early on, I had days where I struggled with it, missing food. It gets easier. Now I am struggling with thinking my last fill was a little too much and having trouble getting solids down. I have been struggling emotionally with it (I will see the surgeon this week) but I didn't want to jump the gun and let things settle for a few days. Stay strong, we can do this and you deserve a healthier and happier you!!!! Good luck to you.