A New New Dawn

I had surgery on 7/25 and have lost about 30 lbs since. I noticed my pants were loose but really didn't believe I was ready for a size smaller... Much to my surprise, I was ready for ones TWO sizes smaller!!! YAY ME!!!

As Dennis said, you will be fine. There is an adjustment to learn to eat slower, chew, chew and chew your food but definitely not smoothies here on out. I eat pretty much the same foods as everyone else. I just cannot do dry (overcooked) meat and sometimes bread gets me. I have chicken, steak, etc.

Honestly, when I got the call for my surgery date I was elated and panicked at the same moment - of OMG, what am I doing. Truth is, it is a normal feeling and you came to this decision after much thought, education, and reason. Go back to those reasons. It is easy to be nervous and want to change your mind but I will tell you that most people (myself included) post-surgery have no regrets and only wish we did it sooner. I am about 2 months post-op, down 43 lbs., and am so happy I did it. I struggled with food and didn't want to give up my large volume and high fat meals. I have been satisfied and not missing what I used to eat. If I do have a craving, I have found healthier ways to fulfill my craving and MUCH smaller quantities due to the band.

Sorry to hear that but glad you are nipping it in the butt before it creeps up any farther. I would try not to think of it as dieting. It really is a lifestyle and not meant to be "dieting". If you are doing the nighttime eating, maybe just not having those snack items available and having healthier alternatives would be enough to do the "trick" and get you back where you were and to your goal. Try to grab a glass of Water instead of the snack or a piece of fruit, etc. You came this far, I am sure you will turn it around. Best wishes.

Awesome! LOL. Actually, a guy I work with I talked to extensively before having the surgery as he had it a few years ago. When we were talking (he's lost about 150 lbs) he delicately mentioned how much better it was!

I would confirm with the doctor. Mine didn't say anything to me about it; however, I may be forgetting too. Since it is an occasional thing maybe it would be ok OR maybe there is something else they could give you. My daughter has an Rx for Naproxen and it seems to really help her. So there may be alternatives. At one point, they put her on the pill to regulate her cramps. Good luck!

Thank you for sharing your story. It is great to hear from someone who has had it for as long as you have. I often wonder the long-term effects. Glad it has made such a difference for you and you are still doing well. Congrats on your efforts to reignite your Quest for being healthier and losing the weight. Sounds like you can do anything you put your mind to. Perhaps after all this time you may need a fill too and that may help? Best wishes to you!

what stage of the diet are you in? mushies, liquid, full food?

Thank you!!!

Yes, you do not want food in your belly before surgery (any kind of surgery). You have made it this far and after surgery you won't be wanting it... So please stay strong. This too shall pass and you will do much better for surgery.

Btw, I am usually good w/ acronyms but what is "NSV"... I have seen people say "DH" too and not sure what that means? Usually, they are referring to a person with DH. Help!

Did you ask why? Sometimes they just need more documentation. It doesn't mean it won't be approved just that they need additional information or documentation. Don't give up! If you didn't ask, I would suggest calling back and finding out the reason for denial (specifically) and talk to your doctors office. They will help advocate for you as well. Good luck!

Best of luck to you on your upcoming surgery!!

Awesome!!! What a great feeling and to be well into the misses and not women's section! I will celebrate too when I get there!

Awesome!!! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

First, today is a new day and you can start eating healthier starting right now. Honestly, I don't doubt you have a demanding job but you can make the time to eat right if you want. I am a single mother of 2, demanding job and back in college. I would always tell myself I didn't have time to exercise, plan meals, etc. and quite frankly I had the time if I wanted it. We have to stop making excuses and do what is best for our health and happiness. It's really up to you to make those choices. I am not trying to sound harsh as I know this is a struggle for all of us but we have to face reality that we can do better. Where ever you are accessing these slider foods, stop. Don't keep them in your house and don't buy them at work. I keep healthy (on the go) Snacks in my desk for those moments and at home. I have some weight watchers icecream bars in my freezer and sugar free chocolate mousse in the fridge so if I feel that craving I have a low cal option. It really takes no longer than eating the slider food. It is a matter of what I have on hand. If it isn't in the house, I can't be tempted. Also, as others mention and as I feel many times I have to do this hour by hour at times. I am tempted with parties at work, etc. At first, I may feel like I will just take a little and when I get past that feeling and avoid the "treat", the desire passes and I forget about it. It is a good feeling I know I "made it through" another tempting moment. Start by making your Breakfast and lunch or at least bringing a healthy lunch to microwave. Have some healthy options or low cal options on hand to avoid the unhealthy options. You CAN do this if you want. It isn't easy as we all know but it CAN be done and you are worth it!!! Best of luck to you!!!

As for the itching incisions, yes, that is normal. I went to Walgreens and bought a hydrocortison spray to help stop the itching and just "misted" my belly with it. It helped a lot.

Great job!!!! Kudos to all your efforts.

I am sure your turkey stuffing is delish but I don't think it would be a great idea. For one, bread can get stuck easily and 2, you really need to focus on foods that provide nutrition and protein (stuffing has minimal, if any). Sure the turkey itself does but you need to fill up on the protein first, then veggies and leave the bread/stuffing for last.

Chewing gum helps me too when I have the urge to chew or snack. Good luck w/ everything. That is a lot of lifestyle changes all wrapped up into one. Also, if you used to drink a fair amount of caffeine you may experience headaches during the "withdrawal" it will subside after 2-3 days. You CAN do this. We are all proof. If we all had will power of steel we wouldn't need the band. If we can do it, you can too.

I know exactly what you mean! Sometimes we need to learn the hard way and many of us do. It is so hard to undo a lifetime of eating habits immediately. I had this same experience from meat that was too dry and not only was it scary from the pain, but also feeling like I couldn't breathe since you cannot swallow. We went for a walk and I was walking behind my fiance like a rabid animal foaming at the mouth (aka sliming). It was a painful lesson but kicked my butt in gear! Sorry you had to endure that and I hope you don't have to again. I agree with Grider above too that sometimes the same food can react differently. I have eaten eggs many times and last weekend had a painful stuck episode where I spent most of my meal in the restaurant bathroom. I didn't even get one egg down. Hang in there... even w/ all the trials and tribulations, I wouldn't trade my banded life! I am down 42 lbs and loving it... still much to go but I will get there.

They have a lot of experience in submitting these. If they are confident, I would trust they know what they are doing. Have you checked with your insurance too, to confirm what their requirements are? Good luck to you!

Don't be discouraged. This is quite normal. You are bloated and swollen still from surgery. You should not be focused on losing right now and just healing. Truly, most of us were up a pound or two (or more) post surgery. Seriously, the next 2-3 weeks just focus on healing. It will start to come off before you know it.

One thing that has helped me with hunger is listening to my dietician's advice. First, I will say, because we are all newly banded we probably don't have the restriction and are nowhere near our "green zone" yet. That is part of the initial frustration because we feel like we should be feeling it but it takes most people several fills to get there and then we will be "satiated" with our meals. As for my dietician, I told her I was hungry in between meals. We discussed what I am eating and she told me to try eating differently (which I am doing) and it has HELPED. Essentially, I was getting by on Soups and Protein Drinks. She told me to focus on more "solid" Protein in my meals and not liquid meals that will not keep me full as long. So, for breakfast, I have had an egg and that helps or a low cal Protein Bar. For lunch, no more soups for me.. I have tuna salad (low fat mayo) or chicken, etc. and same for dinner. Perhaps focusing on some more solid Proteins to start your meals may help with the hunger issue. I still have my moments but it has helped!

They have them in the produce refrigerated section by the bean sprouts, asian vegetables, etc.