AlexaLasVSG

I just had my surgery on the 1st of February myself---I am still in pain but haven't been taking the oxycodone I was prescribed. I totally understand how you're feeling and I feel useless and low energy. Don't know how much longer I can be out of commission. I did hear that with the sleeve the recovery time is a bit longer than the band. With the band I recovered in two days without a problem. I think if we give it a week it will be so much better. Hang in there!

Hey all, I am meeting with the surgeon tomorrow to discuss any final doubts before my gastric sleeve procedure. Then I will make a surgery date. But here is my dilemma... I am 25 years old and the path I am on in life is a little complicated. So far, I have traveled to almost a dozen countries doing volunteer programs and teaching English as a way to build my future opportunities. I just love to travel and see the world. However I continuously feel held back because of my size and the judgement I give to myself and receive from others. I have dreams to do bigger things and to have a lifestyle I can enjoy, but I am afraid that this procedure will really hold me back from getting myself in a good place both professionally and financially because I am actively looking for a career job here in New York. My question is--is the surgery worth it as I am on the job hunt, an active traveler, and someone who is just dreaming of moving out from her parents house? I am worried I will be stuck once I get the procedure. I will be out of commission for a while, I don't know how easy it would be to make a complete lifestyle change amidst other lifestyle changes. I know this is for LIFE and all together my quality of life will improve after time. Maybe I am just too worried about the present. What am I really scared of? I could use some reassuring words from people. I want this procedure, I've done immense amounts of research, and I've been tremendously overweight for my entire life and I don't know anything else. Just some words of encouragement would be helpful. Thanks, Alexa

Hey guys, In need of some suggestions. My total caloric intake is between 800-900 cals/day. I have a rigorous workout schedule four nights/week. Monday & Tuesday: Cycling Wednesday & Thursday: Zumba. I aso walk the days I don't do my classes just to slow it down a bit. I burn at least 600 calories in each workout class because I am moving at a fast pace. That is what my fitness pal says anyway. Does anyone see a problem with by the end of the day having burned more calories than taken in? Or even taken in only 100 calories/day due to my rigid workout schedule? I need some feedback, I don't see my dietician for two weeks! Thanks! Xo Alexa

Hey all. I was banded on January 2nd, 2014. My surgeon told me that he filled my bad with 7cc's of saline. I have a 10cc band. Is there anyone that thinks it may be a little too much? His reasoning behind it makes sense. I have portion control problems and I definitely love my starches. I don't feel any discomfort and I trust his judgement, but does anyone think its kind of odd to have gotten such a big fill. Let me know your thoughts! Xoxo, Alexa

I am 5 days post op and I'm feeling great. Pain from abdomen is almost gone, but I have been feeling extremely fatigued per my post op diet. I'm on liquids--Water, crystal light, and watered down chicken broth. I'm dying to eat food. So hungry and my surgeon even filled my band with 7cc of saline during surgery. I don't feel tight at all and I am able to get liquids down with no problems. Does anyone have any advice for someone who is starving post-op but can't do anything about it? Sincerely, I'm hungry

Thanks for all the replies everyone. As of now I'm feeling fine, however I haven't had my solids yet. I will let you guys know what the doctor says, my first post op appointment is Monday. So glad so many people care enough to write helpful responses. Well wishes to all during your journeys!

Yes I can swallow fine and I have no discomfort! I just was curious if there is anyone else out there who has had the same fill as me on the day of surgery. I've never heard of it before. Usually people start at 1.25cc's or something like that.

Such a booster! I just got the Lapband on jan 2nd and I'm so happy to see that you are succeeding. Well wishes to you! I am 21 and I can't wait to feel 21 as well. Xoxo Alexa

Good luck to you! I get mine on Wednesday. What a great way to begin the new year. Well wishes and congratulations! AL

January 2nd bandster here wish me luck everyone. I am lucky to have not been prescribed an all liquid diet but I am doing a 2 Protein shake a day diet with one regular meal minus starch carbohydrates. It is not bad at all and I really look forward to my future with the band. I'm a little nervous about the after affects of eating with the band right after surgery. I have this horrible vision of me gulping Water too quickly and then throwing up and my band exploding. Lol, well not the band exploding,but I definitely am nervous about me doing something wrong. Can I ask any experienced bandsters what the hunger feeling is like the first week or so after surgery? Do you find yourself deprived or do you feel full with just the liquids prescribed? How does it feel being around people who eat normally? Thanks, Alexa

When I'm down to or close to my goal weight it would be my ultimate dream to join the Air Force. Ive always dreamed of it but my weight has held me back so much. I'd love to backpack through Europe and not feel like I'm being judged or self conscious of my looks! I want to be able to wear sexy clothes and look great in workout gear. To better myself at working out and feeling like I'm an inspiration to myself and to others. I want to do really extreme things such as sky dive and climb tall mountains! I want to be able to live my life without regrets. To be able to do things that are fulfilling. To look back on my life when I'm 75 and say "wow I really did everything I wanted to do and didn't let anything hold me back." Everyone's responses are so beautiful and make me realize that life is so important to live....it's not the years in our life. It's the life in our years.

So cool to see there are girls just like me that are in colllege while doing this procedure. I don't feel alone anymore! It's hard to find people who will understand what it is we go through. School plus this whole life change is hard! I haven't gotten my surgery yet. Actually, I'm in the beginning planning stages of it. I really would love to get it early October or late September. The earlier the better. Whatever the doc recommends is what I'm going to do. If any of you need support throughout school, I'd love to help. Incase I ever need someone's words of advice or wisdom..I know where to come. Thanks guys:) and newskinnygirl....don't sweat what your mom says. I know it's hard because she's your mom. I've never had criticisms as much as you have experienced, but I know what it feels like to be the one who is neglected or shunned for being over weight. Hang in there, everything will fall into place. Dont give up! <3 Alexa , 21, Albany NY