melissaw1976

Toni, good luck on your journey!!!

Check with your doctor first, but I started back on the elliptical 5 weeks out. I am now 6 weeks post op and still a little nervous about certain things like ab exercises, yoga and weights.

Welcome Liz! Good luck to you!

Hi! I am a newly banded (August 28) member here in DC. Was wondering if anyone was still active on this board. I live/work in DC. I attend the support groups at the hospital but was wondering if anyone is interested in starting a walking group?

Some people use a straw after surgery. Some don't. I don't because I get bad air bubbles and gas from it, same as chewing gum. Everybody's body reacts differently after surgery. If it helps you and your doctor is ok with it - go to town!

Those are scams. Never give anyone you don't know (and you do know) your personal information.

I have been having a dull ache/pain in my left side. Well inside the left side of my stomach. It's not where the port is or where the band is (at least I don't think). What could it be? It's not super painful, but it's uncomfortable. Any advise is greatly appreciated!

I have five incisions. I looked like frankenstein immediately after surgery, but the scars are healing nicely. And I am using scar jel to help. I can feel the port if I am feeling my stomach, but you can't see it. I had nausea the first couple of days and dry heaved, but I have been lucky and have not vomited yet... The band is in there for as long as you want it. You can have it removed, but why? food for me will never be under control, so it's staying in! I am eating considerably less than before. I was probably eating 2500-3500 calories a day and now about 800-1200. You will eat a lot less, but you will be satisfied. It is a major lifestyle adjustment. Everyone is different with their band on what they can eat, drink, etc. I highly recommend going to an information session offered by your doctor, see a bariatric nutritionist and a psychiatrist. All of these helped me a lot. As did this website. Good luck!

Ask them why. Then write an appeal letter. Don't give up!

My nutritionist told me to keep them under 200 calories, under 5 grams of fat, under 5 grams of sugar.

I was banded on 8/28. Starting weight 285 and currently 260. I get to move on to a low-fat/low-carb diet on Tuesday! Very excited. I too am eating three meals a day with no snacks. Clothes are getting looser. I am still waiting for the ok to got ot the gym and start building up my muscle so I don't have so much loose skin.

I drank protein shakes between meals. It helped! Now I am four weeks post op and not hungry between meals.

It’s been almost four weeks since surgery. I had a question/concern. I seem to be chugging Water. I am definitely getting in my liquids but find myself thirsty all of the time and take large sips. I have been trying not to do that, but I am just so thirsty! Also, I am hungry. I can definitely eat more than the 4 tablespoons of food I should be, per the nutritionist. I am not eating a lot, but probably a cup of food at the most when I eat. I am only eating Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am not snacking in between meals. According to my home scale I am down 25 pounds which is great! I have been keeping track of my food. I am just nervous that I am eating/drinking more than I should. I have a follow up on the 22nd of October where I should get a fill. Anyone else having a similar experience?

The Lemon Bowl has some great pumpkin protein recipes. www.thelemonbowl.com.

I also like The Lemon Bowl (or Liz's Lemon Bowl). She is a super healthy cook and the food is amazing!

HI MSC. I am two weeks and one day post op and doing ok. The first few days were rough, but I made it through! Last night I got to eat with a fork! YAY! I am on the next stage of food so I am happy about that. According to the scale at the doctor I was down 14 lbs, but my home scale says 20. Let's go with the home scale! I haven't been exercising yet, but looking forward to getting back to my routine. Just got a cold yesterday so have to push through that first.

I am on the mushies stage and so bored with the yogurts, cream Soups, pudding, Jello, cottage cheese. What do some of you eat? I really miss my fork and cannot wait to use it again! PS. I am 10 days post op.

I lived through it too! It's tough and it will pass. The day after surgery I had nausea and dry heaving all day. When I was in recovery at the hospital immediately after surgery I was nauseous and dry heaving. The nurse ripped open the little packets of alchol wipes and had me smell them. They worked! Strange but true sniffing rubbing alcohol helped. Take tiny inhales and exhales. The first couple of days after surgery were the worse for me. I am 10 days post op and feeling like myself again. Getting food and liquids down with no problems (knock on wood!).

Thanks everyone! This has been helpful! I had some quiche (spinach and cheese) today and seemed to do ok with it.

I just realized two things. Am I even on the mushies stage? And should have posted to the food section!

Try GNC or Vitamin Shoppe. I think they have egg based ones. But I add instant decaf coffee in the morning, it's like drinking an iced coffee/latte. Or the orange crystal lite type beverage to a vanilla for a creamcicle. Mmmm...

For lack of better terms, I have a constant growl in my stomach with gas pressure and tiny quakes throughout. I fart and burp all of the time! The pressure in my lower stomach isn't painful, just annoying. I am 6 days post op and hope it gets better! Also, I thought I might be lactose intollerant, but the only thing that really upsets me is the protein shakes. I drink one and am instantly in the bathroom. Cottage cheese, yogurt, cream soups, skim milk, and pudding all go down ok. Not sure what's up with the protein supplements.

thanks everyone! Just riding this strange wave of post surgery experiences!

The day of was a blur. I was groggy and tired. That night (and the next 3), my neck and shoulder hurt and no amount of percocet would help. I slept upright for three nights because I couldn't lay flat (hernia stitches inside). Very gassy, so get some gas x. The day after was rough for me. I had nausea and dry heaves all day long. Cried and cried about if I made the right decision. I am day 6 post op and have some pressure under my left breast bone and a small neck tingle, but other than that, feeling so much better. Of course every creak in my stomach I think the band has slipped, is that normal, etc. I know I made the right decision and each day gets easier. You have some great support here!

gas x helped me a lot with the burping. Try the disolvable ones. I had my band in the day before you. It was a rough few days but finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!