Susynne

That was "yes yes yes it does work!" Lol!

I am 52 and banded exactly two yrs ago. I reached my drs goal in a year, and have not lost to reach my personal goal... but I have had some set backs... but YES it works!!!!!! The stories of rapid results always make me a little discouraged, for me it was fast at first and has crept since.. it is what it is, everyones metabolism and health issues and lifestyles are different. Realize your path will be unique like you are. But test yes he's it does work!

Swimming is my salvation. I have issues that cause so much pain I can't do out of water exercise and keep in control of it. But in the water I feel wonderful. I am 52 and due to my issues had not exercised in YEaRS! I walked in the water and paddled about for a while. ( I know how to swim but no longer can for the most part) then I took the free senior friday version of aqua fitness class... twice. Then the regular class... I wasn't the only one my age or fitness, everyone was there to get fit! I ended up going to class five days a week, and reaching the point of asking for more challenging versions of some. I'm not 'in shape' like I was 15 years ago... but by golly I feel good!

I never regretted it. I knew my reasons and goals and concentrated on them. My first week+ was so easy appetite wise, then my body adjusted and I wondered why I did it, but not regret. They said it was like getting a new toy, but is wasn't out of the box yet (no fill) but that not reading and following the instructions was even worse. Eating chicken so soon is probably why you can't get fluids down by the way. I always thought about my end game (weight loss naturally ) and knew that was why. It was the rest of my life I was looking forward to. There are no magic wands and that is hard to remember when you are hurting. Pain makes us forget.... but it is very temporary compared with the rest of a long healthy life. Be well.

Swimming.. I have issues that are compounded by the motions otherwise. Water supports you and protects the joints. Some insurances will cover it, others want you to see a actual therapist and I found one who did pool therapy. Even just walking in water is good. You can lose the weight without much, even any, exercise. Wise choices, portion control, etc. I also find the stories of folks who have super weight loss fast (congratulations!) Origionally made me feel negative about my slow weight loss. Its different for everyone and if you are 'following the rules' then your speed IS YOUR speed and beating yourself up about can't change anything but your attitude. I lose slow and steady, i'm ok with that now, so long as I don't gain. Good luck, be well.

Liquid pain meds made me sick, but I tried. In the end I found crushed reg. Pain meds with splenda and water wasn't as harsh... chewables too... something in those liquids just killed me! Try not so much activity so fast, you need to heal!

The neck n shoulder pain, for me, was the gas they use during surgery to fill you to make room. Did you have hernia repair too. My dr said most do but since we concentrate on the band we forget. I held a pillow on my tummy, the support helped mu h like when you straighten and upright position does the same.... Don't push yourself too fast, you can easily be too eager. My Dr had me on clear liquids 2-3 days then 'thicker' (shakes, thin puree soups etc) for 3-4 and then soft, scrambled egg soft, for next 3-5 and slowly up to normal foods. That whole process could take a week to over two depending your tolerance. I was told the slower you go the better for you... the dietitian also said some people race thru it in a few days. I found about 10 days to be good for me. I was advised rushing causes inflammation etc... your body/stomach/muscle/tissues, whatever, need time to adjust to their new life too. Anyway, that was my experience. Don't rush, be well....

Its miserable when that happens and I can only tell you what works for me. Yes, sip warm liquids, even water. Not hot! And no caffeine.... I learned the hard way not to eat after dinner, or not long after. For me it doesn't move and my night is hell. If I just HAVE to eat late I go for a little bit of something totally smooth and only a little. But I try to avoid. The day, or two or three sometimes are difficult because of the swelling and irritation from being sick, if you got much stomach acid up with a few hard wretches then its bad. Time to go liquid and slowly back to food or you will keep it irritated.... Good luck. I hope you feel better. And always remember to just give in and call the dr when there is any question!!! Smiles.....