mrsto

Yeah - it's a real eye opener when appetite comes back. That, and the ability to eat more because the swelling from surgery has gone down

I wouldn't be too concerned about this right now. As ksaug21 posted, once foods are added back, you will begin to take in a bit more. YES, thinking that eating less is going to make you lose quicker, is an old way of thinking. SO hard to shift that mindset, though. But I've seen it in action since surgery, and lose much better when I eat at least 1,000 calories. I try & keep it at that, but sometimes I may hit 1100. And sometimes I'm at 900, but I think 1,000 is the magic metabolism button. I went to a BBQ on Memorial Day, and had already decided in advance that I would allow myself to drink, and I would eat whatever was there, as long as I listened to my band. Well, that bottle of wine went down REAL easy, and so did the chips. But my problem wasn't that I ate a lot of food, it was the (close to) a bottle of wine that I sipped all day. I paid a price for that blood sugar wise, and have been afraid to get on the scale all week. I weighed this morning, and poof - another 3 pounds gone!! Whew! I was good all week, but was so scared that I really messed things up. Yep, old thinking can really sabotage us. HockyMom - have you tried refried Beans? Those saved me during the soft food phase. Then, when I was allowed to add ground meat (beef/turkey), I mixed it together with the refried beans and a can of black beans. VERY satisfying, and it continues to be a staple food item.

PS: She posted that on May 28th.

I was wondering the same thing. Usually, she is all over these forums, and I haven't seen her in a couple of days. I just looked at her profile, and she posted that she had blood clots in both legs, and is in the hospital. I hope she is okay - that is very scary stuff

Yeah - throwing up is NOT good with the band... That's something you want to try & avoid at all costs.

And I might add.....I WISH the band effected ghrelin!!

That's what I've been told as well; about the vagus nerve. The band has zero effect on the hunger hormone, ghrelin. The only surgery that effects ghrelin is the sleeve.

Take some Gas-X and walk around. I had very bad shoulder pain for 2-3 weeks post-op, then it stopped. I hear many say that they don't have it, but it kicks in a bit when they eat a little too much. For some, it's their first signal. I had my second fill about 2 weeks ago, and have had left shoulder pain ever since. It doesn't seem to be related to eating, and I'm ready to cut MY arm off, too! The nurse told me to take Gas-X & see what happens. I don't want an un-fill, because my eating has been really good. She didn't seem to think the two were connected, because if I was too tight, I'd be having eating problems. I'll give it another week. WheelCrazy - when I couldn't take the shoulder pain anymore, I took a swig of Lortab. It helped for awhile (until it wore off), but I could only take it when I didn't have to go anywhere.

Same for me... Full liquids included creamy soups; Campbell's cream of potato, mushroom, etc. As long as I strained out the solids. I love Campbell's creamy tomato, but I was told to avoid tomato post-op because of the acid. Greek yogurt wasn't allowed at that point, but frozen yogurt was. I think because the frozen yogurt melts to a watery consistency.

Lab - that is PAINful!

I do this too......make a pot of chili, or gound turkey/beef cooked with refried and black beans. It's great - scoop out a portion, nuke it - good to go :-)

WOW - I'm surprised at the cost of the fills. I guess that's what I have to look forward to, once my flat $1,500 upfront fee runs out. That's what my doctor required, to cover the first year of aftercare.....including fills. Insurance didn't cover any part of that fee, but I pay nothing every time I go for an office visit. If I sat down & worked it out; cost of service less insurance payment, I've probably paid a lot more with the flat fee. But.....there was no way around it.

How soon after? Your profile doesn't have any information about your surgery.

Stephanie - just take small sips & drink slowly right now. I don't believe that liquid can stretch the pouch, but I have to say that I've had the same question running through my head. In the beginning, I was bloated like you, but it's completely gone, and now I can drink almost like before surgery. Just because I can, I wonder if it's okay?? I'll be interested to see the responses by more seasoned veterans

When I had my surgery, I was re-educated that Protein ALWAYS comes first. Then a bit of veggies and complex carb. Dense Proteins are what gives us satiety on smaller portions, and for longer periods. I have found this to be true, and when my ratio of protein to veggies & carbs changes, I'm hungry sooner. Sounds like you need a fill.

When I had my last fill, my left shoulder and upper arm hurt; just like when I had gas pain after surgery. Now, the shoulder pain is gone, but the left arm pain remains. It's been close to two weeks. Has anyone had this issue? I really don't want to have any fluid removed, because food wise I'm in a good place.

I will call my doctor today, just to touch base. I don't believe this is the kind of left arm pain that comes with heart issues. I think it's more of a referred pain; possibly from my diaphragm.....as Stephanie said.

Shelly - it's like you quoted my life story. It was that way for all of my years, up until I lost 90 pounds 14 years ago. After that, I opened up and found my life. I still have a sh-tload of hangups, but my life is good......weight and all. Now, I just need to deal with the demons. At close to 58 years old, I honestly think that most of them are here to stay Thanks for you post - loved it!!

Good for you! I have the SAME exact picture, taken about 13 years ago. I had lost about 75 pounds, and took myself skydiving :-) I also did a tandem jump; loved the free fall, but got motion sickness once the shoot opened. That was the LONGEST 7-8 minutes of my life - LOL!

LOVE it!

Bridgett - I may also take myself in to see the therapist at my doctor's office. I liked her, and she deals specifically with eating/weight issues. I have good days with this, and I have very sloppy days when I eat too much of the wrong thing. And when I do that, I have all the fears of being a failure after going through ALL of this. Unfortunately, the band isn't a cure, and all the work still boils down to us. I'm so sick of dealing with this issue.....I don't EVEN have the words to describe it!! As my cousin says......it's a curse. But I figure, every day that I open my eyes in the morning, is a new day, and a clean start. Today is that day, and I'll keep moving forward. The great news is, that there isn't any deadline with weight loss. It's a continuous work in progress.....band or no band I wish you the best, too

Is there a therapist at your doctor's office? It may help you to talk to someone. It's a lot to deal with, and I feel so bad for you. It's not easy, and not everyone succeeds. However, that doesn't mean that you CAN'T succeed. I honestly think that a therapist that deals with these issues, could help you with (at least) the sense of hopelessness. I sure know that one

Stephanie - congrats! I'm glad to hear that things went well Rest is the best thing right now; that, and walking to help the shoulder pain. Hopefully that won't stay with you for very long. Keep us posted on your progression........welcome to the other side!!!

When did you have your surgery? Recently, there were a couple of other posts with the same issue. One (as I recall) found out that it was the whey Protein in the shakes. She switched to another type of Protein powder, but I don't think (or I didn't see) that she posted the outcome.

I like to make egg salad with low fat mayo. I can make enough for 3-4 days, and it's easy. Also - high Protein, which I think is a better choice over a full-on carb breakfast. String cheese is a good "on the go" food. If I know I'm on the move, I'll take some of the egg salad and make 1/2 sandwich. Then, there is always a ready made Protein shake, but I"m SO sick of shakes, that I only grab that when the thought of food makes me ill.