drehn88

I'm 6 weeks post op and my port still hurts some times. It hurts in the morning when I wake up from laying on that side and after I go for a walk. I guess since walking uses your core muscles it irritates the band. I mentioned it at my follow up appt and the nurse said that it's very normal for the port to hurt like that for several months post op.

I want to hear the answers too! I definitely have anxiety about my first stuck episode that I'm sure will eventually happen.

I posted a similar question earlier today about myfitnesspal and why it says you won't lose if you stay under 1200. The thread is in the nutrition section and called "curious about calories in, calories out." There have been some good replies that may help answer your question.

You are an amazing inspiration to so many people!

What ingredients did you use (besides chocolate and blueberry of course)?

Thank you! The best evidence in my opinion is anecdotal. From what you all said, it really depends on personal metabolism and doing what works for your body. It's like a personal experiment. Those who research weight loss and WLS should really use some of the experiences on this forum in their data collection!

Are you tracking your sodium content? I think most people need to be under 2500 mg a day. You could be retaining fluid and that will stall your weight loss or even add weight. Also, when you eat carbs you retain water. That's why when you start a low carb diet like Atkins the weight falls off. It's water weight because without carbs your muscles let go of their retained water.

And BTW...you are NOT a failure!! There is a big learning curve with the band. You (we) are definitely in the learning phase. Learn from it and move on. You will do great!

I can relate! Last week when I went in to get a fill I thought I needed one because I was making poor food choices (like pizza) and taking too big of bites, therefore eating too much. The nurse practitioner asked all the right questions, I was completely honest, and I decided I shouldn't get a fill. She told me to spend the next two weeks logging all my calories, focusing on protein again, and tracking when I was truly hungry after a meal (at least 4 hours). I did that, started exercising, and lost 3 pounds last week. It was all about refocusing. I think I will ask for a slight fill next week. From what I read on these posts about those truly in the green zone, I don't think I'm there yet. Close, but not yet. Be honest to your NUT. Good luck! You can do it!

I went to my first post op appt today assuming I would get/want a fill. I never got to ask the surgeon on the day of surgery how much fluid he put in my band. I asked at the appt and they said 6 cc's in a 10 cc band. OMG!!! I can't believe the surgeon put in so much. I told them I didn't want a fill because I think I have enough for now (surgery was May 6, 5 weeks ago). I'm just wondering if anyone else had that much fluid put in during surgery?

I am also worried about stretching my pouch! I'm only 6 wks post op, I've never had a stuck episode, but I'm still afraid that I may be taking too big of bites therefore stretching my pouch. I would be so upset to find out I did damage when I never had any obvious signs (ie, pb, vomiting).

My post op diet was 1 week liquids, 1 week mushies, then introduce solid foods. This is pretty different from most on these boards. It worked VERY well for me, because after 2 weeks I was very hungry and ready for real food. I have a theory as to why some surgeons say to stay on liquids and then mushies for much longer. In my opinion that is overkill. My theory was bashed on a previous post so I don't publicize it anymore. The more I read, the more I believe my theory is correct!

Doing great! Started walking last week and I love all the energy I have now. I probably need a fill, which will be next Tuesday. How are you doing?

I have bcbs tx but it's trs active care since I work for a school district. I had to make my deductible then i had some kind of copay for the surgery. I owed the surgeon and the hospital separately before surgery. It was almost $4000. I received some bills in the mail that i havent addressed yet. True results said it shouldn't cost more than that so i guess I should call my insurance.

Head hunger is so obvious to me now that I'm banded. I wait until my stomach rumbles or growls a little before i check the time to see how long it's been since i last ate. I'm trying to keep track of how long it is before I'm truly hungry. They will ask you that at your appt. This helps them decide if you need a fill and how much fluid you need.

Mederma (sp?) is prescription strength but sold OTC. I tried to use it on a burn scar but you have to be very diligent and use it everyday for several weeks. It's kind of expensive, like $20 a tube.

Sounds like what I ate the first few days post op. It took me over a week. Try Miralax. Do NOT use magnesium citrate. I was laid up with terrible intestinal cramps when I used that. Good luck.

Hey fellow Texan and teacher! I'm in Rockwall, so close. I also had Dr Marsden. Sounds like you are doing great with your weight loss. Keep it up!

Take your pain meds on schedule. I tried to not take them, but by day 3 post op I felt like total crap and taking my meds throughout the next 2 days really helped. Trust us...you will feel back to normal in about a week. Take care.

Quoted from the article: "The ideal candidate for the band is someone who "wants to augment a change in behavior and eating habits" and who had sufficient determination and commitment to make it work, according to Todd Wilson, MD, a surgeon at the University of Texas Medical School." I think this says a lot for those of us that chose the band. It's not the "easier" way to lose weight like the sleeve or GB. Determination and commitment to change bad eating habits!

My doctor said they could come off after 2 days. They get wet when you shower and it's worse to have wet bandages than no bandages. I personally thought it was better to let air get to the area. The steri strips will come off when they want to. I got a terrible allergic reaction rash to the strips at 10 days post op. I was told to take off the strips at 2 weeks so the rash would heal. My incisions were just fine.

I am so sorry this happened to you. Did anyone tell you how in the heck the band could have migrated south to your bowel? I hope all goes well with your surgery and you can have a full recovery.

That's awesome! Ellipticals normally kick our asses!

I put Mio flavoring in my nonfat plain greek yogurt. I don't typically like yogurt, but this tastes pretty good. 100 cals, 18 g protein, and 7 g carbs. It's even better with granola, but that adds cals and carbs.

For both questions, just remember everyone is different and each surgeon has their own protocol. With that being said, I had surgery on a Monday and was back to work the next Monday. I thought I would go back within 3 or 4 days but NO WAY! I was pretty fatigued the day I went back, but I think that was because of my low number of calories and protein I was consuming. I did not have to stay the night. From what I hear on LBT, most lapband patients don't have to spend the night in the hospital. Good luck! It's all worth it!