mlparker

Definitely would do it again. I am a newbie, with my band on since March 4. I still have a long way to go, but so far I am doing well with my food and am so grateful. It is scary to see the difficulties that some encounter. Statistically the risks seem to be low, but the stories here seem to be at a higher rate. Being in the Boston region leads me to believe that the clinic I am working with is likely to be solid (my hospital is teaching hospital for Harvard). I'm hoping that reduces the risk and the fact that my physician has been doing this for a long time and has impeccable credentials. Thanks for the support, everyone!

Just under 6 weeks and I have lost 45 pounds since Pre-op diet. I have not really felt hunger or had a problem so far. Very grateful. I exercise 20-30 Min cardio every morning and then add weights at least 2x per week. Thanks for your sharing.

I am a newbie to this (6 weeks out), but I do eat at the small cafe by my office, but I have particular things I eat, i.e. soups, hummus, yogurt and fruit (at Stage 4 now). I do think it will be harder at stage 5 diet. I don't want to feel deprived, so eating at the cafe is a bit of treat for me. I also stock some things in the refrigerator in the office, just in case, such as yogurt and a shake, just in case the soups don't work for me that day and I don't want any of the alternatives. Good luck! I do think we have to remember that this is for the rest of our lives, not just one day. I'm sure our past experiences make us pessismistic about chances for success. Godspeed! Melanie

Hopefully as you read this you are well out of surgery and everything is fine. I was banded 3/4 and I do remember coughing was challenging (although much worse for my gastric sleeve roommate). Fortunately I didn't have a cold! The pillow did work well. Hope your husband is a "keeper" in other ways. A lot of people don't get this surgery, think it's risky and that somehow it's the easy way out. I wonder if either he doesn't have weight issues and doesn't understand why you need to do this or if he does have weight issues and this is a threat to him. Either way, thank goodness you have a good friend to help. My youngest son wasn't supportive (out of concern) and really thought I should do it the "old fashioned way." But he's happy for me now. And my husband has been so supportive, so I consider myself blessed. Good luck and don't let this keep you from getting to your goals. Hopefully your friend will help you with the first few days of recovery at home and for those things you need bought and done for you. Sending good thoughts your way. Best, Melanie

Interesting to see how different the timetables are for everyone. My first fill will be nearly 2 months after surgery. So a funny (not ha, ha) thing happened the other night. I have a cold and without thinking, I grabbed the Nyquil capsules and swallowed them. Then my husband said, "what are you doing?" I freaked out worried about what would happen. Fortunately it was fine. I propped pillows up and went to sleep like that, but there was no problem. Thank goodness! Old habits die hard, I guess.

Looking good! Thanks for sharing.

Really agree with what's been written, especially the exercise. I have a bike in my BR and first thing every morning I ride it for at least 20 min. Also I front end protein for every meal in that I eat it first before anything else. Hang in there.

I am new to the group. Banded (new term for me) on 3/4 and I have lost 43 lbs, including pre-op, w/23 lbs just in post-op. So far all is good, but I looking forward to a less restrictive diet. Enjoying everyone's info.