Mrs.Bales

I can't speak to the issue with Barium (sounds to me like an allergic reaction - but I'm not a Doctor) As for the other issue with digestion, constipation, bloating, gas, acid reflux and a general processing of food issue, I found a commercial product called Align (there are other names on the market) and found my own personal version of happy balance before I was banded. I tried the yogurts and other products and found this one does the trick for me. I now have normal bowel movements and no longer feeling like a loaf of bread is doing the tango in my intestines. TMI? sorry but if you know the pain and discomfort associated with IBS or any of the other digestion issues then you know what it's like to find some peace with food. One of my questions when researching the band is if I could continue to take Align - I don't ever want to go back to the way it was. I agree with the second opinion and questioning the doctor who thinks the band removal is going to work - especially if he doesn't know about or support the band.

I have told only my husband, none of my friends, family or co-workers. If pressed I say I had a hernia repaired (which is true!). I figure I didn’t feel the need to spread the word and annouce it as I put on weight why do I need to tell them all that I am being healthy? They will see I am making smart meal choices, who can find an issue with that? People who care for me and my welfare will support my new choices. I have the first challenge tomorrow, lunch with my co-workers and I just started mushy foods today, I will likely find a soup on the menu and don’t think anyone is really going to care what I order – just that I’m there. The band is only a tool to limit my consumption, it is up to me to decide what I actually eat.

WOW - I know we are all different but mine was May 24 and I am only down 10 and holding - WOW!!!

It's the night before my surgery and I am feeling like it is the start of my fresh new opportunity. I get banded tomorrow and have a wish list; climb the stairs and not be winded sit on the airplane and not worry about the seatbelt or how tight the seats are buy clothes wherever I want to actually WANT to excercise sit on an old chair and not worry it might break feel sexy again wear high heals (my feet may hurt but it won't be because of my weight it will be because they look soooo good!) buy a pair of jeans FEEL HEALTHY! :D :D

My surgeon shared a little tip with me that I thought I would pass along in the forum. If (or when) I find myself no longer losing or even gaining (like I did today buy I only just started "Full Fluids" so I am ok with it). Use your cell phone to take a picture of every single thing you eat or drink for a full week. Keep a log and then take a look, it will tell you a story of what you eat, when you eat, where you ate and the amount are eating. He said the solution for the changes I will need to make will be right in front of me. It sounds so simple.

Hi there - I was banded last Friday - take your pain meds. Yes it hurt for the first 24 to 36 hours and then went to discomfort for a few days. I stopped the meds Monday night and I had trouble taking deep breaths for 4 days and felt sick to my stomach for a couple. Today six days out I can say I feel normal. YES it gets better! Hang in there and remember all the reasons why you got banded, overcoming the pain and discomfort of being overweight has been worth a couple of days of pain (for me).

Hey Jayden we were banded the same day and had a hernia repaired! and I also paid out of pocket! Canada eh! Feeling a lot better today - the first few days were full of gas and pains in my left shoulder and felt like I couldn't take a deep enough breath. I was going to be back to work today but decided to push it off until Monday. Burping hurts right now, sort of like your hiccups. Down about 12 lbs since starting the pre-surgery diet and feeling I made the right decision.

My info was to not drinkk 30 min before and after each "meal" even if it is a shake or replacement so that the stomach understands it is full with food. I have ALWAYS drank water with every meal so this will be a whole new learning experience for me.

Your Progress is exactly what I am hoping for myself. Great job, I have found so many new Hero's on this site it is amazing.

WOW! I go for my surgery tomorrow - thanks for being so honest!!

I am scheduled for May 24th in Toronto - pre Op diet is going ok - I won't say I have been perfect but it is without a doubt a big change in how I eat