Afrykanvyolet

I went out to eat for the first time since being banded. It was with a bunch of people that I did not know and I was a little worried that they would notice howq little I ate. However, it was no big deal. Everyone ordered appetizers and passed the plates around. I tasted mac-n chesse and crab/spinach dip...I only had like two/three small forkfulls of each. For myself I ordered, crab cakes and asked the waiter to sub the fries for peas (something soft). I ate the inside of one crab cake (didn't eat the crust part). Hardly touched the peas and also had three small sips of Water. Noone was concerned with how little I ate. I think that happens when we make such a big deal about it. I just enjoyed my dinner with a bunch of new frineds. On the other hand...the waiter did notice how little I ate and called his manager. I told him my meal was ok just wasn't in the mood to eat it all. Well...he took my $22 plate off the bill!!! I like my band!!!!!!

I had to leave my steri strips on for 10 days. However, if they were really peeling, then I was able to take them off sooner. Vit E is the bomb!!! I use it everyday and my incisions look awesome. I was discharged on full liquids for 2 weeks, mushies for another 2, soft foods for 1, then solids as tolerated. Although the doctor pushed for Protein (58g/day), I couldn't tolerate it at first. The nurses told me to take my time and increase my protein intake as I can. Now, I consume about 40g. The doc is cool with that. Anyway, good luck to everyone out there!!!

Way To Go Sasha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well congratulations and good luck to you, Ilana. It will be a month for me at the end of this week. I am doing great...but believe me its not that easy. Right now, I am using my lapband as a dieting tool. Once I lose more weight and begin to instictively make better choices with my eating then it would definitely be a new way of life. I am happy of my band and very determined to make it work for me. This site is wonderful. You will learn so much - even more that what your doctor may tell you. So...continue to check us out. I'm sure you'll be happy for doing so!!!

Welcome Lita, Congratuations and many successes throughout your new "birthday" years. Here on LBT, you will find plenty of advice and support from people who are not only concerned with their wellbeing but also care about yours as well. Once again.....Welcome!!!

When I'm at school and need to use the computer lab, I go to this site first before doing any school work. Then, when I am done with my school work, I'm back on here. When I'm at work (I work at a hospital), I try to take care of my patients really quick so that I can jump back on the site. Don't worry, I'm not doing any medical care!!! When I'm on the phone, talking to whoever, I'm on this site. I haven't turned the tv on in about 4 days (not like I watch it much anyways). So...YES, I'M VERY MUCH ADDICTED!!!!!!! I JUST LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a little funnt to me.... Right after I got banded, I would cook like crazy for my significant other. Mind you...I neither like cooking nor do I do it often. It just made me feel better to do that. I've since calmed down and back to my ole rarely cooking self...LOL!

Raven... Good idea to ask them to blend the soup for you. I would have never thought to ask. I'm happy you were able to enjoy a meal with your family or friends!!!!

I am having problems also. I take Fiber chewables and drink all the fluids I'm supposed to -- but the problems are still there. I am on mushies and drink 2 Atkins shakes a day. I always said that there was NO WAY I would eat baby food....BUT....I have just renounced that. I will be going to the grocery store to but some baby veggies and juice. Hopefully that would help!!!

I have PCOS and was banded on March 15th. I haven't stepped on a scale lately but exactly two weeks after surgery I lost 12 lbs. I can honeslty say that I am happy about my decision. With PCOS, we have problems with our insulin...that's why its so hard for us to lose weight. I do hope that I am successful but I know that I have to work hard for it. The band is not going to do it by itself. Well good luck to you with what you decide!!!!!!

Well, my next office visit is scheduled for May 10th. This would be my first fill and its a couple of more weeks away from the 6 weeks post op visit. I'm just a little worried that I would totally not feel any restriction by that point and might eat a little too much. I'm telling myself not to worry--I'll be fine. I will try to stay focused with being in tune with my body when its saying enough is enough. I know I'll be ok. ...BUT, I do need some encouragement...:cry :omg:

Thank you everyone...for the wonderful words of encouragement. I am going to give it my best!!!

Yes...I am a bona fide Jersey Girl!!!!! I'm from the central part of the state but have been living in the southern area for the last two years. I am in nursing school and will graduate in May '08--Can't Wait!!!!! Thank you ladies for welcoming me to this thread. I was banded on March 15 and am feeling quite alright. The only problem is I was told that my first fill will not be scheduled until May 10th. I'm a little upset because I'm scared that I might eat a little too much due to not having any restriction. Oh well,,, I just plan to take it day by day. Once again, ladies, thank you very much for welcoming me. Look forward to reading from you soon!!!!!

I had to do blood work and a sleep study. 1 week before the surgery, I had pre -admission testing done at the site - blood, urine, ekg, chest xray, ultrasound. The day of surgery I had a urine test to make sure I was not pregnant...lol

My first fill is scheduled for 6 weeks after surgery. Strained soups counts as full liquids as part of my post op.

You Go Girllllllllllll !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Striae = stretch marks WOW, Nile, you lost a lot of weight for being banded in September. Was that after the banding or did you lose some weight beforehand. Just wondering...You look great!!!

Hey Lauraj, I was told to stop also, a week before my surgery. BC pills run a risk of blood clots. Also, when a person has surgery, blood clots are also a risk (the reason why you're told to walk after surgery. I guess that's why they tell you to stop. Since blood clots in the legs usually happen a few weeks after surgery, I was informed not to take my pills for one month. Because I got off the pill, my cycle was messed up and I had it during my surgery. I do think it was beneficial though, because it deters yeast infection from the antibiotics. I am actually due for that time of the month but I'm not sure it will happen. I'm gonna have to start all over again to get back on track. But you what????? IT'S WELL WORTH IT. ONCE WE GET DOWN TO A DESCENT WEIGHT FOR OUR BODIES, WE PROBABLY WON'T NEED THE PILL TO REGULATE OUR CYCLES. !!!

Writing from South Jersey..... It's Rain, Rain, Rain.....I have a class today and I hate going out when its raining. ...BUT...I do love this website and the people here. I find motivation everytime I come on here and all the advice is amazing. I learn so much--more that what my doc can ever tell me (if he had the time..lol). Wishing everyone nothing but success as we continue our journey of our new lives.

Congratulation Kenophon, You are on the way to a healthier new you! Its wonderful to learn that your sugar has gone down. I just learned the my blood pressure is going down. I was never put on any medication, but my BP was always borderline. Well, good to hear that all is well. Much success as you travel up the Yellow Brick Road!!!

Hey Amanda, I read that after you have a baby you should wait six weeks for a fill. Maybe this is also true to begin the procedure, provided you are not breast feeding.

LoriPA, That's absolutelty beautiful. I am so happy to learn that everyone is in good spirits and doing well (even with some of the few obstacles). I, for one, absolutely REFUSE to buy a scale. I wait until I go in for my appts. I had an appt with my family doctor and told him not to tell me how much I weighed. He thought it was funny and I told him that I was dead serious. I did not want to feel discouraged or TOO encouraged (I need to keep my sanity). I just want to take it day by day. My first fill is scheduled for the end of the month. I advance to mushies tomorrow. Can't wait. Right now I only drink Atkins shakes. I can only tolerate those for the mean time. The doc gave me Matrix, but I COULD NOT tolerate it at all. Does anyone have any suggestions?? Atkins has 15g Protein. I'm shooting for something with about 20-25g.

Hello Troy.... Please throw that scale away. I absolutely REFUSE to bring one into my home. I wait until my Dr's appointment to step on a scale. Even though you are doing a FABULOUS job at your weight loss, it still fluctuates. Please, keep your sanity and restrict yourself from stepping on that scale. Focus on continuing your exercises and eating healthy. You'll find that your clothes won't fit anymore and have increased energy. Your FABULOUS, Toy, keep up the good work!!!!!

You definitely have to go with your heart when deciding to go through with weight loss surgery. I was contemplating surgery for 3 years before I finally made my first appointment for a consultation. I had to know for sure that I was doing it for me and not because other people might like me more if I was thinner. I also did as much research as I could about gastric bypass, lap band, and the pros and cons. I don't believe that there is anything out there that is 100% safe and 100% effective. You have to know within yourself if you are able to take on whatever challenges you may face. You should also be determined to work as hard as you can to limit the not so good outcomes. Continue to come on the site and read the many different threads. You will learn of the vasts experiences people go through and become familiar with the whole weight loss surgery process. The amount of information I learned on here is far more than any doctor can explain to me. Whether you decide to or not, you'll always have friends on LBT. Good Luck to you!!!

I had dissolvable stiches on the inside with steri strips to cover. Worked wonders for me - especially for being African American. I was sure that I was going to keloid and have the nastiest scars. However, you can barely see them. My port incision looks very good considering its the longest.