legster

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this as a warning to us all. Let us know how you continue to do with your new attitude!

After the hellish winter (no power for 9 days), then the late freezes which put the plants back to the ground, this Spring has just been heaven! Never needing to Water is a nice bonus and a rare situation in these parts. So far I don't feel any real restriction in my eating. I have just been putting on my plate what I think is reasonable, then eating only that. I did have a small episode when I went to lunch with a friend at Cartoon's last week. I got a nice piece of salmon with rice and steamed veggies. The thing was I think I was just TOO hungry and kept forgetting to really chew chew chew and was eating too fast also. I had to excuse myself to the restroom for about 5 minutes while I burped and burped (nothing productive, thank goodness!) I was actually kind of glad it happened. I mean, I KNEW there was a band in there :-) but I just hadn't had any real evidence of it till then.

I am feeling great, too! I have more energy than before (although it would be hard to have any less!) and my arthritic knees already feel a little better. I haven't weighed since I went to the Dr. for my 10 day post-op, but I'm not obsessing on that anyway. I will weigh on the 12th when the fitness center I joined opens for business (Contours Express). They will have some trainers from corporate there that day and since I'm restricted by my Dr. to not do any abdominals the owner wanted them to help me with what I can and can't do. I'm so excited!!! You know how, when you go on a diet, you have a whole new attitude just because you know you are trying? Well I feel that every moment of every day with no fear of failure! (I know it could fail, but it won't!) My birthday is this weekend, and normally it would center around food. I always have girlfriends over for a party and until this year we would just gorge ourselves until we can barely breathe. This year will be different. I'm just going to have some deviled eggs, hummus and fresh berries. They won't mind because they are all rooting for me. Celebrating with my family, we always go out to eat, so this year I chose a wonderful Japanese restaurant that has all kinds of choices for me. I just can't have any sake! :-) They'd have to roll me outta there! Best wishes to those still recovering. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

I am in Springfield, too and was banded by Dr. Edwards on May 14th. So far so good! I plan on going to the monthly support group held the 2nd Monday of every month. I went to one a month before surgery, then the next one was the same day I had the band placed so I missed that one! :-) Next one is coming up on the 11th.<br /> <br /> I think Dr. Edwards is just great and most of his staff as well. My first fill will be on the 24th of this month, so I'm excited for that. I joined a new fitness place that is opening up on the 11th by the Price Cutter on E. Battlefield. It's a Contours Express which is a lot like Curves, but they have weight-resistant machines rather than hydraulic. I'm excited about that, too!<br /> <br /> Good to see others from my area posting here. :-)

I know the hiccups are no fun, but it's my understanding that only excessive vomiting could cause a slip. I asked my Dr. a lot of questions about slippage and hiccups were never mentioned.

I was told (and I'd heard it before) that caffeine is an appetite stimulant. That's the last thing we need! I quit the coffee and soda a month before surgery, just to get one thing out of the way in advance.

Will the Dr. who did the first surgery give you the second one as a "freebie" or will it all be covered by insurance no matter who does the procedure? There is an excellent Dr. (Chris Edwards) right in Springfield at St. John's who has a great reputation and has done many, many of these surgeries (he did mine). It might be worth a check. I totally understand not giving up because of your unfortunate problems the first time around. In fact, I applaud your tenacity!

I think I'm calculating correctly that you have had your band for 11 days, right? So you haven't lost anything in 3 days. I really, really don't want to sound mean but I have 5 words for you: step away from the scale. I don't think watching the weight too closely is going to be healthy for you at this time. You most likely haven't even started a fitness regime yet. My Dr., and just about everything I have read about this procedure, says to expect a loss of between 1 and 3 pounds a week (and that's after you are properly filled). Give yourself a little time.

melissa o, Good for you for having the courage to go! It may be easier than you ever could have imagined. I hope so!!

Oops! Forgot to also mention about the stitches: My Dr. said they just dissolve on their own after a time.

Of course you can! Better yet, hop on a plane and we can have a little ceremony together!

tumonbug, you said: (i'm glued back together, not stitched,) I could be way off base, but I'm 90% certain that there are stitches below the skin line. Kind of like a blind stitch (seamstresses may know what that is) with only a tiny knot possibly showing above the skin line. At least, that's the way mine are. If you feel at each end of your incisions (particularly the larger ones) you may notice what I'm talking about. Maybe a nurse could back me up on this, or not. :-) Hope that makes you relax more about feeling you might "come undone".

I like the sentiment and the way you think! At my all day behavioral health class the psychologist said we may need to take food out in the back yard and bury it. This might be a good weekend to do just that! (figuratively) As always, best wishes to those who were recently banded and who will soon be banded.

Way to go! !

My update after 10 day post-op Dr. visit: I lost 5.5 pounds! :-) Not bad for ten days. And I got advanced to "soft foods". This is a great day!!!

Try this, or you may even have a store near you. This stuff looks cute to me! Avenue - Plus Size Clothing Lingerie Swimwear Women's Plus Size

deb24, I am SO sorry to hear you have been postponed. I can imagine that is depressing. I have found in my life (too many times to ignore it) that everything happens for the best. No matter how horrible it seems at the time, there is a reason. It may never be revealed to you, but there is a reason. *hugs*

Tomorrow morning is my follow-up appointment with my Dr. It will be 10 days since surgery and I haven't weighed since they checked me into the hospital on the 14th. I'm excited to find out how much I've lost, but I'm not expecting any outrageous change. I don't want to be disappointed. Anyway, tomorrow afternoon I'll be back here to change my ticker. Wish me luck! :-) As always, I'll be thinking good thoughts for those who were recently banded and who will be banded shortly. *hugs*

ontheway: the barium exiting your system can be pretty...errr...interesting.

If one of them is just a little too tight, you may want to keep it! :nod:

I wish mine said "anything through a straw". lol I'd be getting mighty creative! :-)

melissa o, Are you on mushies now or is that soup considered to be "full liquids" by your Dr.? My liquid list says specifically "strained soups". :-( I hope to be on mushies by this time on Thursday and I'll try that whenever it happens! Mmmm!

Why, thank you! I'm doing so well, I almost hesitate to post about it in deference to those who are having a harder time. I never had shoulder pain after leaving the hospital the day of surgery, took a half mile walk the morning after and went off pain meds of any kind in day 3. If you are reading this before you go to the hospital, my tip to you is to sit completely upright in a chair as soon as possible after surgery. I did it within 5 mins of arriving back to the hospital room and I think it really helped. Poor hubby had to "spot" me sleeping upright for over an hour because I don't awake from the anesthesia as well as most people do. :-) Best wishes to you and all banders past, present and future.

Take a deep breath and think positive thoughts....better? :-) I shouldn't say this, but in your position, I might be tempted to just swish some water around in my mouth and spit it out. That would at least cure the dry mouth feeling for a time. *hides*

...and this morning I am going to see about a new workout place that is opening right up the street. It's one in the franchise "Contours Express". Somewhat like Curves in the 30 minute workout, but they have weight resistant machines instead of hydraulic. Again...one minute drive from me! I'm so excited. They open June 11, so I hope by then I'll be able to go ahead and start. I see my Dr. for the follow-up this Thursday so I'll ask him then. Thinking good thoughts for all who are being banded today and the rest of the week. *hugs*