PetraLuxor

Love, love, love Lebanon! Wish I could have some Lebanese lamb and tabouli right about now.

Marhaba! Ana seconey il Qahira fi.... 2 years. I taught at an international school in Cairo for a couple of years. I adore Egypt and the Middle East, in general. God just put a real love for that part of the world in my heart. So sad to see what's happening in Egypt right now. Do you live there? Oh, I am also of Welsh descent, by the way.

You should. Isopure is different from traditional Protein drinks as they are not shakes but more like flavored Water. I've only had the melon flavor (its a greenish color) and wasn't too crazy about it. I'll choose another flavor next time I buy some.

Isopure has a lot of Protein although its waaaaaay sweet. Try drinking it in place of Water to keep you hydrated and proteined up. Congrats on a successful surgery.

Who takes meds to prevent gallstone formation? Are they over the counter or do you need a script? What is the med? For anyone who developed gallstones post sleeve, how far out from surgery were you when you developed them? Thanks.

Welcome. Lots of great info here. You have 7 kids? Oh my goodness! Wonderful that you are doing something special for yourself in taking up this journey.

Aaron, what's the website? Can you post a link to the recipe? Yum.

Deep Breaths!! You'll do fine!!

Sending positve vibes your way. It sure does seem like those lap bands are a lot of trouble. I got sleeved in Mexico about three weeks ago. There was a girl from the board there also named Charissa. She had the same thing going on but Dr. Ponce was able to get the eroded band out and sleeve her with no problem. She wasn't sure if she'd wake upi with a sleeve or an RNY. I know every situation is uniqe and individual but thought it might be comforting to read about someone with the same issue. She had an incredibly easy recovery, too. Maybe she'll see this and post to you. Now take guilt and flush it down the toilet. You are doing something good for yourself and you definitely need to get that band out of your body. Keep us posted.

I did the same thing only with french fries. My stomach hert so bad I was seriously scared that I had done damage also. I called my coordinator about it. She wasn't too happy with me but said I should be fine. That was two weeks ago and I'm good. Some people might disagree with what I'm about to suggest but here it goes... if you feel that you must have a taste of something, take a bite. chew it and then spit it out. That way, you'll get some of the flavor/taste without actually putting anything solid in your tummy.

And, yes, I walked and walked and walked and still had horrible gas.

I had gas for at least a week. It was awful. I am one of those persons who is unable to burp. I've never burped in my life so I think that's part of the reason it lasted so long for me. Believe me, if I could have forced a huge burp up I would have. My main incision (where they pulled out the stomach) was extremely irritated, red, and painful a few days after surgery. My doctor put me on a double dose of anitbiotics because he thought I had cellulitis. As a matter of fact, I am taking my last dose today. Thank goodness for those meds. It's still a little red but almost completely healed. I'd say that incision was painful for about 1 1/2 weeks post surgery.

You lost 100 pounds in 4 months? Good golly!

Oh my gosh, Kalimom. I'm soooooo sorry to read of what you are going through. I will be for God's hand over your situation and also for a sense of peace and comfort for you.

Okay, so my throat gurgles extremely loud whenever I eat. It feels like air is moving up my esophagus and results in this loud as can be, completely uncontrollable, gurgling sound. Not only does it sound gross but is doesn't feel very good either. I wouldn't necessarily call it a pain but it makes me feel sick and uncomfortable. It lasts for anywhere from 15-35 minutes after I eat. I did a search and many of the responses were from people who said that their gurgling continued for several months and some even wrote that it continued up to 1 and 2 years post sleeve. Oh my gosh. I don't think I can deal with that. Seriously, does anyone know what is biologically happening here? Should I go to an upper GI doctor? Is this going to damage my esophagus? This was NOT a side effect I for which I was prepared. Really hoping to get some helpful responses here. Thank you so much!

Hi, I remember reading a post from you the other day but could not respond at the time. I want to write to you now. I hope you see this and respond. I can't seem to find your original post. Just wanted to wish you kind words. Ana seconay el Masri fi... two years. That's my horrible transliterated Arabic. Hope to hear from you.

Okay, I am right at 2 weeks post op. Literally, anything other than liquid broth makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. Thank goodness I've learned to stop just shy of feeling real pain. I tried mushies like mushed carrots, potatoes and even apple sauce. The only thing that feel fine is broth. Am I expecting too much too early? Seriously, when will this pass?? I'm feeling like I will never be able to truly eat and enjoy a meal again. It's discouraging.

Thanks for the info and encouragement. Oh, refried beans is another one I tried but they were actually painful. Forgot to mention that before. I guess I'll just stick with broth, Edy's fruit & juice bars (they don't have that horrible artificial taste like many popsicles), and protein drinks. Oh, one thing I can tolerate, interestingly, are crackers (Goldfish, Cheez-Its). Weird how everyone is so different but I love to hear others' experiences.

I'd also like ot know the deal with corn & popcorn. I'm just recently sleeved but I hope that some day I can go see a film and order a small popcorn without getting sick.

That's great. I liked getting my tape from Dr. Ponce. Dr. Ponce also gives his patients a taped CD of the leak test to take home. You might want to ask for one of those, too.

Hi Guys, Thought it was about time that I checked in. I'm 10 days out from my Nov. 23rd surgery with Dr. Ponce in Mexico. All went well. Dr. Ponce and his staff were kind and professional. My coordinator, Trish, was amazing. I especially appreciated her prayers for me during the two times I felt extremely sick. I had been given an antibiotic that didn't agree with me. Dr. Ponce changed the med and I was all good after that. When I got back home, though, my main incision site was extremely red and painful so just to be on the safe side, I went to see a doctor who put me on a double dose of antibiotics. I'm all better now. I haven't been very hungry at all since surgery. And, as everyone says, it's quite difficult to get in all the liquids throughout the day. I just try to get in what I can. Already down 15 pounds... obviously because I can't eat much of anything. Will be happy to answer questions, especially for any Georgia people heading to Mexico.

I'm here now. Had surgery Friday. Fly home tomorrow and my energy is completely zapped. They say to have your broth and Isopure but only able to get a small amount down. Thank goodness I don't go back to work until next Monday. I hope someone responds with some tips.

How long was your tummy sore post op? I know it'll be several weeks before I'm sleeping on my stomach but sleeping on my sides hurts too. I had surgery the day before yesterday, by the way. Thanks.