Infaith

I was on 1 week of clears liquids, 2 weeks of full liquids and then started slowly on regular food. My doc and nutritionist wanted me to be wary of the mushies as it's so easy for people like me to fall back on them and that can make my weight loss journey tougher. Each doctor is very different and you need to follow YOUR DOCTOR'S instructions.

I agree you need to go by your doctor's orders, but I would probably contact your doctor about your hunger. My doctor's nutritionist was great on giving me info on how to deal with hunger pangs and such. Sometimes they'll let you have something a bit early, but it's always best to check and see what that might be. Your doc must have their reasons and it helps to know.

Christina, I love that you brought this up! Personally, it's been pretty easy for me. Yeah, I've had times that I couldn't keep out of things I shouldn't be eating. But I also realize that even when I'm not eating my healthiest, I'm still not eating near the massive amounts of food I used to and that's a definite plus. I'm still working on the brain hunger part of it and that's difficult, but my band helps me so much by not allowing me to totally let go of a healthier lifestyle. I am so thankful for my band.

Lots of love, hugs and prayers to you Nancy!! Thank you Greg for starting this thread and thank you Christina for the update.

I'm with Penni! First my kids and then my divorce. Best birthday gift (just before my 40th birthday) my ex EVER gave me. Have to say I have had many blessings though including my mom and my sister and then several other kids in my life.

Hi again Karen, My fill went good today. Sure doesn't take Dr. Fitzpatrick to find the port without flouro. She gave me .65 for a total of 2.5 cc. Last time she told me 24 hours of liquids, but this time she told me 3 days liquids, then soft or mushies. We also went over some supplement stuff and a "cleansing drink" to use. Also talked about my night eating (my unstressing activity) and alternatives like yoga and meditation. Let me know how you're doing, okay? So happy to see you reached "onederland"! That is so awesome! You go girl!

Hi Karen, Heading to Portland for my 2nd fill today and looking for support and info on LBT and JUST saw this thread. Hope you are feeling better. Sounds like you did the right thing. Our bodies can be so weird, can't they? Take care.

Pink, I was banded December 21st so here I was sitting at Christmas dinner with all my family eating prime rib. I was tired from surgery and felt sorry for myself because I was eating a few tablespoons of broth even though I knew beforehand that's exactly what would happen. It will pass. We do mourn our loss of eating like there is no tomorrow. It does get better. You will be eating soon and food will taste so much better! Hope you're feeling better soon!

My family knew (my sister had it done 6 months prior and I had her go with me) and my mom. Mom was so happy when I told her she cried (and she's not a cryer like me). My sons knew and were/are very supportive. Only my "other son"....a kid that thinks he's mine questioned me at great lengths and I think still is unsure, but he supports my decision (his new wife was thrilled that I was doing it). My church family knew. Even the very young, very thin office manager was so excited for me. Pastor was concerned (he's also heavy), but has been supportive. Only one person at work knew beforehand. I went during winter break so if I chose, nobody had to know. Afterward when they could see I was losing weight, they begged to know what I was doing and I was excited to tell them. They were all very happy for me and very encouraging. I don't tell everybody, but I rarely hesitate when asked...especially if it's somebody I think the band might help. It's everybody's personal choice and how comfortable you are with it. Personally I've never really had a negative experience with telling. I did have a couple friends tell me they were glad I didn't tell them until afterward because they would have worried like crazy.

Oh Blossom....you'll never know how much you touched each of us. You are so loved and will be missed by so many...I know I can't quit crying right now. Many prayers to her family at this time. God bless.

Good luck Jamie!! Lots of love and best wishes!

My absolute fav is Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior. I always get compliments when I wear it. Of course there is one young man at church that used to say "you always smell so clean Darcey!" (he thought I just had really good hygiene....lol). Then another young friend said I tasted like vanilla after kissing me on the cheek. My son says when he smells it on somebody else he always looks around for me!

Christina-So sorry you've been denied after all this turmoil. BUT, I believe a lot of insurances will deny and make you go thru the appeal process. Never will make it easy (as if this whole thing could EVER be considered an easy process). Any chance of self pay and keep fighting the insurance (to keep your date)? Good luck with your appeal. Keep strong and keep fighting. I'm praying. Take care.

Congrats Crystal! So glad to hear it went well. Welcome to Bandland!

Congrats on getting your band and good recovery! Yes, I had shoulder pain because of the gas...I used Gas-X and a heating pad (or hot shower) and it helped ease it. Good luck!

Oh Melanie, you're beating yourself up! You've done an incredible job with your weight loss! 50 pounds in 4 months...WOW! Does sound like you're needing to concentrate on your protein though. Yes, bypass patients will lose faster and seemingly easier at first, but within a couple of years bypass and band patients lose about the same totally. Faster weight loss is not necesarily a good thing. This a lifelong commitment to better health, not a race (remember the tortise and the hare). Take care and be good to yourself.

WTG Teresa! I also really enjoyed water aerobics....where do you go (I know a pool, but where specifically?).

Hey Crystal, Not sure where the rest of the posse is besides me and Jack. I was banded the same day but in Tijuana. I have lost 28 pounds and am feeling great. I've gone from some size 26 pants to 22s most of the time and one pair of 20s. I either walk or ride my bike just about everyday and some days I do both. I have so much more energy. I sleep so much better (most of the time without my CPAP). Actually my sleep doc says to keep losing the weight and he won't have me on it at all. My back doesn't bother me near as much. Used to be so painful first thing in the morning....my back and my feet, but no more! I had my first fill Feb 12th. Not sure if I need another right now. The band is a bit fickle...sometimes I'll be just fine with a food and another time...no way. Still working on my mindset. I still struggle with the brain hunger. It's getting better. PBing is not as bad as I thought although it's not something I care to do if given a choice. But I have learned that if I get the sensation, to let it come up. Don't try to keep swallowing hoping it'll go down. For me, it just makes it worse and prolongs it. I had people notice my weight loss when I returned to work after winter break (I had lost 14 pounds at the time). I'm sure it's because my face didn't look so puffy anymore. For me, my weight loss has not been steady. It'll stay the same for a couple of weeks and then I'll lose 4-6 pounds. Then it'll go thru the process again. KInd of weird. My band has given me a sense of hope. It helps me know that I'm not going to see that 300 pound mark on the scale again and that I WILL see onderland someday. Sorry this rambles....not sure what you want to know. Take care Crystal. Here's to a quick and painfree recovery. Cheers!

Best wishes to you Crystal! Check back in as soon as you're up to it, k?

I went back to work 1 1/2 weeks post op losing 14 pounds and had people swear I had lost more than that. No, they didn't know about my band...until later when I decided to tell. A lot of mine was I had lost that "puffy" look I had in my face and stomach. First thing I noticed was I lost the water weight in my feet and could see my ankles and they didn't hurt getting out of bed. Sounds like you're doing good...yes that is right! WTG!

Happy Birthday Ryan. Many prayers said for Patty and you. I've seen God heal my son. I know He can heal Patty. God bless. Love, Darcey

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Awesome NSV!

Greg & Kathy-May God's peace surround you and His love flood through you.

Nykee, is the pain like a pulling or tugging feeling? Dr. Ortiz uses a sutures to tack down your port (your description sounds like where mine is at) and those can hurt a bit while healing. I couldn't sleep on my left side for awhile either. But sounds like your pain is much worse and it's best to call your doctor asap. He will be able to tell you what steps to take next. Never wait on stuff like this. Take care and let us know how you are.