reed3580

My journey started on Thursday November 14, 2013. Surgery was out patient and took about 45 minutes. Once I left I was fine...no pain. I came straight home and went to bed for a few hours. I walked around the house, but not as much as I should of. Due to the surgery, I wasn't hungry at all and I could not force myself to drink the shakes. I would gag at the thought of it. I drank a good bit of Water and survived (wouldn't recommend it). With only liquids the first week, I lost a considerable amount of weight. I started out at 251, and after only a few days I was down 5lbs. After the first 3 days, I felt like I was in the clear with pain etc....however, the gas pain started in my left shoulder and severe back pain. I was sleeping sitting up on the couch or propping up completely in bed. Nothing seemed to help with that at all! I went back to the doctor after the first week and mentioned the gas pains. He told me just to give it time. I did just that, and it did go away just like he said. My back pain didn't go away until I started eating! At my 1 month appointment, I had lost 20lbs. Honestly, I was excited, but I had not ate very much at all. I just wasn't hungry. After that visit, I lost a pound or 2 but nothing significant. I was beginning to get worried. At this visit, he added 2.5 to my band. I couldn't tell difference at all! With another week past, I still had not lost any weight. I was beginning to snack a little more than I had been, but still no cokes, tea, bread, or sweets. I was having my dad a big surprise party on a Friday night, and I knew I would need loads of energy. So for some reason that morning I thought I would do what I had been told..............to EXERCiSE. I started on January 10, 2014. I have exercised 5-6 days each week since then. I use the C25K app on my phone. I am running and walking with it. I am using the stair climber and the elliptical with weights twice a week. The weight is finally starting to move! Today is Feb. 2, 2014 and after walking up and down stairs this weekend, I am noticing a slight pain on my left inside knee....so now I've gotta change the plan again and do something different! Heck I'm not giving up now though!! I got up for church this morning and had to try on 3 pair of pants before I could find one that would fit! Now thats exciting. People are just now beginning to notice I have lost weight at 226. I feel fabulous. I hardly ever have headaches anymore (I think due to sweets), and honestly I just don't ache and hurt at all. All the swelling has left my ankles and legs (which cause a little pain at times), and my face looks completely different. After the first week, I might have second guessed my decision, but I knew once the pain left I would love it. Looking back, I can guarantee you that the lap band is not EASY! Its a daily challenge. For me, it has been a $13,000.00 brain reminder and only that!! Before I would have caved in for that coke after about a week maybe 2. Today I am reminded how much of a sacrifice this had been and I can't quit now...instead keep working for the goal. My ultimate goal right now is to be below 220. I haven't weighed that in atleast 8-9 years...maybe longer. My next goal is under 200! I don't even remember that time in my life....it has been so long ago. But I am going to get there! The band sure doesn't help over night! Blessings to you all!

You look great!!

As my doctor told me, this will go away with time. I thought "oh yeah".....but honestly it did. Give it at least 2 weeks. Eventually you will learn to burp from the pit of your stomach! Sounds crazy, but that has been my experience.

I have 10 unopened packages of Bariatric Advantage and 9 unopened packages of nectar (multi flavors). I purchased a pre-packaged kit from my Doctor for $250.00. I also have the Bariatric Advantage Ketogenx chewable multi formula mixed berry flavored tablets. They have been opened, but only 2 missing. I just couldn't handle the taste and texture of either of the shake mixes, and the Vitamins didn't go well with my system. Both brands are extremely high quality...high protein! I am willing to sell all of these for $75.00 through paypal and will ship instantly. Please ask any questions, if you are interested.

email address is reed3580@yahoo.com..........what is your mailing address?

These are the 1 serving bags (43grams Protein each). I have 2 orange cream, 2 chocolate, 2 strawberry, 3 vanilla, and 2 banana. With this brand you only need 3 shakes a day to fully satisfy the protein. The nectar brand is a little thinner and you have to have 4 per day to satisfy the protein. I have pink grapefruit, chocolate truffle, vanilla bean, strawberry mouse, fuzzy navel, Caribbean cooler, apple exstacy, lemon tea, and roadside lemonade. This brand has 23grams of protein. For the just the powders I will take 40.00.

I am at day 7 tomorrow! I have been fine except for a lot of gas still....then the gas I think is whats causing my middle back to hurt. Have any of you had these type pains? My back hurts so that I have to come home and lay flat on my lunch break. By laying flat it helps relieve the gas. Any advice?

I had my surgery on Thurs. November 14 2013. I went in with the hopes that it wouldn't be any worse than having my gallbladder removed. However when I came too, I realized that they had to also remove a hiatal hernia. Wasn't sure what that meant, but still was hopeful. I came home and slept off the anesthesia. Once I awoke, I realized my hopes were not happening. My shoulders definitely were hurting from the gas, to the point that I couldn't lay down flat in the bed. Instead I had to sit up on the couch and sleep. My stomach was also sore, but that was the least of my pain at that point. I started trying the Protein shakes, and they were almost unbearable to drink. I have now tried 4 different flavors, and none of them taste good at all. The soreness and gas pressure has lessened each day...thank goodness it has because I was already second guessing my decision. I hope I can jump on this wagon with the shakes, but it isn't looking to great at this point! In four days I have lost 6lbs so far...............

I am trying to make a list of things to make sure I have at home for after the surgery. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I am getting banded November 14 at 7am! Getting anxious and excited.

I am tomorrow 14th also! Only liquids today and I am extremely hungry!! But I'm going to make it and make it well! So excited.

I'm being banded on Nov. 14 at 7:30. Excited and nervous all at the same time! I know we all will do great though.

Thank you all so very much. You have all been very helpful....getting excited!

I'm also November 14!

I'm November 14 also! How are you feeling??

That is my worst thought too....failure! I just don't want to waste all this money and fail again. I'm trying to think positive!

What advice could you give me? I will be banded within the next month, and I am almost the same size as you were when you started. What were the hardest things to deal with, and what did you focus on most FEARFEFE?