KarenA

You should not feel bad about eating too much!!! You are starting a long hard road. Don't let anyone tell you this is an easy thing. I am one of four people in my group of friends who have had the surgery, and we all went throught the head hunger vs. real hunger. You are going to forget and PB/slime etc. You are going to do it more than once. After a couple of incidents, you will learn the difference, and will try to be more carefull. I think it is the Pavlo's dog thing :thumbup: I know this isn't a popular thing, as it can cause you to lose your band, but I haven't met one bandster who hasn't gone through it yet. The pain in the chest is referred to as the "golf ball" or "stuck". I still get it if I eat a too large a bite. It helps to stand and walk around between bites. Don't try eating again until it passes. I swear it takes me an hour to eat a small plate of food, but I enjoy every bite. As long as you are on mushies, you should be fine. I didn't feel like myself until well into the 5th week, but I always healed slowly. There is some discomfort if you are still swollen and trying to eat, which may be what you are experienceing. Keep to small portions, eat slow, and stay on mushies.

Are you feeling like crap emotionally or physically? If it is an emotional issue, please remember you are three weeks post-op. You are in the healing process still. Your swelling is going down, and you probably have no fill yet, so hunger is normal. You have a long trip in front of you, so don't be too hard on yourself. As long as your are eating soft healthy food, and do not get sick, you are fine. If physical, is it pain? Please expand.

Contact your doctor asap. I was once too tight, and went through the same thing. I kept thinking it would go away, but could not even get down water. I went 7 days, and lost 10 lbs. By the 7th day I couldn't even stand up without feeling dizzy. My doctor fit me in that afternoon, and was furious I did not call him earlier in the week. It took me a month to start feeling better. My hair fell out, and I just drank protein shakes, scared to death of eating again. Don't wait too long to see your doctor!!!

Hi, I'm 5 years out, and lost my boobs at about 3 years. My girlfriend went with me to Victoria's secret, and I got a wonder bra. GREATEST INVENTION EVER! I'm using it until I can start looking into lift/implants. Eventually want them, just can't afford them now.

I found that after banding, I CAN'T EAT CHINESE ANYMORE The white rice and pasta noodles don't get past the pouch. Most of my PB's have been due to Chinese food. I miss it, but have learned to stay away from it. Rather be where I am now without Chinese, then back to where I was pre-band with it

You are not lieing if you say "Stomach surgery" or "Female surgery". Both are true. Why do you have to tell them anything in detail? You are about to go in the hospital, get your stomach cut open, MAJOR SURGERY. The reason is not important. Hope this helps.

I purchased the little forks used for shrimp cocktails, and they are working great for me.

I heard starting 1/1/06, a passport is required for Canada and Mexico. However, I'm not sure if it went through or not.

I think you should see another Doctor. I'm also UHC, and my doctor takes my co-pay of $15 no matter if I get a fill or not. Also, the initial consultation was $15 See another Doctor.

I was considering the Wich Center in Chicago. Last year, I was priced at 12K for everything. Good luck

I noticed after being banded, I was having an odor problem. I have used Secret all my life, but all of a sudden, it no longer worked. I posted my issue on the board, and got back a lot of answers hearing the same thing. I have since changed to a liquid deodorant / antiperspirant and have solved my problem, but my chemical makeup definitely changed. Karen

My doctor said, diet soda is a NO NO NO NO... It will stretch the small new tummy. I'm a diet soda freak, so I've tried to switch to other things, but find I fall back once in a while. It's been almost a year now, and I find I don't crave it like a use to. ALso, it does not taste as good as I remember when I do have it. Karen

Hi all, I was banded 7/27. I also can not believe it is going to be a year. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I'm so happy :confused:

Hi Britt, I was OK'd by UHC with a BMI of 35. I also listed a number of co-morbidites such as high cholesteral and knee issues. Give it a try, it was a lot easier having the surgery close to home. Karen

Julie, I'm so sorry to hear this. Hugs... Hope you are doing better. KarenA

Hi Linda, Don't worry about the amounts now. Since you have not had a fill yet, if the swelling has gone down, you should be able to eat a lot. Once you get the fill, you'll see much more constriction.

Iman, Please let us know what happens. Karen

TIDGE, Please don't be worried. I had the same experience. My surgery was on a Wednesday. Starting Friday night, I just moved into the bathroom. I recall reading it is because you are on all liquids. My problem seemed to pass (no pun intended) within a few days. I recall by Tuesday, I was back to normal. Please feel free to PM me if you want to discuss futher. Karen

I used Dr. Ing out of Willingboro, NJ. This is only a 15 minute drive over the Betsy Ross Bridge. I really like him, and have had a wonderfull experience so far. I really recommend him. Good luck.

Lisa, I have never experienced this, but I would call your doctor and describe it to him asap. You don't want to take any chances. Good luck and please let us know what he says. Karen

I had to pay $750 for the group meeting as well. My Doctor would not do the surgery until I did.

Try Nature's Miracle. It is sold at pet stores for animal accidents and really works well.

It took me three fills before it started working long term. Same thing would happen, a couple days and then nothing. My Doctor said it was due to swelling, and until I got to the suite spot, my restriction would not be there. I did, finally, after 3 days.

<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Hi All, I was not sure who to ask this question of, but I know my fellow bandsters will give me good advise. I am down now by 40 1lbs and went out and purchased all new clothes for work. Within the last month, however, I notice I have been having a under-arm smell. I am using Secret, but it does not seem to be strong enough. My main problem, is that the smell stays on my nice new clothing, and dry-cleaning does not get it out. I therefore have two questions. 1. Can someone recommend a really good Deodorants / Antiperspirants (Super Strength) 2. How do I get the smell out of my dry-cleanable clothes, when dry-cleaning is not doing it and I can't wash them. Any help is appreciated...

Hi All, I was not sure who to ask this question of, but I know my fellow bandsters will give me good advise. I am down now by 40 1lbs and went out and purchased all new clothes for work. Within the last month, however, I notice I have been having a under-arm smell. I am using Secret, but it does not seem to be strong enough. My main problem, is that the smell stays on my nice new clothing, and dry-cleaning does not get it out. I therefore have two questions. 1. Can someone recommend a really good Deodorants / Antiperspirants (Super Strength) 2. How do I get the smell out of my dry-cleanable clothes, when dry-cleaning is not doing it and I can't wash them. Any help is appreciated... Thanks, Karen A