brownbean

I mean no disrespect when I ask this question - but it seems that there are two distinct 'types' of banders - those that are looking to lose weight by any means necessary (even if it's surgery), and those that are making a lifestyle change. I know that when I started this whole process over a year ago, I had behavior modification classes, and spent weeks on mindful eating, etc. -all mandated by my surgeon. But when I see the posts from people two weeks post surgery eating taquitos, chicken strips, and things involving high calorie dressings/sauces and asking about ice cream in Protein shakes - I wonder what is the mindset of that person? Why go through all of this? I am just shocked that anyone would spend this time, energy and pain to toss it all for ranch dressing. Maybe I am the exception. Maybe I am more sensitive because I was a self-pay, and the idea of someone getting $20K surgery, and having McDonald's 10 days later burns me up. But is there a thread for people that are more or less "embracing" this new lifestyle instead of trying to skirt it? Also - before the barrage of nasty messages starts - I have had a square of chocolate, and had a piece of "regular" cheese here and there - but I know that's not going to move the numbers on the scale down, so I keep it in check. I apologize again if I have offended, but if I read one more posting about using high-fat/calorie mushies - I am going to scream. Thanks for reading my vent. :omg:

hi there - i was banded 7/31 and i just started going back to the gym on 8/16. i was told it was ok at my two week check in, but it's all based on the individual. i just moved to stage 4 (which on my plan is ground meat, very very moist meat, tuna, etc., eggs, Beans (mashed) and no Pasta or potatoes) i am missing salads/veggies and fruit (that i bite - apples, peaches, etc.) more than i ever imagined - but in due time i guess i had lost 14lbs by the two week check in, and haven't re-weighed. regarding stiches - i had glue ones, so they just disolved... sorry i can't be of more help. good luck

i too dropped a fair amount by my two week check-in, 14lbs. which was a lot more than i expected, but for a couple of days i was not eating nearly enough to function - becuase i wanted to ride the tide of losing a lot in a hurry. needless to say - that came to an abrupt end (low energy, spaced out all the time), and while i am careful about my intake (dare i say obsessive), i keep my Protein levels as high as i can tolerate - i do like the idea of the number on the scale continuing to go down.

i don't really do the full breakfast, lunch, dinnner - i am more of a grazer. but here's what i took in today. btw - i've lost 15 lbs since banding on 7/31. - medium (20 oz.) iced coffee w/ skim milk and splenda (nursed over about an hour) - 4 oz. orange sherbert - 6 pretzel chips - chewed into powder w/ 2 tbs hummus - shake/smoothie (made with unflavored protien powder - a LIFESAVER if you don't have much of a sweet tooth!, cran-peach juice, oj, frozen strawberries, frozen peaches) - 2 oz. chicken - 2 biscuts (chewed and smushed) i feel a bit tight, but i am trying to get enough calories to not feel so spacey.

Hi there - I was banded 7/31, and have bruises all over my arms from the Heperin shots in the hospital, and every time I knock into anything I develop a huge bruise. Has anyone else experienced this? I know Heperin is a blood thinner, but I can't wear short sleeves without looking like an abuse victim, and it's August :cry Anyone else have this problem? If so, when do they ever go away? Thx,

hi - i too was banded a few days ago (7/31) - no major pain - i mean there was pain, but nothing unbearable, and i took a pass on the oxycodone. it actually made me feel worse than anything, really nauseated, and high as a kite. however - i have to say i will be happy to never have Jello, sugar free popsicles or cottage cheese again. i can't seem to motivate to have the high Protein soft foods on my list. sigh. i can't wait for phase 4.

hi - i was banded on 7/31 and also lost the gallbladder. i didn't go in expecting that - but i haven't had any noticable problems as a result of doing so. mine was on the wrong side anyway (who knew?), it's not that scary and all of it is done laproscopically, so you won't notice any additional scaring or anything. however, it did make the surgery an overnight stay vs. the same day discharge. good luck, and don't be scared