graymittens

It's been a few months, not much activity--just seeing if anyone in the DMV area is still interested in a clothing swap?

Hello everyone. I'm at day 5 of being banded and moved from clear liquid to full liquid. Doc may clear me for soft foods on Friday, not sure yet. I am tired of my protein shakes, cottage cheese, and creamy soups. (I don't tolerate yogurt well at all.) I really want to have something like cream of wheat, grits, oatmeal...*something* with substance. Mashed potatoes/yams? Something! Any one have suggestions on alternatives?

This is bad. I'm going into day 10 post op and I have absolutely no restriction. I can eat whatever I want, even bread...I even gulp my water down if I'm not careful. I will schedule my first fill soon, but I really wanted my incisions and tummy to heal a bit more, first. What do I do in the meantime?

Good luck, delove--let us know how it goes!

Hiya delove--- I have no problem swallowing the Camila pill (also known as the mini pill-- I'm assuming because of its small size and lack of estrogen). You take it every day at the exact same time and there is no week of sugar pills like with the other pills. It is very small and goes down easy. I don't necessarily need to wash it down with water either...it's that small. I've been taking it for almost 2 years now with no other problems, ie: weight gain, hair loss, etc. To get a good sense of what's best for you, check with your doc, but in the meantime, check out www.bedsider.org. There is tons of information on all the different kinds of birth control available on the market today. It also compares different types and can give you a better idea of which one may work best for you. They even have appointment reminders, refill of your medicine reminder, and daily reminders to take your medicine. You can use all of those things are only one of those things, whatever works best for you. I use their daily text reminders to make sure I take my pill at the same time every day. The reminders are usually facts about sex/birth control statistics and other random things, so just be mindful if you offend easy. But I like that they are using facts so I'm okay with that. (Even my co-worker uses the text birth control reminder the help him remember to take his heart meds daily, lol!!!) Message me if you have more questions!

I was banded yesterday morning (yay!). I was okay with getting my water in and now I can barely get 1 ounce down/hour. I'm not thirsty or hungry at all. Does anyone have suggestions on how to get my 32oz of water down in a day. (I'll have to increase to at least 64oz/day soon!)

Hello all...I've been having a tough time with my two week pre op diet. I'm mostly all liquid but I can have some solid food as long as I keep it under 1,200 calories. My saving grace is that I learned how to make homemade chicken broth. It's much better and healthier than store bought and very easy. Has anyone else been struggling to stay on their diets? Any suggestions or tools to help curb the over eating? My lap band surgery is scheduled for next week! I just need some encouragement.

The Olney group meets next Wednesday, 4/30 at 6p. Please PM me for more info.!!!

Hello Rennae there are support groups in the area. Check out MedStar facilities. For example, MedStar Montgomery in Olney, MD meets once a month at the hospital and same thing with MedStar Southern Maryland and MedStar Georgetown. Also members in those groups also meet outside of the monthly meeting. Hope this helps!

Think I'll take a nap to stave off the hunger. Lol! Thanks everyone.

I'm on Camila daily and have had no problems with weight gain or loss. (Although I was just banded last week on 4/18.) I did have a concern about antibiotics weakening the strength of the pill. I'll be checking with my doc this week.

Definitely get the 2% or fat free when you can. I get the little four packs 2% small curd from Breakstone's. They hold 4oz each. Then when you can, ask your doctor's office about your other options.

What does getting a fill feel like? Does it hurt?

I go in at 0600 (5.5hrs from now). Wish me luck! I'll post again after surgery with updates!

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences. I'm struggling with finding a comfortable position to sleep in--for now, I'm using a oversized couch pillow to prop myself up in bed to sleep upright. It's not unbearable, so I can deal. I too feel lucky in that I do not have nausea or feelings of wanting to vomit. Just pain around 1 of the 5 incisions (the one highest on my chest.)

Hi Bandista! Thank you! I'm home and resting now. I'm in some pain but I'm waiting for the pain meds to kick in. How long was it until the soreness and pain went away and you felt somewhat "normal?"

Hello exclusivestylistnyc, how are you feeling post op?

Thanks for sharing some of your experiences. You pose a good question about how can I do post op if I'm struggling with pre op? The short answer is that I'll have no choice. But I can stay that fear of something going wrong is beginning to become a motivating factor, along with reminding myself that this journey is for me to get healthier and enjoy my life to the fullest. I know I'll be good the rest of the time. I just got off to a rough start.

When were you banded?

Hey Nona1414, yes, Rockville, MD!! Small world. Uptown Cheapskate is on the Pike near Edmonston Dr. They were nice enough--I guess, but it felt more like pitty because they had to turn me away. It was kind of embarrassing.

I love this idea. Especially with the nice weather coming, a change of wardrobe would be great! I have no idea to start a Facebook page, but I'd be game to join. Or maybe even an email list serv or something. Can't wait!

Hi BeagleLover! I'm getting banded by Dr. B. the same day! He did my EGD and everything was perfect, I felt no pain, no recovery time at all. Best of luck. You're in good hands!

Oh and check into your local wls support group. They might also do a clothing exchange.

I have shirts and skirts in size 20-24. If you pay for shipping, I'll send you what I have. You can email me at graymittenz@ gmail.com if you'd like more info. Also, check and see if there is a DOTS or Rainbow clothing store near you. They have plus sizes that aren't expensive. (Not the greatest quality, but you can find some good pieces to get you through until you drop down to your next size!)

I would also participate!!! I am in Maryland and have lots of clothes that still have the tags on them but hopefully I will not be fitting them soon!! I tried to sell them to Uptown Cheapskate in Rockville, but they told me that they don't take clothes over a size 12. So I think a clothing exchange/clothing swap would be great!!! Definitely keep us all posted.