CherieRyde

That's actually not a bad idea. I've tried the 5 Day Pouch Test, but it only helps me for a few days. When I had a tummy bug and could only hold down liquids, I dropped from 218 to 212 .... but went back up to 218 within a couple of days of eating solids again. It's so frustrating.

What made you think you posted it in the wrong area?

Call your surgeon or find a new one. This really seems like something they need to handle.

Or when you are out with friends/family, and they ask you a question while you are chewing ... and you swallow so that you can answer, because "don't talk with food in your mouth". Then the terror that goes through your whole body as it DOES get stuck, the tears are welling up, and everyone is all "What can we do to help?" The only answer is .. "STOP expecting me to eat and talk to you at the same time!" Lots of changes .... so many changes.

Hunger now is SO different than it was before. I've also learned that I can go from "not really all that hungry" to "OMG I need to eat NOW or people are gonna DIE" in a matter of minutes. It's taking time, but I'm learning my new signals. 1) I feel tired when all I really need is a small snack. Peanuts or string cheese are great for snack time. 2) I get a headache if I've skipped the snack (and if I've missed my Water for the hour) 3) I feel nauseated if I've gone more than 4 hours between meals. 4) I get HANGRY if I've gone more than 4 1/2 hours between meals. I have to admit that I backslid a bit and have now gained a couple of pounds back. Which sucks. But a recent allergy attack has me back on track. That's what I get for taking a few bites of a brownie without checking it first. BUT .. it was a reminder that I need to be more aware of what I'm putting in my mouth.

I'm finding the same thing. I've been doing the 5 day ouch test. I'm on day 3, and I couldn't finish my breakfast ... even though it was one scrambled egg.

I was never told to drink until I feel full. I WAS told to drink no more than 4oz per meal, otherwise I'd risk hurting my stomach by accident. I never got to the 4oz mark during that first week. Now? I have to remind myself to stop eating as soon as I feel full. That doesn't always happen, but I'm trying.

My Doc feels for the port, marks the spot with a pen, then numbs the spot before using the fill needle. If you don't look, it won't phase you.

Carb and caffeine withdrawal. It's a BITCH, but it starts getting better after day 3. Hang in there.

I'm 6mo out, and I've not had any issues that *I* haven't created. I love my band. FYI, for every bad comment you'll hear about the band, you will find 2 or 3 positive ones.

You just have to wait it out and give your body time to heal. I was too tight, but not THAT tight when I had fluid removed in December. I go back to him today, and I'm going to ask for something between what I was before and where I am now. Good luck!

This is so very normal. Try walking and take a Gas-X strip. I feel like I should have stock in that company now ...

My surgeon is very hands on. I have yet to have a nurse do my fills. I like that.

My recovery from Lap Band surgery was easier than my recovery from my gallbladder removal.

My primary doctor is with the Cadence Physician's Group at Central DuPage Hospital. I do just about everything out of CDH and have always been happy.

By the 3rd or 4th day, you are used to the shakes and you won't gag anymore. I HATED my pre-op shakes, but I stuck with it. When I had my follow-up before surgery, I told them exactly HOW nasty the shakes are. They said "Really? Everyone else comments on how yummy they are." The thing is, I don't eat salt or artificial sweeteners, and that's ALL I could taste. It was so nasty. But now, I'm post-op, and I don't have to worry about those shakes ever again.

Yes. I had 1cc removed in December as well, and have not had anymore put back in yet. I know that I'm not in the green zone because my weight has been steady. I have another appointment next week and I plan to discuss tweaking things to find that sweet Green Zone.

YAY!! Go you!

I was on liquids only.

Personally, I'd either buy their shakes or ask them which ones they suggest. In my personal experience, my doctor's shakes weren't any more expensive than the ones I can get at the grocery store. Think about it ... 2 or 3 shakes a day for 2 weeks. That's expensive no matter WHERE you get it from. Talk to your doctor.

THANK YOU, @@catfish87!!!

I have all of the same questions. I fell off the wagon around holiday time myself, and am exactly where you are at with all of this.

I was told that I could start doing them as soon as I could tolerate it. I was doing REALLY well .... then I had gallbladder surgery. I'm just now getting back into the swing of my exercise routine again.

My go to breakfast is a protein shake with 1 tbsp of either plain oatmeal or cream of wheat, and 1 tbsp flax seeds added to it. It's REALLY yummy if you mix it all up the night before and let it sit in the fridge until you are ready for it in the morning.

I completely forgot about that thing! I could have used it for tonight's dinner. Thanks for reminding me! Time to pull it out so that I have it ready for the next meal.