Kari

Hi All, There must be something to it, if all of our doctors say carbonation isn't good there must be a reason. It makes sense when you think about it; carbonation is air and it could stretch the pouch. Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having the band? I used to drink seltzer and soda every day, but since July I haven't touched it. I look at it this way; I went through the surgery to get this fantastic tool - why would I do something that would work against it's purpose? I guess it's a personal decision. Good Luck.

Hi All, I was banded on July 26th and have only lost 35 lbs. to date. My question is I notice that there are stages to the recovery period; at first I horrible spasms, then a week or so later; I experienced almost a contraction-like pain a couple of times; then the never-ending burps came; all this has passed now. Most recently, I'm having a tough time swallowing anything that isn't chewed well - it has to be almost pureed textured to get and stay down. I had a meatball for dinner last night and it came back up after swallowing. Bread is out of the question and if I forget to chew really well, I get the hiccups and a pressure-like feeling for a couple of minutes and then it passes. I haven't had any fills yet and was wondering if anyone else was experiencing something similiar to this restriction feeling? I have a doctors appointment this week and I'm curious what he'll say. BTW, can any of you sleep on your port-side yet? I'm still not comfortable laying on my belly or port-side. Thanks in advance for replying.

Hi Everyone - I have a question; doesn't the lapband surgeon also evaluate the gall bladder when he puts the band in? It would make sense to me. Mine didn't mention anything about it, but another patient said that she heard they take it if they need to. I'm one month out and having terrible pains in my stomach at least 2 times a day. I notice it's when I'm hungry, but I've never experience hunger pain like this! It's so painful it makes me nauseous. I'm praying it's not my gall bladder. I'm calling the doc this afternoon. Good luck to all.

Hi All - not exercising yet. I had a tough time after surgery, espohgas spasms and was losing feeling in my upper thigh. The doc says both are normal, the leg thing is from laying on the operating table for an hour, he said that must of tweaked a nerve in my back. It's a lot better, but if I stand to long it feels like my skin is burning. It's been so darn hot, I haven't been out. Tomorrow I plan to go to the mall and walk. I haven't had pasta or bread in 4 weeks, can't be that. I know I'm retaining water, but I'm not eating a lot of salt.

Micki - I was banded on 7/26 and per doc, he put me on mushies pretty quickly. Egg beaters, or pureered chicken (I diluted with chicken broth) and soft fish. I pretty much use common sense at this point. I've tried low sodium deli turkey (no bread) with a little fat free gravey and it goes down with no problem. Yum! No matter what I eat, I chew until it's pulverized. Good Luck.

Wow, your all doing great. I have question; my surgery was on July 26th and the first week I lost 21 1/2 lbs. since then I haven't lost anything and I'm only eating a 1/4 of what I used to. I can't figure out why I'm not losing more. I'm doing the vitamins and protein shakes but the weight isn't coming off like I think it should. Any advice?

Jack - you said; ... the peristaltic movement of the lower digestive tract is effectively stopped (temporarily) by this kind of procedure....check with your surgeon to see what he might suggest if it's a problem.... I wasn't aware of that, are you sure? Is this why some folks don't have a normal BM?<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Gene - Your my hero ! Thanks for taking the time to forward the information. I'll call tomorrow morning. I'm in NJ, so hopefully they have some retailer locations here.

Gene - Didn't see the CarbWise, next to the coffee only CANDY (smiles). Could I trouble you to see if there's a website on your containter? I tried to Google it but it didn't come up. Thanks.

Gene - your post about the Cappuccino intrigued me so, that I went to Walmart last night to buy it. I didn't see anything called Carb Wise, what isle did you find it? I did see Hills Bros Cappuccino French Vanilla drink mix but it was loaded with carbs, is this the same one? It was a brownish/red container. I love coffee drinks too and this sounds like it could be my new favorite drink.

Alex - Were the Fills painful? I experienced esophagus spasms after my surgery and am hoping that I don't have them when I get a fill. Did you go to MM or Abkin's office?

Alex - How many fills have you had? Hard to believe 1 plum would satisfy someone for hours & hours. Kudo's to you.

Jachut - My doc said; eat protein first then veggies. I'm also taking a bunch of vitamins since I'm not consuming the same amount of foods. You should talk to a nutrionist who is well informed about the lifestyle after gastric banding. You are the only one who can decide if this is right for you or not. I just got banded on 7/26 and went out tonight with 14 people for dinner. I felt fine and wasn't bothered by everyone ordering appetizers and desserts. I had a broiled fish platter and ate until I was full, about 4 oz and I was done. I did ate a little of the baked potatoe but I wasn't hungry. There may not be a lot of long-term studies, but it's been around for a long time (10yrs+) and even longer in the UK. There are many studies that confirm obesity has negative effects on a healthy lifestyle and can even cut one's life short (heart attack, diabetes, stroke, etc..). Only you can decide what choice to make. Remember, this is a reversible surgery - God forbid you get sick and need to eat more. Good Luck!