Anwyn

Guilty! I also have one in my cupboard. My kids ate the other 3. Yeah, that's it - the kids. Okay, it was me! I'm supposed to be on mushies too... chocolate is a mushy if you let it melt in your mouth, right?! Damn eggs - they don't even taste good if you think about it, but there's something about knowing you CAN'T have one until next Easter. And why do they come in packages of 4?! Sorry to rant - I guess you touched a nerve.

LOL! - That is EXACTLY what I've always thought!

Hi Janet, I know that there are many physicians that say the shoulder pain is caused by gas, but my surgeon told me that it is actually referred pain from the band rubbing against the diaphram. I have no idea which theory is correct (heck, maybe both things can cause shoulder pain). I wish I had some great fix it for you, but I think it is a matter of time. I'm so sorry that you are suffering! You're already doing everything that I've ever heard suggested on this board (heating pad, gas-x, etc). Does your band doc have any input on this? I hope this resolves soon. I don't recall ever reading about anybody with permanent shoulder pain, so hopefully this too shall pass. :hug:

I haven't had any problems with popcorn so long as I take it slowly and chew well.

My vote is for a small unfill too... Lot's of people here have said that getting as little as .25cc's taken out can make a huge difference.

I'm currently going through my second post-op (my band slipped a few weeks ago). I'm not telling you that to scare you, I'm telling you because even doing it twice I have absolutely no regrets. The band is awesome! As far as post-op pain goes, I haven't taken any pain meds since the second day after surgery. It's WAY easier than a c-section or a back surgery. I'm still a little tired and sore, but every day it gets better.

It does vary some but from what I've read on this site the majority of surgeons wait until you are 6 weeks post-op for the first fill. This is done to allow the body to completely heal up from the surgery. The newly banded stomach can stay quite swollen for the first few weeks. I have occasionally read of a few people who are given a small fill during surgery, but it's not the norm. Hope this helps!

Hi Susan, My psyche appointment was a half hour conversation where we talked about whether I was mentally prepared to make lifestyle changes. She also gave me a very short verbal quiz with some really simple questions. I'm sorry that I can't remember more... I know there are some people on here who have talked about taking a long written quiz. You may want to search for psyche eval and see what pops up. The nutritionist appointment was a breeze (I almost wrote piece of cake!). We talked about the various food stages (liquids, mushies, etc) and proper portion sizes. She also talked a lot about Protein and getting in Water. I hope this helps! Congratulations on starting the journey to bandland.

I'm a week out from revision surgery, and I don't think I'd be ready to go back to a job that requires so much energy yet (not to mention the lifting!). I'd give yourself 2 weeks just to be on the safe side.

I've never actually heard of that rule. I find that straws help me sip easier - I tend to gulp from cups.

Have you talked to your doctor about the food getting stuck? It sounds like you may be a little overfilled. It sounds like you're in a vicious cycle and I'm wondering if not eating properly is causing the gas...? Maybe you're lactose intolerant. You should be so proud of your 50 lbs! You are right on track for 1 lb a week, which is a faster rate than many bandsters. Remember - a year from now when you're still losing, a lot of those bypass coworkers are going to be struggling with regain. I'm in Michigan too. Please feel free to PM me if you want to chat. Good luck to you! (((HUGS)))

I love these NSV's today - they are a powerful reminder of why we're doing what we're doing. Thanks for such an inspirational post! Love the fish pond too.

Crystal, (((HUGS))). I am so glad to hear that you're home and surrounded by family. I'm sure it will take a little readjustment for everybody, but home is where you need to be right now. Now boys - pick up those coats! Men...

Funny related story: My 5 year old son was asking about my "boo boo's" (I had to get a new band last week). He wanted to know what was wrong with my stomach. My husband told him that Mom wasn't eating her vegetables so they had to fix her stomach. The poor kid's going to need therapy. He did eat his green beans though...

Megan, that's great news! I loooove to hear about the band working long term. Congrats!

Hi Susan! Welcome to LBT.

A size 8?! That's a size that I long ago deemed a fantasy - but it sure would be fun to get there. Congratulations!!

I would call your nutritionist to make sure. I hate artificial sweeteners, but my dietician wanted me on sugar free for the week before surgery. For post-op liquids I was allowed to go back to regular sugars in moderation.

Jacqui, that's awesome!! Keep up the great work, and thanks for inspiring us.

Wow, that's a long pre-op diet! You're going to lose a bunch of weight. My pre-op diet was full liquids for one week (protein shakes, broth, milk, yogurt, sugar free jello, etc). Some doctors don't require a pre-op diet at all. I was jealous at the time, but once it was over the drop on the scale was great.

I'm in the same boat. My hospital offers a support group, but they're 99% RNY'ers and it's an hour away. I like Donna's advice - post a new thread in your states' section and you may find some support groups close to home. The first 6 weeks post-op are bar none the most difficult. We have this surgery and then... nothing. You heal up and have no restriction and it's like nothing ever happened. It's anti-climactic and frustrating, especially when the hunger comes rolling back. Hang in there! You've almost made it through. And remember, there's nothing saying you won't hit your sweet spot with your first fill - it happens for some of us. (((HUGS)))

:biggrin1: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIMARU!! ENJOY YOUR DAY! :happybday2: :happybday2: :happybday2: :happybday2: :happybday2: Xelapaul, you may want to start a new thread in the "Introductions" section. You'll get more responses that way. Welcome to LBT!

Marcelle, it sounds like you need some big (((((HUGS))))) Here are my thoughts for what they're worth: Have no more contact (IM or otherwise) with your ex-boyfriend. I completely understand the fantasy of you getting to dis the ex when he comes crawling back, but you have a husband and a son to think of. Let it go. The only way to truly dis your ex is to show him that you've completely moved on and want to contact with him. You're playing with fire, and you know it. Secondly, you may want to check out Oprah.com. Have you seen her episodes about the debt diet? It may help you get a handle on things. That living situation sounds absolutely awful. Maybe you or DH can find a temporary extra job to help you move on to a new place of your own. As far as the dieting goes, don't be so down on yourself! So you had a few Cookies last night. It's not the end of the world. You'll get your head back into a good place and get back on track. So, throw out the rest of the cookies and go for a walk. Take your 2 year old outside to get away from the kitchen. Remember - you deserve to be good to yourself, and cookies feel good in the moment but they just leave you feeling worse. Good luck honey! ((((HUGS))))

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: How exciting!!! Congratulations on making it to Onederland!

Congratulations on your surgery! It's hard seeing that fluid gain, but I had a revision surgery on Tuesday and I've lost 10 lbs in the last two days. It comes off quickly. Wishing you a speedy recovery!