Carrie22803

I definitely drank protein drinks, my doc said it was ok, too. I also had cream of crab soup (without chunks) and milk. My doctor said it was important to have at least one glass on skim/fat free milk a day...so, no, I did not have mostly clear liquids, but I did drink a lot of water, Crystal Light, and chicken broth. How did you like Monterrey? Was it extremely hot like when I was there? Aren't the roads crazy with those random drivers all over the place and no lanes or anything? And bright green taxis???? Anyway, glad you're back and good luck in the liquid phase....

I don't know about that, but I've been trying. I went to the Women of Faith event at the MCI Center on Friday night, so I didn't get to take my skinned-knees anger out on the treadmill, and I was there all day today, too, but I will try and get up the energy to go to the basement and power-walk for 30 minutes at least....hope I don't fall again....

Tanya & Teresa, thanks for the motivation. I want to look in the mirror and say I look slim, but sometimes it feels so far away. That's why we try to take one day at a time. That was good advice about if you eat bad, just try to eat better at the next meal...it's hard not to beat yourself up about it or to let it landslide, but I know we'll try! Teresa! I can't believe you like Taco Bell!!!! EW! Just my personal opinion. My fast food choice would be Arby's with curly fries and cheese sauce...or McDonald's chicken selects with chipotle bbq sauce....alas, no more. I am such a klutz, I fell on the treadmill the other day and skinned both my knees...that's what I get for trying to change the song on my iPod while walking...in hindsight, it probabaly looked freakin' hilarious <there goes the big girl, and she rolls off the treadmill> It was like being on a fast conveyor(sp?) belt...hope you get a laugh at that visual image!

I was banded July 14th!! It's been 2 weeks and I love it!

Oh, yeah, and who wants to look like Pamela Anderson, anyway???? 100% FAKE! And look what a mess her freakin' life is...DeLarla has it right...she wishes she looked like US!

I don't care who you are, how pretty, how smart, how rich, how wise, how educated--if you've got the FAT DEMON it is going to be a daily exorcision. Some days the demon will be sleepy and quiet and somedays it will be screaming but it would be a big mistake to think that just because we've got this piece of silicone around our tummies that we've killed it. Sometimes success comes in small, chewed-to-death bites. It's hard! Is it worth it? I often doubt it, then I remember the alternative.... I think you are so right! I was just banded 2 weeks ago and I feel like my expectations were very high. I expected weight to just jump off me, but now I know it's takes 2 (you and the band together) to do this thing. I thought it would get rid of my fat demon, but it hasn't. Because chocolate milkshakes went fine during the liquid stage...honestly, it's a lot of work. But I feel more confident in myself now that I have a little extra help. Before I was banded I got to the point of not even wanted to start exercising and dieting because I knew I would just fail at it. So why bother? I didn't like to go out in public and I didn't do anything special to look nice or dress up at all (that has to do with having a 2 year old, as well, but I really didn't like myself.) Even though I've only lost 6 lbs. so far and am in the 'honeymoon' period, just having the band and knowing it's there makes me feel like maybe I will succeed this time....let's hope! Wish me luck on my first fill (Aug. 31st), I hate drinking that nasty stuff!!!!!

DeLarla, I just have to say reading your posts are great, you are funny, yet honest and upfront about what you've done wrong as well as what you're trying to accomplish. It takes guts to say, 'I've messed up', and 'I've gained weight'. It sucks! But you are a great person, and I know things will turn around and you'll be back on the losing side soon!!!

You guys have me laughing my butt off...there surely is no cure for stupid, but sometimes I still wish there was an easy cure for being overweight. I will not say fat!! I was chubby in middle school, wich wasn't helped by the fact that my mother loves short hair - as in Peter Pan - so I looked like a boy with a bowl cut...I've finally forgiven my mother for that (ha) but I think my family really had a lot to do with it. I was raised to clean my plate and to eat dessert after every meal, and my father had gastric bypass 2 yrs. ago,so there you go...but really, I think it's a combo of genetics (my whole family plus some extended family are large) and psychological stuff. I also am on medication for depression, which my mother and grandmother also had. I was thin in highschool and the beginning of college (until 22yrs old) but I still thought I was fat and felt huge next to other girls. I got married at 22, had my beautiful son at 23, and now am 25 and 243lbs. on surgery day. I felt I had a license to eat when I was pregnant, and eat I did - Popeye's baby! Olive Garden! yum....ok, I'm back. Anyway, I was somewhat confused after the birth of my son when I looked like I was still pregnant (you mean your body doesn't just shrink back to pre-pregnancy status?) and I was depressed, I probabaly had post-partum but never checked into it...so, let more eating ensue. I lost weight briefly, went down to 188, then right back to 240. Doesn't help that my husband is ridiculously handsome (sorry, but he is) works out everyday and can eat a barge full of food and not gain a pound of fat. Just nice muscles. Jerk. So, by my joking thru this, which is why people don't ever know I'm battling depression, I basically am saying that I think a lot (most) of it had to do with me, my image of myself, unhappiness with myself, etc. Someone said earlier "I'm not miserable because I'm fat, I'm fat because I'm miserable" and that struck a chord with me. So, I pretty much dislike myself and don't think I am worth the time and energy it takes to eat right and exercise. Not to mention, I really enjoy food! It tastes good! My father is a cook, the family I nanny for always cooks excellent food...and I love Chevy's mexican food, pasta, chinese...I just love food. And food apparently loves me back. So pretty much, that is how I ended up where I was before surgery. Well, it's been a full 2 weeks, I've lost 6lbs. and although excited, I also am sad that it is not more. But nothing worth having comes easy, right? Hope this touched some of you out there....and somebody feels the same as me. Let's keep our heads up!

I am so glad to have found this website! Thanks for all your support Teresa and Amy, etc. I have been working out on the treadmill every day for 30 minutes...and I have been drinking my liquids, now it's on to soft mushies....when I go back to the reg. diet, I found all these tasty things from Lean Cuisine. It's funny because I remember trying to lose weight before and thinking those little Healthy Choice meals were not even close to an appetizer! Now I know I won't even finish them, it's so exciting. My only struggle will be with Coke and chocolate milk. I love Coke!!!! I hate Diet Coke!!!! But I have been really good so far and I heard the carbonation can be painful. My willpower department usually is on strike, but so far so good....luckily my mother in law is on Weight Watchers and has lost 25lbs. My dad had gastric bypass almost 2 yrs. ago, so I have some healthy eaters around....too bad my husband can eat like a bottomless pit and not gain a pound, plus he works out and lifts weights everyday, so he keeps me motivated in that way, even though I hate his fast metabolism!!! How unfair. Oh well.

Thanks so much for the support, Alex. You're right, of course. I don't want this band going anywhere, the doctor said he was able to stitch on both sides, so I'm sure it would be a pain in the you-know-what to have a reoperation...there is no way I'm doing that. Thanks for the definition of soft foods, too, because I was under the assumption noodles were ok, but they definitely have to be chewed! I'll stick to my sugar-free pudding (not as good as real pudding!!:cry ) and such from now on. Thanks for replying, it really feels good to have people out there answer your questions and support you!

Go ahead girl! As a fellow 20-something, I will tell you to do what makes you happy. Honesty vs. dishonesty, blah, blah, blah! I think it is very important to be truthful, especially if you are going to date this person and care about them...how would you feel if he lied to you? I just don't think you need to go into all the details. Just say "I had surgery" and if he asks more and you don't want to talk about it, just say it's no big deal, everything is fine. Later, if you feel more comfortable with him, tell him. I agree with not lying unless that's something you really feel you need to do. If it's a personal thing to you, then it is. Tell them you were abducted by aliens - who cares??? The only people who know about my band are my husband and my parents, brother, and sister. I did not even tell my best friend. Maybe I will someday, but right now it's something I feel like keeping to myself.

Thanks for giving me a kick in the butt!!! I didn't spend all this $$$ for nothing!!! Any ideas on foods for liqud/mushy stages? I have had water, Crystal light, lowfat chocolate milk, chicken broth, cream of crab soup (no chunks)..I just bought some sugar free pudding and jello...what is the most important, low fat, low calorie, or low carb?? All of the above???

Hi, I had mine done in Mexico with Dr. Rumbaut for 10,100. That included hotel stay and pre-op tests, a consultation with the nutritionist...airfare wasn't included, and also spend around $90 while I was there buying food, disposable camera, tips, etc. I looked into 2 companies that offer financing, but the interest rates and fees are freakin' ridiculous!!! My husband gave me the money, and I will be eternally grateful. I saved about 2,000 and he gave me the rest. I put the airline tickets on my credit card....it was all worth it, though!!!!!!!

J. Lynn, you are so inspiring! Thanks for the words of advice...I was reading all these posts and feeling worried because I've only been banded 11 days.... it's great to hear your voice of reason!!!

Hello! I had surgery in Mexico on July 14th, and I do not regret it yet!!! Ha, it's only been 11 days, but I am very excited. Advice - just soak in the experience and feel good about doing this for yourself. I love Dr. Rumbaut and his staff, they are great. It is weird to be in a place where not much English is spoken, but everyone is extremely nice and helpful - nothing but curteous!! Dr. Rumbaut himself is fabulous, ask him to show you his before pics, he is a whole new man! He let me use his cell phone 2 times to call my husband in Maryland because I went by myself...pain varies after the operation, but the ladies I met were up and about no problem. I had more pain because he went through my belly button and did a more cosmetic surgery since I am only 25. But even that wasn't bad, just very tender and sore...but you get plenty of pain medicine and information. If you have any questions, let me know...I'd be glad to go into more detail about everything and send you some pics from my trip to Mexico (there's one of me and Dr. Rumbaut as well as the hotel and hospital!) Congrats!!!

HI!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay for you!!! I just was banded in Monterrey on July 14th (11 days ago) I live in Columbia. Everything will be fine, they take great care of you....let me know how it goes!!!! Congrats

Hello my lovelies!!!!! I just found this site, and I am from Maryland (Columbia area)! I just was banded July 14th in Mexico, so I am fairly new to this journey! I would love to have a group to talk to and consult about things....such as I am already able to eat pasta and I don't know why....am I a fast healer??? I know I should still be on liquids, but I am HUNGRY! And I tolerate it well. How much did y'all lose in the first couple weeks? I lost 5 lbs. the first week, and now in my second week I have been eating much more, but I also started exercising. We'll see how it goes....how did y'all get the pound countdown thingy on the bottom of your messages? I love it! I was 243 lbs. the day before surgery, and now I weigh about 237 - I haven't weighed in for this week yet, I'm scared. Anyway, great to know there are people in the area!!!! Who do you go to for fills? I need a fill doctor asap...I'm counting down to August 25th (when I can get my 1st) Carrie :cheeky

Ok, I feel better after reading all these experiences. I have only had the band for 11 days and recently have not felt full by just liquids...so even though I wasn't supposed to yet, I started trying softer foods like pasta (ABC's and 123's, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti) and I tolerate it very well. Then <gasp> I had a moment of insanity and ate pizza. I am worried because so far today I have had 3 pieces of pizza and macaroni and cheese. Not all at once, but still, I feel like I shouldn't be able to eat 2 pieces of pizza without being full. Then I get upset and say, you shouldn't even be on soft foods yet!!! I should still be on liquids!!! But I get so hungry and I have very poor impulse control, and I seem to be tolerating it fine!!!! Am I just a fast healer or do you think my stomach is stretched??? I am so worried I spent all that money and stretched my stomach in 11 days because I couldn't even stick to a liquid diet for 2 weeks :huytsao . I am upset/panicked/worried/sad.....please help!

Hello! I am new too, banded on July 14th! I just found this site, it is great! Question, what does PB stand for? I have had 2 I think, and all I can say is ouch and I'm glad I didn't throw up. My biggest fear is that my stomach pouch will stretch....I don't feel full lately and it's only been 11 days. I can drink and drink and not be full. This worries me, and I have tried some soft foods and not really felt as full as I think I should feel. Is my stomach stretched???? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!