IllfeelQtagain

Hey bandsters! It is so exciting to see that people are getting banded and losing weight. I was banded 2/22/08 and got my first fill on 4/3/08. I have lost 23 lbs so far (without a pre-op diet). The doctors seem pleased but I know I need to up my workouts. I am going on a cruise in 3 weeks and haven't met my first goal. I wanted to hit onederland by that date. I have only lost 2 pounds in the last 3 1/2 weeks. I have been told to come back in for another fill asap so I will do that soon. Hopefully that will get me back on track. Anyway, I wanted to share something. I have been a major choco-holic for years. Yesterday I was cleaning out my pantry and found some Ghirardelli chocolate chips. I ate a couple and they just didn't taste the same!!! Yippee!! I have been praying for this! I know chocolate goes down just fine and that concerned me so you can imagine my elation when it was no big deal. Normally, I would have eaten half a bag or the whole thing. I would definitely call that a non-scale victory. Also, I seem to be motivated by the fact that word got out about my WLS and I feel that I need to prove to everyone that this was worth it and the most wonderful thing I could have ever done. I don't want to disappoint my husband or myself either. My carpel tunnel has already gotten better, hey, so have my knees! Now if I can just get to my sweet spot, I will be even more in love with my band. I don't know about you but I could use a Phx Bandsters Meeting soon. I can't wait to hear your motivation or NSV's. Thanks!

Banded 2/22/08 and lost 11lbs so far.

Hi Aggie! Congrats on the 11 lbs! Sounds like that is about an average for those of us banded around the same date. I have lost 11 as well. As far as my incisions, the port site is still sore. I have been told that it's the last to heal and may stay more sensitive than the rest. I guess that is to be expected. Are you feeling better eveyday though? Oh, I have an incision that is right below my bra on the left and it isn't doing as well as the rest. I am just treating it like it's infected until I can get to the dr. Other than that, I'm feeling great....exhausted at times but great! Thanks to those of you that responded. It was nice to meet you all. Michelle O.

Hi ailbhe! I think I like your post-op diet better than mine but I start my next stage tomorrow anyway. Mushies should be wonderful addition for you, huh? I can't wait for mine. I hope everything else is going well. Michelle

Hi. I just ate as much SF Jello as I could stomach. Then if I was a little more hungry I would have beef broth. That seemed to help. The warmth kind of tricked my tummy. When you get to protein shakes (with water only) I think that will be your saving grace... it was mine. I can't wait until tomorrow when I can have my next stage. Yippee. Oh, Matrix protein powders are a little thicker and did the trick. Hope that helps for now. Michelle

Leah, MommaKitty, everyone! How are you all doing, going into our 2nd week? I'm doing well but I still have shoulder pain. I also had a hiatal hernia repair and heard that is more common for those of us that have to have that issue. Anyway, out of curiosity, what is your post-op diet? I was on clears only for 5 days, then on day 6 was able to add V-8 and protein shakes with water only. It really helped. On day 11, I can add creamy soups, yogurt, apple or pear sauce, skim milk, soy products and pudding. Woo Hoo! Can't wait until Tuesday. Days 21-30 I can have "Blenderized and Soft foods". Basically, if it will fit thru a straw, I can chow on it.....within reason. I've lot 10 lbs since surgery. Where are all of you at? I hope all is well. Michelle O.

Sherri, I have felt the SAME way. I thought I was the only one. I have been on Cymbalta for a while but went a few days without it. I know that's not good but I had tried to dump the capsule in Jello ( I almost threw up. I finally got it all figured out though. Yesterday was a bad, weepy, yuck-feeling-day but today I feel great. I think I needed more Gas-X, sleep, medicine, walking, etc. I haven't had any pain medicine today, don't need it. I am also 5 days post-op. My friend is a nurse that has also been banded and she told me that anesthesia could do that as well plus it's just normal after WLS. When I got home from the hospital, my daughter had a huge box of Dunkin Donuts on the kitchen table ( her friend had stayed the night), well, here I am putting away all my broth and Jello and I just started crying like a baby. It was ridiculous. Anywho, I'm feeling tons better now. I hope you feel better soon, girlfriend. Michelle O

I would think that frozen yogurt might not be the best choice. I am still on clears until about day 11 and even then skim and low fat milk. I believe frozen yogurt would up your carb and caloric intake. I was already thinking about freezing my own yogurt when I get to that point. When in doubt, ask your Nut (nutritionist). hee hee Good luck!

Hi! I'm Michelle. I was banded Friday and I'm feeling pretty good too. I really want coffee and a bowl of cereal though but I'll be ok. I've lost 8 lbs already. Woo Hoo!! Nice to meet you all as well.

Way to go, Ms Courtney!!! I didn't have to do the pre-op either. I was just banded Friday and a little swollen, so I'm afraid to hop on the scale just yet. I can't wait.....ok, maybe I can....to start exercising. I am going to walk around the block today though. Hope I am as successful as you. Michelle O

Well, I'm home. Everything went well but, Boy, I am I weepy. I'm having horrible dreams and major "Night sweats". Anyone else experienced this?

Hey Band Fans! I am so excited. I am getting banded Friday. OMG! I am running around trying to get everything together. I feel like I'm nesting for my new arrival. lol. I have a question that I know has been asked a million times before. I apologize but I have been trying do a search and not having any luck....I am looking for a shopping list of things to have at home post-op. I know I need liquid Tylenol, broth and protein but whatelse. I am also trying to find a good deal on a Magic Bullet or Immulsion blender. What else would be essential? Last but not least, Does anybody have protein products that are going to waste, that I may be able to buy or take off your hands? I would pay for shipping and everything. Thank you so much!

Anyone else from AZ getting banded by Dr A. 2/21 or 2/22? Just wondering.

Hi! I'm Michelle from AZ. I am 39, married with kids. :biggrin2: Anywho, my starting weight is 236 and I'm 5'6". I've struggled with weight all of my adult life but it wasn't until after I had our last baby that it got out of control. I've got a lot of living to do! Plus recently, our oldest daughter and her husband made us Grandparents! I've got a baby to keep up with now. How fun is that?! Well, I'm getting banded on Feb. 22nd by Dr. Aceves. I'm excited and nervous but I know that's all normal. I just can't wait to get started with my new healthy lifestyle. Nice to meet you all! Michelle

Hi! I am always glad to meet Phoenix Bandsters. I'm getting banded in Feb by Dr Aceves. Looks like your doing great. Congrats!

Very informative everyone, thanks so much. I knew what they meant too but not in all that detail. PB doesn't sound like the right name for it, eh? I thought it was more like a chunky burp than a near barfing. Yikes! I don't want anything to do with sliming or PBing.

Hi Tina! I'm in N.Glendale. I will be banded in Mexico the end of February. I'll be going to Mexicali for my fills. How about you? Who's your doc? There's a large group of people here that were banded in Mexico and go to Mexicali together for fills. We are also meeting over here on the west side on the 27th. You can meet with us regardless of who bands you. Congrats on your decision! I think we are all nervous pre-op...I know I am. I'm afraid of erosion as well and slippage but I decided I'm going to follow doctor's orders and band rules to a tee. That and stay positive. Keep in touch.

VKO~ It makes you not want to tell anyone you're having it done, huh? I don't have my procedure scheduled yet but it will be the beginning or middle of February. Just come to us for encouragement. I've only told 3 people so far and 1 of them said "well, blah, blah, blah"....I chose to tune her out. hee hee By the way, I don't know how to PM but I think we share a last name. Small world.

Hi PHX Banders! My husband just gave me the thumbs up to get lap-band in Mexico (due to self pay and cost). I am so excited but I want to make sure I pick the right doc. Any advice? Then, of course I have concerns about fills too. Should I go with a doctor in Mexicali or Tijuana? Help? Thanks, Michelle P.S BTW -- I am 39, 5'6", 230ish. I have 2 kids at home 15 & 6 yrs old) My 6 yr old has Cerebral Palsy. So I guess convenience is somewhat important due to my kids.

Anyone have recommendations on doctors in Mexico? I think I have it narrowed down to Mexicali or Tiajuana but I am still open to suggestions. The whole "fills" thing still has me undecided. I've noticed that some people get fills monthly, while others go every few months. What is the average? I could go to the new FCUSA that opened not too far from my home. I will be self paying but if there is a highly recommended, comparable, US alternative, please let me know. Thank you so much! Michelle

I am going to be self paying so I think I have settled on Mexico due to expense. I do know of I doctor here but I will need to get the name.

:)Whoops! I realized I really should have introduced myself before throwing questions out there. I am just so excited. Please forgive me? I am 39, live in Glendale, AZ and I'm married. I have 4 kids but the older 2 are all grown and out of the nest. Our oldest daughter just made us grandparents, which is the coolest thing on earth. We have 2 more at home,15 and 6. The 6 yr old has special needs. We have our hands full. This is even more reason why I need to finally get control of my weight and healthy. I have been afraid to get on the scale lately but hold on....I'll be right back. Oh My! I am now up to 233. That's an all time high. :faint:I have only lost a lot of weight once before. That was of course, right before I got pregnant with our 6 year old. I was also very sick with Graves' Disease too so that helped alot. Once they killed my thyroid, I gained it all back plus some. I truly want to be a good example to my daughters. I want to play with my kids and grand kids and not lose my breath. I want to paint my own toe nails. I want to be the "hot" wife on the company trips. I look young and I want to feel it too. I want to be 145ish and healthy. I can eat well but even when I do, I eat more than I should. I just can not hit 40 in June and still be over weight and sick and tired. Ya know? You all are such an inspiration at every stage you are at. Thanks for sharing your stories. 2007 has been the worst year of my life, except for the grandbaby, and I just know that 2008 is going to be a year of renewal. Take care and Bless ya all!!! Michelle

Hi Snowbird! Thank you for your reply. I was actually considering Dr Ortis and getting my fills from Fill Centers USA at Desert Ridge (heard they have a new location there). I'm so glad the two of you had great experiences. Where did you stay? Isn't there a choice of a couple of places in Tijuana? I'd love to pick your brains a bit more if you don't mind. :scared:

Thanks luvsrocks! Good Luck to you next week. Please keep in touch, k? I think the Buddy System is a good thing. :scared: Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!