RomeGA3

Atlanta SEO, I am not even one month post-op--haven't had a fill or anything. So I am now free to eat "normal food" and not Soup, liquid, etc... My feeling has been that I now get a "stop sign" whenever I eat past a certain amount. Right now I can eat more than I will be able to after my first fill (on 3/15), but it's significantly less than I used to shove in my face. It's about 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups I think. I just don't feel like recreationally eating like I used to. I know there is a limited amount of space in there before things start getting unpleasant, so I don't waste it on "filler" like breads or sweets. I used to have a lot of trouble stopping when eating nuts, or other favorite Snacks. Now I can eat a couple of cashews and chew em up real good, and that's enough for me. We'll see what it's like when I get a fill, but I expect my lack of hunger to only get better! so far, so good! --Andrea

Milton5a, Hi, I read your post and thought I should share with you what I found out---I take Effexor XR antidepressant. It's also extended release like your prozac...but my MD told me to go ahead and open the capsule. The medicine is in tiny beads that are slow-release coated *individually*, so it isn't a problem that you have removed the outer Gelatin capsule. I was surprised to find this out, myself. (Maybe Prozac XR isn't the same, but still I figured I should let you know this works with Effexor) As for how to get the medicine down, I tried mixing it into applesauce and juice but it was TERRIBLE tasting. Ended up having to pour it down the drain. So I figured out I'd try a trick and it WORKS!!! Open the capsule into a paper dixie cup (like ppl buy for the bathroom). Then get something to drink handy. If you pop your head back and pour / "aim" the meds toward the middle of your tongue, your tastebuds don't register the bitterness and it doesn't taste like much of anything. It's something having to do with the anatomy of the tongue and tastebuds. But it really works!!! Drink water or whatever afterward, and it's virtually painless.

Yes, I am 5 days post-op and my shoulder pain is the only complaint I really have. I take 2 gas-x strips when it gets bad, and use a microwavable heating pad (thermabeads, avail. at Walmart $10-15 bucks) and that usually makes me feel better. If not, I take a chewable tylenol. Hope it goes soon!!!:rolleyes2:

Hi, I just got back from Mexico--was banded 1/25/08 by Dr. Ariel Ortiz in TJ--it was the best decision I have ever made. Oprah Winfrey's production crew were there that day to do a feature on Dr. Ortiz / Lap Band surgery in Mexico and I listened to Dr. Ortiz (what a looker) be interviewed. The Oprah show will be broadcasting that soon, though, so keep an eye out. Oh, and I went back to work yesterday (1/28/08) and am doing very well--just a little gas pain in the shoulder which is typical and responds well to a heating pad and Gas-x. But I have a sedentary job, mind you. I was very very impressed with the quality of facilities, care, etc. Dr. Ortiz "wrote the book" on the Lap-Band and it's *all* he and his team do---thousands of surgeries and very low complication rate. I would wholeheartedly recommend them. I also am self-pay cuz I'm "not obese enough" for the states :Dancing_chief: Whole shabang cost 8000. You can go back there for fills if you want (included in the cost) or have a local fill dr. of your choice. Fill centers USA are opening up locations all around the US, and they are the "preferred" stateside fill / aftercare provider that Dr. Ortiz refers his patients to (if they can't come back to Mex). If ANYONE has any ?s you can feel free to personal message me. Best of luck. :Dancing_wub:

Pam, I too am 5 days out. I have thankfully had a relatively easy time of it, but just the usual soreness on the belly and gas/shoulder pain. I have found that a microwavable heating pad works wonders for the soreness on the belly and in the shoulder!!! I got mine at WalMart for about 12 bucks--thermabeads is the brand I think, and it's got a handy velcro strap so you can secure it around yourself like a belt. Also, I use the Gas-X strips that melt on the tongue. Be sure you read the dosage cuz I didn't at first and you're supposed to take 2 at a time! As far as weight gain goes, I wouldn't stress about it at this point. We still have to process the IV fluids out and everything...so that may make your weight look different than it should. Also, we are swollen / healing in the stomach and that puts different demands on our body that may cause it to retain water. Best of Luck to you!!!

You can have sugar free or low sugar / natural juice popsicles, too which helps add variety. Remember too that this period of difficulty--in the grand scheme of your life--is just the blink of an eye, and it will not last forever. You can do it!!!

I take a rather large chewable vitamin that I got from Walgreens.com that (I forget the brand) is specially designed for post-bariatric surgery. It's citrus flavored and tolerable. I don't know how it compares to Flintstones, but I've heard those are chock full of sugar.

I have a low BMI such that I only barely qualify in Mexico, but I did this because I have been battling the same 50-60 pounds for over 20 years, and by gosh, ENUF'S ENUF! I went through a lengthy research process on my own and came around to the personal decision that this was the best thing for MY long-term mental and physical well-being. I have TOLD ALMOST NO ONE, because I knew I would get nothing but grief...especially about going to MX... But I am positive this was the right thing for me to do. I think you have to come to terms with the truth that this is your body and your life, and no one else's. You have to live with the consequences of doing it or not doing it, in the end. When I considered it, I came to the realization that I had to make my own decision and not let others sway me (especially yay-hoos who really don't "rate" like the random nurse, stranger, co-worker). Just my 2 cents. Best of luck to you!

I'm about four days out and supposed to add yogurt drinks tomorrow, and boy am I looking forward to that! But regarding Protein, ask your MD, but I have heard that it's the meat you wanna stay away from. Tough on the stomach in its recovering state. When I get to next week and Protein shakes are ok, I'm going to get me some Egg Drop Soup for protein too. Someone on the forum mentioned it, and I really liked that suggestion. Just gotta stay away from the crispy friend wontons! Best of luck to you!

If you can't find tylenol liquid (I couldn't) look for the Tylenol "meltaways" they say for kids on the box, but the dosage instructions tell you how many to take for your weight. I haven't had to take any, but they look like you chew 'em.

Hi, I got banded 1/25 in MX and I heard from the nutritionist that extreme fatigue, weakness is brought about by dehydration.

Hi fellow Georgians! Just wanted to introduce myself--I'm living in Acworth right now with my husband. I'm self-pay cuz I have low BMI, but have yo-yo'd my whole life and need to lose 60 pounds *for good.* My surgery is with Dr. Ortiz in TJ on 1/25/08, and I'm feeling very excited and a little nervous (just a little). I'm looking forward to continuing to read this forum. Thanks, everyone for contributing to helping make folks like me feel less alone. RomeGA3:)

RomeGA3 surgery 1/25/08, TJ