mediummike

It does gets better (easier) with every passing day. I was uncomfortable (no pain) for a week or two after surgery. Probably just "aware" and trying to be carefull. I couldn't sleep on my side for a while - think about 10 days or so - and that was the most bothersome. In hindsight, it was a blink of the eye, and everything now feels great, losing weight and gaining control back..

yes, normal. you will go from stopped up to liquid (sorry) for a few weeks post op, before you get "normal" again. Powdered fiber - check with doc first, of course...

yup, all is well. feeling great and really the surgery is very simple and recovery very quick.

I have lost over 50 pounds in three months as I "struggle" to find my sweet spot. The first couple weeks after surgery I had no appetite at all and lost a bunch. Steadily losing since then as I learn to use this pretty cool tool and approach my sweet spot.

I had a stress echo - they do in fact combine the two and it is very common. You get a resting echo and then you hop on the treadmill for 10 minutes to get your heart rate up to near exhaustion (I think I was at 190 beats per minute) and quickly back on the table for another echo. I have had two of these (thankfully both normal) in my life and to be honest - it is quite a workout. They progressively increase speed and incline to get your heart rate up and it is very exhausting. Think of it as a great workout !!

Normal. Took about a month or so after surgery for me to get back to normal...

Finance for a major investment bank. Not a pretty place to be these days...

yes Fenton - crazy hours so getting home in time for gym is unpredictable (i used thte excuse of getting home too late way too often). it was tough at first but now i love it - really feels good to get it done first thing in the morning.

Reading through this thread I sense a common point - most of us who were initially reluctant to tell people are pleasantly surprised by the support and encouragement we receive after we tell people.

Hey Fenton - I'm pretty sure the reason people say to avoid liquid calories is because you should be avoiding soda, juices, etc.. that have a lot of calories, little or no Protein and do nothing to satify hunger. I myself have a protein shake every morning to get me going. It is a fruity one from SmartForme and is 70 calories and 15g of protein. I never was much of a breakfast person but I do find having this shake is fast, convenient (I'm up at 5, hit the gym and in the office by 8) and does give me energy/satisies me well into lunch time. I strive for around 80g of protein (I work with a nutritionist) but will also check out the site that suzy sent. Bottom line - I do not agree that Protein shakes are bad - it is the "other" empty liquid calories that are...

I get a dull pain sensation (not necessarily tingling) still in my left shoulder some times - especially if I eat too much ! I just take it as one of the signs that I'm pushing it...

Keep the proteins up and keep yourself exercising - before you know it you'll have more ebnergy that you've had in a long time. First couple of weeks right after surgery, just don't push yourself too much - you are recovering from surgery !

patience...

I was a little hesitant about relling people upfront (my decision, my business) but I always felt if people asked, I would tell. Well, I've kept to that and have told people that prod me on my weight loss and I have received nothing but 100% support and encouragement (e.g., good for you!). A lot of people also follow up with the "but how are you feeling?" in which I honestly reply - I feel great !

a lot of "discussion" can be found on this regarding drinking before/after eating. Ranges from literally no restriction to as much as you noted above. Personally, I will drink about 15 minutes before eating and try to wait 45 minutes to an hour after. I had an insatiable thirst - I drank a lot of Water as well and thought I would have a problem with this. But really, it is not bad. Outside of eating, I drink freely (especially at the gym) without any problems/restrictions but I do notice I drink less for whatever reason and sometimes have to remind myself to drink water. I think the sliming you are refering to is "PBing" or Productive Burbing. Its not throwing up, but rather something that happens when you eat too much, too quickly or certain foods. Its the restriction of the band at work. When food cant get through, it slimes its way back up ! Never heard of bodybugg.... Good luck with everything.

My doctor was very passive about it - no particular diet but he did mention it was a good idea to lose a few pounds via hi protein - low fat eating - but nothing structured or formal.

My port used to be about 1/2 inch below my scar and now it is about 1/2 ABOVE my scar. Strange ? Or is this normal ? I go for a fill in 10 days and will certainly bring it up with the surgeon but was wondering if anybody else has experienced this ?

thanks Lynn - please do let me know what he says

Many of us share similar experiences with the losing and gaining back. I think that is probably why many of us have chosen the band to help us along the way. It is a great tool that can really help.

I am 6'4" and currently am about 290. Had no problem on roller coasters last week at Busch Gardens (Virginia), although I did not go on them all. Florida has a law that mandates a row for "larger" people. When in Florida -just find out what row it is and hop on. When I am around 260-270 I know I have no problem at all on any coasters (never had a problem). Think of it as a NSV goal !!

Congrats on finally getting a date - it will be well worth the wait !! Will be here before you know it...

yup - little dehydrated in the first few days but fine afterwards

somebody actually said at my softball game last night - "we can't call him big mike anymore, we have to call him something different - like medium mike". no kidding...

my dr says every 30 days for the first year, then every quarter the next year, then yearly after that

Same experience as Carol - very easy , simple and painless (just a little prick). TIP - don't look, just lay back and relax.