luigismama

Don't make yourself throw up and don't drink anything to try to make it go down- these will just make things worse! You will probably slime for awhile and feel pretty crappy. You might want to call your doctor in the morning and tell him/her what happened and see if he/she has any additional advice. I'm sorry you're scared. Remember that you can't undo what you've done- you can just start again tomorrow a little wiser for the wear. For me, I avoided going out to eat with anyone until I felt comfortable that I would be mentally satisfied with what I could eat. And if I feel a little "weak" I decline the invite. Good luck!

You can do agua fresca- it's purified water and ice cubes (make sure!), a little sugar (tell them to put none or less), and fresh fruit all blended up. My favorites are watermelon (sandia) and cantoloupe (melon, I think). They usually run $1-2 for a big cup and they're so refreshing! You could bring a couple of boullion packets to mix with bottled water and jello snack packs with you. Good luck!

Froggi- try this: sugar free fat free pudding (my fave is chocolate fudge) 1c skim milk- stir really, really well with a whisk or mixer then add 1/2 smaller tub of Cool Whip- either Lite or Fat free Sets up like chocolate mousse in minutes- seriously good!

Does anyone know if 1 week post-op it's OK to have a small iced decaf coffee? I swear I'll put skim milk in it! I don't miss the caffeine as much as the taste. I'm doing so well on my liquid diet, but I'm SO SICK of artificial sweetener taste in my mouth. My diet guidelines just say clear liquids and protein shakes with milk or soy milk-what do you think?:confused2:

I was there on Monday- swollen, gassy, and miserable! I'm doing so much better now. Every day is a marked improvement. Sorry you had a yucky colonoscopy, but it's good to keep up on your health. I thought maybe you were there or someone else (Babs?) because there was a really nice, friendly woman who kept making eye contact with me and smiling, but it never went further, so I figured it wasn't one of you. Keep enjoying the weather! Going up your neck of the woods this weekend, OceanGal

As much as we try to mentally prepare ourselves for life after surgery, we are going to hit a wall of reality at some point and wonder wtf we were thinking. My goodness, reading your post was like looking in a mirror. I was banded on 6/6 and it hit me yesterday on my long walk and in Target the severity of what I had done. But the miracle of walking out of Target with only toilet paper and sunglasses instead of chocolate, an iced mocha, cheez-its and clothes I don't need was incredibly liberating. Not only did I save money by only buying what I went in there for (I know, totally tough to do at Target!) but I freed myself from all the guilt associated with those other purchases as well as the calories, the fat, and the emptiness afterwards. It's so hard right now with the limited diet, but I am taking it one meal at a time. I try not to think about the fact that I have 3 more days of this. One glass of water, one protein shake, 4 baby bites of jello at a time. Even on my period and with a swollen belly I've lost 10 pounds, so there is only one way to go from here- DOWN! My trusted advisor told me I should think of 1 or 2 affirmations to tell myself when I'm walking to help me as I go through all these changes, like- I am becoming a better version of myself, I am a strong, beautiful woman, I am only responsible for my own choices, etc. to keep all the negative thinking out. Maybe that's something to try? And how great is it that we have a place like this where people we've never even met can help us feel better about what we're going through? Keep on truckin', San!

That's wonderful news! Sorry that you had to be uncomfortable and worry, but that is a fantastic reason for lightheadedness:thumbup: Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Thanks, all! I only had a little bit, but it tasted SO good. I have plenty left over for tomorrow if the craving strikes again. Can't wait until I can add some more variety in my food choices

One of my pre-op faves (and one I'll look forward to again in a couple of weeks) was 1 can of healthy request tomato soup, 1 can green pea soup, and 1 can of milk. Whisk it all together and it's SUPER yummy! You can thin it out more with milk, water, or broth if you like. I just started boiling carrots, onions, garlic, a bay leaf, and salt and pepper with some low sodium chicken broth which makes it good, too.

Thank you so much for sharing. It's wonderful to hear from someone who has had great success and is doing so well! For awhile, it seemed that the only posters on the board were people with problems- totally understandable, but a little bleak for someone just going into surgery. I'll come back to this as inspiration when I'm having a tough day.

Today was the big day!! Hubby and I arrived at the hospital for 7:30am, and about 10 minutes later I was taken to pre-op to change, get hooked up to all the lovely machines, etc. The nurse was incredibly sweet and gentle, but she couldn't get a vein. My veins roll and hide a lot, and today they were on their worst behavior. She used a numbing agent first so she could poke around without hurting me too much, but I now have 3 bruises on my hands and arm! There were two little surprises- a shot of blood thinner in the belly (which I'd read about on these boards but my surgeon never discussed- thank you for the warning everyone!) and a creamer-sized dose of a nasty antacid. Hubby kissed me goodbye, I got the relaxing agent in my IV, and I was off to the OR just after 9am. I remember my arms being strapped down away from my body and breathing into an oxygen mask, and I woke up in recovery around 11:30. The pain was a little more than I expected, but not nearly as bad as my disc surgery a few years ago. Another lovely nurse fed me ice chips, got a bedpan under me because I thought I needed to pee (didn't happen), and got my pain to a 2-3 before I went to my room. I was slipping Water slowly, drifting in and out of sleep, and got up to take a walk not even an hour later. It took me 4 hours of repeatedly walking and resting before my body was ready to pee. I guess the pain meds can sometimes slow down the bladder (as well as other things), and I'd get the urge but nothing came out. Once I finally peed, I was in my clothes and out the door 15 minutes later and home by 6:15pm. Hubby got my pain meds from the drugstore and helped me into bed after a walk with the dog. Our couch is too soft and deep, and we don't have a recliner, so our high bed is the best option for me as long as I'm really propped up with pillows. I just have to get in quickly and not stop or it hurts too much. Now I'm sipping water, taking brief walks to relieve the gas discomfort, and peeing quite regularly :tongue2: All in all, a great day. The staff at Baystate Medical in Springfield, MA is exceptional- every single person I was in contact with was friendly, helpful, and excited for me. This weekend is supposed to be 95 degrees, so hubby has one more task- getting the AC unit in the window! These stories really helped me before my surgery, so I wanted to give back, too. Feel free to ask me any questions, especially if you're going through PVSA and Dr. Fiallo. Oh, one more thing. I was on liquids for a week before and didn't weigh myself because I figured they would weigh me the morning of surgery- they didn't! So I don't know my pre-surgery weight. Not the biggest deal, but I was curious.

That's wonderful! What a great motivator to keep working. I was just telling my husband the other day how great it feels to not have my pants dig into my stomach anymore. And, I have a bag of summer clothes one size smaller just waiting to be worn! Congrats again:thumbup:

Thanks for all your well wishes and support everyone! It's so surreal to finally be a bandster- I've been thinking and preparing and meditating on it for so long. Last night I was up about every 4 hours with gas pain, but after a long walk this morning, I'm feeling better. Luigi loves the walks (that's my dog), and it really helps. I tried the Gas-X strips, but they didn't do anything except freshen my breath! It's my brother-in-law's birthday today, and they're all celebrating with steak and lobster later. I'll be catching up on the season finale of LOST and enjoying a sugar-free popsicle and LOVING IT!

My husband (trying to be supportive) suggested we go to the gym this afternoon, and it's literally all I can do to not tear into the solid food for him in the house! We just got back from shopping for pre-op (started today) and the first week or so after surgery, and I just about cried walking around the store looking at all the beautiful fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, etc. I can't have. I'm better now, and I'm totally looking forward to this huge life change, but I suggest to anyone reading this to shop for your liquid diet stuff while you can still eat regular food

June 9 in the Clarion- I think it starts at 6:30. I'll see you there!

Congrats, OceanGal! The next support group is right after my surgery. I didn't think I would go, but Harriet (the woman who runs it) encouraged me to show up. So, provided I can get a ride and everything goes smoothly the Friday before, I will be there! As a Bandster! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH! I have my pre-op appts this week with Fiallo and the hospital, and I can barely stand it I'm so excited

blund- I graduated high school from "the pinky" and my parents still live there- beautiful! I've been on both sides of this. My best friend told me in January that she was getting gastric bypass, and my reaction was very mixed. First, I knew nothing about weight loss surgery and was completely uneducated. Second, I was hurt that she kept this from me for over a year when we're supposed to be best friends. Third, I was scared to be the only fat friend. Fourth, she had lost 40 pounds by eating right and exercising and I didn't know why she wanted to change that. She called me out for not just supporting her and for needing to understand what she was going through. I guess she just wanted me to say I'm happy for you and leave it at that. I worked though MY issues, apologized, and became her biggest supporter and ally before I even considered lap band for myself. When I told her I was getting the lap band, she said she was happy for me and congratulated me on making a choice for my health. But she's avoided my phone calls and emails for over a week. She gave me the response she wanted to hear from me, but not the one I wanted for myself. I guess my point is that each of us wants different support, whether someone is a huge cheerleader, a quiet ally, asks us a bunch of questions and watches lap band surgeries online (like my mother-in-law), or just says they're there for us. I love the letter above because she states very clearly what she considers support. The one thing I took from my best friend is that I don't need to justify my decision to anyone. This is my body, my choice, and my life. No one else, not even my fat best friend who got gb, understands what it's like to be in my body. Because we are not islands and have relationships our decision will affect others in our lives. That doesn't mean we have to apologize for those changes or protect others from themselves. I bet many of us have played that role most of our lives- protecting others and helping them feel better about themselves. We tend to be everyone else's cheerleaders, yet when we decide to no longer be invisible it threatens some people. We can't be fat so other people can feel better about themselves- not anymore. Just stay true to yourself and when it feels right to tell her that her comments or lack of comments are hurting you you'll take care of it. If you decide it's not worth it and you'd rather not let her attitude affect you, that's fine too. As for me, I'm hoping as I lose some weight I'll gain more confidence to assert myself to anyone and everyone- no more apologizing for other people's feelings!! Sorry this was long...I guess I had a lot to get out

Congrats! All your hard work and determination has paid off! Enjoy feeling "normal"

I'm adding to my previous post: -not having to pay extra for plus size bridesmaid dresses and/or buying an extra yard of fabric at $35/yd because even though I bought the biggest size it may not fit my waist and breasts by Labor Day -not ruining the couch and loveseat with my fat a$$ deforming the cushions -doing my weight training at home instead of at the gym out of fear that I will be in compromising positions in public (and in workout wear!) -buying a bathing suit at a normal store like Old Navy or Macy's instead of special ordering one online for $100-130. Actually, I'd buy several at Old Navy because they're so freakin' cheap! -only attracting old nasty men instead of ones my age (I'm married, but I still want to look hot and desirable!) -having the courage to dance in public since I LOVE dancing (club, bellydance, ballroom, salsa, etc) Getting banded June 6, so it's only a matter of time before these things are history :wink_smile:

They are actually more treatable when they are red- they respond better to treatments like Mederma, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, etc. Once they're white there's not a whole lot you can do to diminish their appearance. Hey, I'd rather have stretch marks than be as big as I am!

Thanks for your post! Congrats on being a bandster. It sounds like you had a great experience so far, and best wishes for a smooth recovery:smile2:

I just got my date- June 6! Looks like I have a lot of company that Friday. I should get a tracker up...

That's wonderful!!!!! Congrats!! The time will fly by- you'll soon be a bandster!:welldoneclap:

This is great- I've made a list of all the songs I need to download and get cranking to! Here's what I have left after having to start ALL over from scratch (long story): Let's Get It Started, Don't Phunk With My Heart, Pump It- BEP Around the World and Harder, Better, faster, Stronger- Daft Punk Real Wild Child- Iggy Pop Love Stoned, FutureSex LoveSounds, SexyBack, Summer Love- JT Stronger (what I play when I feel like quitting), Gold Digger- Kanye West Milkshake- Kelis Hey Ya- Outkast Maria remix- Ricky Martin Filthy/Gorgeous- Scissor Sisters Hashpipe- Weezer Fell In Love With a Girl (great for intervals), 7 Nation Army- White Stripes U and Ur Hand- Pink Crazy In Love- Beyonce In Da Club- 50 Cent Toxic, Slave 4 U, (I Got That)Boom Boom (w/the Ying Yang Twins), Me Against the Music (Risi Rich's Desi Kulcha Remix)- Britney Crash- Gewn stefani Body Movin'- Beastie Boys Beautiful Liar- Beyonce and Shakira Right Here, Right Now- Fatboy Slim 4 Minutes- Madonna See You Again- Miley Cyrus It's Not Right (But It's OK)- Whitney Houston Aside from some fab suggestions above, I'm getting Shut Up And Let Me Go from the Ting Tings.

Thank you for sharing your story!