neverB4

I don't go by weight on surgery date. I go by weight at 1st consultation because my doc gave me a diet to begin at that time. Then 5wks prior to surgery date, my nutritionist gave me the "pre-op" diet. And since the band is only a tool to help me relearn portion control, my journey began when I met Dr. Antonetti. I weigh myself weekly, Weds of surgery day. Today I'm at 212, down from 255!!! I don't know how much longer I will keep this a secret from the few "chosen ones" because now they're commenting on my weight loss and inquiring on it. Some have asked me to provide material for them on how I'm doing it-HA!! I began regular foods today so I'm ready to see the scales slow down. I have YET to get a fill. Not for bragging but because my doc's that busy! I go for 1st fill on July 1st. (8wks post-op) I was going to try and hold out but now I'm at 1/2cup each meal, with no snacking in between. I'm very satisfied with that (when I keep my protein at >60gms/day) so I don't want to be tempted to go above that. My goal is not to hit the 1cup until after 1yr bandiversary.

Numbr, I will pray for you to have a safe trip and I know God will keep you on plan. You're doing so great already!! Focus on God's beauty of the land and the breeze when you start to feel hungry. And remember, when you do eat, concentrate on the foods high in protein!! Have a blessed vacation!

I'm 6wks post-op and have this pain right now!! It kind of scared me this am because it is radiating around to my back. I'm gassy so I took some Rolaids...and I'm bloated. I got this before when I did my treadmill walking on an incline, which I did yesterday afternoon. This is the worst it's been, so I'm praying it's nothing diff but just overworked port-muscle pains!!

Numbrgirl, I've lost that much since initial consult...as of today....25lbs since banding.

Lolipop, my prayers for you for God to keep you strong. You sure have been thru a lot! Read 1 Corinthians 10:13...notice what it says at the end. The Lord showed me that verse to let me know that getting the band was ok with Him. Also, remember the main middle part..He is faithful!! God bless and God be with you!!

I myself miss the spur of the moment to grab whatever I want and eat it!!

I would rather do per fill too..because what if you only need 3 fills in that time frame??

I work for BCBS. They can approve it as outpatient surgery. It is a pre-set day allowance based on what type of surgery it is and the national average of how many days are needed for post-op recovery. They do not go by the surgeon's "usual" stay. Good news is, you can appeal it. Bad news is, they still may require your surgeon to submit proof of a medical necessity for you having to stay overnight. Contact your BCBS, find out what exactly you need to do. Could be the hospital can handle it, leaving you out of it for the worries.

I'm almost 5wks post...I can't rub lotion onto my RIGHT leg and foot due to my port! I have to be more tedious than with my left. Other than that, no issues..because I wanted this so bad.

Funny I saw this thread. I ran, ran, ran this morning....(not literally, but busy bee with kids out for Summer...) Anyways, bought some decaff mint tea, couldn't wait to make it. Once done, I gulped and gulped because i was so parched. OOPS! Forgot about my band. Try bringing mint flavor back up! It really caught my attention! Not to mention the short period of nausea that came with it.

"DH" is dear hubby!! I pray your day gets better!!

I eat 2-3 ozs for meals...no snacking in between. Protein, protein, protein...that keeps me full!

I was shown the 2 in pre-op class. The Realize was a complete circle, inflated, unlike the Lap Band. It resembled more of a triangle, but not so noticeable. I was given the option. I just told my surgeon to use whichever. His comments to me were, "I'll use the original lapband only because it gives a tighter restriction unfilled than the Realize." I'm assuming he decided this since I have always been overweight, not one who recently put it all on or after childbirth. I'm talking 150lbs already at age 10!! Oh, he also told me the size of the band goes along with your height, not stomach size.

Eeyore, hope you're feeling good right now! Remember, movement is good for the heart...and good for the farts!!! Keep your chin up, thinking about you!!

Protein, water, vitamins, the right amount of carbs, exercise...they're all important yet difficult at times to balance out. My thighs cramp when I climb my stairs, so also potassium!! And yawning. I have been doing more of that since banding. Anyone else?

I went in after 3wks. The only problem I had was overdoing it. I stretched my tummy muscles a wee bit too much doing my swimming. But I pervailed and overcame it!! Enjoying my pool in mid 90's weather!

I love spicy/mexican food too. I've already fixed 2 casseroles for my soft food stage. My trick, I add a thin layer of FF sour crm to the top of my portion. It really helps cut down the burning!!

I can understand your heartache. I was dumped 3mos before our wedding after a 4yr relationship. I only wish I had this oppurtunity back then to boost my spirits. 4yrs is a long time to spend with one person...so imagine what 4yrs from now can hold for you!! If you decide to go thru the banding...hold your head high. When the physical pain hurts, fight it off along with the emotional pain. Reward yourself for every little accomplishment you make during the post-op period (not with food, I mean). The true love of your life is dying to meet you one day soon!!

My own daughter said I was taking the easy way out. That hurt worse than the comments I got from my MIL...but my daughter now sees how hard I'm struggling, just 4wks post-op. She said she would love to lose the weight I have, but there's no way she could only eat 1/2 cup each meal. The good outweighs the bad...she's my world and one of the main reasons for me doing this!

My mom "spills the beans" because she says she is proud of me for making this decision. I luv her too much to be mad at her. I only get upset wondering what the comments will be to me. And so far, no one who I admire has made a comment like "you'll feel better, you'll look better, can't you do this on your own," etc. In fact, I get the opposite..."tell me more about it...I'm thinking about it, or I would like so and so in my family to have it done.." I dont' go annoncing it but since people are starting to notice my weight loss, I do tell a select few, the ones I feel won't hurt my feelings...at least for now. Eventually, once I get used to this new life myself, it won't bother me what anyone will think!! It's funny though, huh....we go thru our lives listening to all the ridicules, jokes, rudeness because of our weight, and then whenever we decide to do something about it, we still get it! Guess that tells us that these people in our lives have already decided we're weaker than they are, and watch out if we try to be stronger, it still makes them mad and feel inferior.

If right after the surgery, it's the way of your body handling the IV fluids you got. You're diuresing it out, so your baody's craving for refills. Normal.

I agree with possible irritation from the intubation (breathing tube). Try drinking warm fluids for a while.

I'm not calorie set. I'm in soft stage food for next 3wks. But here's my allowances: 2oz (1/4cup) each meal, no snacks between. 48-64ozs of water daily. At least 60gms protein daily. That keeps my snacking hunger away. Right now for brkfst, I'm eating 1oz FF cott cheese with Thai chili tuna (yummy until my DH says it's just like hot sardines...EWEE!) For lunch it will be 1/4 cup of tuna casserole I made the other day. I was 239 on band day (5/7) and today I'm down to 217.

My DH luvs to fish in Beaufort. I enjoyed a wonderful weekend with my girlfriends 3yrs ago on Fripp Island (??-sorry..) I have to share a story with ya'll. When I worked at Richland Memorial yrs ago, a visitor asked me how long was the drive to "Bo-fort"..."Bofort?" I replied? He thought that's how we pronounced it since Beau also stands for a lady friend....so everytime I hear Beaufort, I smile BIG!! I live in Lexington, south west end, so it's not a far drive for me!!

Congrats Fish! Your monthly shouldn't be a problem. If you cramp during it, then maybe some extra meds may be needed. And if you get the heparin shot in the belly, that might cause you to bleed a little more than usual. Still to be on safe side, i would mention it to your doc. Some are quite picky! God bless!!