shy_one

hi..i live in manhatta, ks and will be banded by dr. saville may 28th. any other bandsters or hopeful bandsters live here?

I'm horrified to say that I'm in the midst of bulimia myself. It started at Christmas 2008 and I'm terrified. I started therapy and told my surgery team, so hopefully I can get a handle on this terrible problem. I so don't want to damage my band (sobbing)

Omgosh Mae, I had a similar experience, but I was never told about the possibility. I couldn't go, had pain and cramps and sweat ROLLING down my body. I was in so much pain! Of course this was on a Friday when my doctor wasn't available and I didn't know what to do. I called a walk-in clinic to see if the doctor there could remove my impacted "steel" ball. I almost went to the emergency room, but didn't want to pay my co-pay. So, I kept at it and FINALLY was able to pass it. Luckily I didn't pass-out from the experience. So, I now take a daily stool softener product.

I can only eat ground turkey, chicken (boiled) or canned poultry. I throw up all other meat. I've also become an ice cream addict. I NEVER liked ice cream before the band, but now... I restrict myself on eating it thank goodness. I'm still losing because of my exercising, I just wish I could stop the head hunger. I can't eat Pasta (found that out the hard way PAIN!!), bread (haven't eaten since banding), or rice. Thankfully, I don't miss them. I can eat yogurt, salads (no spinach though), fruit, some veggies, and my Protein drinks. That's about all I eat.

Oh my gosh, I stepped on the scales this morning and it read 295.4 :cry_smile: I haven't weighed that in I don't know how long. I can't believe it! It feels awesome. I'm ready to jump out of my seat. I am soooooooooo glad that I got banded. It was the perfect tool for me to use, I love my band. Thank you God! Brenda

I agree with Thomas about microwaving. Once you start solids, it's best to avoid "dry" foods like bread. They just end up getting stuck. When I first went on solids, I ate a lot of chunky Soups, canned meat, and of course my Protein shakes. If I wanted chicken, I boiled it with lots of spices - it comes out really moist. I definitely burp more than I did before the surgery. But I've found that the burping is a sign that I've overeaten or I ate too fast. Another sign for me is if I start to sneeze. Your burping might be because you ate the microwaved meal AND the bread together. Hopefully, your burping will subside soon - Brenda

Hi Polly - congrats on starting a new journey. I too live in Kansas, so your post caught my attention. I don't agree with your husband. I tell people about my surgery and if they can't accept that, then that is their problem. I know that I had the surgery to help me become healthier. I have found that some people who are against the surgery secretly wish they could do it or really don't want other people to succeed in "whatever". I'm sure, however, that there are some who truly believe that any weight loss surgery is dangerous. Well.....being "morbidly" obese can also be fatal. I'm proud of myself for taking the plunge and I am not ashamed to share my journey with others who might be interested. To me, doing something to get healthier and less dependent on food or medications is a reason to celebrate! Brenda

I've found a great peanut butter alternative, which is low in cals and fat. It's called FitNutz. I've tried the Pro and Crunchy (didn't like that one); they have a regular one also. I put it in with my protein drink and it's yummy. Here is the link if you're interested: FitNutz Peanut Butter. Pro FitNutz (2 tbl serving size) 70 cals 3.5 g fat 0 cholesterol 45 mg sodium 3 g carbs 6 g protein

I too am a carboholic. I did follow the pre-op diet faithfully and somehow made it through that okay. Oblivious during that time, I now know that it was a way to rid my body of the bad carbs. Now, I never touch the stuff. I'm afraid that 1 little taste will send me down the tube. I know that I have an addictive personality. Right now I'm struggling with a cheese obsession. I was on a tic-tac cycle a while back, but have gotten that one under control. If you can stay off the bad carbs, you will be better off. Believe it, you won't feel tired, crabby (most of the time, lol), and you'll have much more energy. This is not to say, that you still wont go through the "mourning" food stage. I went through that after about a month post-op - was depressed, angry, moody, etc. Remember, your body and mind is addicted to food. It's the same as giving up liquor or drugs, you have to go through the withdrawal period. I wish you all the best. Hang in there, it does get better! Brenda

I also believe that I was led to this surgery. God opened up all the doors for me to walk right through. I was the best thing that I have done for myself in a long time, so no, I do not think that what's happened to you is weird.

I had my 2nd fill yesterday. My doc initially put in 3 ccs in my 14 cc band for a total of 6 ccs. I sat up and started to sip some Water. At first I felt okay, I could feel the restriction in my chest, but thought I was okay. All of a sudden I felt clammy, sweaty, dizzy, and nauseous! I was like, hey doc I'm not feeling to good. He had me lay back down and removed 0.5 ccs. OMgosh, that was just enough. I felt sooooo much better :cool2:. Pour man was so upset for me. I was like, it's okay :biggrin2:. I'm just glad that it happened here. Now I so know what it feels like to be too tight. No problems so far, drinking my Protein shakes slowly and not needing but small sips at a time. I like my doc, he's so compassionate about his patients and was so cute last night :thumbup:.