AJ1107

I don't have any problem with it, but I do always cook it with something. I fry the meat, drain off all grease then cook it with rotel or ranch style beans or spaghetti sauce. It soups it up and there hasn't been any problems.

You weren't too harsh. There are lots of people who don't know how to be supportive. It just seems to hurt more when it's our spouse. I was banded Nov 7th. My DH isn't getting snippy anymore. I started losing weight and feeling better about myself. Wasn't long ago I was hit on. I said that's at only 30 pounds down - just wait til I get lose another 60!! I think it scared him just a little. YEAH!!!

I think we have all felt like that. I know I didn't tell anyone what I was doing. I lied to everyone about why I was off work. Only told my DH and parents. But now I don't care who knows. I'm proud of the choice I made. It is a tool and it does take work. But being about to take my daughter to the park was the biggest thing that changed my feeling of failure into one of success. She couldn't remember when I had run and played like that with her. I am a new mom and it has changed my life. Good luck and PM me anytime you need to talk.

I use Dr Richard Carter in Arlington.

I understand your questions and in one way or another we have all had questions of some kind. Mine was not wanting anyone to know becuase I felt like a failure for needing it. If I had just worked harder, excerised more, eaten healthier, blah blah blah. I believe my parents to be 2 of the most spiritual people I have ever known. I was so scared to tell them. They have been the most supportive people yet. They told me to not think of it as failing or not doing what I should have done better, it's about making the choice to improve my life and my way of life to be there for my daughter and my family. It's about using this to not only turn my life around, but use it as a tool to help someone else as well. God will close the door if this is not for you right now. Trust in Him and know that whatever path you take He is always with you. This is not taking control from him, it's him showing you a path to help you take control and He will prepare you for something great.

I am right there with you. I have been so discouraged the last couple of weeks. It lost 30 pounds in 2 months and then nothing in the last 3 weeks. I guess you could say I've learned to eat around the band. I just hate that awful pain in my chest when I eat something I shouldn't so I avoid things. Lately the stress of everything going on in my life has got me back to snacking. I have never been much of a sweet eater and now I want it every night for a snack. There are many people at work that have done GB and I even though I know I won't lose like them I hate this stale mate. I need help and really don't know where to turn.

As I read your message and the support of others I want to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap you in His arms and comfort you. May He place His healing hands on your daughter. Know that God will see you through this. We are here for you.

I didn't have to do a pre-op liquid diet. I did have several "last suppers" where I ate like it was my last supper! I only had to do the liquid diet after my banding. Sorry I can't help!

I did good Christmas Eve and Christmas. My big problem was the day after. My in-laws were still here. She was giving me grief and I ate to fast and didn't chew well. I hurt so bad. I haven't thrown up since my surgery but I thought I was going to yesterday. Can anyone tell me when you are having a hard time with food why your mouth waters so much you feel like you might drown? Andrea Banded 11/7/05

I had mine on 11/7/05. If you would have asked me that first week I would have said don't do it. But really the worst pain was from the gas they pump in you to see what they are doing. It was the same as my hysterectomy so don't let it get you down. And a few days after you may ask why you did this. That pain and second guessing will be gone by the end of the week. I took my 7 year old to the park today. I played and even raced her back to the car. I haven't done that in years. I have come off of all my meds. No more Lipitor or joint pain or sleeplessness. You will do fine. Put your trust in the Great Healer. He will get you through it.

I had mine on 11/7/05. Except for the pain from the gas they pump into your body it's been good. Once you get to foods stay away from dry meat and bread for a while. Those still give me a hard time. Soups are really good and potatoes. The hardest thing for me to get use to was it took 4-6 weeks to be able to bend over without feeling like I was shoving the port into my rib cage. Good luck. Feel free to chat anytime.