bluwings

Well I've been battling a cold for a little over a week, and I'm wondering if my excess coughing has caused something to happen with my band. It started where I couldn't keep down solids... instantly it would come back up. Then I thought maybe my esophogus was just inflamed from coughing and it was affecting my band. So I went straight to liquids, and things like pudding, cottage cheese... still, it ends up coming up. The only thing I can keep down are Protein drinks if I sip them slowly. It's been about 4 days like this, and it's not very fun. I don't really miss eating, I am just afraid something is wrong with my band. Has anyone had any similar problems when it comes to being sick/coughing? Should I be concerned? by the way, I was banded in December of last year and had a recent fill about 2 months ago, with no issues. thanks for your help. andrea

so it doesn't sound like slippage to you?

I have had one fill, and it dramatically changed how I was eating even after surgery. The biggest difference is that I can no longer eat any kind of bread. This is somewhat good, because I naturally love carbs, but I feel like it restricts a lot of what I can eat. Has anyone else had problems with bread? Even the slightest bite feels like it's stuck and makes me feel sick. Any suggestions?

Ok, so lets share snack ideas. I'm a salty food lover, but have had a hard time finding the right Snacks. I've tried baked potato chips (small amts) and they don't sit well with my stomach anymore. I bought some baby carrots the other day, but haven't tried 'em yet. Anyone have any ideas besides yogurt and granola? Obviously looking for Low Cals... would love to hear what you guys are trying!

Hey guys, My biggest difficulty since I got the band has been wanting to drink while I eat. I've come to a simple, but satisfying conclusion. I generally have a small glass of Water that I pour when I'm about to eat. When I have a craving to drink, I sip a tiny amount, only enough to wet my mouth, yet hardly enough to swallow, and it's plenty to give me the same satisfaction of drinking. It has really helped me to get out of the habit of gulping, and pushing my food too quickly to my pouch. Hope this helps someone What have been your hardest habits to break?

Hey guys, I'm about 3.5 weeks post surgery, and the swelling has gone down. I have very little restriction anymore, and am waiting for my 1st fill at the end of the month. I've lost 15 pounds, but the majority of that was the pre-surgery diet. I talked to my surgeon and he asked me if I was sticking with a "half-cup diet". I haven't really been, but I am not eating much more than that, and stop eating as soon as I feel full. Am I doing something wrong? should I just choose to stick to half-cup portions even now? Thanks.

ah, I love black olives... gonna try that!

cheerios for me... I've had no problems.

Mary - What a story! We will cheer you on!

I was banded in Nashville, Tennessee - Dr. Charles Morton.

I just read this on People (online): Now saying a "MEDICAL INTERVENTION" Barbara Walters recently took a look at her cohost Star Jones Reynolds on the set of The View and told her, "You're getting too skinny." Says Reynolds: "To hear someone say that to me? The funniest thing in the world." Reynolds, 43 – who weighed more than 300 lbs. in 2003 – credits "a medical intervention" for helping "jump-start" her 150-plus-lb. loss, but she won't talk specifics. "I will not be the poster child for a particular method," she says. "Only your doctor can tell you what will work for you." In her new memoir-cum-self-help book Shine, she does detail her struggle with obesity and shares her gospel on being the best you can be. Husband Al, 35, a banker, thinks she's there. "Half of the woman I fell in love with is missing!" he says, but "I'm proud of her."

chew chew chew follow the rules... once you're doing for a few days, it becomes a habit! congrats!

this is my little man, samson.

nope... stuck it in the freezer

The other night, I decided to have a beer at a party my roommate and I were having, and it took me about 4 hours to finish one. I didn't have any problems with it. But I can tell you, I don't see myself drinking much more than that at a time. It filled me up.

honestly, the main reason my doctor suggested that I get the lap band was for my GERD. I was overweight too, but I have to say, 3 weeks post-op that never in my life have I been able to drink anything tomato based, and now, it's not a problem at all... if I never lost any weight, the surgery would be well worth it for me! v8 baby!

Hey guys, I'm new here, but have been reading the boards for awhile now. I was banded on Dec. 27th (3 days ago!) and I'm curious, how long does it take for the incisions to start to heal. It's so hard for me to get up and down off the couch, etc... I'm guessing it's my muscles healing. Thanks for your help!