boos02

Gail - I am sorry you are struggling. The band was a big decision for all of us and it's got to be disappointing for you. I'm sure Shiny (melissa?) can give you better advice since she's been banded longer. Having said that, my doctor was very clear to me that this new lifestyle is 10% band and 90% individual. So, I record absolutely everything that goes in my mouth. And, I keep it around 1200 calories. That helps so much. Also, as hard as it is I only choose healthy food choices. Exercise is the pits, but it may also make you feel a little better. Can you just go out for a walk? I've also read on other threads that people who are frustrated with their doctor try to find one they are more compatible with. I'm not sure if there are others in your area. You may want to go to the CT support thread and see. Hope this helps. Kathy

OK - maybe I'll just blog for awhile since Vermonters are quiet and no one is using pats_laps either. I had my surgery on 7/21. Everything went well and I'm 8 days post op on fluids. Tomorrow I return to the gym and start working with a trainer again. Weight loss is happening. Still nervous about this life change, but excited about all it will bring.

Hi Shiny and Susie - Susie - I also was banded July 21st. 8 days out and doing good. Still on fluids till this weekend. Shiny, Thanks for the mentoring offer. I know I need people to talk to so you may hear from me often (lol). I'm impressed and inspired by your story. I think your approach is great. I've been thinking a lot about it too. I think stopping before it's "too late" is probably the answer. My biggest fear and challenge is not being able to drink with meals. It's something I just can't comprehend. Oh well, I guess it's part of the journey. I'm still getting a little hungry during the day. Trying to get 70 g of Protein in and lots of Water. Any other suggestions? - Kathy

Orea - Good luck tomorrow! I'm eight days banded and so far feeling great. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Ellen - I think Janet posted the directions at one point but I couldn't find them. Once you make your ticker you cut and paste the entire code into your signature box. That's where I got caught up. - Kathy

Hi Susan - Can you add me to the 7/21 bandsters? I've been on the other thread going. Just started reading this thread. Thanks.

I was banded one week ago. Since pre-op diet started I'm down 15lbs! What a great feeling.

sndtee - I saw your pics on the home page. I haven't put any in yet. Maybe I'll try it this week.

You need to do your research, but I think you've been given mis-information. This is a great site for info from people who are and will be banded. There are many threads with many thoughts. It may not be for you, but it has changed many, many lives for the better.

sndtee - Go to tickerfactory.com. Set up your ticker then it will give you a code. Cut and paste the entire code to your signature. That should do it.

I agree with Dionna. Our bodies are adjusting. Try not to be tied to the scale. Other changes are taking place too. The thing to remember is that with the band one is expected to loose only 1 -2 lbs a week, average. Some weeks you'll loose, some you won't. Just stick with you food and exercise plan and it will come off. Melanie, the saliva isn't bad it's just more noticeable now. It's definitely not the sliming and PB that one gets if they eat too much or too fast.

Ellen - the first few days were really bad, but yesterday and today are better - along with an afternoon nap! Back to work tomorrow. It will be interesting. This is my first day on full liquids. One cup of Soup and I was full. Weird feeling. Long - I fear that I'll have the same experience (PB). I have such a hard time thinking I won't be able to drink with meals anymore. Also, even though I have been practicing I know slowing down will be hard too. Great to be able to hear how everyone is doing. Janet, hope you had a good time at the Mall of America. Kathy

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Today is my first day on full liquids. One cup of soup and I was full! Weird feeling, but I guess we'll get used to it. Can't wait until 8/4 when I can start mushies. Question, does anyone salivate alot when they eat/drink? It's something new to me.

Hi Sndtee - I was banded on 7/21 also. Today I was able to move from Clear liquids to full liquids. It's amazing. I was full on one cup of soup! The feeling is pretty weird, but I guess it gets better. There are some recipes on this site, also a couple of cookbooks especially for life with the lapband. I just ordered them from Amazon.com.

Ellen - I'm with you on being afraid to eat. I was banded 7/21 and will be on full liquids one more week. Then on to blender food. I still can't tell if I'm full when I drink a Protein shake, but I'm not ever hungry. The gas is going away slowly, but not fast enough!! Beckyo - when were you banded? I'm interested that you are able to eat and stop without feeling full. I eat out alot and passing on good food will be hard for me without restriction. - Kathy

I was banded on July 21. I keep telling myself to stay focused on the goal. Yes, I'm a little hungry. When I am I just drink more clear liquids and it helps. Everyone said this wasn't going to be a cure all. I guess they were right (lol)!

I was banded July 21 as well. The weight gain is from the fluids pumped into you during surgery and recovery. They will come off. As for not losing during the first 5 weeks, it was explained to me that because there is limited restriction some people go back to eating normally and that puts back on the lbs until the first fill. As for me, if I could just get over the gas pains I would be fine!

Hi Jsadek54 - I was banded on Monday too. The first three days were awful. I still have the gas pain and tightness in my chest, but I'm told that's normal. I'm trying to walk, get plenty of rest and drink Clear liquids slowly. Every day is getting better. Hope you feel better soon.

Hi everyone - I just wanted to check in again. I had my surgery on Monday. The last few days have been tough, but definitely getting better. One more day of Clear liquids then I transition to full liquids for 10 days. It has been a real roller coaster, but I know I'm doing the right thing. It's great to hear everyone's stories, "one pot wonders", etc. I'm looking forward to this new beginning. Oh yeah, what's with the gas pains!! They are the worse part so far. Kathy

Thanks Kimaly for the well wishes. I'm so nervous. I don't know about anyone else, but my emotions are going all over the place. Is this the right thing? Am I willing to risk giving up certain foods that might not agree with me? Should I tell people? Anyway, tomorrow morning at 7:30am is it!

Glad to hear things are going well for Lynn and Lisa. Good luck to those going tomorrow. I'm in for next Monday. Scared to death, but no turning back now!

Orea is right. Some people tolerate it and others don't. I go to monthly support group meetings and the post-op people say that rice is one of the foods that are harder for them to digest. I guess it's going to be all about trying foods once we're banded. - Kathy

Janet - Congratulations! I actually thought about you this morning and remembered this is your one year anniversary. You must be so proud. Since my surgery is Monday (7/21) I keep thinking that if I follow the rules that next year at this time I will be there too. Since you mentioned sagging skin, do you have a lot of it? Where is it mostly? Does it bother you? And have you thought about any kind of cosmetic surgery? I probably shouldn't even be thinking about it right now, but it does concern me. Mostly I am looking forward to feeling better and having more energy. - Kathy

Gallbladder issues? Is that a side effect of the surgery? I hadn't heard about that.

I love sushi too. I guess we'll need to acquire a taste for sashimi (lol)!