workinamy

You're only two days from your first fill, right? You will be very tight and should probably have been told to go from full liquids to mushies for a few days. At least that's what I've been told with a fill. Try not to think of the band as "retaining" food for a period of time and then letting it pass; think of it like a tight hourglass like a previous poster mentioned. I'm sure it will loosen up a bit and you won't feel "stuck" with the first few bites.

It seems to me that most of the men that I've seen that had surgery about the same time I did at the center I chose have lost weight much faster than the women. Which I think is NOT FAIR!!!!! I'm sure it will even out, right? As long as your getting all your essential nutrients and calories and your doctor is fine with it, then enjoy this cruel joke while you can. We'll catch up.

I am 5 months out and never experienced any hair loss. I am not regular about taking a multi vitamin, but pretty regular with my protein intake.

I'm in accounting and had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to work on Monday with no problems. Actually, I went into the office on Sunday for a couple of hours so I could see where things were before the craziness of a Monday morning. I only had pain meds on Thursday and Friday then switched to liquid tylenol after that as needed. I was tired, but made it through the day just fine.

My two cents (and very much un-scientific)... I think I have more restriction in the early part of the day than in the evening. Can't prove it and I'm sure the medical staff would consider it a bit looney, but I have had problems eating some things at breakfast or lunch and no problems with the same food in the evening. Beef, no matter what form, by itself is almost always a problem, but fish never is a problem.

I had surgery on Thursday and went back to work on Monday. I was very fortunate in that I didn't have much pain at all after the third day. I did have a bit of tiredness by the end of the day. I took all I needed to drink for the day with me.

Banded in June. I try to stick to 1200 hundred calories, but I allow myself up to 1400 on "hungry" days which is once a week or so. I find I have to journal everything I eat because I have serious food amnesia.

My husband approved of the surgery in the very beginning of the process. I told my family, but only after I had a scheduled surgery date. They were very good with the idea. I didn't tell my co-workers until after the fact, and then only a couple of them; I only said I was having elective surgery, and I was back to work on the Monday after my Thursday surgery. Now pretty much everyone knows, and I try to only talk about if someone asks. I am fortunate enough to not have any "food pushers" in my life. However, my daughter is 10 and I could not have kept it from her, she's way too observant. I only gave her details as she asked about them and I was very honest.

The fifth day for me was magical. I could drink full liquids without any pain or pressure and the swelling went way down. It's different for everyone, but I suggest you walk and move as much as possible which is what the NP suggested I do.

On good days where I've planned my meals and Snacks and keep myself reasonably busy, I usually feel "satisfied" after meals. On those occaisions where I didn't plan, or I just dig into something, I feel FULL. The pressure/pain of eating too much reminds me the band is there and working. I went into surgery knowing that the band was a tool that I wanted to use for permanent weight loss. Dealing with the emotional issues that cause me to overeat is an ongoing process that may never be done. I can't just rely on the band to do the work for me.

I was scheduled for surgery at 9:30 on Thursday and needed to be at hospital by 7:40. Husband and I arrived about 15 minutes early because we didn't know if we'd get stuck in traffic. We waited about 10 minutes then I was taken back to pre op. Very quickly changed into a gown, a shot of heparin (didn't bother me at all) and IV(anti nausea and then antibiotic) started. Pre admission testing had been done the week before. I met the anethesiologist briefly; he was older, very kind and you could tell he had been doing this for a while. I met my surgeon's associate who asked me just a couple questions. The nurse let my husband come back in and we sat and waited and waited. That was probably the worse part. Then a quick kiss from hubby and off to the OR. I was so interested in what was going on in there that I didn't want to close my eyes, but a quick pat on the hand from my surgeon and the mask over my face and I was out. Woke up in recovery with a scratchy throat just thinking about breathing, in/out in/out. I must have drifted in and out because an hour passed by without me even realizing it. My recovery room nurse was absolutely wonderful. She had that "nurse" way of getting me to do the things that I really didn't feel like doing. I sucked on a little bit of ice chips. I never felt nauseous, but there was a pressure in my stomach/chest. I did a couple breathing exercises. After while she had me move to a recliner from the bed. Sitting up the first time made me really woozy. About 1:30 she asked me if I was ready to get dressed which I did while half sitting in the recliner. She offered help but I managed on my own. A dose of the liquid pain medicine made the ride home not so bad. Once home on the couch I called my daughter and then my mom and dad. Since I was pretty awake, hubby parked the phone and a Water bottle next to me and went to get my prescription filled. I got up a few times to walk around a little and use the bathroom. Lots of pressure and my stomach felt like I had done a tortuous ab workout the day before. I took the pain meds again around 9pm and went to bed. Next day started well, I took a shower on my own and got dressed. But sipping anything at all just made me feel worse. I don't know that I sipped one whole water bottle the whole day. Never threw up, but the pressure was uncomfortable. I did take the pain medicine late in the morning and took a long nap in the afternoon. Little bits of Protein drink and sips of water was just about all I could handle. Today is better. No pain meds, just liquid tylenol, and I've had a few ounces of Protein Drink and about a third of a cup of cream of chick soup. Sipped on water when I could. Each day is getting a little more comfortable.

I bought an off brand "magic bullet" from Kohls, I think it was called Bella. Does all the same things as a magic bullet with all the cups and lids but $15 to $20 cheaper. I mix my protein drinks in in most of the time. The kid likes using it too. I was just banded and am still on full liquids, but I'm sure it will come in handy during the mushy stage.