nanster

Amen on mood swings...like a freakin roller coaster! Mine are actually STARTING to level off now at day 19! Just another "side note": I have always been into medicine, including autopsy, microbiology--all the ICKY stuff. Weird, but ever since the day of surgery, my tolerance for gore and guts is much less. I don't know if it's the "tightness" or what, but it is SIGNIFICANTLY different for me! WEIRD! Hubby and I went out to eat tonight...first time since surgery. I had grilled fish, no beverage. I ate only tiny bites and chewed, chewed, chewed. But, I felt pretty "heavy" -to the point of uncomfortable. I ate less than 1 filet. Is that about right or is it just that it wasn't mushy enough? (I've been eating canned crabmeat and it does fine...same with potted chicken spread) I have not PB'd yet. (thank you God!!) I still don't what to do about a "fill" (or not) on the 22nd. I'm not eating any chicken nuggets or tacos or anything more "adventurous" than the crabmeat...how do I know whether I need a fill to restrict me MORE when I can't eat anything more than mushies??? I'm sOOOO confused!!! This morning I ate a 2 egg omelet with a sprinkle of cheese and a deli (paperthin) slice of ham in it. I ate slow and chewed alot and it was great, but I was FULL all morning. (YEAH!) Any suggestions?????? I also had pretty serious GERD before surgery...they told me to stop my Protonix for good...but I'm having "hints" of heartburn again, especially when I'm "on EMPTY". They said this surgery "cures" reflux...am I imagining things????? My energy is slowly increasing. My moods are slowly stabilizing. I'm slowly losing. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel afterall???!?!?!?!?! Nanster

leenerbups: Guess when I started my period?? Yes, the very morning of surgery --5am!!! I had to tell the nurses, let me go to the bathroom RIGHT BEFORE I go in, okay? And, I had my little "cosmetic" bag with my supplies in it. GHEEZ, I'm SURE noone knew why I had it hanging off my IV pole!!??? But, you know what, it bothers YOU more than anyone else. Mine are very VERY heavy the first 2-3 days and I tend to be anemic under stress (like surgery), but I did just fine. I don't have asthma, but I actually still had a cold/cough when I went into surgery. They said no problem as long as no fever...and they were right. I agree about informing people on your specific needs. Don't assume they'll read it in your chart. If you need an answer, ask a direct yes/no question. That way it is very clear and you KNOW they know. I don't tolerate artificial sweeteners and Atkins shakes have it in them. When I switched to Ensure and Boost, I felt a world better. Scary, yes. Nerve-wracking, yes. Uncomfortable, yes. Roller coaster emotions, yes. Ultimately a smart decision for a healthier, happier, longer life....ABSOLUTELY!!! Oh and if you're scared or claustrophobic, DO LET THEM KNOW. They can't assist you if they don't know your needs. Tell them what would ease your apprehension or make things better for you; I'm sure they will try to do all they can to keep you comfortable and at ease. Nanster

Hi Girls! I'm on day 18 today. Down 14 pounds. Like all of you, I was concerned about anesthesia, but all went smoothly. Be prepared...if you go to the surgicenter, they will be getting you up walking the MINUTE you wake up!!!:biggrin1: :biggrin1: They will hand you a bottled water and you HAVE to drink it ALL. It will seem like a gallon at the time. Remember to have a pillow on surgery day-it will really help with the incision soreness. If I had done a decent pre-op (LO-CAL) diet, I would've done much better than I did. So, although you think your doctor is Satan himself, it truly is for your best recovery. (I shook and sweated for days because of the shock to my body from a "normal" diet) Just remember that this phase is very, VERY short and, although somewhat uncomfortable (not really painful), it's short and it's best for your body's health while you're healing. THEN....life begins again with REAL food AND weight loss!!!!!!!!! Don't be surprised if you wonder "did I make a huge mistake doing this?" a time or two during your first 3 days. But, don't fret, probably almost ALL of us felt that and now, on the other side, it's starting to get exciting about the REALISTIC HOPE of a healthy, happy life without a bunch of yucky weight to lug around and make us sick. You will find your BEST support right here on LBT. Others who understand your ups and downs and have walked the road you're on! I prayed about my decision to have the procedure. I prayed before and after. I pray daily that it will be a tool to a healthy lifestyle. I pray for willpower when I see a GIRL SCOUT! I also pray for all my friends here at LBT that have figuratively held my hands from day one. God is GOOOOOOD...all the time. He will keep you safe in His arms and the power of His spirit will be with you while you're under too! Be of good cheer!! Each of you keep us posted...we genuinely do care about each of you! Nanster:rolleyes:

Julie*: Is your "pain" like an intestinal kink? I have had one like that one the left side just under my breast, but it was like a kink in my gut, not bad, just annoying. It was usually when I was "full" of liquids, like a big protein shake. Other than that, I can't say I've experienced anything like that. Is your port centered between your boobs, only under your breastbone, or is it on your side? I feel relatively satisfied with my meals for about 2 1/2 - 3 hours, then I start getting pretty hungry again. Is that an indication for a "fill"? I guess it should last 4-5 hours to truly last from meal to meal, huh? I'll find out on the 22nd. I did step on the scale this morning and was actually shocked to see I was down another pound...that's a total of 14 for me so far. WHOO HOOOO-that's a feat for me!!! I'm still allowing myself 1c of coffee in the morning and another in the evening, with 1/2 tsp of sugar and some creamer in it. I know it's not a good habit, but I used to drink a pot a day with about 2-4tsp sugar and creamer in each cup, so I'm definitely cutting down. (It's my one sinful pleasure, since I'm not having chocolate at all!) Can you believe I STILL haven't lost all my steri-strips???? They told me NOT to take them off under any circumstances, but only 3 of 5 incisions have fallen off so far. Hope they don't start "growing" into my skin:biggrin1: Trying to stay true to this new way of life and eating. A taco or burger should would hit the spot though!!! Talk to you all more soon! Keep on keeping on!! Nanster

Kryssa, Thanks for the positive comment. However, I still may be a turtle, as I lost 8 pounds just over that first weekend...due to the "crash". Since then, I've only lost 5. Believe me, I'm thrilled!!! The MOST I EVER lost prior to this was 22 pounds when I was "hopped up" on Metabolife. I felt great, but I got so shaky I could hardly write!!! So, I had to back off on the dosage; soon as I did that, no results at all. One difficult thing for me is that I cannot tolerate sugar substitutes, unless it is a miniscule amount per day. I have to admit, now that I've gone through "detox", I'm actually feeling relatively satisfied with my current eating...not as horrible as I imagined it would be doing mushies. I just hope I can maintain control once I'm released to have regular food. Nanster

Hi There! This is my first visit to this thread, but I believe I may be a turtle. I've been consuming in the 700-900 cal range and I've only lost 13 pounds in 17 days. Most of it came off the first 3-4 days because I was SICK from the drastic dietary change post-op. I am hypothyroid and have been on medication for it for well over 10 years. I have always been "different", even from my "fat" friends, in that I could eat less than they ate and I'd be the only one gaining weight! I've always thought it was a cruel joke from mother nature. I hope that, as a turtle, the band will still be effective. I'm counting on it. Nanster

StormGirl: You are writing my EXACT thoughts!!! I have been braver about trying more "substantial" foods and, no problems so far. However, I am getting more and more hungry every day and I'm still nervous about the first "fill". Will I have to go backwards to all liquids (ie, soup, soup, soup) again when I get filled? All I have now is a growly stomach and gas. I'm feeling more like my normal self - and that includes cravings for a burger or something like that! I really don't want to go backwards to all liquids again...or will the fill simply keep us filling fuller?? Can we eat "regular" food with the fill, once the band has healed from surgery? I'm still a little confused on that. I have to get more active to restart the losing process, I'm sure. I'm trying, but it's very hard for me. I've never been good at physical stuff, even when I was young and thin. Sigh.:phanvan Anyone still feeling the shoulder (gas) pain, even at 2weeks+ out??? I do, but it's off and on...not severe. Nanster:D

Great Saturday Ladies! Yes, it's annoying to have to try to explain that you still want Taco Bell, you just want to be able to STOP before you gorge yourself. We're STILL human and still like good food! People expect a 10lb drop every week or so and that's just not realistic...they tend to make you feel you're failing if you aren't hiting that mark. But, we know better and we can support each other when we start letting other people's expectations into our own thought processes. I guess what I feel is gas too, although it's not what I would've considered "gas" before surgery. I guess I was lucky that I had a pretty durable stomach and didn't have many issues other than a little reflux. I'm trying to live like an energetic person...even though I'm not there yet. I figure I might get there one day if I practice. Had a scrambled egg and grits for breakfast this morning. Very filling and tasty. (before surgery, I'd have 3 eggs and 2 servings of grits, plus lots of coffee with cream and sugar) So, little by little, I'm cutting it down while re-incorporating "regular" soft foods. Are most of you going for a "fill" at about 1 month post-op? I haven't really decided yet what to do. Enjoy life this weekend and do something that's just for YOU! (not just chores and errands and things for your family) YOU DESERVE IT. My sisters have been incredibly supportive, although I didn't tell them til after surgery. I wasn't sure of my own decision, so I didn't want them to try to talk me out of it. But, they are awesome...they actually think I'm COURAGEOUS for doing this!! Now that's support! Til Later, Nanster :confused:

Sunta: So glad to hear no clots! I know that's a load off your mind. I had a total knee replacement last year and my foot swelled one day so they also did an US to look for a clot. I remember how every little itch, twitch, cramp or whatever, I would imagine what if it's a clot that's breaking off and going to my heart or brain. It was nerve-wracking. So glad all is well. I agree that the potassium-calcium-healing are what are causing the calf cramps. I have them every great once in a while since my knee surgery and a banana usually helps, plus extra water to keep hydrated. Jerseytammy: Don't you get down about your gain. Remember, ANY loss is a bonus during the healing phase. HEALING, HEALING, HEALING is what this part is all about. I've noted that most people lost 10 lbs just before or immediately after surgery, then it plateaued. I suspect that's largely from our bodies conserving as much as possible since we've taken normal food away from it. Very few people actually have lost after the first week post-op (or pre-op if they dieted). I suspect it's probably TOTALLY normal. RoxanneRoll: I'm just going to wait it out like you for my post-op/first fill visit. As I get braver with more and more solid foods, I should be able to see how "full" I get (or how much it takes to get satisfied) and that should let me know when to go back. Tacky subject alert: I have really had gas--and I mean the farts. Not smelly at all, but LOTS of them ALL the time. I guess I find that odd because our digestive system really isn't supposed to be "changed" beyond the band. But, lots of dairy and no fiber and no solids probably makes that normal too. Temporary I hope!! Has anyone been experiencing shoulder discomfort when they are physically active or when they're real full??? I have had some when I go grocery shopping and lift stuff or when I have a full meal of soup. Thought that gas would be gone by now. Oh yeah, I almost forgot.....Jerseytammy- was it you that mentioned your mom's comments??? Well, I can relate. Because I felt like crap for the first week, I missed some work, so some people found out what I had done. I just started hearing today the question..."how much have you lost so far?" I knew it would come; that's one reason I didn't want to make the procedure common knowledge at work. I don't need the extra pressure of being in a fish bowl while I'm trying to succeed at the one BIG thing I've always been a failure at!!! It just seems rude for everyone to assume that because we had this done that we're immediately going to drop 100 pounds. This is a tool for us to use to find a new way of eating - it's not a magic wand. And I, for one, am sick & tired of people knowing I'm trying to lose weight and PESTER me about how MUCH I've lost. I don't ask people how many times they have sex or how many drinks they have in a week or if they've cut down on how many cigarettes they smoked this week....what gives them the right to assume that they are entitled to know every freakin' pound I gain or lose!?!?!? Sorry for the rant, but it just gets me going. As a self-pay, and not being rich, I have really put a lot on the line to trust that this procedure will change my life for the better. I will give it my best - and, with all of you helping me - will succeed, I just know it. But, like many of you have expressed, this healing phase is a b**ch. Mood swings, cravings, tiredness, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, shakes, weight up/down....it's just NOT RIGHT to feel this way, huh??? But, it WILL pass soon. We WILL feel full and satisfied and we WILL lose weight steadily. Not ALWAYS losing, but will gradually make it a downward turn on the scales. WE ARE GREAT PEOPLE...WE CAN DO THIS, RIGHT???? STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. GO FEB 06 BANDSTERS!:clap2: Nanster Pre-op: 264/day of: 264/now:? (office) Pre-op: 258/day of:258/now: 248 (home) I like mine better too!!! First fill---end of March??

Hello All! I'm starting to get REALLY hungry (growling tummy and all) each and every day. I'm feeling pretty good, though. RoxanneRoll-Dr. Spivak banded you...when is your first pre-op? Are you expecting to get "filled" then? Dancer- Amen on hating Soup...even the good ones are a bit disgusting when that's about all you get to eat, huh? Sherry W-I like your slogan "Learning to eat to live, not live to eat". My husband has always eaten to live - and he has the hardest time fathoming my cravings and enjoyment of food. (He's not overweight and I'm morbidly obese...go figure!) lol. I hope with the band I will be able to learn more about eating for energy and health, not for cravings, boredom and/or depression. I have had a little constipation as well. I got a double pack of baby food prunes...a few bites here, a few bites there and...there you go-literally!! I don't know if anyone else has had occasion to need Gax-X and/or a stool softener, but here's my 2 cents on them both....GAG, YUCK, WON'T TRY IT AGAIN!! One time, I cut a soft gel Gas-X in half and took each piece. IMMEDIATELY, there was a bubbling (almost effervescent) feeling in my throat and I started dry heaving. The gelcap never came up, nor did any food (I had just had soup) but it was enough to burn my throat and feel yucky. Then, just 2 days ago, I mixed the liquid of a stool softener into some Water and swallowed it...again, I IMMEDIATELY felt a bubbling and the heaving started again. Is it something about the properties of this kind of medicine, or what???? I have never experienced anything like that in my life. Oh well. I'm feeling mostly like my old self again...sometimes a little tired and sometimes I feel my port a bit, but overall mainly good days. I'm a bit frustrated by the fact that I'm not losing any additional weight and that my meals are dull, but I'm hoping both are just for the healing stage and then I'll be on my way to satisfying meals AND losing weight at the same time...WOOOOOHOOOO, wouldn't that just be the BEST?????? For any or all of you feeling a bit disappointed, frustrated, annoyed, p****ed off, depressed or confused....so am I...all of the above! I can only hope that our docs screened us well for appropriateness for the band, are keeping us in the "no progress" stage only in our ultimate best interest, and that following all the ups and downs of this operative period over, we will begin a new life of enjoyable eating AND the luxury of losing/maintaining a healthier weight for us. WE JUST HAVE TO HANG TOUGH TOGETHER!!! :clap2: Nanster

Good Morning All! Question...when did ya'll have your first post-op visit? The surgery center told me to schedule my first visit in one month. Sounds like most of you have already seen your doc a time or two before your first fill. Just curious. Feeling ok. Getting hungry now....really hungry. My mushies aren't very (psychologically) satisfying, as I'm wanting variety and texture. (I'm a meat kinda gal) Oh well, 4 weeks isn't that much to "suffer" through for a new approach, right? Still kinda confused on what is "allowed" and what is not on the 4 week post-op diet. I thought no sugar, no fat, etc. but then (when I wasn't feeling well) they said to have some milkshakes, tea/sugar, coffee, etc. as well as mashed potatoes. These don't seem like that great a food choice, nutritionally speaking, but is that just because we can't have solids?? I'm looking forward to being able to eat normal foods in smaller quantities....will that eventually happen or are some foods (like hamburger patties, tacos, pizza) off my diet for a lifetime? Anyone have some "clarity" they could lend me??? Sigh. Thanks for your support! Nanster

Hey Everyone! Happy Birthday Stacey! I don't know if I could consider a "fill" as much of a birthday present,- since I would rather PIG OUT- but it's the healthier, saner thing to wish for!! I'm on day 11 I think. I was very hungry today...stomach growling and all! But, I still wonder how long it will be before I'm not afraid to eat REAL food. The Burger King commercials sure are enticing...yes, I'm also an addict to food. I actually have lost ALL 10 of my pounds since surgery. I did not go onto a low-cal diet pre-op, just "watched" what I ate (lol, guess that's one reason I'm here, I watched it as it went in my mouth!!) and ate smaller portions of healthier foods. But, I also think that was my downfall, because I REALLY felt horrible for a week...no gas, no surgical pain, just weak and shaky. My body just crashed!!! Unlike all of you, I kinda dread my first fill. I want to lose, but I want to be able to eat "regular" food, just smaller quanities. I don't really like the mushies too much...no variety, no texture. My bypass buddy at work said she ate regular diet one week post-op. She also drinks diet soda's constantly and eats SOMETHING about every 20 minutes. But, she throws up if she overeats....isn't that still like bulimia????? MMMMMMMM I digress. We all seem to be having "better" days if not great ones, so we're all moving in the right direction, huh? I'm finally starting to get some energy back. Slowly but surely. I do feel my port, not only through the skin but when I move, etc. Hopefully my body will make peace with it so it will remain largely unnoticed. I sleep pretty comfortably, but I'm a back sleeper anyhow. If I still feel full when I go to bed, I sleep on my left side for awhile - I heard somewhere that lying on the left side "aids" digestion-I don't know if it's true, but seems to work for me. (or maybe it's gravity??!!) Oh well. Glad to hear everyone is on the mend and "on the loose (I mean "lose")! Keep up the good work!!!! Nanster

Hello All Feb Bandsters! Well, first day back at work today...did ok, but it was tiring. I sit at a computer all day, so my back was a little tired and my tummy a little "cramped" (as in cramped for space!) but I had enough energy to do my job and was clad to see everyone again after a week off. Julie, we seem to be very close in ht/wt at the start and my band date was 2/24/06 - I've only dropped 10 lbs but I think that's quite a lot in only 10 days. I'm sure it will go slower once I'm eating more...I guess I was OVERLY cautious, but I was scared of gas and vomiting, etc. (which is on my list of LEAST favorite things!!) Sunta, no offense, but it's somewhat comforting to know that someone 13 days out is still having some roller-coaster days...I thought I was the only one!! Maybe I'm not as weird as I thought! I was actually "HUNGRY" today for the first time!! I actually have had pretty good restriction I guess because I feel extremely full after eating...even just creamed soups. As far as my time of the month...I was "lucky" enough to start the morning of surgery...my timing has always been just perfect! I had already had my "last meal" the day before surgery, so I guess I indulged my PMS cravings at that time. I have two spots that feel "kinked" after I eat anything...one is high on my left side and one is lower on the right....seems one or the other "pinches" after I eat. Not miserable by any means, but a little uncomfortable. Glad to hear responses from so many people with surgery dates close to mine...really helps me gauge how I'm doing and helps me if I'm not having a good day. Hope to get to know all of you better and share our "losses" as time moves on. We're all in this together, right???? Later, Nanster

Good Sunday morning ladies!! I'm actually feeling good this morning! :clap2: My breakfast shake is going down well and I'm not experiencing any sweats/shakes so far. Yea! My body seems to be adjusting slowly to the reduction in calories. The shoulder pain is nearly gone. The port area is tender on occasion, but generally gone as well. I thought I was "WAY" behind everyone, in that I am already on post-op day 9, but perhaps I'm not as far behind as I thought. (I did NOT go on a strict diet pre-op and I think that's why I paid such a high price of discomfort those first several days). Now that I'm getting plenty of calories in with liquids, I'm coming back to life!! My scales indicate a loss of 8 pounds already! I don't even care right now if I lose, just trying to heal and get enough calories in to function. Have to go back to work tomorrow, so today is my last "trial" to see what it takes to function without shakes/sweats/pain. I guess I was overly cautious with my eating...afraid to cause gas or pain...and I actually shot myself in the foot by doing so. Now, I'm eating creamy Soups, egg-drop Soup, Protein shakes, Carnation breakfast and applesauce. I'm trying to get up the nerve to try soup with a little mashed potato in them...still nervous though. One thing, my cautiousness worked with gas...have basically had NO nausea/vomiting/gas except the shoulder pain from the procedure itself. Had a little bout of diarrhea yesterday morning that made me weakish, but ate and drank until I "came back around". Thank you ALL for your posts...it has really been a "friend", especially in the middle of the night when I felt horrible, I could come read your experiences and feel comforted that the bad would pass. THANK YOU ALL! Nanster

Hi Feb 2006 Bandsters! I'm Nanster. Banded 2-24-06 in Houston by Dr. Spivak. Self-pay (United Healthcare, but employer exclusion) Pre-op: BMI 42, Wt 264, Ht 5'6"

Hello All! I'm Nanster. I was banded by Dr. Spivak 6 days ago in Houston, TX. The surgery itself was not so bad, but I was unaware of how "SICK" I would feel as I "detox'd" from my old way of eating. I planned to be banded Friday and return to work Monday...they told me "no problem"....WRONG....I felt like CRAPOLA for several days.:sick Each day has gotten a little better, thank the Lord. I guess my body has just been "crashing" from the reduction in calories, the lack of caffeine, the fact that my tissues were healing, etc. etc. I just wish I had been more aware that this was going to occur, rather than expecting "no big deal" for an outpatient procedure as was projected to me by the doctor, the surgery center staff and other "losers" I've met. Perhaps it's all my fault for not having gone to a low-calorie, no-caffeine diet ahead of time, but I was primarily told to go off "whites"-flour, sugar, Pasta, rice, potatoes. I'm having difficulty getting enough calories in right now. I'm "full" before I even start!!! I don't have ANY desire to eat and feel full with an "empty" stomach. I have to push to drink Water, broth, soup. I tried some grits this morning...only ate about 4 tsps full, over the course of 1/2 an hour and they felt like a huge rock in my gut for 2-3 hours!!!! I finally laid down and they passed while I napped. The rest of today, I've been having only liquids...ensure, Boost, Atkins shake, water, tea, and a little no-sugar-added applesauce. I assume from the majority of posts that I'll actually be one of the "lucky" ones in the future, as I will be able to put off a fill for a while since I feel full ALL THE TIME! :confused: Is that a correct assumption? I have actually lost 8 pounds in 6 days, which I feel is TOO much - not that I don't like seeing it on the scale - for such a short time. I think that is a further indication that my body is really "crashing" and that's why I have felt so poor so far. Does anyone have any suggestions for a "newbie"???:biggrin1: I am taking tomorrow off work-make it an even week! I need to get my home back in order and try to catch up on my bills, etc. and used to functioning on all liquids. I still have shakes and sweat constantly....any idea on how long these things will last?????? Am I almost past the "detox" stage??? (I hope, I hope) Thanks for your replies!!! Nanster