themis

I got my pics today. I made my surgeon feel bad because I started crying when I saw all the fat in the picture. :cursing: I just didn't think it would be so much some how. I'm okay now, it was just a shock. He told me everyone has fat there and was really supportive and concerned. But the good news is, as he mentioned, that's the past and why I got the band and now we think about the future.:thumbdown:

Wow, the Colorado package is awesome. Mine is in San Antonio.. Dr. Rincon, for $12,000 for the surgery, hospital, anesthesia & 3 fills. But there was about another $1,000 in consultation, nutritionist, testing, psych eval and meds.

No problem! My band buddy is awesome. I found her by doing a search on the forum by my doctor's name. We've been writing since before my surgery.. She even got free fills because I told the doctor she referred me. She earned it by answering my thousands of questions between then and now.:thumbdown: To me, it was great having a band buddy with the same doctor so you have the same set of rules to go by and even though you may not have the same symptoms, she was there for me all the way. We're even talking about getting fills the same day. Her surgery was a year ago, but she's getting another fill around the same time I'm getting my first. But she's offered to be there for me at every step. Called me after the surgery and everything. She's awesome and she's lost over 100 pounds this past year, so to me she's the perfect person for me to buddy with. I hope you can find some one like that to buddy with, it really helps. She keeps me honest too!

You should be able to take any liquid or chew-able or crush anything else unless it's time released. I still have some phenergen suppositories leftover from my surgery. You probably should talk to your doctor and maybe ask for the phenergen, they worked really good.

I'm not sure what you ate, or what your diet is supposed to be, I never had any problems with over-eating the designated diet. I did get really hungry on day 4 and 5. I felt sick from being hungry... on day 5 I actually had 1/2 of an Atkins protein drink, which wasn't on my clear liquid diet, but I felt so much better. I'm about a week ahead of you right now. Once you're into full liquids it is much easier. I start mushies now. Your initial diet is designed that way for a reason. You are relearning to eat and your body is healing. My band buddy told me what I did wasn't cheating and that our nutritionist even told her she could have a protein shake if she needed to during the first week. But she did warn me not to jump ahead on any of the other stages. So I didn't. On week 1, I was already planning my first 'real' meal... but it has changed about 5 times already! LOL! Is it really worth messing up the band you just got? Just keep telling yourself that it isn't worth messing things up and get back on track. Try not to cheat while your body is healing.

Not sure what the 'W' is referencing, I haven't seen it myself. It might mean 'wife' like dh is 'dear husband'

I'm around 10+ days post surgery... I felt the back pain around day 5-6. But then mother nature came to visit and I just figured that was why, it went away for a couple of days and now it's back... might be gas though. I don't have an answer for you, but just thought you'd like to know some one else does have back pain. :smile2: I do love the Gas X strips though.. they do help with the gas.:tt2:

Hang in there! If you have some pain meds take them as directed and stay ahead of the pain at least for the first few days. As for the gas, the gas X strips helped me a lot. I had a lot of gas pressure in my chest. I don't feel that the walking helped me too much, but I did keep walking.... but the gas X strips did. Don't think anyone is asking you to get up and walk around the block a few times... at the hospital I walked down the hallway and back (more like 1/4 -1/2 the hallway!) twice and that was good for them and good for me. I kept my meds in the other end of the house, so I'd force myself to get up to take them. As for the water.... I think I had the same glass of water for 3 days!:crying:

Given the title of your thread and your first entry, it didn't appear that support was what you were hoping to achieve. I did read some of your previous posts and you seemed happy and supportive just earlier this summer. I'm sorry that you're going through a rough time right now. Perhaps you still haven't reached your 'sweet spot' yet and need another fill. You really didn't have that much weight to lose to begin with if it was only 35 pounds, this band was really designed for obese people. But regardless, you need to do your part as well. You made an investment whether financially or physically, you still have to invest your self emotionally and psychologically. Don't give up now.

The difference is 1 and 2 ply paper. I like the blue also.! Also Charmin makes a 'cleansing cloth' that is flushable. It's pretty cool actually. I got in case it would be difficult after surgery.:crying:

Well, I'm only 10 days post-op so I'll be the first to admit that I haven't started exercising yet. I try to do at least 1 thing I don't want to do though before resting for the night. Wash the dishes in the sink, water the yard (by hand), sweep the floor, spray down the patio etc. Maybe if you start small like that and increase a little each day instead of trying to jump start your exercise regimine. (I too have sleep apnea) Let me give you an example of what I learned (many moons ago) in basic training. We exercised for 30 minutes to start, but 10 reps of each exercise. 10 sit ups, 10 jumping jacks, 10 toe touches etc. Even if you start at 5 reps and 15 minutes to start... just make an effort to start. Start yourself slow and 2-3 times a week... then when you feel you have it down, then increase by another day. I was already walking 30 minutes on day 4 post-surgery and every other day, but I walked slow, not power walking or anything! :thumbup: My main goal for exercising is 'allegedly' it helps reduce the amount of sagging skin; if you do it from the beginning and don't try to crash diet. This according to my doctor.

Ha! I know that toilet paper very well. I've actually made a mission to try and figure it out... there had to be a process I didn't know...right?:thumbup: While I'm sitting on the toilet I'd try to figure it out... now it appears that the proper installation of the roll is essential as well... unfortunately, it is against the rules of etiquette of paper over the top... and sometimes it helps to push the roll up a bit... and how much paper do they save really? CZ we're going to use twice as much. I've done that... the fingernail gouge thing... and ripped several layers off... that'll show them!

Most medicines can be crushed unless they are time released. They have a pill crusher at Walgreen's for about $5.00.. but when I was little my mom used to crush Excedrin between 2 spoons, sprinkle just a tad of sugar on top to help with the taste (or Splenda if you want) and just enough water to get it off the spoon. I'd have a small cup of water but it all went down very smoothly. As for now, I use the pill crusher add a little water to the container after the pill is crushed, stir and swallow. You'll need a chaser though. If you can swallow several pills at once, you should be a pro at taking pills, so I'd suggest tossing them to the back of your throat and one drink of water per pill, but don't take them all at once give it a little time in between each one. It's after banding that you need to be concerned about though. You need to check with your doctor to see if you can crush or get different forms of the medicine your taking now.

You beat me to the punch! I thought the same thing... I tend to not say anything because I'm a bit anal on that... should have been an English teacher! LOL! As for a reply to the Dr.'s post... As a doctor, or even not a doctor... anyone getting this surgery or any surgery should research. I checked into this surgery almost a year before getting it done and understood completely what I was committing myself to for the rest of my life. I am even self pay, that's how sure I was of my decision. By the train of thought you have, I should stop brushing my teeth forever, because I brush them everyday and still had cavities throughout the years. Obviously there is more to healthy teeth than brushing them or you wouldn't have a job. In the same respect, there is more to losing weight than getting a band, it is a commitment you make for the rest of your life. A commitment to changing your eating habits, to exercise, the whole nine yards. The good news for you... since you are so miserable with your band, it is reversible.:thumbup:

The Popsicles did more for me than the jello. The first 2 were okay, but after that.. eh. Maybe we're just excited to have something new! LOL! Well, I briefly read the mushy stage before, and of course the closer you get the more info you read... There are 2 stages to mushies, just like 2 stages of liquids (at least for those of us with those instructions). I don't have it in front of me at the moment, but I believe it is soft mushy food first stage (oatmeal, SF pudding, cottage cheese, refried beans, baby food, guacamole - no chunks!, etc.), then pureed/mushies second stage.

During the first week, it is 'clear liquids' or broth. You might want to check with your doctor or nutritionist to be sure. I guess it depends on how 'clear' your broth is... the longer you cook, the thicker the broth. I personally waited until stage 2 of liquids. Although I did drink half an Atkins protein shake a couple of days early, which I had no problem with and have no regrets. But as my band buddy informed me, no cheating on stage 2 liquids. No mushy foods early unless doc says okay.

Each doctor has their own rules, mine has me eating 5-6 times a day... but to answer your question... there is Special K Protein Water, their berry flavor tastes just like tropical punch kool-aid, it helps take the 'edge off hunger' (says that on the label actually) and is good for you. Just sip on that and drink a lot of water (be sure to wait the appropriate time after eating though- as per your doc's instructions) Do NOT compare your weight loss to anyone else's. I know my ticker starts my weight loss with my pre-surgery weight, you never know what people's weight loss includes or the diet they follow. Actually if I was smart I would have done surgery day's weight, I gained 8 pounds the same day! LOL! That would have made my weight loss look awesome now! :laugh: Do not worry about it. Your time now is to heal and learn good eating habits. Don't cheat and don't worry about your scale's numbers!:thumbup:

Yes the Bean soup is not for 'clear liquids only' people, but for 'full liquids' and more people. Actually the soup is meant to be topped off with fried tortilla strips, a dallop of sour cream and shredded white cheese, but that'll have to wait until later.

I don't think Jell-o was meant to be drunk, but that's my opinion. Nope, I ate it from the cup also. No problems. Also, I got a tip for all liquid people... Do you like refried beans? Did you know in Mexico they have a Bean soup (Sopa de Frijol)? Yep, blend your beans with some of the bean water if you are making them home made, if not you can add chicken broth or just plain water, or skim milk or even evaporated milk. You can add salt and granulated garlic (or whatever spices you want). You might want to water it down a bit more than you normally would for the 'straw theory', just to be on the safe side. (heating all this up in a pot, not to eat cold! LOL!) You get lots of protein and something enjoyable and filling.:smile:

According to my doctor, there is nothing you can't eat. He emphasized and re-emphasized. You have to be smart about it though. A peanut butter sandwich may not be the best of ideas. You don't want to try to 'out trick your band' as he explained of a story of some one who ate a peanut butter sandwich which would sit there longer and make them feel full longer, but ended up getting stuck (remember bread swells unless toasted). But if you chew, chew, chew and follow the program, you should be able to eat anything. Now, my nutritionist told me that some times after banding, you may not be able to 'tolerate' certain foods and gave a list of 'problem foods' that people have gotten back to her with... like broccoli etc. It just depends on your tolerance. Just try to eat small meals throughout the day. In fact, I know a really thin girl that I worked with who did that without ever having a weight problem in her life. She eats about 1/4 of her meal and takes the rest home. She told me that it took her about 8 hours to eat a foot long hot dog and fries!

You also might want to try KC Masterpiece "Classic Blend" It has 10 calories and only 2 carbs per serving. KC is usually easier to find.

The way my nutritionist explained is that soups should not be eaten with your meals. I know in the liquid phase it's different, but maybe it will help explain the process. If you eat food and chew until it's mushy then have liquid (like soup) it will water down the mushy food in your pouch and then go straight to your larger stomach and you won't get full. She was reviewing my pre-surgery diet when we discussed this and I had 1 cup of bean with bacon soup and a turkey sandwhich. She emphasized no soup with your meal. So yes, everyone is correct, soup goes straight through the band. I'm on liquids still myself so I know how it feels.

Great ideas! Sounds a lot better than the turkey and sweet potato baby food jar I have! LOL! I still have another week to go for that... I'd sell my soul for an Atkins shake right now! LOL!:biggrin:

Welcome! Another Texan! =] Where (what city) will you be banded in? I just got banded on Monday in San Antonio. Congrats on your decision!

Lucky You! I was banded on Monday and I'm on clear liquids for 7 days... then full liquids. Each doctor is different though, so don't get too freaked out. Until we get the 'hang of it' I'm sure we all have those thoughts of over eating, drinking to much too fast etc. I keep having nightmares of eating real food while on liquids! LOL!:biggrin: