*susan*

Wow, you are doing fabulous, congratulations. I bet those mashed potatoes tasted wonderful, lol!

For the first four to five weeks, I was only able to take very small sips. As a result, I ended up getting dehydrated and found myself in the hospital on IV fluids several times. It was mostly my fault for not pushing myself more. So, please remember how important it is to take those small sips as often as possible. Now, at three months out I am able to take bigger sips. However, I don't think I will ever be able to just guzzle down Water like I used to be. I sometimes miss that, especially when I am working out.

Pasta is a bad food for swelling up once it is in your tummy. In fact, I had my first foamies last night from eating pasta. It was an interesting experience, and one I do not care to have again any time soon. I may just stay away from pasta altogether now. The carbs aren't good for me anyways.

Awesome, best of luck to you. Let us know how you are doing as soon as you feel up to it. Oh, by the way, there is no such thing as stupid questions!

SNT, there is nothing wrong with being lazy! It is one of my favorite hobbies. Where the heck is everyone today?

I agree, that man is just amazing.

Hi Laurie, welcome to LBT! I was originally from Grand Rapids and still have some very good friends in the Flint area. Good luck with everything and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hi there, Anna, glad to have you join us. I admire you for getting this surgery done now at your age. I only wish I had something like this available to me twenty years ago. Best of luck and we look forward to getting to know you.

First off, welcome to LBT, we are pleased to have you join us. Being scared before any type of surgery is perfectly normal. You just have to keep your focus on the fact that this can be a wonderfully life changing surgery for you and all the positives that can result from it. As far as the post-op diet, every doctor is different. I was on liquids for the first two weeks, then mushies, then full foods. Have you talked to your doctor to find out what his specific post-op diet is? You probably should have already been provided this information. In terms of going on vacation, recovery time for everyone is different as well. I have found a good indicator is if you have had previous surgeries and how quickly you have recovered from them. For me, honestly, there was no way I would have been up to going on vacation six days following my band surgery. You will find that your port area is still quite sore at that point. It was a good two weeks for me before I really started feeling like myself again. I would discuss your vacation plans with your doctor as well, and see what he suggests. Good luck to you and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hey folks, please, lets tone this down a bit. I know this is a very sensitive topic, but lets not attack one another.

Hi, Erin! It is great to have you join us. It sounds like you and your mom will be able to offer each other great support as well.

Hi Sue, and welcome to the forums. I am curious as to why, after only five weeks, you hate your band and are already ready to have it removed?

Hi Pam, and welcome. We are so pleased to have you join us.

Hi Jen, welcome to LBT. Girl, you are doing fabulous! I bet you are noticing an improvement in how you feel already.

Good luck to all you July sleevers! Looks like some of you will be there at the same time, which is great.

Very cool, I am going to check this out. It would be great for my elderly parents as well.

You guys crack me up. I think it was only about a week for us. We just made sure it was in positions that would not hurt my incisions.

That is great! My son will usually get up early, but nothing gets my daughter up before noon on weekends. I swear, she sleeps half her life away. Ernesto is a pretty cool guy, but his driving scared the bejeebers out of me!! Concentrate on the beautiful scenery along the way, lol.

Have a fabulous holiday with your family!

Congratulations, that is so exciting. I have gone from a 32/30 down to a 16 now. I am getting pretty excited about saying goodbye to Avenue and Lane Bryant forever.

I claimed mine on my taxes and got a huge refund that year.

I am not sure if the reason they had to stick you so many times was because your port was already starting to flip and was difficult to locate, or if there is a specific issue with the doctor. To be honest, I think it may be the doctor. How could he have possibly overfilled you that much when doing it under flouro? He should have seen that fluid was not passing and it was backing right back up if he was paying attention! That is one of several reasons for doing fills under flouro, to ensure your band is in place and that you get the proper amount of fill. If I were you, I would be seeking out a new doctor. As for being a failure, no way. None of the problems you have experienced are your fault. And, after what you have been through, who wouldn't be a bit gun shy? What is important is that you find a good doctor with a good support team in place to help you get back on track. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hi Sallie! Welcome to LBT and congratulations on your decision to get the band. Keep us posted on how things are going and let us know if you have any questions.

Just popping in to say good morning and wish everyone a happy and safe fourth of July!

My biggest hope is to deal with the demons in my head regarding food. Fortunately, my sleeve helps a lot with that.