*susan*

Welcome back!

I hope everything goes well for you. Check in when your feeling up to it and let us know how you are doing.

That sounds very off to me. Where did you have your surgery? The majority of people have their first fill within the first 4-8 weeks of being banded. That is what you paid for. I think I would be getting a second opinion if I were you.

1- What stage of eating are you at now? :biggrin1: I am technically still on liquids. However, my doctor said I could have scrambled eggs this weekend, and I did tonight and was in absolute heaven. I see him Monday and should be on full mushies then. 2- What's your fave food at this stage of your diet?:biggrin1: :biggrin1: Definitely those scrambled eggs, yum. 3- What food are you missing the most since you got banded?:biggrin1: How much space am I allowed to take up? Actually, the thing I am really craving is a big ol' chef salad with ranch dressing.

Where are you? I know there must be more than just me here??? Would love to talk.

Brad, thank you so much for sharing this with us. And, of course, congratulations on your bandiversary. You are truly inspiring to those of us just beginning with our bands.

That is absolutely awesome, Susan! I am just starting this journey, so thus far I haven't had any of those "wow" moments yet, but I can't wait until I do.

I had headaches for about the first 3-4 days on the pre-op liquid diet. After I got past those first few days though, I was fine.

I had to smile when I read your post, because one of my goals is also to be able to go into Victoria's Secret and buy something sexy to model for my husband. You know, I don't think there are any of us that weren't doubtful of our ability to stick to the required pre and post-op diets and lose weight with the band. If we were able to control ourselves, we wouldn't be here to begin with. I am not fat because I eat when I am stressed, depressed, etc. I am fat because I just genuinely love the taste of food. But, I think with this wonderful new tool, and the support from our loved ones and this wonderful board, we can all succeed. I am not going to lie, the two week pre-op liquid diet was really tough. I cheated half way through and had a piece of pizza. But, after the first couple of days, you really aren't as hungry. I just got my band a week ago today. Even though I am sick of liquids, it is actually much easier sticking to the diet now than it was before getting the band. Because now, I have spent $16,500 for this, it is in me and I don't want to do anything to damage it. This is a wonderful tool. You have to believe in it and yourself. I am already starting to learn to listen to mine. I can feel liquids going through my pouch. I feel the difference when I have thicker liquids than thinner ones. One of the things I like about this is as long as my band tolerates it, I really don't have to give up any of the foods I love. It will help me to eat them in moderation. Wow, didn't realize I was rambling, sorry. But, I do feel strongly that this is a wonderful tool for those of us who have tried everything else and not succeeded. I can do this, you can do this, we can all do this. And we will, with each other's support.

Awwww, those are awesome NSV's. :clap2:

Congratulations on being approved, that is fabulous. You will be surprised how quickly the date rolls around.

Hi Lauri and welcome to bandland! I just had mine last Friday. It amazes me how everyone's recovery is different. I still feel lousy, and yes, those sneezes are rough. Everytime I feel one coming on I grab my belly and hold on for dear life, lol.

Hi Sally Jo!! :eek: I think we might just make it. I go to the doctor for my post-op on Monday and am keeping my fingers crossed that he puts me on mushies. I think he did with one of the other LBT'ers that went to him. I honestly don't think I could do 4 post-op weeks of liquids like many are required to do. PhotoNut, I can just imagine how heavenly those first bites of mushies are, lol. I have visions of taking that first bite and confetti and balloons falling from the skies. I can't imagine any experience being better than one bite of mushies after weeks of just liquids.

Dr. Herrera keeps you overnight. I live only 20 minutes from the hospital, but am glad he does that. I personally feel like this is not minor surgery and an overnight stay should be required. I had problems with my blood pressure during the night and was very glad to be in the hospital where they were able to monitor it and keep things under control. Plus, the instant gratification of pain meds through the IV during those first 24 hours are wonderful too. :sick

I believe my doctor starts us on mushies at 2 weeks, thank goodness because I really don't think I can do much longer than that. It has been one week today and I am starving.

Oh, please do share, was eating solids a truly wonderful experience? I miss chewing. I have been on liquids since April 10 and I so miss food. I can't wait to move to mushies.

:eek: Argon, I would be demanding one of those barium things so they could prove to me it was in there, lol. Actually, I just got my band a week ago today and I am very confident its there because I can feel my port. The weird thing is, I think I can feel the stuff I drink going through my pouch too.

:bounce:Congrats.... So, when is the big day?

Kim, The first couple of days on the pre-op is the most difficult. Once you get past them, you really find you are not that hungry anymore. My family was also supportive by fixing dinner for themselves and not eating in front of me. The main thing that stayed in my mind was why I was doing it and what my reward would be. Also, another good motivator for staying on the pre-op is when you step on the scales and see how quickly the pounds come off. I lost almost 15 pounds in two weeks. Good luck, you can do it.

Below is the doctor I used. I think he is wonderful. He works out of St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville. I was private pay at $16,500.00 and then includes all fills, etc. that are needed for one year. Javier Herrera, M.D. http://phys.svremote.com/images/MSLPhys/HERRERA.jpg Office Location: 1801 Barrs Street Suite 900 Jacksonville, FL 32204 (904) 389-8861 Click here to view map to Office Gender: Male Foreign Languages: Spanish Specialty Board Certified Education General Surgery YES Medical School: University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami FL

Kim, that is wonderful news. Make sure you come here daily for support and advice, especially once you start on your liquid diet. The gang here is wonderful and can get you through everything.

I am so glad you posted this. I haven't had one since the day before my surgery and am going to try some of these suggestions.

Like Michelle said, each of us responds differently to surgery and heals differently. I was also banded on Friday. I have felt miserable and had major pain around my port area to where I felt like my insides were literally tearing apart every time I moved. I have also been exhausted and sleeping a lot. Last night when my hubby and I went to bed I started crying and telling him I think I made a big mistake and I did not know I was going to hurt this bad, etc. Of course, he said all the right things and reminded me that my body was still healing. Then, I got up this morning and am feeling 10 times better than yesterday. Just listen to your body and don't overdo it and you will feel better soon. Do you have someone at home helping you out? My mom is staying with us until I get back to feeling more normal so I can just rest and let my body heal. I promise, you will feel better soon.

I had my surgery Friday and this morning was the first morning I was able to get out of bed with relative ease. We have a high bed, which didn't help matters. I would slowly roll to my left side (port is on the right). Then, I would hold onto my side where the port is and my hubby would get me upright and out of bed. Not very graceful, but it worked for me, I felt I needed to support my port, otherwise, it felt like my insides were going to tear apart.

What about Inamed's site at www.lapband.com That is the site I sent to my family.