SassCie

Thanks for sharing and for the warning (not for the queasy :smile:) which I am not, but I am sure there are others who could not stomach the pics. I thought they were fascinating and only wish I had pics of my own :thumbup:!

Jodi said it correctly . . . every doctor is different in what they expect from their patients pre-surgery. Most want you to lose some weight in order for the liver to shrink, and to get you accustomed to being on a liquid diet for the post surgery stage. I found the first 2-3 days the hardest . . . after that it was a cake walk. I read alot with big tall glass of liquid at my side. I also slept alot the first couple of days when your body is purging all the sugar and toxins from your system. By the third day I felt wonderful. Consult your physician and see what he or she recommends. You can do it. Just keep your surgery date in your mind as your goal. I wouldn't let anything stop me from having my lap band . . . I waited close to a year and half for it . . . I was PUMPED up and ready!

I like my caffeine carbonated . . . and was told no carbonated beverages after surgery. I call it "insubordination" or refusal to follow the rules:mad2:. I started with sips of diet coke or diet pepsi . . . worked my way up to those cute little shorty cans (8 oz.) and now I am able to tolerate a 20 oz. bottle once a day. I think we are all different and each of can handle things that others of us cannot. I agree that all of our doctors vary so much in their instructions to patients. I was not about to give up my carbonated caffeine and therefore I did not. I don't abuse it . . . but I am able to enjoy my caffeine when I desire to.

Miss Diva, This is totally normal. Some do feel a restriction after their first fill, however; many do not. I am like you and feel no restriction after having had my first fill last month. Some of us take a second, third or even a fourth fill before we begin to feel like the band is working. I am imapatient and bummed myself . . . but we must learn to be patient . . . and trust that the band will be the tool we signed up for when we had our surgery. Stayed tuned . . . it will get better!

Are you kidding me? You were disappointed at losing 77 pounds in 5 months? I swear to you that I have a friend who lost 30 lbs. in 5 months! So count your blessings my friend. You are doing awesome! Keep up the good work!

Congratulations and good luck to you tomorrow on your big day. Just relax and think positively!

This is really strange . . . but ever since I was banded on 7/16/08 I have not been able to burp or belch :thumbup: I can feel the bloating but the gas will not come up. Although it is not painful it is uncomfortable. I just want to burp again. I asked my doctor about this when I had my first fill and she really didn't seem to have an answer for me. Any suggestions? :party:

It takes 2 to 3 fills before your lapband actually becomes the tool you signed up. These words are according to my physician who did my lap band on 7/16/08. I have been able to eat just about anything even after my first fill. I swear I could get a whole hard boiled egg through my band. :party: They tell me this is completely normal . . . that our bands are not fully restricted yet . . . and therfore we do feel hungry and are able to eat more food. This will all change after a couple more band adjustments or fills. Hang in there . . . they swear the band does work . . . if we give it time and be patient.

Thank you for this link on couch to 5k . . . I am on it! :party:

The only way I can make exercise a part of my life is to do it FIRST before my day begins. I do swim aerobics Mon. thru Fri. every morning, then I go home get dressed and face the day. I would be too exhausted to do it any other time of day. It starts my day off on the right track and I feel good about myself for having dragged my azz out of bed and to the pool. Try getting up earlier than you normally do and go for a walk in the brisk morning air before you day begins.

The liquid diet is not easy . . . but keep your eye on goal (your surgery date). I found the first three days of the liquid diet the hardest :thumbup: so I drank a lot of water and/or crystal light inbetween the protein shakes I was allowed to have. Sleep and good book also helped to take my mind off eating. Sip liquids and read something really good and exciting. You know the kind of book that you just can't put down :party: After the first few days . . . it got easier . . . hang in there . . . you can do it!