WendyBlackheart

I got banded two week ago, and I've been back on (mostly) solids for about a week now. I've been doing *fantastic* for the most part. I had a on incident where I thought I was hungry, but it was too soon to eat (I couldn't finish the apple I was eating, and felt a little icky) but for the most part I have it pretty down. The pouch takes some getting used to! Today, I had my first icky band problem. I had taken a nice long walk to the supermarket, and while there, I bought some of those pre-cooked chicken legs that they keep under warming lights (they're very yummy). I figured my grandmother and I could have them for lunch and dinner, so she didn't need to cook. However, I screwed up eating mine. I think I a) didn't get all the skin off, and :thumbup: ate too fast and didn't chew thoroughly, because it all came back up. Ick. It was *not* a good experience, and hopefully I won't screw up and do that again! I'd had chicken before, so I didn't think I'd have a problem with it...but I was so hungry after my walk I fell into the 'wolfing things down' pattern. I had some yogurt, and when dinner/real hunger rolled around, I tried again, and did ok.

I went back to the doctor 10 days after surgery, (I was banded 12/1, went to the follow up 12/10) where we went over what we could and couldn't try. , and the nutritionist said as long as I took it easy I could try what I felt comfortable trying. I only try one new thing a day, in case something doesn't work I'll know what it is. I've been sticking to softer solids for the most part, just to be safe. (Breakfast is oatmeal, and maybe half a banana) I'd had chicken before, so I didn't think I'd have an issue.

I noticed an underarm smell too! Lol, I woke up one morning post op, and realized I smelled like 'man'. So far it seems to have gone away now that I'm eating more actual food. My breath stank for a while post-op, I think because of the liquid diet. The body is pretty much burning itself (Jello and broth don't have all that much in them to burn, lol) and once I got back on real food, the bad breath mostly went away too. I hope. I'll have to check. But I made sure to buy mouthwash, and I always have mints around.

OK, So I know smoking is a no no with the Lapband, and I HAVE quit. I've been real good too. Cigarettes don't hold a huge issue for me. However, I know that at some point, I may slip up. I enjoy the rare cigar, and the occasional clove cigarette socially. (I some times go to places where there is a Cigars and chocolate event. I can resist the chocolate, but sharing a cigar with a friend? So much harder.) What exactly is it about smoking that is so bad for the band? Aside from the bad health affects of smoking that I already know, of course. Is it the tobacco that is the issues? Or the act of smoking itself?

Oh, def. try it. I love mine to death. Not only do I find it more comfortable, but it saves me money. I got mine as a gift, but just think - 30$ for a cup which can last for about five years, compared to 8$ a month ever say, 2 months, for life. I'd go diva anyday. They also make disposable cups for the more squeemish about reuse, which also cover the cervix, rather than sit at the base of the vagina, so they can be worn during sex. (the diva and keeper cups have to be taken out)

ok, maybe I'm just sensitive, but did anyone else wind up getting 'the squirts' after using the gas ex? It happened to me twice. On one hand, its nice to get the gas out, but on the other...I took one right before my first trip out of the house post surgery, to Michael's (look, I gotta craft!) and I had to shuffle to the bathroom as soon as I got there!

Ugh, mine is so bad I had my sister go pick up some of those strips - god I hope they help!

Durrr, I can't believe I didn't ask my nurse or doctor about this! I should have. I figured I'd wait and see how I felt for some solo play before I moved on to a partner, since I want to see how all the new plumbing works. Its good to hear other's stories! As for J.J.'s comment, well, I've been known to do the same to my men. On special occasions, when they ask nicely. We're all a little different when it comes to sex. :-D

@Vickie - I'm actually having my sister pick up some gas-ex strips for us both (she just can't go, and I"m all bloated) I figure I'll give it a try, and see if it helps. Crass as it sounds, I'd rather fart the last bits of gas away then hiccough or burp it - those hurt!

Thats odd. I would think doctors would want you to get SOME calories. I was on broth, water, and jello ONLY, for my first three post op days. Then I was told I could try the opti fast shakes I have, and to not have more than three a day, until my appointment (next week, 12/10) I don't think I could go five days on just water. While i wasn't hungry at first, I was pretty shaky on just broth and water and jello.

Lol, at least they have a sense of humor about it! I've noticed gurgling too, but so far, since I'm only on liquids, I can't tell if I'll get it with food. I usually notice it a few minutes after I drink something, sometimes even longer, depending.

If there are, and of course you don't have to out yourself here, I started a fetlife.com group for kinky bandsters and other bariatric patients. Support groups here are great, but its nice to talk kinky with other kinksters at times. :thumbup: Login - FetLife Hope to see some of you there!

I was banded 12/1/08, and I've having some grumblings and rumblings too. I think its just our bodies getting used to the new lay of the land, coz other wise I don't feel hungry, but OH GOD THE GAS. I can't stand it - I got some out hiccoughing the other day, and it hurt. :tongue2: I've never wanted to be farting so much before, lol. But its already been four days, and most of it seems gone. We'll see!

And I'm totally nervous. I wasn't nervous up until right now...but now I feel like I'm going to be sick. I know everything should go well, but still. Surgery. But I'm also totally excited to finally be at this point! Anyone else up tomorrow?

Thanks! :cursing:

Diva cup all the way! I used tampons for ages (i never used pads regularly. I hate 'em) but I never liked them much either. The cotton, the dryness, the leaking...I got a Diva Cup and I couldn't be happier with it!

Another pagan bandster here! Huh, there's got to be more of us out there! I'm pretty eclectic, heavily influenced by early readings of Scott Cunningham, but also borrowing from a variety of traditions, and a grounding in Wicca. I'm mostly a solitary, but I sometimes have the pleasure of attending retreats where there are group pagan rituals. :thumbup:

Yeah, I was surprised at how many insurance companies cover this - mine sent me right on over to a local doctor right away, and made the process surprisingly easy. It makes sense though, because it saves them money for us to NOT be obese. They'd rather shell out cash now, then for the on going care some of us need, or will need. If only they picked up on the idea of preventative care for other things too!

I was worried about the psych eval going in. I have a history of depression, OCD, anxiety and mild (VERY mild) mania. I was terrified all of that would preclude me, especially since my issues are organic (fucked up brain chemistry) more than emotional, and when I'm on my med I'm good. I think it turned out to not be a problem because I had dealt with my depression and such before surgery even became an option. And though it may seem weird, I was never depressed about my weight. That wasn't an issue. Go figure. My psych issue was gettign int ouch with and setting up an appointment with them. It took a solid MONTH of calls back and forth to book an appointment.

I swear by the Celestial Seasoning's Wellness Echinachia Tea - as soon as I feel a cold coming on, I drink 2-3 cups a day. The ingredients kick start the immune system, and the tea just makes you feel better. :thumbup: Good luck!

I was sanctioned by the nutritionist to 'cheat'. I've been on my pre-op diet (Optifast, 4 shakes, 1 bar, Jello, broth) for nearly two weeks now. 1 week into it, I went a little nuts. I was cranky like a mofo, walking around snipping, sniping and actually growling. I wasn't hungry, but I wanted to put my teeth into somthing substantial. I behaved, but I was feeling so crazy, I called the nutritionist, and she OK'd me to have a small meal or two, like I did when I was on opti lite (2 shakes, 1 bar, small meal (4-6oz Protein, 3 servings veggies) jello, broth, and 1 piece fruit). That night, I had a small meal, and the next day, I had a slice of Thanksgiving turkey and a slice of yam. It settled me down, and I've been back on track, full opti liquid (5 shakes and jello, yum!) ever since. But I wouldn't have done it with out my nutritionist's ok, since I want to, and have been, doing the right thing. See, I finally realized something about 'dieting' and eating well. When you cheat, the only person you hurt is yourself. And I want this to go well, and to stick to it. Cheating will only screw it up.

Be strong! The first three days were the hardest for me - I was SO hungry, but it settled down once I got into the swing of things. Though, I wish someone had mentioned this to me when I went on my liquid diet - you may go nuts. Oh yeah. I went batshit crazy for three days, growling at people and snarling, because I wanted to put my teeth into something. I wasn't hungry, but I wanted to EAT! I was a total bitch. I called the nutritionist, and she said it was common, and that it was ok to put my teeth into some turkey in moderation (it was two days before thanksgiving, lol). I wish I had known I would get so irritable. But like I said, stay strong! Once you get over the first hump, its easier. Also, but lots of different flavours of Jello. I made a whole bunch, so I didn't get bored.

I'm up on December first - just over a week away now. I'm excited - I've already dropped weight, and I'm looking forward to getting banded and dropping more! Plus, to be honest, I'm looking forward to the 'mushy' stage of eating - I'm so sick of liquids! Pureed chicken will be a treat, lol.

Thank you! I've been reading through the other posts, and everyone here seems wonderful!