FailureIsntAnOption

I was banded in April of this year in Mexicali, Mexico and was self pay. It was a very pleasant experience. I wish I would have done more research and given more consideration to doing the sleeve but I am happy with my band.

micnat, I never felt nauseated after surgery either. I actually felt the surgery and recovery were a piece of cake (pardon the pun). Be prepared to get blasted for not following doctor's orders. I hope you haven't done any harm to your band by eating solid food too soon, as it is too soon to tell if you have, since problems such as band slippage don't usually show up immediately. I certainly understand how tiring the liquid phase is, but you have chosen a lifestyle change not merely a diet and it is very important to allow yourself time to heal. This being said, I understand the hunger you are facing. We have all been there and lived through it and you can too.

I was taking the flintstones complete chewables up until yesterday when I started taking the Viactiv Chews. Viactiv tastes like candy and are yummy. It was getting to the point where I had trouble taking the flintstones. Just did'nt like the taste.

I just bought some new ones yesterday. They are chocolate/caramel chews. They taste really good. They are called Viactiv and are a woman's vitamin.

So I do my best thinking in the shower. As I was getting ready to pack my things for a afternoon and evening at the beach and desperately trying to find clothes that fit me since most are all now huge on me, I thought I can't be the only one going through this. Wouldn't it be nice if we could start a clothing exchange system where we send a particular size clothing to somebody in need of that size. There are still many details that would need to be ironed out but I thought perhaps this is doable. Feedback (without rudeness) is greatly appreciated. Donna

Fatmom, I don't know why more people didn't welcome you because there are some really great people on this forum. Please don't take it personal. If you ever need anybody to talk to please, please feel free to message me personally. I love talking with people and trying to help them and I want you to be a success with your band. JebbRobb, Welcome! I live in Corona. We're neighbors. Have a great day! Donna

Please be sure you are sipping on Water. Dehydration brings with it a bunch of new problems.

I'm so happy for you. You are gonna do great.

I wish you the best of luck on your lap band journey. I know food will always be an issue for me but with the band it is less of one. I try to keep myself so busy that the only time I think about eating is at mealtime. Teenagers can certainly be a drag on their parent's emotions. Thankfully, I have been through it all and have reached the grown up stage of parenting. My kids still live at home as well as a couple new grown kids that are not mine but I love them just the same. I believe if you click on somebody elses ticker it will take you to the ticker site but if not, go to tickerfactory.com to create your ticker. Donna

Hello, I just wanted to chime in and tell you that I really struggle with meat. Turkey is the worst for me because it is just too dry. I find if I cut my meat up into tiny, tiny pieces before I attempted to eat that I am less likely to get stuck. I also struggle with sausage because I seem to not chew enough. Also, I did not know this in the beginning, my surgeon's office told me that if I get stuck and vomit, my stomach will swell at the band location and I will be less likely to be able to eat my next meal without a repeat of the previous attempt. I was told to go to liquids for the rest of that day and try eating again the following day. Best of luck to you. Donna

Sweetkisses, Try to think positive. Instead of hating the band, look forward to your new life with the band. If the band is used correctly and if you get regular exercise, you will have great success. I remember telling my husband just a few days post-op that I don't know why I did this to myself. When those pounds start coming off and you fit into clothes you haven't worn for years you will be so excited. So your tired now, no biggie, you just had surgery. You will feel like a new person in just a week. Hang in there and follow the doctors orders. VERY IMPORTANT! Donna

If you change your focus it will go much easier for you. If you are at home then leave. Go for a brisk walk. Come home have a snack and take a nap. Get up and do the opposite of what is your norm. This helped me get through the liquid post-op phase. I did a lot of walking during this time and it will only help you to start exercising.

Very well said Kelly. I would also like to add that each time I have gotten a fill I have struggled to eat. My surgeon said it was not a case of me being over-filled, it was a behavioral issue that I needed to overcome. With this said, please focus while you are eating. Cut your food into very small bites and put your fork down while you chew. Do not swallow until the food feels like a paste in your mouth. After you swallow wait a minute before you take the next bite. I guarantee you if you do this, you will not vomit. If you are still eating junk you should not eat, don't expect to lose weight. It is also very important that your exercise daily. I have worked my tail off to lose the weight I have lost and I do my part to eat the correct foods. Get to work!

Kiaa, I am very glad that you tried what I advised. This is what got me through it. Please keep us posted on your progress. Donna

Jason, I'm getting so excited for you. Donna

Jes Restless, You said exactly what I feel only you were able to say it so eloquently. So Threeboys, WHAT SHE SAID

Hi Dawn, Congratulations! Once I finally made the decision to have the surgery and scheduled it, I only had to wait 2 weeks. I was also self pay. I told a few people but some of the feedback was pretty negative so I decided to wait until after I had the surgery to tell anyone else. Those people were pretty shocked to say the least that I did this and didn't tell them of my plans. It's my business though so I didn't much care what they thought. As far as lifting goes, I would talk to your surgeon. Every doctor seems to have some small differences in post-op instructions. Good luck to you and I hope your journey is speedy and successful. Donna

Congratulations and good luck to you on your journey.

Make sure you are getting enough Protein in. My Nut. says between 65-80 grams. Once I started getting enough protein the dizzy spells went away.

I exercise daily. I work out at the gym every morning before work Monday thru Thursday and I ride bikes with my husband at least 3 time per week anywhere from 10-30 miles each time (as time allows). I'm doing really well at climbing hills these days and I really push myself hard.

Hello Lou, You are doing well with your weight loss. My only concern is that you may not be getting proper nutrition. Do you experience dizzy spells?

Thank you HH, I appreciate your kindness in helping me more then you could imagine. Donna

I appreciate your suggestion but I am very careful to eat low fat, low carb foods and always eat my Protein first. The last few times I have dieted I have really struggled to lose weight. I am perimenopausal which I'm sure doesn't help the situation. I believe I am at my sweet spot. I have 2.28cc in a 10cc Inamed band that will only fill to 4cc. With this said, do you have anymore suggestions? I really do appreciate any and all help.

Thanks for the advise. I will most certainly be looking into this further. Donna

You have a great attitude which will certainly be a plus for you:thumbup:. Congratulations and welcome!