Rutiglius

I found that cream soups tended to help me, but I only had to be on full liquids for 4 days, and then went to mushies.

I was banded the 24th. A lot of my stomach swelling is going down, because my appetite is returning! I get full much easier, but am hungry very soon after I eat -- and I AM eating a lot of protem (tuna, chicken, lean pork roast, etc...). I think it is because we haven't had our first fill yet. I am not scheduled for mine until August 10. I am still losing -- but I don't weigh everyday -- just once a week. So I really won't know how I am doing until next Thursday.

My doctor said 10 days if my incisions looked okay -- no redness, swelling or drainage. He said to make sure I dried very well!

I don't get my first fill until August 10. I was banded on 6-24. I am only a week and a day out and am already starving! Oh boy...I hope I can make it!

I had the same thoughts until I attended the information seminar before my surgery. The Dr. giving the seminar explained that once your body reaches a certain weight, it becomes greedy and does not want to lose its protective fat. This goes back in time to when humans had to constantly hunt and forage in order to survive. The body thinks the fat is a precious commodity that will protect against starvation. The only problem is, we don't need to hoard fat anymore to stave off starvation. The body doesn't know this, however, and when we begin to lose weight, the body actually secretes a hormone that increases food-seeking behavior. It makes you hungry, makes you crave things and food dominates your thoughts. This hormone is called ghrelin and it is produced in the stomach (google it for some good info). As this doctor stated, many doctors and GPs don't study weight loss specifically, and don't understand how ghrelin works within overweight individuals. The lap band does NOT cause an increase in ghrelin (accordiing to studies) and thus helps you avoid the constant cravings and food-seeking behaviors that have sabotaged previous weight-loss attempts. SO...DON'T feel guilty! Your own body is conspiring against you!

I was banded on 6/24 -- and the Dr. said I could swim Saturday (the 4th). He said to just make sure to keep my incisions out of the sun and to dry them well when I get out of the pool!

HAPPY DAY!!! I can't wait to get there!!!

I lost hair about 2 years ago when I dieted. I was taking Meridia (diet rx drug) and lost the weight pretty quickly. I increased my Protein, but still lost a huge amount of hair! My stylist recommended Nioxin shampoo and conditioner, and it does work! My PCP also told me to increase my fat intake to about 20% (I was only getting about 10% of my calories from fat). My hair grew back -- but unfortunately, so did my butt (because I stopped "dieting"). My info packet said the hair loss is fairly common with WLS, and to make sure to get plenty of protein -- but it looks like everyone is doing that!

If it helps...what you are experiencing is a type of loss -- and like all losses there are several steps before acceptance -- denial, anger, bargaining, etc... For me, this has been scary! I realized something -- that even though I have always wanted to be thin, that I was "comfortable" the way I was. I could eat whatever I wanted, whenever. It was terrifying that I might have to give up certain foods because when all else failed, they were always there for me in the past. At times, I almost panicked as I thought about what I was "giving" up. Then, in my mind I decided to NOT think of it that way. Instead, I think of it as a trade. I am trading warm bread with butter for a healthier heart. I an trading popcorn for a longer life with my DH. I know there will be times in the future that I forget all about "trades" and mourn the loss of my comfort zones, but hopefully those will be short and if not sweet, at least bittersweet. Good luck on your journey!

WHAT THE....???? Exploding??

I got a lapband "kit" that included a temporary card and a mail-in for a permanent card. The main purpose of the card is to carry it with you in case of an emergency -- the EMT's or ER staff will then know you have a surgical band on your stomach.

You have done fantastic! Your band was just a tool. You had to be pretty disciplined to lose that much weight -- even with the band! You CAN do it!!!!

When I wear my bra I have a harder time catching my breath! :cursing: I went to the movies with my husband and was seriously considering slipping it off in the theater and stuffing it in my purse! If I had on a more "supportive" top, off it would have come! I didn't want to "flop" around, however!:tongue2:

I was banded on the 24th and had uncomfortable gas too. Gas X strips really helped -- take the maximum you can! Yesterday, I burped and burped and finally felt SO much better!

I just wanted to know what every else is doing or did. I started "mushies" today and it is a BIG improvement over the liquids! This is gross...but I finally pooped! I tell you, it is pretty weird to get excited over a BM, but it relieved the pressure!!!

I had my surgery on Weds (6/24). Getting my water in has been a challenge. I seem to do better when I carry a bottle with me and just continually sip it. This is my 4th day past surgery and I am finally feeling like the swellling is going down, and that should make it easier.

I was banded today! I was so worried about possible complications, but it went SO smoothly! I woke up and had no pain, no dizziness, and no nausea. My anesthesiologist (sp?) was just terrific! After I got home, I had a sugar-free Jello and later, a bowl of broth -- no gagging (my fear) or nausea! I couldn't be happier, and I hope that everyone who has an upcoming band "date" has the same positive experience!!! Thanks, Sue

I am 5' 7" -- that makes the BMI difference! And no... you are NOT prying! Good luck with your insurance!!

I was a self-pay, so my timeline was pretty short. I went to my seminar in May, and then went on vacation. When I got back, I had my consultation on June 15, and my surgery on the 24th. Because my BMI was 36.2, the doctor thought I would be okay to do a shortened pre-op diet. I have Coventry (insurance) and they did not approve me.:confused:

Talk alot and Grandma: I did not have to stay overnight. I arrived at the surgical center at 6:30, had my surgery at 8:30, woke up around 10:30 and dozed off and on. At noon I walked to the bathroom -- no pain -- just bloat!. I had my Barium swallow at 2:00 and was home by 2:30. Grandma -- I had Water (after my Barium sip) and had no problems keeping it down. I was very worried about that too! I also kept down the Jello and Soup. I just sipped.

GOOD LUCK Kmays!!! I hope yours is as easy as mine! Again, GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks for the walking tip -- I forgot about that! Right now, it is so hot and humid where I am (temps upper 90's, heat index around 100) that I haven't felt like it! I will have to hit the malls!!

Hey TopTier, I will be banded on 6-24-09, also! Hooray for the beginning of a new "us"!!!

Nah...you are fine! I would like to lose 80 to get to my ultimate goal, but would be thrilled with 60!