happy2lose

I too guzzle my water during and after working out. No problem here. However, if you take a diuretic like I do you will need to be extra careful to drink more.

I remember during the first few weeks post-op feeling so depressed about giving up the foods I love. Now I don't even think about it. It's only because you are hungry that you feel depressed. When you start to feel this way go outside and go for a walk. Changing your focus will save you every time and exercise helps to release endorphins and serotonin that will help eliminate the depression.

No sore tummy but I can tell you that all my fills have been pain free and pretty uneventful if this makes you feel any better.

Usually it is located at the area of the biggest scar or the area that is most tender.

I'm not sure if I yet fit into the successful bandster category but I'll share my strategy anyway. 1. I focus on eating my Protein first then veggies (I don't eat fruit because I just don't have room for it. 2. I exercise daily for at least 45 minutes Monday-Friday and ride my bicycle for about 2 hours on the weekends. 3. I keep up with my fills when I get hungry between meals. I like my band tight. I get great support from my husband and kids as well as friends I have made at the gym. I try to avoid negative people whom I seem to allow to drag me down to the depths of depression (this is a biggie for me). These people do not contribute anything positive to my well being so I avoid them like the plague. This is what seems to work for me.

You are VERY welcome!

I am so glad you are feeling better. Being stuck is sometimes agonizing.

Very normal! You don't have any restriction so you have to rely on will power. Once you reach good restriction you wont be very hungry at all. You may still have "head hunger" to deal with but real hunger wont be nearly as bad. Hang in there, this is the hardest part.

Very normal. My surgeon warned me about this. Remember liquids in = liquids out.

Your doctor is telling you this because solid foods will give you satiety (you will feel full longer). Soft foods, soups and Protein shakes will not stay in your pouch very long. My band is so tight right now that my chest feels a little sore but I can still get down chicken if I take very tiny bites. Take tiny nibbles of chicken and chew well and you will be fine.

I have certainly experienced the same feelings you are. I still can't see any difference in myself from having lost 79 pounds. Everybody tells how great I look but I just can't see it. My body is shrinking but my shape is exactly the same. I know the scale doesn't lie so there must be something wrong with my perception of myself. I have seen many posts on bandsters perception of their body image and it seems to be commonplace what you are going through. I'm sure there are many body parts that are thinner but when looking at the body as a whole it is just not as obvious. Give it a little more time. Keep working toward your goal because at some point it will be noticeable to even you. Make sure you are getting exercise everyday and eating only the foods you should be eating. I say this because I feel thinner when I work out and I feel fatter when I eat beyond what I am suppose to. I believe obesity is every bit as much psychological as it is physiological. Hang in there, Rome wasn't built in a day and you didn't become overweight overnight. Just keep working toward a happier, healthier you and the rewards will be obvious and lasting. Take care, Donna

I don't see any reason why you couldn't take stool softeners. If in doubt, always ask your surgeon.

I've had three fill and none of them hurt. My doc numbs the area first then inserts the fill needle. While he is filling he has me drink the barium to see it go through the band. This way he knows if I have enough fill.

If you don't eat enough then your body will hold onto your stored fat and get fuel from it. You really need to find a new doctor and get checked out as soon as possible.

Do you need the malabsorption factor or do you need restriction? Once you decide which will work best for you then you have your answer. There are other options that should also be investigated before you decide, such as DS or sleeve. Please do your homework and know the difference before you jump into anything. :drool:

My advice to you is to get your aftercare lined up before you have surgery. I had surgery in Mexicali Mexico and was very pleased with the care I received. I return to Mexico for my fills since it is only a 2-3 hour drive but I do have aftercare here as well but my coverage here doesn't provide for fills under fluoroscopy. You do realize there is civil unrest in the Tijuana area? I'm sure the surgeons there are great but I would be concerned about the violence. Consider going to Mexicali instead. Mexicali does not have the violence that has been reported in the Tijuana area and you can get transportation to and from the San Diego airport. Either way, I'm sure you will be very happy with the Mexico surgeons. Donna

You are very welcome! The band works great when used properly. The more you exercise the quicker you will lose in my experience. Work hard and you will see the rewards, Donna

Me too! I was given the go ahead at 6 months to re-start my prophylactic 81 mg aspirin but no other NSAIDS.

In my tactless way this is what I am trying to tell you. If you have expectations of people, they will let you down all the time. You are doing the right thing and depending on your level of commitment you will see fantastic results. If you need support, send me a message and I will be all over it! Donna

I can only imagine how frustrating it is for you all who take months to find restriction. I was very fortunate to have restriction after my first fill. I lost my first 39 pounds without any restriction with just good ol' will power but it was tough. All I can tell ya is walk, walk, walk.

You need to remember that you are doing this for you and don't need anybody to reinforce your decision to get healthy. Don't have any expectations of anybody and you wont be disappointed. You already have your husbands support, why would you need support from anybody else?

I too have a fear of my port moving. Because of this fear I have avoided sit ups and ab crunches. I work out at the gym 4-5 days each week for about and hour and ride my bike but I need to do something that focus on my stomach. My surgeon gave me the green light on sit ups but I'm still very much afraid. I know it is all in my head.

You should research and consider the sleeve procedure instead of the band. It works on the same principle as the band, but it's permanent.

I asked my pcp to change my capsule meds to pill form which he gladly did for me.

Congratulations to you! You begin your new life with a thinner healthier mentality and with your excitement and enthusiasm, I'm sure you will be very successful. Donna