critterlady

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I am only 4 weeks out and haven't had a fill yet, but I bet I know what you're going through. That huge amount of weight loss so fast is quite a heady feeling; when it drops off or creeps back, that is very disappointing. Which is why I'm staying off the scale. I was banded 11/24. My first fill isn't until 1/11....and I'm staying off the scale until then. Right now, I've had a couple of non scale victories (looser clothes) and I'm trying to keep those at the front of my mind. Hopefully the doctor's scale will reflect a loss when I go in next and when you go! Chin up! sara

I'm just wondering about the true causes of band slippage, erosion, and pouch dilation. I understand that vomiting too much can lead to slippage, and eating too much can cause pouch dilation....and those seem to be "operator errors". I am also in the medical field and know that there are some incompetent docs out there, but they are probably in the minority. So let's skip them. As far as erosion is concerned, is that generally caused by having a too-small band for your anatomy or having it filled too tightly? Obviously all surgeries have the risk of complications; what I'm worried about right now is causing some complications because I've advanced my diet too quickly. Well, maybe not according to some, but my post op diet was liquids for 3 weeks, then soft foods for 3 weeks. I advanced to soft foods several days early (because I was sooooo hungry all the time), and during the soft phase I had well-cooked Pasta. I am also unfilled at this point and have trouble recognizing being "full" or "not hungry". When I start to eat, I feel absolutely and totally empty and I'm worried that I've stretched my pouch before I feel 'satisfied'? I'm not eating more than a cup of food at a time, but I still worry. I'm a worrier. No vomiting or reflux yet, and no feelings of excessive fullness; I just worry. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Oh no! I have a FUPA!!!! Jeez, just another thing to be self conscious about.... And re: "stuck" ben wa balls.....well, been there, done that. Hubby had to retrieve the offending ball. I don't care to repeat that experience....we were both laughing so hard, our intimate encounter was nearly over. sara

It hurts. But it hurts worse if you go in there without preparing! I have long pubes (sorry if TMI) and if you can trim to about 1/4", it's slightly better. My last Brazilian was a year and a half ago. I'm still getting ingrowns. I seem to have a problem with that, and they are NASTY. It was fun while it was bare, though. Oh, and for your "big girls" question? I wasn't *all that* big when I went, but I was horrified when my esthetician gave me what looked like a washcloth to cover up! I had to ask for a "real" towel just for my insecurity... sara

My husband made a comment about how at least I wasn't screwing up the liquids phase of the post op diet...

Love this thread!!! Would some of you backdoor lovers comment on your favorite lubes? Use names. Thanks!

I found for a couple of days postop that I could not quench my thirst, either. A piece of sugarfree gum helped.sara

Hahaha...not laughing at you, laughing with you....because on day 6 post op I produced, for lack of a better term, an M&M. That's all. But it was a sign of things getting moving again and by day 8 things were completely normal again. The combination of the anesthesia, pain killers, and lack of food with bulk are probably to blame. If you want to add fiber, do so. Things will settle out soon, I betcha! sara

Hi everyone who is at their personal goal! Would y'all mind posting how long it took? I'm really curious! My personal goal is 98 lbs weight loss. I really hope I can do it in a year! sara

Thanks, y'all. Yes, I did get the blood thinner injection in the hospital. No mention of a heavier period, though. But MAN. I'm having really bad cramps now and that is definitely not the norm, having this IUD. I think my body is freaking out.

I saw a post about walking marathons and 1/2 marathons, and I am intrigued. I am not much for competition, but I wonder if I had a goal to complete a 1/2 marathon (walking, of course!!!) how good I'd feel about myself! Any marathoners: how do you find out about them and how to train for them? I live in upstate SC and would probably have to travel but I could at least pretend I'm training for one! Are there any websites? Thanks! sara

I've just gone to the mushie stage and I'm 3 weeks post op. I've been eating mashed potatoes, eggs, and cottage cheese along with my protein shakes and stuff. What *ISN'T* considered a mushie? What is off-limits to me at this stage? If chewed well enough, is everything permissible? Thanks! sara

My surgery day weight was also 236, and in my dreams, one day I'll weigh 140! I think I would be happy at 150-160, but you are an inspiration to me! Congratulations! Wow, I sure would love to be at 140 next summer! sara

Razorgirl, I just had to laugh, because I was in the exact same position two days ago....the same position being I ate the egg of the gods....after 3 weeks on liquids, I nearly cried when I ate that first egg, it tasted so good! As far as cheating goes, I probably didn't stick to my post op liquid diet to the letter; I took Soups and blended them to "suckable" consistency. My instructions for that stage were anything you could suck through a straw, so I may have taken a few liberties....but I am so happy to be on soft foods, I could just dance. Keep us posted! sara

Thanks, Cathy, and pardon my stupidity! I think I'll stick with what I'm doing for now and possibly add some mushy vegetables in a week or so....if I can stand it that long! sara

Hi all, I have a Christmas party next weekend and I'd like to take something that I can eat, too! I'm on mushies....any suggestions? Thanks sara

I'm just wondering how long I have to wait after surgery to swim or start a water aerobics class? My dr told me walking was fine from the get-go, but I think I have to wait a certain amount of time before swimming because of healing, etc. Does anyone know? I'm 3 weeks out. Thank you. sara

Thanks for posting that link! I ordered the gift pack for my husband....well it's really for me, but I had to think of something else to get him for Christmas, and he will be tickled to death. sara

I'm just wondering if any of you quit smoking during this process. Obviously I know smoking is bad for you, but it's something I've been really reluctant to let go. Now that I'm banded, I'm hoping that once I get some restriction, I won't rely on cigarettes as much between meals....right now I'm still on liquids and am starving. Anyway, I've read some of your stories, how you went from fat and sedentary to fit and athletic. I have never been an athlete. I really don't much enjoy exercising. But maybe if I could simply BREATHE better from not smoking, it would be easier for me to enjoy exercise. Some of y'all have really inspired me and I'd like to know if and how anyone quit smoking. I think, along with the weight loss, quitting smoking would be such a great thing for my health and how I feel about myself...and maybe even gear me up to really exercise! sara

Will you please tell the brand? I don't have Kroger or Albertson's. I have BiLo, Ingles, and Publix. Thanks! sara

I've read a lot of different things and am a little confused! I have read things that say you should eat 3 oz of meat, then if you have room, some vegetables, and only if you STILL have room should you eat starch. I've also read that folks do Weight Watchers style diets. But in my opinion, if you're only able to eat 1/2 c at a time, a few times a day, why not eat WHATEVER you want? (within limits, of course...nobody should eat ice cream 3 times a day...) Whatever doesn't get you stuck, that is....Portion control, right? I understand that some folks need specialized diets for health reasons. But do others sort of "preach" the meat, veggies (starch) because it's healthy and not likely to lead to cravings or overeating? Would some of you mind telling this newbie WHAT you eat?! Thanks!

Hi. I'm new to this forum but would love someone that I could communicate with regularly. I was banded 11/24/09 in South Carolina. I'm 35, married, no kids....lots of pets! I'm a veterinarian with a weight loss goal of 100 pounds. Having some trouble being excited about this liquid phase! Ready to get on with it! Will someone mentor me? Thanks! sara

Hi Larry, thank you for replying. I hope you won't take offense when I say I'd like to be "mentored" by someone who has been on this program for awhile, but I do wish you the best and will certainly see you on the boards! sara

Hi, Sandi, thank you for offering! Could we email privately? My email address is sjohnstondvm@hotmail.com Thanks sara

Hi, I'm new to this forum and am 2 weeks post-op. Most of the info I have learned about eating has come from message boards, and I am confused. I did get some post-op food guidelines from my doctor (3 weeks full liquids, then 3 weeks soft foods) but at this point I think I am already "cheating"! (I am liquefying "real" foods now; I made chili, added Water, and blended the heck out of it...is that cheating??) At this stage, I'm allowed anything that I could "suck through a straw". There are no calorie restrictions at this point, and I don't know what serving sizes to "eat". I really hope I haven't screwed up. I'm hungry a LOT of the time and for some reason I'm very worried that my band has slipped or something...no vomiting at all since surgery, and I haven't stuffed myself with these putrid drinks I've been consuming, but I wonder why I"m so hungry. (I am not diabetic) I have my first post op dr visit tomorrow and hopefully I will get some of these questions answered. This liquid phase is NO FUN. I'm assuming that once I can chew again and once I get some fills, I will feel satisfied and full on less food? Lordy I hope so...that's the whole reason I did this! Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. Sara