longbaygirl

I'm due my first fill in two weeks and I asked if I could have something to numb the area first and was told they don't give any novocaine or anything! I might have to get myself some Emla cream and apply before hand. Has anyone else done this? The port area is still pretty tender and I don't fancy anyone poking it around unless it is numb first.

Dawn - ouch! Hope you heal soon. Phil - yes, I've had an easy ride so far with being able to eat lots of things, but now I'm feeling hunger and really want to eat more, so it's pure will power rather than the band at this point. Just hoping I can last to my first fill without losing control.

Mmmm, I've got one large incision (port) and three tiny ones. And I was only on liquids for a couple of days post surgery then mushies for a week and then soft food. I'm now able to eat everything, but suspect that will change after my first fill.

Thanks for the info homewith2 - I'll ask my surgeon if he put anything in the band. Well done so excited.

Well done Lisa. I still drink while eating, but I've not had my fill yet, so I might not be able to do it then.

I love watching everyone's progress, it's really exciting. I've not felt hungry for the last few days, but not due my first fill for weeks, so there can't be any restriction - can there? I 'm eating solids with no problem, but after a small banana or half a cup of soup, I just don't fancy any more and stop - is this just my head - or am I really feeling the result of the band? I've lost nearly 3 kilos (6lbs) in 2 weeks.

Thanks for explaining.

How can it disappear? Where does the fill go to?

I was only on liquids for a few days post op and have been on mushies since - with the odd soft egg here and there and ripe bananas. Do feel hungry. No fill till mid-Feb, hope I can last out till then.

SoExcited - in theory, you are right, but I know if I just say 'it's personal' and walk off I'll just be the centre of all the office gossip and goodness knows what weird ideas people will come up with. They will probably convince themselves I'm dying of some dreadful disease! In practice, I'll use the 'hernia' explanation (thanks Leigha) and everyone will be satisfied and sympathetic when they see what I'm eating and will be helpful if I'm in any discomfort.

Thanks for the advice about being prepared. I'm back to work soon and I have a desk job and before being banded I ate in the staff canteen everyday. Now, I think I will start to bring my own food in - to keep me away from making all the wrong choices. I've decided not to tell my workmates I've been banded, however, they know I've had a small operation and that's why I've been away from work. Any suggestions of what 'white lie' I could tell - could I say I've had a hernia or something?

Good luck Jennifer.

Thanks for the advice on drinking booze - I'd quite like a glass of wine now and again and like the idea of drawing the line after a glass or two. Cheap date!

What - I have to wait 4 weeks!!!

Think most surgeons use dissolvable stitches, but mine are the (old fashioned) regular kind and will need to be removed. My abdomen looks like a kiddies stitching class! I tried some protein powder and mixed it up -yuk. Think I'll stick with soft scrambled eggs or lentil soup for my protein.

Same as Misskelly - no shoulder pains for me, but was up walking/mobilising a few hours after surgery and have been pretty active with housework and kids since getting home from hospital. Wounds healing well, but not looking forward to having stitches out next week - it's gonna hurt...........

Mrs Bahuna - Good answer 'for health reasons'. I will use that next time someone tells me I did not need to get banded. Hopefully, that will shut them up. Nawlinz - I'll try it toasted next time. Would be nice not to be scared of eating bread! Amazed I have lost nearly 2 kilos in a week - and I thought I had not felt any restriction. Can you guys tell me what you do about alcohol - when you go out - do you drink wine? How does it affect you being banded?

Banded on the 14 Jan - unfilled, first fill due 16 Feb. I have had a few days when I've felt really hungry, and am on mushy food already, but today I noticed that I'm not thinking about food as much as usual, and even watching cooking/celebrity chefs/resturant shows, does not make me want to eat - so it must be working.

Made the mistake of eating a very small piece of bread yesterday. Chewed it very well, but, my goodness, the gas was very unpleasant. Have been much better with my food choices today.

Mzlb - re: Heparin - well, in France (where I got banded) my doctor said that was the protocol, but in the UK, where I live, it's not, so I only had it for a few days. Just wanted to check I'm not missing something I should have. Jo - think I have a 5cc band, but not sure - will check the paper-work. Don't think I can last on mushy food for a month. When is it safe to try something solid? Fed-up with people telling me, I did not need to get banded and looking at me as if I'm some kind of psychiatric case. Why do people think banding automatically implies something negative rather than positive? I'm done with 20 years of yo- yo dieting, done with feeling embarrassed about my body, done with the fat girl clothes. I plan on being fit, slim, healthy and sexy - in about 6 month time! I've decided, I'm keeping it quiet, and only telling those closest to me. Just don't see why I should justify myself to the world and his wife.

Love to join you guys. BMI of 31, banded on 14 Jan. A little disappointed that I still feel so hungry and have to wait 6 weeks for my first fill. I know I am being very careful, only eating liquids and mushys, but feel it is will power and not the band at the moment. Not sure if the will power will last 6 weeks. Not tried the protein drinks yet - so that might help. Just feel so good to be in control, or trying to be, with my weight. Would love to take a bath instead of a shower too - but have to wait till the stitches are out. Did you all have to have Heparin injections for 2 weeks after banding? Thanks Nawlinz for pointing me in the direction of this thread.

Thanks Nawlinz

BMI 31, got banded last week. Anyone else? Still feel hungry???

Thanks Jka, I'll have to get some protein drinks. Welcome on-board Kelly - hope it all goes well. Had a very soft poached egg today, mmmmmmm, it really hit the spot, think i needed the protein, and I'm hoping it's not to early to eat very soft stuff?

Is everyone using protein shakes and taking vitamins? I'm only 4 days post-op, do protein shakes diminish the hunger?