sharcorb

you can try the unflavored protein powder mixed with chicken broth. i hear you can even mix some of them with water and it's virtually tasteless, but i haven't tried it. i hated the protein drinks the first week after surgery, but they taste better now (almost 6 months out). good luck! sharon

I don't know if this applies, but before I was banded (March 2010) I was cranky when dieting. Since the band I'm not feeling deprived, and therefore not cranky. Good luck, Sharon

I'm 5 months post op, and recently emailed my doctor to ask if popcorn is ok. He said as long as its eaten one at a time instead of by the handful. And that for some people it tends to get stuck. Not a problem for me either.

If I have anything to drink on top of food, it comes back up. (The liquid, not the food) I definitely follow this rule and wait at least an hour to drink! Usually closer to 2. Sharon

I don't understand it either. I had my first and only fill in May, have since lost almost 40 lbs and it seems like it's getting tighter all the time. I'd get some removed, but my doctor is in another state and I don't have a trip planned until October. At this point I'm counting the days! Sharon

I ate some very spicy cheese several days ago, and for about 12 hours was burping it up (very hot in that direction too!). The next two days I couldn't eat anything at all without terrible reflux. So, 2 days on liquids and I'm feeling better now. Has anyone else noticed a problem like that with spicy food? I'm wondering if it was a fluke or if I have to give up the spicy food altogether... Sharon

I really love the spicy food, and think my band is a wee bit too tight. Maybe when I get a bit taken out I'll be able to revisit the spicy stuff! Thanks for the answers

I use Isopures protein, and like to add a yogurt to it. It creams it up (I mix w/ water) and adds an interesting flavor combination. Lately been using Activia, and that's been a life saver - if you know what I mean .

I've got a full upper, and have no problems whatsoever. Certainly don't let that be the deciding factor! I see we're similar age so feel free to ask me anything! Sharon

Molly, How's it going? Are you still feeling as tight, or did you go get some out? I still swear it's tighter every day! If I lived closer to the doctor, I would def get an un-fill. Sharon

I had one in March and it was easy peasy. They had me do it even tho my tests were fine too, so maybe just an extra precaution? Don't spend any time worrying about it, it's just some monitors checking out your heart and a few minutes on a treadmill. Being overweight helps with that, the heartrate (at least mine!) goes up quickly so the test is over fast. Good luck! Sharon

Dr. Soong did my band in March 2010. Very happy customer! Did get it done at Desert Springs and they were all really nice there. Sharon

I don't know about first bite syndrome. But, I occasionally (on the first taste) get a cramp in my jaw when eating something sweet or sour. I've had this my whole life. I'm curious what others have to say :smile2: Sharon

My daughter is a server at a very busy Las Vegas restaurant, and says most servers hate it when people bring out the cards. She tells me people come in with an attitude like "my doctor says you have to let me order off the childs menu", and of course our doctors don't dictate what rules restaurants have to follow! I just order whatever I want and eat my small portion and take the rest home. If I can't bag it, I'll order something small or maybe just a side and have bits of my husbands or friends entree.

After shelling out almost 17k in March, the first 6 weeks I was in huge doubt, worrying about complications mostly. Since I've been losing regularly, I'm very happy with the decision and would definitely do it again.

Had my first and only fill 12 weeks ago, and have lost at least 2 lbs a week since. I was hoping it would loosen up as I've been losing, but it seems to me to be getting tighter every week. Heat/humidity isn't an issue where I live, so I don't know whats up. It definitely seems to be getting tighter! Sharon

Banded March 2010. Breakfast Isopure protein drink and 1 cup of coffee. Lunch is protein and yogurt (if I can handle the yogurt, sometimes just protein) and dinner is similar, protein such as tuna, chicken or beef and cottage cheese or yogurt or fruit. I've had one fill and believe it's the sweet spot. I do not drink with meals, like Mrs Cabes, don't think it's possible :tt2: I do get a bit hungry between breakfast and lunch, but super tight in the mornings so couldn't eat if I wanted to. I'm feeling pretty good, losing consistently 2 lbs a week and down 43 in the 4 months so happy with that. Good luck, and I look forward to some meal suggestions - I'm bored with mine. Sharon

I'm only 4 months out, but have found it's not a daily happening anymore. Every 2-4 is more like it. I wonder if that is how it's going to be forever, any long-timers out there answer that one? Thanks, Sharon

Your story sounds similar to mine. I'm 51, lost weight twice in my life and gained it back. I decided when I turned 50 that I'd like to live a long healthy life. I've been banded since March. I really didn't have any doubts until after the surgery, and I hear that time is a roller coaster of emotions for most people so guess that is normal. However, four months out and 40 pounds down I can honestly say that it is probably the best decision I've ever made regarding my health. Sharon PS Carol, way to go! You're doing so great!!

Only 4 months out, but I'm feeling exactly as you describe. It does make me stop eating, and I haven't been the crazy-hungry I used to get. Jury's still out at this point! Sharon

I was self pay also, and when I found out I had the hernia repair, I asked the doctors to bill the insurance for that part. They did that, and that amount was refunded to me. Maybe that $3900 is what they are trying to get for you? I was not successful getting the hospital to bill the insurance, unfortunately. The just didn't want the extra work. Right after surgery I also got a couple bills I wasn't expecting, one for the chest x-ray and another for the stress test. Both of those were submitted to the insurance, then when not paid they were both dropped by the doctors office. Believe me, I called and raised a fuss! Good luck, Sharon

I was banded in March, and what really helped me with the port incision pain was an abdominal band. Like a giant ace bandage for your stomach. I lived in it for about a week, then gradually didn't need it so much any more. Really helps with things like rolling over in bed and getting up and down. Good luck, Sharon

I don't know why so many of us have a hernia. However, I was a self pay and the insurance did pick up a very small part of the surgeons charges, and I'm still waiting to hear on the hospital and anesthesia charges. I'd recommend that you ask the hospital and doctor to bill your insurance right away. I asked the hospital about a month after the surgery (March), then just found out they hadn't done it. I've since submitted it myself, since they didn't seem at all inclined to help me out. Good luck, Sharon

I was banded in March, and felt exactly as you describe for a week or so. Everything was so much better after that first week. I even got a bit depressed, which is out of character for me - so I blame the anesthesia! Good luck, only a few more days of misery

When this happens to me, I loosen it up w/ some hot water before eating. I've heard that mucus can collect in the pouch, and since I'm having tremendous allergies this year, think that's my problem. It helps me to drink about half a cup of hot (coffee hot) water before eating. I know the doctor said not to drink an hour before, so I only do this if I'm feeling super tight. Sharon