NewMeComing

I'm still here - down 40+ pounds and loving my band! It still has a lot to teach me, but I am so thankful that I decided to take this big step and have my surgery.

Woo-hoo! Hit hundredsville this morning. How wonderful that feels. Weight loss is slow, but is happening. Definitely ready for my second fill on the 30th. How's everybody doing?? We've all grown quiet here!

Hummus, mashed potatoes with a little horseradish mixed in and creamed spinach are some of my favorites!

FINALLY got my first fill today and feel great! I hate needles, so the numbing shot was my big fear. It was a breeze and fill itself went just fine. I needed the restriction, as my own will power was starting to wane. I got it! I am so happy and feel great. Get another in 4 weeks. Doctor's office was thrilled with my weight loss - especially when I told them I spent all of last week at a candy show...that was a challenge! Better - I succeeded in not giving in and gorging myself on empty calories!!!!!

I had my first PB episode yesterday. It scared the absolute crap out of me! DH is out of town and my seven-year-old was looking at me with eyes the size of golf balls. It was COMPLETELY preventable. I was eating, not paying attention and fell into old habits of just the cursory chew + swallow without thinking. What a wake-up call! Slowing down is a lesson I must still master!

Are you drinking enough Water? Dizziness is also a sign a dehydration and something we all need to be mindful of. I have to work really hard to get my 64 oz. of fluids in each day. Thank got for Ocean Spray powdered rink mixes...love the 5 cal. blueberry lemonade...it makes downing a bottle of water a snap and adds some great flavor variety to my day!

Hey all! Good to reconnect here on the "other side." My surgery was 4/12 and my first fill isn't until June 2...I wish I could speed it up and I am finding it harder and harder to stick with the prescribed meal plan and not feeling satisfied. Trying to stick to 60+ grams of protein each day, but miss chewing. Sugar free gum has become my best friend. Weight loss is slow, but moving. I keep telling myself I didn't get here overnight, so I cannot expect it all to disappear quickly either. I share the frustrations of not drinking with meals and am learning to just cope. I hope it gets easier...

I vote for the move, too! This group has become my cheer team, my shrink and I love the support we all give and get! I love our shared experiences, answers to questions we're pondering before we even ask...I couldn't imagine this journey without this gang!

Rosmay: It can takes WEEKS for the anesthesia to totally leave your body. Be patient and listen to the signals. Walking and water will help get trapped gas worked loose and flushed out of your system. Sip Sip Sip! It took me two full weeks to not feel so woosy and almost 3 weeks post-op, I still feel mentally lethargic...but think that's more my body adjusting to the reduced sugar and carbs I am consuming. Hang in there - every day is a step closer to your goals and a better day than the day before!

Thanks for the awesome post. I thought I had done my research, but clearly, this was something I missed. I am 2.5 weeks post-op and have been stuck at the same weight for a week. I was wondering what I was doing wrong, and am comforted to know that I am right on track. I am a scale addict and wish I could just give it up and weight for my monthly doctor appt. to see what the numbers say. The good news is that despite the lack of number movement, I FEEL better and know that I am becoming more comfortable in my clothes. I don't crave food, feel satisfied with the nutrition I am getting (Protein, protein, protein and no hunger!) and know what I am doing for myself and my body is a gift I've long deserved to give myself. Thanks for the candor and insight - I really needed it today!

My doctor didn't require a pre-op diet either. I had lost 11 pounds from the initial meeting until my pre-op appointment and he seemed satisfied that I had done that and didn't require anything other than clear liquids the day prior to surgery. That said, I cut carbs and did a protein-heavy diet for the week prior to surgery. The liquids and Protein reduce stress on your liver and evidently enable it to shrink, allowing more room to work during surgery. He says it minimizes incisions and healing time. That said, I just got back from my post-op appointment and all is well. Down almost 15 pounds and thrilled! My first fill is June 3. Disappointed I have to wait so long! Good luck all having surgery today! Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Mimdore - welcome! You will do great. I truly believe the toughest part is making the decision to have the surgery. Just make sure you have a great support network (we're all here and leaning on each other!), drink plenty of fluids and stay focused on the prize! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

I found another protein shake that is proving to be a winner at Costco. It is "Premier Nutrition Protein". They sell it by the case, 18 11 oz. ready-to-drink "juice boxes" in chocolate. I serving is 30 grams of protein and on 160 calories. I like the convenience of it being ready to drink. It'll make for a great snack at work on those days when I am really craving something and know I just need a protein fix.

Is anyone else finding it hard to regulate their body temp since being banded? I am freezing all the time! Walked around today with winter house shoes, three layers and still couldn't stay warm. I know it isn't massive weight loss like some of the posts I've read - I'm only down about 10 pounds since my surgery. What's going on? I hate to be cold!

I am feeling good. Port site is tender and I am still getting used to the feeling of something foreign inside of me. Once my insides adjust and the swelling goes down, I am sure it is going to be nothing. I am not hungry at all...but have less energy than I wish I had. My doctor won't let me drive until after my post-op, so I am working from home this week. The urge for a nap is HUGE! How are you feeling?

You don't like the unjury? I bought the unflavored to mix with skim milk. Two splenda and some vanilla and it is pretty good. I also bought their chicken Soup to mix with chicken broth and have no trouble getting it down...just can't get it too hot or it gets all stringy...barf! Banded on Monday (4/12), cooked my hubby dinner tonight for the first time and seriously didn't want any. Maybe there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Good night all!

Hi all! I, too am an April Bandster Bunny. My surgery was Monday, 4/12, and I am so thankful to have found this site! I hope I can join the gang a little late. My surgery was at 7:30 a.m. and I was admitted into my room by Noon. I highly recommend staying overnight if you can. The care and attention from the hospital staff was AMAZING and it helped my family get a good night's rest before my coming home. I had a horrible headache from the anesthesia, which kept me in bed longer than I wanted (didn't get discharged until 7:00 p.m. on 4/13), and am now working through the gas pains. They really are uncomfortable! Moving is helping and I am trying to push myself to get out and walk. I am not hungry and doing ok with my liquids. Looking for variety, but not missing texture yet. My doctor required me to get unjury Protein, which mixes really well with milk, broth, etc. and is making it easy to get my required 60g in each day. I'd also recommend a little incision pillow to clutch when you need to cough, turn, etc. It has been a lifesaver as I am afraid to cough as hard as I need for fear of blowing my incision open (silly, I know) but the pillow helps. I look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you all! After reading all of the posts, I feel like we're definitely kindred spirits!

Hi all! Surgery was Monday and I am finally starting to feel like my old self. Anesthesia gives me the most horrible headaches, so my recovery ended up being a little slower than it should have been. That's all behind me now and I am on my way! The surgery went like clockwork. Started at 7:30 I was in and out within 1.5 hours, in recovery for about three hours and admitted to my room by 1:00. The hospital gave my hubby a beeper to wear in the hospital so that he could be updated regularly with my progress (went it buzzed, go to any hospital phone, give the beeper # and be connected to the nurse - cool!). Because of the headache, I ended up in the hospital until about 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night. Tuesday was miserable and I pretty much laid in the room with the door shut, TV off and lights off to try to calm my head. Once they found the right Pain med to kill the headache, I got up, did a much-needed walk around the floor and ended up being discharged. There were no surprises (other than the headache) and it did go well. The CO2 is something I was probably not as prepared for by my doctor as I had wished, but others warned me about the pain. Just move as early as you can to work it loose and release it. It will take a few days for it all to work loose, so just be prepared for some pain. The doctor did give me a Rx for some orally-disintegrating Prevacid, which has helped. I am swollen and bruised (2 incisions), but have zero appetite. Getting my Protein shakes in, plus my Water, keeps me more than satisfied. I am sure that will change a bit once the swelling subsides, but for now, I am very pleased with my decision. I see my doctor next Thursday for post-op. Until then, no driving and home from work. It could be worse...:thumbup:

Hello all! I am new to the site and share many of the emotions of fear, excitement and all point in between. I started my journey over almost a year ago and after a failed start got connected with a surgeon I love and have completed six months of pre-op tests, classes and introspection. My surgery is Monday...less than five days away! I cannot wait and yet still cannot believe I am taking this step. Looking for some mentors, buddies, etc., that can help me make this the most successful journey ever!