Butterfly10

I noticed on some of the response to these blogs that the "Superwomen" out there forget to put their "grace" cape on for the day. Please know that there are MANY more people that feel the way you do about this journey than the critical, self-righteous others. I for one, am right along with you. I would never have gotten this procedure if I could control my eating to begin with! It sure would have saved me a hellavalot of money (10k out of pocket). I hope you know that your blogs are important to me! I need to know that there are others out there that are experiencing the same emotions and behaviors that I am going through right now. I am following you dear! Keep up the exceptional work!

It has been three weeks since my surgery and I was approved for soft foods last week. My problem is that my appetite is back with a vengance and I dont know how to control it. I can eat pretty much aything I want without any negative side effects and that is very scary for me! I dont want to gain any weight before my fill which is scheduled for June 9th. Any suggestions on how to stick with "the program" until the fist fill?

When i go in on Wednesday, I am going to let them know that I can eat like a horse without any adverse side effects. Hopefully they will adjust the band accordingly. I have gained almost 5 pounds back since surgery!! Damn!!

I ate like there was no tomorrow at El Fenix tonight. I actually couldnt believe that I was able to digest all that food at one sitting. My husband didnt say a word at dinner but I knew what he was thinking. I was thinking the same thing too - Why are you eating so much!!! I have to get my head straight before my first fill or I am going to be in trouble. :frown:

Have you tried Muscle Milk yet? I took a road trip to Austin last weekend and I forgot to pack my chocolate Whey Protein mix. I have to tell you that the chocolate muscle milk is pretty good. You can buy it in 20 grams of protein or 25 grams of protien. The other good thing about it is that you dont have to buy a pack of 6 and waste your money if you dont like it. Most convenience stores carry it in the refrigeration section and you only have to buy the 20 ounce bottle. If you dont like chocolate, they also have a couple other flavors.

Thank you so much for posting your blog. I am in the exact same position. I am absolutely terrified of the fact that I can pretty much eat whatever I want and I too know that before my first fill (June 9th) the scale will have gone up a couple pounds. It is such a mental thing with me and why I chose to eat the way I do. That is part of the reason why I wanted to let the whole world know about my surgery and pretty much did. I have told everyone at work, my family, friends, etc. My thinking was that if I told everyone then I would be held accountable for choices and behaviors that I make with food. Also, people who I spend time with will understand and want to help me succeed but motivating me to make good food choices. Now I am not sure that was such a good idea. I am a cash patient. Spending over 10k out of pocket for this surgery so my husband is also looking at where the the money is going (so to speak). Now I am getting asked every other day what the scale says and I am only 4 weeks post-op! I lost 19lbs since the pre-op diet, I fear that I have set a precedence for dramatic results in a short time. Not everyone understands the difference between the types of surgeries available for weight loss so most of my friends and co-workers are looking for me to be skinny by the end of summer! Yeah - right!! I guess my next task is educating everyone on the differences between the lap-band and gastric bypass procedure. It sounds as if we were banded around the same time and i look forward to reading about your progress. Good luck and God bless!! You are in good company!!

Hi ya'll, I have been in severe pain since my surgery on May 6th and during my follow-up appointment today I was informed that the surgical center called in to my pharmacist, a prescription anti-inflammatory pill instead of an appropriate pain medicine. Basically, the pain medication that I have been taking over the last 10 days has started to errod my stomache lining when it is still healing from the lap-band surgery. They also refused to do a swallow today. I fear because it would just show the deterioration. I am in tears right now thinking to myself - how did this happen? Why wasnt someone careful enough to call in the appropriate presciption for my post-op healing? I am needing advise on how to proceed with this new found information. Any advise is appreciated. :rolleyes2:

Okay, I called the doctor's office again and they told me that Toradol or Keterolac is typically prescribed to patience who have allergies to hydrocodone types of medicine. Has anyone else out there received toradol for pain management at post-op and had any problems with it?

Well you have inspired me with your DETERMINATION!! I knew that this wasn't going to be an easy road. What about weight loss really is? I find comfort in knowing that there are those like you who are willing to put it all out there in an effort to help the next lap-band patient. You sound like a busy parent just like me and I look forward to hearing about your journey on your new plan. I will definely be watching your blogs in the days, weeks, months to come! Take care and God Bless!!

Last night I couldnt sleep at all due to severe pain deep within my chest and surgical wound area. I am 12 days post-op and this is the very first time I have had this kind of pain. The only thing that would releive it is if I sat upright. Any slight movement of my head or body to the right or left and it would shoot stabbing pains throughout my chest area. Burbing has also been a big issue and the pain that follows my burbing episodes are unbearable. I thought I did my homework prior to the surgery but I never once read anything like this. Can someone please tell me that these pains will eventually go away?

Thank you SO much for sharing your story. Love the Percocet relief! Might need to get my mom to give me one of hers - lol!! Your story makes me feel like I am not alone in all this. My hubby is so supportive but really can't do anything for the pain I am in. Took a look at some of you photos. You look GREAT! Funny but we look a lot alike! I dont have my pictures posted yet. Trying to get that done this week. Thanks again for the reply. Take care!

I thought becuase I was only eating about 300-500 calories each day that I would certainly have some significant pounds dropped post-op. Unfortunately, I have only lost about 2 pounds since last Thursday (surgery date). Total weight loss is roughly 15 pounds. It's going up and down daily so I thought I would lay off the scale for a couple days and try to only weight once a week. I am just SO anxious to start seeing some significant changes! :smile:

Thank you SOOO much for the advise. I'll do it. In fact, I just gulped down 25 grams of my whey protein drink. I'll keep you posted.

Just got banded on May 6th. My surgeon wrote a book and suggested I read it prior to my surgery. Read it once pre-op and reading it for the second time post-op.They say that one of the emotions we will go through is sort of like an amicable divorce. Just like you described, losing a good friend. I am discovering this right now as well. My best friend was food for 30 years so I am a little mad at myself for fostering such an unhealthy relationship. One reason why I found out I had this close relationship is becuase it was so dependable. Now, I really need to focus on other resources and supports to lean on to get me through tough situations. And this outlet (blogging) is a BIG one. My goal is to keep posting and getting out thoughts in writing - even if I think it is stupid or worthless. Using my fingers for typing rather than putting food in my mouth is a positive action toward my goal. I pray for your steadfastiness in this journey and look forward to your next post! FHL! (Faith, Hope, and Love) Butterfly 10

Hi Ya'll! I just got banded this past Thursday and I have to say that I wasnt expecting the gas pain that has come along with the recovery. Just wondering what suggestions anyone out there can give me to get through this. I am expected back to work on Tuesday and I am not sure I can do it. :smile:

Thanks ya'll!! Today was SO much better. I was up walking around most of the day yesterday and took my Gas X faithfully (along with some pain meds). I feel alive!! I am not going to go back to work until Tues (even though I do have a desk job). Funny, those skeptics at work who kept telling me not to have it done (it's a horrible decision they say) also told me that I would probably need to be off for weeks. At least that is what THEIR "bariatric surgeon" told them. Incidentally neither had the procedure as insurance denied them as well. I just happen to have a super, wonderful, and loving husband that allowed us to use some savings to get this done. Can you believe the haters are even around during the pre-op period?!! Doesnt matter though, God and my loving family are behind me 100% and that is all anyone needs when going through this lifestyle change. FHL (Faith, Hope, and Love) to everyone - Good night!!

Hi Ya'll! I just got banded this past Thursday and I have to say that I wasnt expecting the gas pain that has come along with the recovery. Just wondering what suggestions anyone out there can give me to get through this. I am expected back to work on Tuesday and I am not sure I can do it. :cursing:

How are you doing? I got banded the day after you (May 6th). Have you had any problems with gas pain?

I am on Day #2 of my pre-op, clear liquid, diet. This liquid stuff really sucks. I am only taking in about 400-500 calories a day becuase I absolutely cannot stand the protein shakes. The only thing that is getting me through it is my family. They are awesome cheerleaders!!I noticed that many of you have a 2 week pre-op diet to follow where I only have to go one week. My surgery is scheduled for May 6th. Yeah!! I really wonder how effective a liquid diet is in shrinking the liver as I have heard of so many different pre-op diet plans that all intend to do the same thing.