hiddnstar

Ive lost an elephant's penis --- didnt know I had one! and a rack of baby back ribs. During November and December and kept losing an average human brain over and over again, but back on track now. After a fill in late December, I lost a Chihuahua and feel so much better!! Altogether I need to lose the amount of trash you throw away in a month, but I would really like to lose an average adult woman. I could be satisfied with losing a baby giraffe. We'll just have to see. ~hiddn

Don't know if you are still here to read another response, but to answer your question yes my taste buds seem to be different. And my nose! food is more intense in flavor, seems to have too much salt, and there are days when everything stinks -- smells like fish. My beloved coffee, now decaf, tasted like poison for a while and occasionally still does. I don't drink, so cant comment on that specifically. I do hope the nurse told you a smaller amount of alcohol will have a bigger effect now that you are banded. But it sounds like you did ok, anyway. Typing here, just like emails, can be hard to put into words exactly what you mean to communicate--especially since no one can hear your tone, hesitation, or inflections. And can be interpreted and misunderstood so easily and hard feelings created when none of that is intended. I think this thread went downhill fast and Im sorry about that. I think most people who post here, including those who try to voice their concerns for fellow banders decisions, are trying their best to be supportive. And are actually very supportive and compassionate people when someone else reaches out. My advice for all banders is to give yourself the very best foundation for success possible right from your first consultation with the doctor. Ive had trouble letting my favorite old habits encroach on my new lifestyle and regretted allowing that to happen--for me it only took one time to roll right back into the very thing Ive gone to such extreme lengths to change! Im halfway to my goal, feeling really good about that, on a roll -- and just last week my doctor told me we have a long way to go. Im not letting that comment discourage me; he knows it gets tough after the honeymoon. I can only hope Im tougher So I hope you are able to get the support you want for the long haul and hang in there no matter what! ~hiddn

So glad you wrote about this! I too have not invested in new bras. Just today i got measured and I ordered 2 bras off amazon. Your deal at Ross and Marshalls cant be beat! ~hiddn

hi I went to Penney's today and got measured. Ive gone from a 48-c to a 42-b! How are you feeling now that you are banded? ~hiddn

Ive ordered tofu, tapioca pudding, creamy soup. My sister suggested keeping a packet of instant soup or cream of wheat in my purse and ordering hot water (like for hot tea). I tend to eat the same things a lot, so not particularly creative at this time. ~hiddn

hi I was banded in July, 2010. I had my gall bladder out 1 year before having my band. For me it is not especially comparable, but if I had to choose I would say the gall bladder surgery was worse. I kept a close written record of pain meds and made sure to take them on time until I didnt need them --- so I never experienced a whole lot of pain with either surgery. I had 1 surgery each summer for 3 years in a row (with lap band being last) and I think all of that caught up with me a little bit. I found my stamina was hard to recover with this last surgery and I was just plain tired for a couple of months afterward. I agree with other banders who say it feels different internally and, of course, food wise. With the gall bladder surgery I could experiment to see what food did ok. And knew I could try any foods I wanted. Not so with the banding so far. The incisions for both surgeries were the same type, but more of them for the band. For me the incisions for the band were much more comfortable (I had different surgeons for each surgery). What was very uncomfortable for me was the extreme restriction of food for two weeks post op. Clear liquids for me. I was not prepared for two whole weeks of clear liquids the doctor ordered because his office staff and nutritionist had told me only a few days of clear liquids, then full liquids, then mushies etc. So two weeks seemed nearly impossible. I got extremely hungry and waves of hunger pangs would course thru my body...BUT I am so thankful for that experience now. It changed my relationship with hunger. I am no longer afraid to get hungry!!! I can't tell you how valuable that is to me!! There are times, now, I actually prefer to be empty for a while. And it may become valuable to you, as well. Those two weeks were the worst part and it wasnt because of pain. And I ended up being grateful for those two weeks Also, it was NOT constant and unrelenting discomfort. There was joy and excitement and a certain pride. I did not have the port pain that some talk about. I hope this is helpful for you. Didnt want to white wash it. The surgery is a mix and very bearable. Keep up with your pain meds and remember you are doing this for YOU. One other thing I got from this journey is that I finally discovered a deep love for myself. By having this surgery, I intervened where no one else could. Good luck to you and keep asking questions! ~hiddn~

I was banded July 7, 2010. I have lost 60 pounds since May 5th and have 60 pounds to go! I believe I lost 20 pounds pre-op, so that would be 40 pounds since being banded in July. I get my 3rd fill tomorrow! ~hiddn

I love your positive attitude and outlook. thanks for the isopure tip. i will try that flavor. i dont know what flavor i tried before, but it was very not good! ~hiddn

Hi I remember those days, though I did not have dry heaving. My problem was being extremely hungry and having hunger pangs course through my whole body. I was on clear liquids for 2 weeks after surgery (which I hadnt expected). It DOES get better!! Hang in there and let your body heal. Let your body go through what it needs to go through as it heals. It is so important to lay the best foundation possible for the rest of the journey. I would lay in bed and just let the hunger course on through...then get up again. I was not good about getting out and walking because I was scared Id pass out or something (really felt starved), plus I was beat, very tired and worn out. I learned something very valuable for me about being hungry -- not sure how to put it into words, but I know I am no longer afraid to be hungry. And I hadn't realized that I had lived my life being afraid to be hungry --and thus kept myself full all the time. This too shall pass! and try not to focus on the "when". Let it happen when it happens!! ~hiddn

No. I took as little as possible. Mine was done out patient. I was banded in July and I wore a loose calf-length dress and sandals -- nothing else. The only thing I took extra was my new medical alert necklace that I was excited about wearing (it is part of my learning to accept the band, not required to have ). Be sure to take a small pillow in the car to help cushion the seat belt for the ride home! Congratulations on your decision to be banded and jumping through all the hoops successfully! ~hiddn

Hi Dave I found my whole relationship with food and hunger has changed -- for the better! I am enjoying food in a whole different way, now. It is hard to put into words. But please do not stress about the possibility that you will not like food or that nothing will taste good. Right now I am completely in love with Thai food! There is a curry dish that I get once a week and it lasts for several days because I only eat a little at a time. I also love hot cocoa made with coconut milk. Im so glad to hear you are sticking with the time table of when you can go to the next stage. That is very important for your healing and creating a healthy base to move on from. With the soft foods I would occasionally have a small amount of mashed potato and gravy. But mostly I focused on Protein and still do. For a while I found mashed potato and mashed avocado (in the same bite) was heaven! I think you will have fun discovering what you really like!! My odd symptoms have calmed down, thank goodness. And I think people just go thru weird things as their body adjusts. Patience comes in very handy. Do you have Muscle Milk Protein Water where you are? It is a hydrating liquid with 10 grams of protein. It's not bad tasting. I keep it in the refrig for when I wake up in the night and just want a sip of something. I have the raspberry. Keep on posting and I hope you'll let us know what foods tickle your taste buds along the way! ~hiddn

Hi Dave I, too, became lactose intolerant after surgery. For a while I found decaf coffee to be so bad, it was as though it was toxic. Now I can drink it and I put coconut milk in it. No problem with intolerance. Every once in a while I find everything stinks. Weird. My nose gets ultra sensitive. Sometimes everything smells like fish -- even chocolate! I also find that sometimes certain foods (and I never know what it will be) will seem very toxic to me -- taste bad, smell bad, or just a sense that my body does not want it. I do my grocery shopping by looking at the food Im thinking of getting and then paying very close attention to my body's response. If I feel a negative response, I don't buy the item. It works for me. I was banded July 7th. ~hiddn

Not really sure how to ask this, so I'll just blurt it out. I am 5 months out from being banded and cannot bear anyone elses weight on top of me. My port is sensitive. Has this been an issue for anyone else? Im not sure it will ever NOT be too sensitive. I also find myself automatically being very protective of the port area...which doesnt go over very well as you might imagine. And I miss that particular closeness. Thanks for any response! ~hiddn

Hi! Congratulations on your weight loss and going down to a size 14!! Wow! Id love to be a 14!! I, too, am happy with my decision to be banded. Ive had a hard time with discomfort and other sensations and lack of stamina. Im seeing a physical therapist about an old knee injury and she is teaching me some great things! On thing Ive figure out is that I have held my stomach in for years and I do it automatically. I have to pay attention and consciously relax those muscles. I am already feeling much better. I have had only 1 pb. That was enough. I now pay close attention whenever I eat something. Did you lose hair? I had a period of about two weeks where it seemed like I had a lot of hair coming out. But it cleared up. I still drink at least 1 Protein Shake a day. My favorite thing is that since I don't eat much, I can buy all organic! Ive always wanted to do that, but could not afford it before. I was denied my 3rd fill because the doctor said I was losing too quickly. I like losing 10 pounds a month, but he wants no more than 6. I will get my 3rd fill on Dec. 28th. Im looking forward to more restriction. Thanks for checking in!! I was banded July 7th. ~hiddn

On my pre-op diet I could have full liquids which included soups and pudding. I added unflavored protein powder to everything. I had cream of spinach soup which really filled me up and I added the protein powder. I didnt mind the pre-op diet at all until the 2 days of clear liquids only. Where I had a problem was in continuing the clear liquids only for 2 weeks after surgery. I was not told about that! The nutritionist and nurse in the doctor's office had said just 2 days and then full liquids again--they said most people just won't stay on clear liquids so they no longer tell people to do that!! The doctor himself, however, told me 2 weeks of clear liquids and that is what I did. If you are required to have only clear liquids, do yourself a favor and do exactly that. I am so glad I stuck with it even though it was hard. Your body will use the time to heal and it will give you the best foundation for being able to use the band. Im probably preaching to the choir, here...but thought Id say it anyway!!! Hang in there! Very much worth it. And remember, This too shall pass. ~hiddn

I thought this might be helpful info for some. It is a clear liquid and doesnt taste bad. I have only had raspberry. I like the hydrating and electrolyte qualities. Has anyone else tried this? Muscle Milk Protein H2O from Cytosport Hydrating Protein Beverage Muscle Milk Protein H2O from Cytosport is a great hydrating protein beverage. It's also an excellent source of protein, Fiber and electrolytes. Each serving contains 10 grams of pure whey isolate protein with 5 grams of fiber and a full spectrum of electrolytes. 60 calories. Muscle Milk Protein H2O is naturally flavored, sugar free and absolutely delicious and doing what Water was always intended to do– Rehydrate, Replenish and Refresh. Lactose and Gluten Free

I agree that maybe the problem is not ENOUGH calories. 800 sounds so very low. I don't know how it works, but I do know my weight stalls whenever I drink only protein shakes or I don't eat at least 1000 calories a day. I know science doesn't support this phenomenon, but I experience it myself and hear about it from others a lot. I wish some doctors would not automatically doubt their patients' reports. We need to be a team and be on the same page. Sounds like your doctor has some knowledge and understanding of a person needing adequate calorie intake for weight loss! ~hiddn

Me too! Thank you for sharing that. The most comfortable position for me is laying down. ~hiddn

Hi I was banded in July and am doing well with weight loss. However, I can feel the band. It is uncomfortable quite a bit of the time. It feels like a tight bra that has settled under my ribs. My doctor says I am especially sensitive to the band. I work mostly at a desk at my job and need to go lay down in my car during my breaks to relieve the discomfort. I do well on the weekends at home, mostly feeling pretty good though there is never a time that I am not aware of the band. My friends at work who are banded say they never even know it is there except when they eat. Is anyone else having a sensitivity to the band and have you found anything that relieves it? I am wanting the band taken out as soon as reasonable after i reach my goal, but am willing to be patient and hope the sensitivity lessons over time. Thank you for any input, suggestions, and insights you may have! ~hiddn

hi most people i talk to can feel their port. I havent had any problems there. i love your holiday ticker! hiddn

Glad to hear you dont feel either! Thats the way it's supposed to be Im still glad I got banded. Im just really wanting to find a way to work with it now that it's in there. Im so excited to be losing weight and it is now obvious to others and Im getting compliments!! But the discomfort of feeling the band kinda dampens everything. Funny thing is I feel pretty good on the weekends. Its the work days that are the most uncomfortable! thank you for answering my post. ~hiddn

Hi thank you for reading and answering my post. Im glad the sensation disappeared for you. Did it just disapate or did it go away all of a sudden? My doctor took another xray to see how the band is positioned and he says it is fine. Im hoping the sensation has to do with my habit of sucking in my stomach muscles -- life-long habit that Im no longer aware of doing. Yesterday I started focusing on noticing when I do that and then relaxing those muscles and Ive been feeling better. Though I still feel the band. Maybe I just need to be patient as my body adjusts and accepts the band. I really dont know. Thank you again for replying. ~hiddn

Thank you for your response! You are lucky to be married to a chiropractor. I wish I trusted someone enough to adjust it -- Im nervous trying to adjust it myself, afraid I'll make the band slip. Just yesterday I realized that all my life I have sucked in my stomach muscles out of habit. So I have been practicing relaxing my stomach muscles all the time. The sensation of my band is "better", but I can still feel it. Im hoping it will disapate soon. I really appreciated your response. I was starting to think I was some sort of freak or something. Im glad you found a solution for your discomfort! ~hiddn

The Muscle Milk protein water is not delicious, either, but you might water it down a little. At least it would take the edge off the emptiness by drinking some during that period of time where you can only have clear liquids. Even if you dont like it right now, it might be a good idea to have a bottle of Isopure or Muscle Milk protein water in your home -- just in case you change your mind during that particular period and just want something that might help, regardless of taste My relationship to food has changed so much since surgery. My relationship with hunger has also changed incredibly. Let it all change and dont fight reality and you will do yourself a favor. ~hiddn

Hi Are you looking for clear liquids or just any liquid protein drinks? I have had the clear protein water from Muscle Milk. It is not as bad as the Isopure and I wish they had had it when I was banded and could have only clear liquids. Otherwise, there are a ton of liquid protein drinks out there and you have to taste test to which appeals to you personally. At first I could not stand Muscle Milk chocolate shake, but after I bought the kind found in the refrigerated section at the grocery store, I came to really like it. And it is lactose free -- I had developed a temporary lactose intolerance problem. Unjury is good, however it is so thin that I don't care for it by itself. It has lots of protein but I do not feel satisfied. I think if you do a search on this website for protein drinks you will see a lot of suggestions. For me the roughest period was when I could have only clear liquids for about 12 days. If Muscle Milk protein water had been available, I would have had that. Hope this is helpful to you. ~hiddn