rcain03@hotmail.com

Hey Swirl...I was banded on 7/8/2010 and at my 2wk checkup I was "disappointed and angry" that I had only lost 12 lbs.! Imagine that! My doctor thought I had flipped my lid! LOL...the thing is this...I knew what to expect and not expect...but, yet my mind was telling me I should be losing faster, or I wasn't doing good enough, or I wasn't exercising hard enough...I was driving myself crazy! Then my port incision got infected and I really felt bad...because we are so used to having something not go right or not being successful at losing weight...I think it is automatically in our brains to think this is just going to be another failure. My doctor put my mind at ease and gave me a reality check quick! I can say the first couple of weeks I had depression...its alot to deal with...one of my problems is that I used to turn to food for EVERYTHING! If I was happy, mad, sad, stressed...whatever...I ate! Now, I can't do that..and I was ill with everybody the first couple of weeks. I actually have to deal with my emotions now instead of stuffing them down my throat with food. Even old emotions from years ago started resurfacing...it was crazy! But, I can honestly say now that I cried it out and worked through it...I am good! I feel healthier today than I have in years. I go for my first fill Aug.19th and I am excited. I too have had alot of health problems...but, at least now I feel like I am taking control of my life back and I am doing something positive for ME! I would rather die "trying" than live not "trying at all". Good luck in your journey and I know that the CHF is hell on ya! Just know that even on your worst days...at least you have tried something to make a difference in your life. If you ever need to talk...feel free to message me or contact me on facebook! Ttyl...Rachel =)

self fill? really? that sounds really dangerous! I wouldn't even consider it...why do something so risky with your life? This is supposed to be about being healthy not taking unneccesary risks. I would assume somebody would be aware of the maintenance required with having a lap band before deciding to have a major surgery to receive it. Saving yourself a long drive is certainly not worth your life!

would love to have new bandster friends...feel free to add me! =)

I am definitely beginning to think that when it comes to doctors and meds..."less is more". I will keep you in my prayers for next weeks scan. Keep me posted on how it goes! Ttyl!

@Isa Bella...I totally understand how you feel with the exception of the cancer. I too, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia along with all the other stuff. My rheumatologist suspected I had cancer due to an extremely high SED rate I maintained and sent me for a whole body bone scan. During that, they found that I had hyperostosis frontalis interna..which is a thickening of the frontal bones of the skull..a sort of dysplasia..treatment consists of radiation, shunting, or (a wait and see) approach. I chose the wait and see approach..lol. The radiology tech freaked when I went through the machine because my head lit up like a christmas tree...lol...they have told me it is a rare condition that they do not see often...better known as Morgagni's Syndrome. Luckily, other than the obesity, diabetes, and headaches..I have not experienced any of the other bad symptoms of the disease. (crossing my fingers) As far as my back goes...I had microdiscectomy on my L4-L5 in 2005...the surgery did well for me for about 2 yrs. then I was referred to a pain center where I have had a total of 8 lumbar, caudal, sacro illiac joint, steroid epidural injections. My doctor also put me on this wonderful (not) drug called Elavil (amitryptilline) in a matter of months I packed on nearly 100 lbs. All I could do was cry. My hair was falling out after a stay in the hospital with diverticulitis and I felt like I was dying. I did good to get up out of the bed in the morning...most times I did not. I recently found out that the DDD has now traveled up to my C5-C6 where I now have bulging discs. I pray they hold out! Hence, why I am here today! I knew if I didn't do something...I was going to die! Since my WLS...I have stopped taking ALL of my medication..blood pressure, metformin, pain meds, stomach and colon meds! I feel better today than I have in 10 yrs! I exercise everyday, take a multi vitamin, and try to make healthier choices when eating. I look forward to my fill on the 19th to get that "extra" help. Believe it or not...my back has only hurt maybe two days since July 8th and it was only "sore"...and those were days I didn't really get moving! I feel stronger and healthier already and have lost at least 12 lbs. that I know of...I only weigh at my doctor's appointments...helps keep me from obsessing! I wish you all the health and luck in the world with your journey! And the way I see it is this...I would rather die "trying" than live not "trying" at all. If anyone of you are on facebook...feel free to add me on there and I would be happy to stay in touch! Good luck everyone and keep up the healthy living! :party:

For about 5 days after my surgery I did good to be able to eat 1/2 of a sugar free popsicle! I have an AP Large Band 14cc which was put in empty. I quickly found out that once my swelling went down...I was hungry! I get my first fill 8/19. I make sure I drink lots of water and eat lots of protein..that has helped me thus far in controlling my hunger. I also found www.livestrong.com and it is a great tool in helping you track your calories and fitness. I absolutely love it! Plus, it gives me something to focus on other than my hunger or emotional hunger! It's so hard to not be so demanding of ourselves after having had this surgery. The fear of failure is always there and not to mention all the people who know about it that are constantly asking "how much have you lost so far?". As if they think the years of weight will just magically disappear a week after surgery! LOL...I was really down on myself for "only" losing 12 lbs. at my first two weeks post op. My doctor thought I had lost my mind and had to give me a reality check. He said this is "bonus" weight I am losing right now until I get my fills, then that's when you will start to lose the weight. But, it takes time...just do your best to make healthier choices with food and exercise...your weight loss is sure to come! Good luck! =)

very well said! =)

www.livestrong.com helps me with calorie counting and calorie burns...it really has been a great tool for me...just type in what you ate and it figures it for you! =) Hope it helps!

Yall are awesome! The only time I have ever ran is when I seen a spider, snake, or someone was chasing me! LOL...My name is Rachel and I had my surgery July 8th. I was down 12 lbs at my two week post op check up. I go for my first fill Aug. 19th. I can't wait...I have done pretty well tracking my calories and exercise on www.livestrong.com It is a great tool to use! It has helped me tremendously! I weighed 316 lbs. the day they scheduled my surgery. I don't know how I managed to get myself there..but, I sure know I'm not ever going to be there again! I have alot to lose in pounds and even more to lose if I don't get these pounds off of me! I am 35 and in the last year five years I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disk disease for which I have had to have surgery for! I definitely want to get healthier for me and for my kids! I want to be around for them! Who knows...maybe when I knock this weight off...I might just join yall in that marathon! But, for now...I'm going to stick to my walking, elliptical, and weight circuit. =) Good luck on everyone's journey to a healthier life!

I was banded July 8, 2010 and I have lost 12 lbs. so far.

I had stitches and glue on my incisions. It did not bother me at all when my dr. removed my stitches...just a little sting on a couple of them.

Thanks Brenda! I am going to try that exercise! Hopefully, I can lift my legs in the air...lol

I, too have had the same fears about loose skin, etc. I am sure I will someday need plastic surgery to remedy it because I just don't think I will like it at all. But, I keep telling myself that I am losing this weight so that I will be healthy...I am different I suppose because I have always been the type that looked in the mirror and saw myself thinner than I was. Since, I have had this band...I now see something totally different...I know I am going to have issues with being thinner...lol...both good and bad! I have already started checking into plastic surgery and I am just getting started on this weight loss journey.

I have found Budweiser Select 55 has only 55 calories and very low carbs...so, when I do want to enjoy a beer or two I can without as much guilt. I also found Ocean Spray Lite Cranberry juice with only 40 calories and Tropicana No Sugar Added Orange Juice with only 50 calories per serving to use as mixers with vodka. Now mind you...I don't drink often...but, when I do...I try to maker wiser choices as far as caloric intake. Good luck with your journey!

Hi all. My name is Rachel and I was banded 7/8. I would love to have some lap band buddies! Good luck with your journey!

I was banded on 7/8 and had the same problem with bloating. I actually looked like the Michelin Man for the first week or so. I looked like I was wearing a tire around my upper stomach. I started taking Gas X and it has helped. But, exercise and lots of walking has helped me more than anything. I walk at least a mile a day and work out at the gym at least 3 days a week. My bloating has really went down but, I still have bad days where it swells up. Good luck with your journey and hope your bloating gets better!

Love it! I'm glad you posted this. I have my first fill 8/19. I have had pretty good restriction since my surgery on 7/8 but, I have begun to be able to eat more and that has worried me. I lost 12 lbs. at my first post op follow up and believe it or not...I was disappointed! For some reason...I think I am supposed to drop this miraculous amount of weight in a short period of time...even though I know this is not how it works. Anyways, your post made me feel better about all of this. Thanks! =)

My goals are: 1) Not have to shop in the "Plus Size" section anymore for my clothing. 2) Be able to go to the movies and not have to squeeze into the seat. 3) Be able to do whatever physical activities I want without the fear of being "too fat to do that". 4) Be comfortable in my own skin!

Way to go!!! We almost have the same stats. I was 316 when surgery was scheduled, 308 day of surgery, and today I was 302 at post op follow up. My surgery was 7/08/10. Good luck!

I can understand your frustration with your feelings right now. I had a similar experience a few years ago...way before my surgery. The guy from my "past" made me feel things I had not felt in a long time with my husband. We actually had "fun" together and had so many things in common. We could talk all night long and never run out of things to talk about. I actually gave into temptation when my husband and I were having some serious problems in our marriage. (Hubby was drinking alot and running around alot) So, I justified it in my mind as turn around is fair play. I actually left my husband so that I could "see" this other man. I had the time of my life for a short time...but, like the others have said...once the "excitement" wears off and the "newness" is gone...I found myself finding out quickly that this new guy wasn't as great as I thought he was. He had problems and faults just like my husband but, in different ways. So, in short...I learned really quick who really loved me "always" and went back to my husband. Now, we work through our problems together...even though there are times we fight it out...but, we stick it out. I guess that's what matters in the end..isn't it?? Of course, the other guy is long gone...but, I do still think about him from time to time...only now...I can see it for what it is/really was. Good luck to you and if you ever need to talk...I'm on facebook! Welcome to Facebook

Well, not to encourage going against your dr's orders...but, I too...stuck to the liquid diet for 5 days post op and was so light headed with my heart racing...I thought I would pass out. So, I ate some tuna and felt alot better. Then, I tried chicken breast in the food processor with a tsp mayo and relish to make a salad of it and also did fine. Now, I can eat just about anything so far..but, I have not tried regular bread. I am only able to eat a few bites and I feel full. I drink water only or with crystal light packets. I was banded July 8, 2010 and have lost 20 lbs thus far. I do exercise by walking daily. I go for my first follow up visit tomorrow and I do plan on telling my doctor that I have been eating. I will say this...if it weren't for the few bites I eat each day...I would not be able to have the strength to exercise. Of course, this is what has worked for me so far and each person is different. But, I just thought I would let you know my story because alot of people will crucify you if they think you are not following exact orders. I will let the scale be my judge though. Good luck in your journey! =)

I was banded July 8, 2010 and have lost 20 lbs. so far. I kind of feel stupid now for being disappointed in the fact that is all I have lost so far. I had alot of swelling after my surgery with gas but, that has subsided and I am still having good restriction. I go for my first post op visit this Friday. I am not sure what to expect. I do know this...I think we tend to be very hard on ourselves because we are so afraid of "failing" at this weight loss journey. I feel "obligated" to lose the weight now or risk being embarrassed that I had surgery and still couldn't lose weight! Plus, I know I feel like everyone is "watching" and of course...they always ask.."How much weight have you lost so far?". I know they mean well...but, it sure is alot of pressure to "lose" up to everyone's expectations! Good luck with your journey!

I was just banded on July 8, 2010. I too, have experienced those sharp pains mainly near the incision at my naval and to my left side where my port is. I asked my doctor about it and they told me that is from where they stitch your port to your stomach muscle there and that's why when you move a certain way or use that muscle you feel that pain. I have also found that it worsens if I bend at the waist which I have been doing and I "know" that is one of the things we are not supposed to be doing post op. Ice packs did help me alot but, from what my doctors office told me...it is a fairly common thing that happens and tends to stay with you for quite some time. Good luck on your journey!! :tt2:

Luckily, I only had to take pain meds on day 2 and 3. I am still having passing pain but, not enough to justify taking the meds. I burp alot as well. I think you just don't realize how much air you swallow until your stomach is so much smaller. I am definitely having to adjust to it and train myself not to take in so much air. Gas-X really helped me alot. I was swelling so bad I looked like the Michelin Man with a tire around my upper stomach! ..lol..It was awful! Thankfully that is resolving itself now as well. Well, thanks for responding and good luck! =)

I am one week post op and I had extreme bloating/gas that I could not get rid of. My doc said it was from them blowing your stomach up with gas during the procedure and to walk..walk...walk! It helps get it out of your system. I also started taking gas-x and it has really helped me out alot! I had my surgery July 8, 2010...stayed overnight in hospital due to insurance requirements...but, had no complications. Day 2 and 3 was the worst for me as far as pain then it has subsided each day. Now, I am mainly just sore at my port site incision and naval incision. I sometimes have a sharp pain near my port site but doc said that was normal because my port is stitched to the muscle there. I stayed on clear liquids through day 5 fairly easy with no hunger. But, I became very light headed and my heart was fluttering on day 6 and I ate a few bites of mushy food with no bad side effects. (not supposed to do that until 4th week post op...but, I can't help it! It has made me feel better and I haven't overdone it...I have been extremely careful!) So, far I have had no vomiting or sliming...so...I guess I'm ok. I have my first post op visit 7/23/2010. According to my scale at home I am down at least 20 lbs. but, I won't be sure of that until I weigh in on the docs scales. At the time of scheduling my surgery I weighed 316, surgery day 308, 1 week post op 285 (according to home scale). I have been rather moody/down...I think its because I am being too hard on myself and expecting too much too soon. Plus, I ate when I was happy, mad, sad, depressed, really for any reason..lol...now I can't! So, I feel rather lost all the time. I'm sure I am just adjusting to a new way of life with the band. Well, that's my story! Good luck with your journey! :sad: