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Has anyone found a great skin cream/moisturizer that will help that saggy skin shrink up quicker? I know it takes time, but I hoped there might be something I can start using now that will help along the way. Advice, anyone?

Okay, I probably need to let go of my current "I'm not restricted" state of mentality. I've had 2 fills and have expected some sort of different sensation that will make me eat less. After reading all the above posts, I realize that I have been feeling several things that may be the definition of "restriction": I am having to eat more slowly or I will feel instant pressure. I avoid a very small number of foods (pasta and most bread) because they are hard to chew up and lead to the aforementioned pressure. I haven't been "stuck" yet, because the pressure is enough to make me stop what I'm doing. I am eating very much less than pre-Band. Last night's dinner was half a piece of salmon, probably 2-3 oz., 2 asparagus, and 1 baby potato. Note to self, MUST also chew potatoes well, or they will go on the no-no list! Another important thing I've learned, and maybe I just need to start telling myself this everyday, is that Cookies can be chewed up and go right over the speed bump, no problem. Solid Proteins take longer to chew, and stick around for a lot longer, thus keeping you full for a LOT longer. So do I want 2 cookies RIGHT NOW, or will I choose a Protein and not feel hungry for a while? It's a daily battle.

You are the only one who can answer that question, but 177 lbs. is looking PRETTY good from way up here! Congrats on your success.

It will be over soon! Check out that ticker!

The list of "stages" is pretty accurate so far! Getting cold feet is definitely part of it. I am 2 months post op and very happy with where I am. I have had 2 fills but don't feel a lot of restriction yet. However I eat a LOT less than I did pre-Band. I have learned that if I choose to eat the goodies I like (hello, chocolate!), I will be losing slower than if I didn't. So you have choices to make. Some days I walk right by the goodies, some days I don't. Today was a good day: my son gave me a big hug, stepped back in shock and said, "ohmygod, you have disappeared!" His arms go all the way around me with ease now. You have a lot of moments like that to look forward to!

The CVS brand are good too, and less chewy than Tootsie Rolls, so easy to eat. Great price too, but I bet the Kirkland's beats it.

Yes! Right after surgery, I hiccuped and burped a lot. Now, I might hiccup or burp if I drank or ate something too fast. Taking smaller sips and waiting a little longer in between MIGHT help (your stomach is mad at you right now), but you might just have to ride out this phase. It will get better!

Did you have a hernia repaired too? That caused the most discomfort for me, although it's not really in the area you described. Strangely, I hurt several inches below my port for a few weeks, especially when I bent over. Physician assistant said it was normal.

thu, a PB is a 'productive burp' when your food pops back up because it can't go down. I've never felt it, thank goodness! I get a lot of pressure in my mid-chest area when I don't chew something good enough for it to go down, and that is my cue to slow down and chew more, or stop the food altogether. Pasta is my #1 no-no right now. It's just something that you can't break down that well. If you need something solid, try something like tuna salad that mashes up really easily. And take small bites!!

My favorite cereal which I literally ate almost every single day last year, is Frosted Mini Wheats. I crushed it up and tried it once about 4 weeks after surgery. It created a lot of pressure as soon as I started eating it, which tells me that it is not getting chewed enough. I miss it, but it seems to me to be not worth the trouble to chew it endlessly.

That's awesome! It took me forever to make it from 23 lbs. lost to my first goal of 25, but it was Christmas time and I was eating Cookies in addition to good stuff. Keep it up!

While I don't read most posts, I can say that when I see the same questions being asked repeatedly, it lets me know that the subject is something many people experience, and I feel like what I'm experiencing must be somewhat normal, and not something to stress about.

I take a CVS adult gummy Vitamin, 2x the daily dosage. I also take the Viactiv calcium chews, and vitamin D supplement because mine was low when tested. I found a little teeny gel capsule vitamin D that goes down no problem, also a CVS. I have been walking on a treadmill. When I started, doing anything was hard, and today I walked 2.5 miles! My only exercise goal is to do a little bit more today than yesterday. More than the weight loss, I am seeing a difference in my clothes. My jeans are just about to fall off my butt. I will put on my sweats and laugh myself to the clothing store the day they won't stay on me!

This is going to be my new mantra! I know when I've had enough food, but sometimes continue to eat because I want "just a little bit more..." I know I WAY overfilled at lunch yesterday. And I do realize that it's mostly mental, but that realization is always much clearer when I'm not sitting at the table. I do have a helpful hiccup/burp reaction when I'm full, also when I eat the right amount but too fast.

I got super-into cooking, and cooking shows, while I was on my pre-op diet too. I couldn't figure it out. Now post-op I am enjoying finding things I can cook that are good for me and please my family also.

Don't give up, B*town Girl! It's only the beginning of what is going to be a long journey. Maybe talk to your dr.'s nurse and see if you are getting enough protein and calories in.

Like Leigha and Swan said, it is a time to get ready. I considered it time to practice eating/drinking slowly and in small amounts, before my body was put under the stress of the surgery. After I had surgery, I was pretty used to taking small sips and taking a while to finish my shake or drink. Then it was easier once I started on food, to think about taking smaller bites. The popsicles helped me get through the feeling of "I must eat SOMETHING! I had Dr. Kim too and my surgery went very well. Best to you!

I did the same thing and it took me a while to figure out that I was just drinking too fast. I slowed down and it went away.

My suggestion is Hummus from....wherever hummus comes from! I think it's a Mediterranean thing. I grabbed the first recipe I found online that looked like the one I use..it is usually served with pita bread, but I like it straight from the spoon. It might be good on cucumbers. The garbanzo Beans have protein! Ingredients: 1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans 1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas 3-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste) 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil Preparation: Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus. Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).

Look, Pat! There's already movement on your ticker! That's a good enough reason to continue, right? I got really nervous when I started the pre-op diet, and spent a while wondering if "I should really do this." I thought about it for a while and decided that it was my fear of letting go of something I've been hiding behind. Either that, or it's just such a MAJOR life changing decision. I remember my first thought when I found out I was pregnant with my first child (we had been trying), was "omg, can I really do this? Am I ready for this?" And of course it was the best thing I ever did. Best wishes, Deb

Congrats, PhilC! Let us know how you are doing.