kab1278

I am sorry you hurt so much. I never had any pain associated with the actual surgery. My pain came from the CO2 gas they pump in and can't get out. Ow wee did it hurt! I found gas pills and the such didn't help much. Walking really was the best thing that helped the gas pains, for me. And I see on here that many people say the same. As far as using the bathroom, that is normal. The anesthesia slows everything down, including your bowles. It could take awhile to get back to normal. My doctor told me to use Miralax or Colace. I just bought the generic version of Miralax and that took care of things. Also, many people on here drink a tea called Smooth Move Tea by Traditional Medicinals. They even have chocolate flavor. Oh...and hydrocodone connstipates too. So as soon as you are feeling better physically and can cut them down or out all together, I would. Hope that helps! Good luck!!

I have been banded since 8/24 and have not once thrown up. I have taken a bite of too dry pork that made me uncomfortable for 15 minutes. It felt like a place below my sternum was very irritated and closed off. That is the best I can describe it. I think the reason why I haven't had any worse issues than that onee time of being very uncomfortable is that I am very cautious. I listen to my doctor, nutritionist, and what people say on here and out it into practice. They say little bite, I take a little bite. They say make sure the meat is tender and moist, and I make sure it is (after that one ooops). Don't be afraid of the food. Just be careful and follow directions, and I bet you'll be just fine! Oh...and I have no idea how big the opening is. Sorry.

I was banded 8/24 and had my first fill a few weeks later. I didn't have any restriction and was dying for the 6 weeks until my second fill to pass. Well, I got my second fill today, and boy did it take! I can eat and drink just fine, but am I slowed down! I think I'll stick with soft foods for the next day or two and then back on regular food. I am hoping my weight loss gets going now!!! When you finally get some restriction, does it loosen up a bit with time? Just curious.

I don't know about that because I have only been banded since August, but I def. call your doctor. Never too careful. Good luck!!!

I was banded 8/24 and my scars are a pretty vibrant red considering how very pale I am. I am a redhead so paleness is part of the package! I use Vit. E oil also as my PCP thought the scars were a little bumpy. She felt the oil with massage would help smooth them. But she also warned to keep them out of the sun or they would get worse. And when I lose my weight, I plan to rock a bikini, scars and all! :laugh: I figure if I work this hard to lose the weight, anyone who wants to stare at my scares can because I'll be at a good, healthy weight lookin' fine! Haaaa!

Here is a recipe I found and plan to try. As long as I thin the crust out a bit so it is a bit crispy, I think being able to eat it as a meal would be east going down. It has a good review rate at Taste of Home, so...fingers crossed! http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Veggie-Pizza-with-Herbed-Tomato-Crust

I was banded Aug. 24 and have been the same as you every day since. Either I can't use the bathroom, or I can use it "too well", and I never know which day will be which problem. I have tried all of the OTCs and the only things that have given me relief when I cannot go were suppositories. But of course, those fix a current problem but does nothing to keep the problem away. However, sometimes you just need the relief even if you know it won't help tomorrow. And the good thing about them is you know when you will "go" (usually 15 to 60 minutes) whereas other OTC products could start working when there is no bathroom around. I even switched from Water to calorie-free Powerade so I would throw my electrolytes off and walk ALL the time. I went to my PCP and she disgnosed me with IBS and has started me on a Rx. We'll see what happens. I wonder if having this or any surgery is known to sort of "set off" IBS symptoms. Hmmmm? I hope you feel better soon!

I would love an instant hot chocolate that we bansters can drink without killing our calories. This morning, I did have a regular cup as that is all I have and the sugar is CRAZY! But I have really been wanting chocolate, so it is my treat for the week. I helped a little by using mostly Water and FF dry milk to make it creamy. With all the diet hot chocolate choices out there, what is your favorite? Do you do anything to them to make them an extra special treat? Thanks!!!

Thanks Apples2! I def need to get some because my chocolate craving has been NUTTY!!! How I didn't buy a dark chocolate bar at the grocery store yesterday, I do not know. But hot chocolate will make all the difference!

I'd prefer to not to spend more than $100 (less is best) because money is tight. WalMart seems to have nice ones for $30-$40. Thanks!!!

Wow guys! Thanks! It looks like the personal blender might be the way to go! I appreciate your help!!

I have to drink soy-based shakes because the whey-Protein shakes cause a sickly-sweet taste in my mouth that lasts for days. While the GNC brand chocolate whey-Protein Shakes were good, I just couldn't deal with the aftertaste. So now I use soy based shakes. They are good but not quite as chocolatey. So I add 1 tbs SF chocolate Jello powder and the shake is more of a treat! I just wanted to say thanks for that great tip...whomever you are!!!

I have been following my diet and exercising but haven't lost any weight beyond the initial pre-surgery diet and right after surgery. However, I haven't lost any weight since. Surgery was 8/24. I know all experiences are individual, but many people seem to be losing some weight while waiting for their sweet spot fill. Should I be losing weight, even just a teenie bit, or does that not really start until my sweet spot fill? Thanks!!!

I had my first fill 2 days ago, and while I certainly have to pay more attention to eating smaller bites to keep from getting "clogged", I can still eat the same volume of food as before the fill. And I am still quite hungry. Anyone else have this experience?

I am interested in a cottage cheese dessert beyond granols, or berries.

I LOVE Jif PB, but between 16 grams of fat for a 2 tbs. serving as well as 190 calories for the same serving size, it just isn't something I can have very often because...well...that is 200 calories! Does anyone have any suggestions for an alternative that has the same basic taste and consistency as Jif? I always expect there to be some difference in products as far as taste and consistency when we LapBanders are looking for alternatives, but a girl can only go so far! :biggrin: I am completely open to peanut spreads as well as almond spreads and don't really care if they they have to be stirred with each use. Thanks a million!!!

Couldn't agree more. People think the band is an easy fix, but I haven't worked so hard to educate myself, eat well, and exercise in my life. I just hit "the line" of 100 lbs to lose and the aching in my knees and back and a history of weight related anxiety helped get me approved. So I was just asking about how "the line" is different for different people...not the appropriateness of surgery. I have never understood why doctors don't use helps such as surgery and Rxs to help patients lose weight, when all the doctors do is tell you how unhealthy the weight is. What is going to hurt me worse...a surgery that is done by a professional who follows my healing closely/Rxs or extra weight?! Silly doctors and insurance. :tongue_smilie:The WEIGHT is going to hurt my health!!!

I always thought you had to have 100 pounds to lose, taken into consideration with BMI and comorbidities. I see some people who only have 60 pounds to lose, and to only have that much to lose but fit into the medical standards I know of, you would have to be a bit on the shorter side. I am certainly not knocking anyone. If you need the help, nothing has worked, and surgery is safe, I am ALL for it. I know the frustrations of weight loss all too well. And I wish everyone great, healthy weight loss. :laugh:

Dear Lord! Teach me your secrets!!! I am eating right, exercising, and doing all that I am supposed to but am no where close to you! :laugh: I have had one fill but know that once we get my fills in place, I'll be just fine. For the first week and a half after surgery, I lost a pound a day and LOVED it! You keep at it as once you add regular food your loss may slow a bit...but remember how well you've done now and it will all fall back into place. You look great!!!

Yes. I was talking about the sugar free Jello pudding. :laugh: I have seen recipes for Orange Creme shakes using orange Jello Gelatin too! Use your milk, vanilla Protein powder, a tablespoon or two of the Jello gelatin powder and some vanilla extract. Sounds good to me!!! Here is a link that another Bandster posted earlier with a lot of ideas. Some ingredients wouldn't really be for us, for we can just omit as needed. Bodybuilding.com - Protein shake Recipes - Huge Selection Of Great Tasting Mixes - Bodybuilding.com Writer

Thanks guys!!!

So happy to know you are feeling so well! My incisions or port never caused me pain. They were tender from bumps in the car or, if you can believe this, walking on gravle. (How odd!) But no surgical related things caused me pain. I ate well and 1 and a half months out have never thrown up. The only pain I had, and it was significant, was the gas caught under my left shoulder, and sternum. The Co2 they put in you to make your abdomen larger for a safer surgery causes this kind of pain. If you develop it, walk, walk, walk. That helped me the most and is what most people seem to say on here. Do everything we bansters are to do and lets hope it keeps you feeling great! Good luck!!!

One of my favorites is an egg white and cheese deli flat. 2 egg whites=34 cal. 7.2g Protein 1 slice Kraft 2% American cheese=45 cal. 4g protein 1/2 Pepperidge Farm Deli flat, 7 grains= 50 cal. 3 g protein -I use 1/2 of the deli flat because 2 was a bit more bread to eat than was comfortable. I do toast the deli flat well just to make eating all that easier. Tomatoes, spinach, turkey sausage or a Morning Star patty would ba a great addition. Right now this doesn't completely fill me up, but I have only had 1 fill and am still looking for a sweet spot. Oh...and I usually pair the sandwich with 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese and 1/4 cup lite peaches. :biggrin:

I am SO there with you on just digging in! Or with peaches...Yummy! I am just so stuck in a rutt and eat so much cottage cheese everyday that I am looking for something a bit different. And since my printer isn't working, coping down a bunch of new recipes by hand seems tedious. What did we do before computers?! Haaa!!!:biggrin:

I too have suffered the same thing. Sometimes it is so bad that I am even embarassed infront of my husband and go running to my bathroom to take care of it. I have found gas pills to work well, as long as I keep up on them. And Gas Ex has dissolveable strips if swallowing pills are a bother. But I just use 2 of the generic kind from my drug store and that helps. As far as your boss goes, if you are able, I'd ask to talk to her and explain you are currently dealing with a medical problem after surgery (does she know about the Band?) and one side effect is gas. Assure her you are trying to take care of things and you greatly appreciate her patience and understand during this difficult and embarassing time. Hope that helps. :thumbup: