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I walked right by that issue and never looked back! I'm happy for them--they did it their way. I think it's one thing to become heavy at one time in your life due to major surgery that keeps you from exercising, a pregnancy, etc. and quite another to have fought weight gain since childhood. I didn't read their stories, so I don't know why they said they were overweight. I do know from a lifetime of experiences that there really is something wrong with the "wiring" in my body. The band is a tool that will help me outsmart my "short circuit." I'm not embarrassed that I got the band at all. I know it was the right thing for me to do!

Buy stock in Gas-X!

I am SO excited for you! I can't wait to see what the new year brings for you!

Since I haven't been back to work yet since my surgery, I'll throw this out there just for fun. I just got a rejection letter on Saturday from a job interview I went on about a month ago (I know, Happy New Year to me). It was a state job with excellent benefits and would have meant a substantial promotion (more money, more responsibility). I was qualified for the position, and the interviewers seemed happy with my responses to their questions during the interview. I couldn't help but wonder if my weight played a role in not getting the job. There! I said it! I think that people in a professional setting do not take me seriously because of my weight. By the way, one NSV for me was that I DID NOT stick my head into a vat of ice cream because I was rejected. I was certainly devastated because a job at this level doesn't open up very often. I boo-hooed a bit and decided that there must be something better out there waiting for me and that's why I didn't get the job.

I can't address the pain issue, but my breasts have been shrinking. They always do when I lose weight. Why couldn't my butt be shrinking? GRRR!

I always try to look on the bright side, so I'll say that I'm so happy for you that you have a supportive hubby who is willing to take you out dancing! You are quite blessed, indeed! You are not a weak person--we are literally starving right now! Make sure you are getting in enough protein to help you not feel as hungry (my goal is 90g per day as advised by my doctor). Drink your water, soups, etc. and don't give up! It will all be worth it!

My resolution is to KISS MY BIG OLD BUTT GOODBYE!

I think I own stock in Gas-X now! I've been taking one chewable tablet when I drink each protein shake. So far, so good!

I use Champion Nutrition Whey Protein Stack drink mix. I've been experimenting with different "add-ins" to enhance the taste. I've found that tossing in a couple spoonfuls of lowfat flavored yogurt or sugar free pudding mix before blending really improves the taste. The banana pudding flavor was the best I tried so far. Make sure whatever powder (or prepared liquid) you choose is low fat and low sugar.

Congratulations on being banded! I'm so glad things are going well for you so far! Get yourself some Gas-X to ward off the gas pains. I take one with each "meal." So far, no pains at all. Be sure you are getting enough protein. It'll help you feel full longer. Keep drinking to stay hydrated. You're doing great--keep it up!

Don't get discouraged! Just keep doing the things you should and the weight will come off! You can do it!

I would first double-check that you are still following your doctor's long-term dietary advice and that you are getting enough exercise. If the answers are yes, I'd talk with your doctor and your support group about other strategies you can use to get things kick-started again!

I'm not sure when you were banded, but I know a lot of folks have written about being extremely hungry just like they used to be from the post-op mushies stage until their band started being filled. The small pouch formed when the band is filled appropriately will fill up when you eat much smaller amounts and tell you that you are full! You have to be sure to eat and drink at the right times, though, if you want the band to work correctly. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations.

You might find that the swelling starts going down at about Day 9 post-op or so, which by my calculations means TODAY for you! Hope you start feeling better!

All I can contribute is that my whole abdomen was puffy after surgery. The top incision is used to insert a hose that inflates your abdominal cavity during the surgery so the doc can see what he or she is doing in there. I know, like we didn't look fat enough already! :omg: I'm at about Day 13 post-op now and the majority of this odd swelling has gone down. I agree with Jack's advice. If you see signs of infection, be concerned. Otherwise, you might just be temporarily "poofy!" ShyTexRose--get thee some chewable Gas-X! Eradicate those nasty bubbles!

My strips all came off by about day 9 or so as well. The one on my longest scar held on the longest, but it is off now, too!

I think I only had an EKG done to make sure my heart was working okay, so I can't help you there. I agree with Okiefamily that having my tonsillectomy or my wisdom teeth extraction hurt worse than this surgery. I didn't take any of my prescribed pain medicine, just some Tylenol for the first 4-5 days. The effects of the anesthesia were rough for me--muscle pain all over my body--but it passed by Day 4 or 5 post-op. Considering that I'm over 20 years older than I was when I had the tonsillectomy and wisdom teeth yanked out, I find it remarkable that I've bounced back so well. The death rate from the lapband surgery is much lower than the more invasive gastric bypass procedures. If it makes you feel better, ask you doctor what his or her own death rate is. The answer will most likely be "zero!"

Hang in there! I agree with the other folks who wrote--try not to be a slave to the scale. I haven't gotten on mine since surgery on purpose. I just focus on following the directions I got from the doctor. If I'm eating what I'm supposed to be, then I'm proud of myself! The weight will come off!

I did not have a pre-op diet. My doctor just said to start eating healthy before surgery and I had to eat very lightly the day before surgery. I couldn't have anything at all to eat after midnight the day before. I have no idea why all of the doctors give everyone different information. Different schools of thought I guess!

I right-clicked on my ticker after I created it and copied and pasted it into my signature line. I slept propped up on my sofa for the first few days after surgery. I didn't have much pain from the actual operation. The anesthesia made me hurt all over though, so that it felt like I couldn't pick up my arms or legs. I had a hard time getting up and sitting down on my couch. After about Day 4 or 5 post-op, I really improved. I'm at Day 13 now, and I'm moving really well. I know I wasn't supposed to lift anything over 15 pounds or so after surgery. I'm going for my first post-op appointment on January 3rd, so I'll check with the doc then how long the ban on lifting lasts!

Congratulations on getting banded! My banding was on the 19th. I didn't have any hiccups or gas pains. The pain you feel trying to move around will pass soon. I think I could finally move comfortably around Day 4 or 5. Send someone to the store to get you some chewable Gas-X and take one with every "meal." It's a beautiful thing not to be stuck with painful gas bubbles! Good luck on your journey!!!

My doc recommends that we take in at least 90g of Protein per day to keep us from getting too hungry post-op and so that we don't lose lean muscle mass instead of fat. They also recommend this level of protein to avoid a huge drop in your energy level as well. I have to say all is going well for me with this approach so far, and I can't say enough how grateful I am for my doctor and his staff. I've been having three 10 oz. shakes per day of Champion Nutrition whey Protein powder that provide 26 g of protein each and about three 4 oz. Dannon Light and Fit yogurts that have about 4g of protein per day. I round that out with Water, tomato soup or broth, and sugar and fat free Jello, puddings, and popsicles (not all of these every day, but some of each). I've been able to keep my liquid intake over 64 oz. which is pretty good for me. My energy level is fantastic and although I am starting to get hungry between shakes now that the swelling is going down, it's not unbearable. Obviously, follow whatever your doctor told you--he or she knows what's best for your individual case!

I think I'm a total weirdo. I haven't had any "port pain" at all since surgery and I have no idea where it is! Some folks have had trouble wearing a bra because of port pain, but I haven't had any problem with mine so far. The only spot that has bothered me a little bit is the longest surgical scar I have. The other four sites are small and they are already just about healed.

Did your doctor give you any guidelines about what to eat after the mushy stage? If not, I have some info. from my doctor's office that I'm willing to share. We had to complete a long-term nutrition class before surgery, so I have all of this cool info. that I can't use yet because I'm still on liquids! :hurt

Although I have read on other postings that many folks swear by Wendy's chili, our nutritionist said that chili (or anything) made with hamburger is hard to digest at this stage because of the gristle in it. I would probably avoid it just because of the fat content. Maybe try fat free vegetarian chili? You could also blend tuna or chicken with a little mild salsa. Maybe try some salmon blended with dill and fat-free mayo. I like applesauce and cottage cheese blended together, too. One other thing I do is cook boneless chicken breasts in my pressure cooker with a can of chopped tomatoes (any style--Italian, Mexican, etc.) or with chicken broth. The chicken breast doesn't get as dry this way, so it'll go down more easily. I was also told no more soda--bye, bye Diet Coke, hello sexy lady! :party: