Im new at this!

[jenhrvy20 0]

Hello everyone. My name is Jennifer. I had to complete a year long program which included a counselor, dietician, and personal trainer with exercise 3x a week before my insurance would pay for the band. Over that year I lost 42 lbs and was proud of my accomplishments, but knew I needed more help than I could give myself. I was banded on 4/7/09 in Shreveport, LA by Dr. Merriman. I do not have any Fluid in my band yet, but I have now lost about 17 lbs--totally unexpected for 6 days post op! I am still really sore in my stomach, but not too much. I am back at work. I guess im just not sure what I am feeling in my tummy yet. It seems like I get full with just a small amount of food. That feeling usually lasts for a few hours. I can only have non-chunky Soups, pudding, Jello, yogurt, and other liquids like that--all low fat and sugar free of course. I have been trying really hard to make sure I do not eat too much. I did eat a bite of chicken and a french fry a couple of days ago and had no problems getting it down after chewing it well. I felt really bad after I ate it bc I thought, "Crap, now that I know that I can get it down, I will probably overindulge in those types of foods even though I am suppossed to eat soft Soups and things right now." I told my husband not to let me do that again. lol I figure if they told me to eat a certain way right now, I guess its for a reason. I guess I will learn to use my band as a tool, but right now I just feel really new at all this. I hope to continue to lose the weight fast and to gain a new healthy life.

I am 6 feet tall.

My highest weight ever 348 lbs.

Weight at the end of the program year 313 lbs.

Weight the day I was banded about 317 lbs.

Current weight 300 lbs.

Questions for other---

1. Was anyone else unsure of the feelings of being full?

2. Did anyone else feel like they were just on a strict diet at first?

3. Is it unusual to lose 17 lbs in six days?

4. How long does the soreness last?

Thanks for reading and good luck to others!!!

[luckyfive101 6]

Questions for other---

1. Was anyone else unsure of the feelings of being full? We have all had those feelings! It is a learning process.

2. Did anyone else feel like they were just on a strict diet at first? Oh definitely! thought.. If I was going to have to be on a diet like this all the time, why am I going through the process of getting the band.. then I realized the band really helped me eat less and added to my control...

3. Is it unusual to lose 17 lbs in six days? I would say you are one of the lucky ones! Don't knock it! Enjoy!

4. How long does the soreness last? I was mildly sore for about 4-5 days.. a little swollen. But by the end of the first week, I was totally back to normal.

Congrats on your decision and getting your surgery.. You have gotten off to a GREAT START! Good Luck and God Bless!

[jenhrvy20 0]

Thank you so much for your input! That really helps.