Im new at this!

jenhrvy20 · April 14, 2009

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 · April 14, 2009

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!