After my employer changing to new insurance, I learned that I missed the opportunity for my ins to pay for the lap band. So I spent 7500.00 of my own money and paid for the procedure with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I was banded on March 9th, and am now 10 days out from surgery. I was apprehensive and fearful right up to the last minute, but I just convinced myself that deep down I really wanted to do this. I've thought about it for 2 years and my fears were rooted in proceeding down a path of unknowns. I enjoy food, I enjoy cooking, I find so much joy in cook great, comforting, wonderful meals for my family. So, knowing all of that may change for me - its scary.

I had just returned the week prior with my husband and friends from a trip to Mexico for fun and a LOT of wonderful food! I returned weighing the most I've ever weighed in my life - 236 - that's even more than when I was pregnant with my 2nd child. I saw the pictures from that trip and knew this is what I need to do. I almost backed out at the last minute-but right now - 10 days out - I'm really glad I stuck it out and conquered my fears and did it!

I didn't feel so hot for the first 7 days after surgery. According to the dr's scale, i weighed 224 the day of surgery - that was only 9 days after I weighed in at 236. I know a lot of that was obviously water weight - but I stuck to 3 protein shakes per day to lose as much as possible and shrink my liver before surgery.

On the 7th day after surgery - I woke up and felice t 1000% better. I had the gas pain, deferred shoulder pain - although that didn't know up until about day 4. I felt very weak and concerned I wasn't eating and drinking enough. I did clear liquids first 3 days, and on day 4 full liquids. I eat a lot of tomoto soup, chicken broth, protein shakes, and the occasional graham cracker with cream cheese. I must admit, a few days ago I ate ice cream. I haven't had any since and I've been averaging 900 calories per day. The first 5 days it was very difficult, since I started eating more calories, I feel so much better.

One of the things I could never understand is how it would feel. When I eat too much - its very uncomfortable. And I do feel hunger - and I want to eat so much more than I can. I'm adjusting now to dealing with the want to eat and the need to eat. I want to feel soothed and warmed and cozy by eating more. Not being able to is difficult - but I'm learning to drink tea, coffee, milk to make myself feel soothed. Its not the same but its something.

I'm concerned that I'm able to eat anything - I ate the corner of a pop tart with no problems, I ate a few pretzels with no problems. I'm also eating mashed potatoes and refried beans. I'm not supposed to be for 21 days - so after doing that for a few days - I feel like I can go back to only protein shakes and soups. I needed the texture, the saeity of the potatos and the refried beans.

I'm using calorie-count.com and I'm learning I'm consuming too much sodium and not enough protein. Today I put Genisoy protein powder in my Starbucks coffee - it was bearable. I'm also taking Centrum liquid vitamins. I'm also learning that my headaches are due to dehydration. After surgery, my weight changed to 226 and I'm at 224 today. I think once I drink more water and more protein my body will respond. I'm trying not to get too depressed by seeing all the weight other's have lost.

I've read and re-read mamaMichelle's blog - she's an inspiration to me. My next goal is to begin exercising. 2 years ago, I worked out a lot, lost 30lbs but since gained it all back after having my daughter. I'm ready to eat like a 'normal' person and not think about food all the time. I'm ready to be healthy and start my life over as I'm turning 40 this year. I'm planning to run a half marathon this September (I walked it last September) and I hope to be as physically fit and healthy than ever.

Best of luck to everyone here, what a great board, great group of supportive people just like me. Life starts now!

I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one who can eat some regular food right after banding! I got the Realize band on May 7th, and I feel like I could eat pretty much anything. I'm a still restricting myself to drinks and very mushy foods (like Chicken Stars soup). I'll look forward to reading more of your postings!