melzie_99

If it's an actual Lap band and not a Realize band, then according to Allergan's site the standard holds 10cc's and the large holds 14. Not sure for the Realize band...

If it's an actual Lap band and not a Realize band, then according to Allergan's site the standard holds 10cc's and the large holds 14. Not sure for the Realize band...

I've been using cocoa butter on the skin around them; helped immensely!

Same here; never really got into The Biggest Loser but I was watching I Used to be Fat. Now I feel hypersensitive to shows like that. Maybe some underlying guilt on my part for having surgery? I don't know; I kinda feel the same way about all these stupid WW commercials (lol). I know Heavy is supposed to be different, but the other shows I'm not keen on because they're all about losing as much weight as quickly as possible for ratings without dealing with the emotional side of things or even what happens once they're no longer in that environment.

I'm going on 2 weeks since my surgery, and I've been doing a lot of thinking. Eating used to be such a cornerstone of my existence; I LOVE food! Well, at least I used to... It wasn't a matter of being hungry all the time; I just like the way food taste, plain and simple. I was one of those people who when eating something tasty would stuff my mouth full of food and rush to put the rest of it away before I finished what was in my mouth in order to stop. My willpower to stop eating was little to none. I would eat until I was literally in pain, and STILL crave the taste. Food was something I always knew, in some sense, would "be there" for me when I needed it. I could eat something yummy and feel better, occupied, or just plain old satisfied, at least in the short term. Food was my companion when no one else was there. Now that it's been about a month (between preop diet and post surgery diet) since I've had any "real" food, I find myself somewhat depressed. I'm happy to be losing weight and don't regret my decision, but I just don't feel like eating anymore. I haven't quite wrapped my brain around the idea of eating to live instead of living to eat. Nothing really appeals to me foodwise, and part of me feels like "what's the point"? I know further down the road I'll be able to eat a bit more normally, but right now it sucks. I'm tired of shakes, tired of Jello, tired of mushy food...I want something that actually tastes good. I knew the psychological side of the surgery would hit sooner or later, but I didn't think I'd be taking it this hard. Sorry this is so long; just needed to get this off my chest.

Here's an article that explains a little more on the importance of protein after bariatric surgery... http://www.disabled-...urgery-food.php Also, protein helps wounds heal faster as it is necessary for tissue repair.

Unfortunately, that sounds accurate, but it's only temporary. You're going to need a lot of protein the first few weeks after surgery to help you heal. 3 shakes a day sounds about right, or at least that was part of my post op diet as well. You're not going to be getting much nutritionally in the beginning so getting in those shakes is really important. Are you going to be using unjury? If so, that only adds up to 24oz of Fluid from your shakes and I think they want you to be shooting for 64. If you're anything like me, even in getting in those little bit of shakes is going to be a challenge the first week or so. If you're prone to kidney stone then they'll probably strongly encourage you keep up with your fluids but constipation from the protein and/or loose stools from all the liquids are the biggest complaints I hear. Remember to feel free to ask your doc and let them know your concerns.

The mental feelings are perfectly normal; I thought I had made a horrible mistake as well and was feeling quite bummed the first few days. It's not an easy decision to make, so we ought to applaud ourselves for having the courage to take that step and DO something instead of making another pointless resolution. I wasn't able to burp for about 2 weeks, and it was hell (sorry). I know that feeling you're talking about; it was like having a bubble in your chest that was stuck under the band or something. The first time one finally came out...I was so happy and proud LOL! Don't be ashamed to um, let your gas out the 'other end'; it'll help with a LOT of that gas pressure. While some of your pain is normal, you might want to check in with your doc if you're having an allergic reaction to your steri strips; last thing you want is one of your incisions to reopen or to suffer needlessly!

Was told not to take anything larger than a dime and that everything I took needed to be crushed (if allowable) or cut in half for at least the 1st 10 days. I did end up having to have one of my prescriptions adjusted initially because it was a large extended release pill that couldn't be cut; started taking it whole a few days ago and have been fine. However, I did take a Tylenol tablet the other day that may have been a little too big and totally felt it going down; make sure you drink enough! Start small and see what if anything can be switched to liquids in the beginning to give you time to heal, but cutting/crushing definately helps.

I had this issue as well my first week of surgery; I only had 2 BM's and both were loose. The nausea comes and goes; I find I feel more nauseous when I don't eat frequently enough. (I had surgery the 10th). I'm still a bit sensitive to smells as well, so eating has not been the most pleasent experience as of yet. Thank goodness I have had no vomitting (have gagged while brushing my teeth though, and it HURTS), sliming, or PB'ing and hoping to keep it that way. I haven't used my anti-nausea meds as of yet but might break down and try some if it keeps up. I agree with the others; if you're really concerned called the doc to make sure it's nothing more serious. Keep up with the fluids to make sure you're not dehydrated; that might be exacerbating your symptoms as well.

Um, finally "broke the fast" if you will (lol) today so 10 days...used lots of pillows for support. But if you're hurting it's not worth it; he'll be ok.

First of all, I just want to thank you for your post; your positive attitude just brought me out of my funk. I wish I had just HALF of your enthusiasm lol! Anyhoo, so happy you could join us and congrats on your current and I know continued success. Please keep posting; we all need some sunshine on this board every now and then.

I don't think it would treat bulimia; it would actually probably make it even more dangerous because now you could damage your stomach from the band. It's not solving the base problem which is the binging; you'd just be throwing up sooner from less food. There's actually a member on this site who was on the E! show about people with eating disorders who would eat until she made herself sick. Can't remember her name offhand (I'm sure someone else here does) but she might be a good person to speak to.

I'm glad yours "saw the light"; I think it's going to take mine a little longer. We actually got into an argument about it tonight. In another post I mentioned how he brought home some pastries that I literally have cover to avoid the temptation and how he refuses to take them out of the house. I was dealing with it, but tonight he pushed it further: he asked me to cut him a piece of one of the loaves and I told him no. He got upset and said that he was doing me a favor (I asked him to take the recycling bin to the curb because the container is HEAVY) that I should do him one. He went and got it himself, but when I tried to talk to him about why I said no he got angry and threw his food away, telling me I should "know better" than to eat something that would "hurt me" He doesn't seem to get no, it's not going to HURT me, but it's WAY too soon for me to be eating anything like that and I don't want the temptation. If I could say no that easily to bad stuff, I wouldn't have gotten the surgery. I likened it to asking an alcoholic to go buy you beer when they're trying to quit. Yes, we should be able to say no, but why would you even challenge them like that? *sigh* You're probably right that he thinks he's helping but I've been through this before with him and I'm tired of it. He thinks saying "should you be eating that?" is helpful...I'm just so frustrated right now.

I'm already beginning to see there's going to be some head butting when it comes to the food. I talked to him about it and he said he would take it to work but he doesn't feel like eating it there. *sigh* I can get over it. However, tonight when he tried to cop an attitude with me about eating some sugar free Jello w/ fat free whipped topping (1/2c serving of jello and I'm short on my calories) like they aren't on my list of approved foods...really had to bite my tongue. I'll be darned if I'll have him watching me like a hawk like I'm some child. I'm preparing myself to have a talk with him see we can nip this problem NOW.

Thank you for posting that; I was getting flashbacks about that other post as well...NOT something to take lightly!

Food policing is starting already...*sigh* I'm WAY under my calories for the day (maybe had 500-600) and decided to have about 1/2c sugar free jello with some fat free whipped topping, both of which are on my list of approved foods for this stage. My husband asked me "what's in the cup"; when I told him he just stood there frowning at me with his hands on his hips like I'm cheating or something. I haven't even been banded for 2 weeks yet! We're going to be fighting if this is the way it's gonna be...

I had a kinda NSV a few minutes ago: I was in the kitchen cooking when my husband came behind me, stood back for a few seconds and said "You're totally slimming down". Considering I'm only down about 20lbs and he sees me everyday it was nice to have someone notice! Can't wait to keep seeing those numbers go down, and congrats to everyone on their NSV's!

Ok, moment has passed; after drinking some tea, I'm feeling full enough that the thought of food makes me want to gag. Still need to figure out some good coping skills, however...

I just had surgery on the 10th and things have been ok; haven't had too much interest in food so nothing has 'called' to me as of yet. However, tonight my husband brought home a loaf each of pumpkin, carrot, and cranberry-nut bread! They look so good!! I love pumpkin and carrot cakes/breads so this actually caught my interest. Thank God they're unopened; I actually caught myself sniffing the package for a whiff (lol). And all I went in the kitchen for was a cup of tea...I eventually threw a dishtowel over the package, got my tea and left. I didn't expect the head hunger to be messing with me so soon...how do/did you all cope in the beginning?

Not sure about the bubbles but I would think you'd get a lot of gas from having to suck it through a straw...

I was banded the 10th and have the same issue. 90% of my pain has been gas associated; heating pads work WONDERS. I know a lot of people seem to bounce back quickly from the surgery, but as long as you're not having any symptoms your dr told you to look out for then don't worry too much and let your body heal at its own pace. You DID have surgery just a week ago! Now my biggest issue seems like I feel my stomach drop everytime I stand up and it pulls the muscle my port is attached to.

I stayed overnight and the only thing I actually felt UP to using (that were allowed) were my cell phone (to surf the web), a change of clothes, my CPAP, and a pillow for the ride home. I stayed in hospital issued clothes (gown, robe, and booties) the whole time and was not allowed to use any meds brought from home, including my prescriptions and Gas-X. Too tired to read; you might want a wash cloth to freshen up (I certainly wanted to) but was in too much pain to bend over and brush my teeth (but bring a toothbrush just in case!) Wouldn't bring any food or drinks; they moniter that pretty closely and there's really no need.

No worries; at least you stopped! I had a few slip ups on the pre surgery diet. I would, however, recommend trying to be good at least the day before. My dr's office was more concerned about that as all liquids will decrease your risk of nausea after surgery. I also think it helped mentally prepare me (somewhat) for life with the band. I was kinda depressed the first few days that food had become totally unappealing but then thought to myself "it's no worse than the last 2 weeks, lol" and was able to get over it. Do the best you can, and remember WHY you're doing this and you'll be fine!

Upon further reading, I found something that says you have to be a member of My Lap Band Journey to qualify; here's the info I found: http://www.lapsf.com/blog/?p=64