mandyb

I had to be on clear liquids for 2 days (i couldn't get anything down anyways I was so sick to my stomach)...but 2 weeks liquids. Protein shakes, water, crystal light, gaterade, clear jellos, freeze pops. Your stomach needs to heal!!!! And eating the heavy soups wont help. After a week and 1/2 the nurse told me I could have soups (cream of chicken, but stain out the chunks!) Tomato is alright just add some milk. but tomato is also acidy! Shrimp really shouldn't be introduced til a later time! For me the 6th week after surgery. I can do proteins now, but they need to be soft and moist (scrambled eggs, tuna with light mayo, chicken salad) ect...

I have to agree with you Sun Rae, I am down 35 lbs and wow...what a difference! I lost interest too in sex b/c i was overweight and really ashamed of myself. I have been with my husband 6 years and I have always been a big girl (even when we met..) but just kept getting bigger and was not happy with myself! But now I am feeling so good about my choice of WLS and how I am looking...things are getting hot and heavy again!

SHould you be eating already!!! What happend to the liquid diet you should be on!!????

So I posted yesterday I am having trouble with constipation! Had some Mirolax (3doses) and it worked a little bit! I know I haven't eaten alot...so I suppose I shouldn't expect alot to come out! Here is the thing...now the past 2 days, I AM NOT HUNGRY! I want to eat, but when I take a bite...I feel sick! I don't know what to do! Do I eat cause I need the Protein and nutrients or just keep sipping on my Water and hope for a miracle! I know the diet change is really screwin with my body, and I was eating what I was told, but I really don't know what to do! Almost 2 days with out eating.... Some Advice would be helpful!!

MIne should be below my signature...frog and the owl.. I share it with my best friend. but its mostly me and my journey.

I think many people have to go through the "MENTAL TEST" before anything else is decided. I had a 10 page questionaire to fill out before my initial intake visit. They emailed it to me and when I went to print OMG 10 pages. It was all about my family history, my history, when i became over weight, diets I have tried, suppliments I used, reason for being overweight, my religious views, my work status, maritial status, if my spouse is alright with my choice of WLS... Then to have to be evaluated by the psychologist!!!! I am diagnosed already with anxiety and depression...I don't need them to tell me that! Anyways, They really have to do that because some people are SERIOUSLY addicted to food. I had a friend of mine, her brother had the band done, and has completely lost his mind (because he couldn't turn to food). He turned to alcohol and drugs...lost his license and (WAS) a local fire fighter...Needless to say not anymore...but these surgeries are LIFE CHANGING!!!! Remember that! If you are not mentally stable enough then honestly, you shouldn't have surgery! Good luck on your journey!!!

I really must agree with you. I should have done this after my son was born! I was 23 when I had him. I did not plan on anymore children! I can't wait to really lose this weight and feel so much better and feel fit and energetic! I can't imagine waiting til i am in my 50's to have surgery! They are nuts....I want to enjoy life while my kids are still young (not just myself)! Good Luck!

I suffer from depression, but it is well managed! (I don't take meds or anything, but I have not had any symptoms for years)...Through this whole process (April 2010), I have been an emotional rollercoster. I took the CHantix to help me quit smoking! That added to the depression. I gave up alot to have my surgery and I don't regret a thing. But just remember too, we didnt become over weight from stuffing our faces with bananas! We all obviously have a food addiction and as any other addiction it is hard to give up! I never really realized why I was over weight until after I had surgery! (I turned to food for comfort) And boredom! Being home for 3 weeks with out eating killed me...I would sit here and just cry, the hunger pains and thoughts of food! It's sad, but its the truth. I love anything salty and goooey chewy goodness. But I have come to the realization I want to me a healthier and happier ME!!! New lifestyle and many changes to come in the New Year! I wish you luck on your journey!

Well I took 2 doses of Mirolax last night (1 about 5:30pm and again about 9pm) Still nothing, so more this morning with a cup of coffee and STILL NOTHING! This is awful! I really need my fruits and veggies to help! But can't have those for another week! AHHHHH!!!! I am just glad to know I AM NOT ALONE!!! LOL

I know what you mean about the Bra!!!! I always wear underwire and they are killing me at the moment! I feel like its causing me heart burn and pushing in on the band itself! I am so comfortable without it on, but afraid the girls will sag even more!!! I always hated being big busted!!!

I planned on staying home for 2 weeks....I work as a Case Manager for Adults with Developmental Disabilities...! I ended up taking 3 weeks off! I was eager to get back to work and just went back Tuesday...I am home today b/c I am just not feeling to great! The constipation is just so bad I can't even eat! I am amazed at how fast things move along for some people. I started my journey in April (First initial visit) and was banded Dec 6th. So 8 months for me to wait! Go to classes and everything else they make you do... Good luck!!!

I am 29, got banded on the 6th of Dec. Happy about my decision.....Good luck on your journey! Question for you though! all of you who are in your 20's. Was the dr uneasy or doubtful about doin surgery on you because you are "SO YOUNG"? When I first arrived for my initial intake appointment...the intake dr told me I was really young and most people who come through the door are the older mid life people who have just had enough!!!! I told him I don't want to wait until I am 50 years old to do what I need to do for a better and healthier life! I am young enough that I could still add years on to my life and I can exercise and get fit before I am 50!!!! Such Bologna!!!

I am having a really difficult time here! I started on protiens (Solid Food) does not have to be mushy, but soft and small enough that it won't get stuck! I am only eating about 2 1/2 to 3 oz. I can't eat anymore than that! Well today is day 4 of constipation! I called Dr office today b/c now I am at the point I CAN'T eat! I don't want to drink. I feel so sick to my stomach with pains. Past few days I have take a stool softner in the morning and Milk of Mag at night...(AND NOTHING)!! So, Dr told me to take Mirolax. Anyone else have this trouble! I am 3 weeks post op and miserable. I am feeling good on the weight loss...just miserable inside! Anyone else taken Mirolax before. I used to never have any problems with constipation and I am not sure what to expect with this medication! Ever heard the expression "Full of Sh*t" That is me at the moment! LOL

I have a realize band as well. I find the Website only useful for tracking my weight and measurments. I was highly disappointed to find they did not have any forums or blogs! I come on here quite often if I have any questions that I am looking for answers. I also like the website for its recipes (Some I can't wait to try)! Well good luck on your journey!

Those look quite yummy! I would love to taste it! I also had my surgery Dec 6th! I am down 13 lbs since surgery! Finally started solids (Does not have to be mushy)! But chew it good and can only be protiens 6 small meals a day! I follow your blog, so I look forward to more recipes! Good luck on your journey.

I too am a mother of 3, and I work full time as a Case Manager for Adults with developmental disabilities! I am usually on my feet, busy busy busy! I have never been home for a long period of time! (NEVER 3 weeks). I take days off here and there, but not weeks at a time! Anyways lazy lasagna, 1 lg can spagetti sauce, 1/2 lb ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese (Handful), parm cheese1/4 Cup, and 1 can red Beans (I know sounds weird, but full of protein). Cook up beef- use spices to your preference (I use Adobo and garlic salt and italian seasoning) when cooked mix in the beans and warm them up.... Mix Ricotta, Mozzrella and Parm cheese together. I don't like the beans (So I blend the beef and beans and a little sauce so its mushy and moist and I can't see the beans...LOL) . Make up your sauce any way you like. Layer meat, sauce, ricotta mix, meat, sauce, ricotta mix, sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella on top! Bake 325 about a hour or until bubbling.. Enjoy. It made alot so I plan to freeze it for next week too!

I have been cooking alot too! Today I made a lazy lasagna (no pasta).. I made a roast dinner the other day, along with a nice boiled dinner last week. We made christmas Cookies and decorated them. I have also been home now 3 weeks! I am bored out of my mind, so I need something to do! I am going back to work next Monday, I can't wait!!!! I just started eating solids (2 1/2 weeks post surgery now)..So even though I am cooking ( I couldn't eat it)! But today I did have some lazy lasagna for lunch! It was delish!

I went for my 2 week post op follow up with the nutritionist on Tuesday and I am on the same diet. I can only have protiens! eggs, fish, tuna, chicken, hamburg, pork..ect...! I can also have cream of wheat, cheese, cottage cheese, yougarts, and Soups. I don't even have to mush them up...just make sure I cut them up, take small bites and chew it really really good. I can do this for 2 weeks then I can start to add veggies to my diet! Then 2 weeks like that and introduce starches. Nutrtionist did tell me I can have turkey, Squash and a little mashed for Christmas dinner! I was So happy I don't have to mush everything up. But they do advise mke sure its MOIST! Good luck on your journey!

Yesterdy I had my post op appointment with the Nutritionist. I am able to eat solids (protiens only)....So last night I made myself a really tiny Cheeseburger, nice and juicy! Today Breakfast was cream of wheat, lunch was Tuna, and Snacks have been yougart. Supper was Tuna again. I am so happy to finally be able to eat!!!! I can't eat much though a few bites and I am full already! I can only eat about 3 ounces of yougart. The nurse said that it is really good restriction at the begining of my surgery. I go back to Dr in January to see if I need my 1st Fill! I am going back to work next Monday the 27th, and will be glad to get back into routine! Been out of work 3 weeks and I m going nuts. Nutritionist sid I can have some Turkey and squash and a little bit of Mashed potatoes for Christmas dinner! Woo Hoo.... Well Happy Holidays to you all!

I am a belly sleeper too...I still can't sleep on my belly...Too uncomfortable. I have one incision that is hitting a nerve and hurts when I even touch it. I had surgery on 12/6. I wish I could sleep on my belly for a really good night sleep!!!!

I want to know where my port is too. I called the dr's office to ask a few quiestions and that was one of them. I told them I need to know where things are in my body...LOL. I felt weird asking but I just had to know. They told me its where the horizontal cut is...thats just under my left breast where my rib cage is. hmmm ok! Just glad I m not the only one left wondering!

I had surgery last Monday 12/6 and I am still having trouble getting in and out of bed..and from sitting to standing position. When I am getting out of bed (I sleep on my right side) and that is also the edge of the bed. I swing my legs out (staying on my side) and push myself up side ways. If you have a recliner try laying in the recliner. For me it was most comfortable and was easier for me to sleep and rest. I am still in my recliner...I love it. I do sleep in bed...but only a few hours at night.. Its really uncomfortable for me (i am a belly sleeper)!

Hi all, I just want to know about your journey to the Lap Band Surgery. I began in April of 2010; I went to a discussion group to find out more about weight loss surgery. They discussed the options that the hospital provides and all the wonderful supports that go with it. I ws first leaning towards the gastric bypass, until later realized that I am extremely healthy otherwise and thought the Lap-Band would be a better fit for me. I met with the Intake Dr. on April 26th; I was told that I am extrememly young (28 yrs old) I needed to show I can commit to something (by quit smoking) and I tried to plea my storyto the Dr. I was called back in May to set up my appointment with the nutritionist. At that appointment we discussed diets and exercise and the skills group needed before surgery. There is fee of $350...for the skills group. So I paid my fees and then also met with the psychologist. I guess they analyze you up and down to see if you are stable enough for this major life changing event. Skills groups were set for the month of July, and after those it was another trip to the psychologist and the exercise therapist. Finally my file was sent over to the surgeon's office, where you wait and wait and wait for the phone call to meet the surgeon. I met with the surgeon at the end of September and had to have all kinds of tests (upper GI and endoscopy). Since ll test were good, they found a small heiatal hernia, but nothing major and finally scheduled my surgery for Dec 6th. I am a Week and a few days out of surgery and happy with the choices I made and I am really looking forward to a new healthier me! I lost 22lbs before surgery and 8lbs since having surgery. 30 lbs lighter and 8 months Smoke Free! I have a lot of ~Will Power~ and I m going to knock down anything that stands in my way of achieving my goals. Please share you stories...Many states, dr's, procedures, ect...are different. I would love to hear how long or how quick it was for you from the first day you walked into the Dr's. office, to having your surgery! ~Mandy

Hello, I called the dr's office today...the nurse did tell me it is most likely gas. The pains I had last night was all over my belly and in my side and chest and shoulders. It was horrible. I also told them about the hunger pains I get. to the point the that insides are twisting and spasing. Nurse cleared me to have cream Soups and some yoguarts. Cream of chicken (but must drain the chunks)...Cream of mushroom....mmmm..will have to pick some up. I can't wait to taste it! Cindi I do not know what a incentive spirometer is! Please explain...? I do not take pain meds...I was prescribed Vicodin but had a hard time with it cause it made me nauseas. I was just taking Children's liquid tylenol. I am not doing any major wii fit exercises...just the steps aerobics...and its on basic. I go for my first post op appointment next Monday...and see the nuritionist on Tuesday. Hope they clear me to go back to work!

Thank you for the replies...I do use the gas x strips..but they seem to Not help! I am walking and doing short work outs on my wii fit. Just to keep active (I am afraid to get pneumonia. I wasn't sure if it was gas or just from surgery. I never experienced gas pains like that! I have a lot of burping and it relly hurts to burp. Anyone else hurt when they burp.