Atsirc

I had a flipped port. For me, the port surgery was rough. I think this is because every body told me that it was no big deal so I wasn't prepared for all of the soreness and bloating. My port had moved quite a bit so the surgeon had to dig. I had my revision surgery in August and since then it's been smooth sailing! I'm glad it's over and I had the second surgery! Good luck- as far as complications go, this one is an easy one to fix!

I've found when I start to forget why I am on this journey I need to go back to liquids. The liquid diet has taught me a lot about why I eat and what triggers the desire to eat. I've found a lot of strength in denying myself things that are bad for me. When I make myself go back to liquids I do allow myself fruits and vegetables throughout the day if I feel the need to eat is overwhelming. Everybody's journey is different but I've found that once I feel strong and empowered with my weight loss my actions follow. Each day I wake up and tell myself "If I fail to plan for today then I am planning to fail." It's become my mantra. Every day is a fight but you have to just reminding yourself of the reasons it's worth fighting. If you lose your way one day, start back the very next day. In the end it's going to be worth all of the mental and physical energy.

I cheated once REALLY BAD on my preop diet. Don't stress yourself out about it. You messed up- move on... it won't effect your surgery.

I think if I could go back and tell myself one thing it would be that it takes time to find what works for me. After surgery I expected for weight to fall off just because I was eating less but the reality is, is that you have to find what works for you and your band. I wish I understood what a process weight loss really is. Also, after sugary I got really wrapped up in what every other person lost after their surgery and I was comparing my weight loss to other people's.

Good luck with your surgery... it's the beginning of a whole new life!

Knowing what you are doing wrong is half the problem! I think you should go online and find a bunch of lap band friendly recipes that sound good to you, make sure they are easy! Every week I make myself a menu that I have no choice but to stick to. An example of what I do is: Breakfast: Egg casserole (so easy! Just scramble some eggs, with a little milk, cheese, Protein, veggies, and some spices and bake @ 350 until golden brown) Lunch: Mexican chicken (Chicken breast, taco seasoning, red and yellow peppers, onions- all in the crock pot for a couple of hours- YUM!) Dinner: Turkey burger with cheese and a veggie. I make sure to portion everything out and always know how many calories/ Protein I am getting.

It can be simple as long as you prepare yourself. Every day I carry lap band friendly Snacks with me as well as a little Protein powder just in case I get put in a position where I need to eat and there is nothing good for me. Water is super important to me too and I make sure to get at least 64 oz but I aim for about 100 oz.

Perhaps to get back on track you should set yourself a goal and plan something special if you meet the goal. It can be really motivating to Celebrate your victories! You can do this! Just remember that you are doing this for you and a better life! Good luck!

I live in South Loop, if you are ever over this way!

I'm on board! This is a great idea!

I just had to follow my pre-op diet, no laxative.

I had to do a 2 week clear liquid diet (Protein w/ less than 5 grams per serving, Water, broth, tea, coffee... NOTHING else). So this was horrible while I was one it BUT I have learned A LOT from having to do it. It's crazy to do it if you don't have to but I really recommend you push yourself! It really does teach you about yourself when you are out of your comfort zone. Good luck!

You can do this! I know it's really hard but it's SO worth it! I had to do a 2 week clear liquid diet before AND after. I thought I was going to die... but I got through it! Just remember there are far worse things than being hungry... namely- your surgeon closing you back up because you didn't follow the diet! You are so close- Hang in there!!

Thank you for this post. It really inspires me in a time I could really use it!

The financial impact I haven't really felt yet. I have insurance so I don't really know how much I'll have to pay yet. I had a $100 copay so I am hoping that is the extent of it. Recovery sucks. I am in quite a bit of pain because my port floated so far from where it was originally put. I've read on here that it's not a big deal to most people but for me it hurts worse than the original surgery... although I had NO problems after lap band surgery and it was pretty easy going for me. I had surgery on Monday and I am returning (very hesitantly) to work today. I work with small children so I'm not sure it's the best idea to go back so soon. I was on no special diet leading up to the surgery and the only reason I am on liquids now is because I asked for him to give me a fill while he was in there. When did you have your lap band surgery?

I went in for my first fill and they told me my port was flipped too. I just had correct port sugery on Monday. There's no real advice I can give but I can tell you that it won't be manipulated back... actually the longer they wait the more secure it gets in its place. The sugery wasn't as big a deal at the lap band surgery but it does suck. I'm in quite a bit of pain because my port floated pretty far away from where my surgeon placed it. If you have any questions feel free to ask! Good luck!

You will see it, just give it time! Rapid weight loss can mess with your mind. I know for me I can't see it because I paid so little attention to my body... I didn't want to look at it before! I just have to trust my shrinking size! Congratulations by the way!

Your port might have flipped. Did they check? It hurts when the port unattaches from your body sometimes. It happened to me and the pain went away.

Honestly, a small glass of Tomato juice won't harm anything. My liquid diet was very restrictive and I allowed myself a couple of things. I took a can of chicken broth and 1 egg and made egg drop Soup and it really made me feel better. I had a couple of slip ups during the liquid diet (one BIG one) and my surgery went beautifully. My surgeon was very happy with my liver size.

The liquid diet is crazy hard but you can do it! Try changing up your Protein Shakes to regain a bit of energy. Make sure you are taking your Multivitamin and your B12!! Only 9 days left!!

I really like The Biggest Loser workout DVD's. I have Cardio Max and The Last Chance Workout and they kick my butt! I also really like Jillian's 30 Day Shred series. There are three levels and you work your way up!

Hello ladies! Just thought I would say that I really enjoyed the group tonight and if anybody wants to get together for some "lapband friendly" activities I'm up for it!

Crista

It's not easy but you can do it! The gas will get better if you switch it up! Just hang with it!

Thanks for the advice!!

I am having little luck making myself go to the gym to do the typical stuff (treadmill, eliptical, ect.) and was wondering if anyone uses a mini trampoline? I'm thinking of buying one to get some cardio (and fun!) in every day. Has anyone had success with one?

I am right where you are. It's weird that I am now more self conscious of my body than I was 40 lbs ago. I have a theory that I had my "fat goggles" on and now they are off. I'm starting to realize the amount of damage I've done to my body and it's definitely an emotional process. When people tell me that I look good it kind of irritates me because I have so far to go and I KNOW I don't look great. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud that I have started the process but I am a realist. I just say thank you and try to move on. I think I'm just angry with myself right now for allowing myself to get so unhealthy- like I said, It's a process. Allowing ourselves to be angry or sad and not running to food to help ease the pain is the first step!

I'd like to join the party too! I've never done a challenge before! What are the rules/ guidelines?

This is really funny because I am having the opposite problem... I'm SO hungry!! This is my first cycle since being banded (6/20) and I have had a pretty easy time making good choices and eating the right portions until this week. I am trying so hard to stay on track! Ugh!