BrenM

You're doing great, you're managing yourself properly, and the set backs, well... sometimes there is just a reason Tom. Hang in there, look for the silver linings as much as you already are, and keep motivated. I'm rooting for you!!!!

You make them. I use a peice of an old sheet or piece of cloth. Put something in it and tie it shut with a piece of string.

Something else too... you start to realize how much your life has revolved around meals, food, etc. and how much of it is head hunger and what isn't. It's an interesting time to go through, so experience it the best you can. It's all part of the journey, and finding new things to do. I still look forward to planning my families meals, and mine every day, but I also notice how many times in a day I would have turned to the kitchen and no longer do. We're cutting that umbilicus kitcheness. Hehehehe!! Hang on there man!!! Bren

Well.... my doctor didn't talk about the diets too much. I know, I don't think he's the best one around for this type of thing, but for a surgeon I'd trust no other. So at about the 2nd week post op I'm ready to kill people. Obviously my stomach swelling is gone, I'm friggin starving, and I don't need MOOSHIES. So I'm kind of on my own diet plan so to speak. Mostly fluids, some Protein shake for lunch or even Breakfast, my Vitamins, and a reasonable meal consisting of mostly protein chewed to death for dinner. I tried eating veggies the other day and suffered for hours, so it's not all good. I can't say you should or shouldn't do something, but if you're on the edge of having a complete melt down, adjust things for yourself a bit. I know when I was completely on Water during the last week of my pre-op diet, because I couldn't stand the dairy products and shakes any longer, I was the most apt to crack and snarff something down as fast as possible. I did it 3 times and felt VERY ill from overeating, AND totally guilty like a failure. You've just got to be honest and reasonable with yourself. I cook for my family, I sit with them at restaurants. To do that with a glass of water SUCKS. WHAT can I have 3 weeks out that isn't going to hurt me, the band, or my weight loss. That is the question... and I'm doing pretty good so far. A whole lot less pissed off and not bawling all the time. Read my blog on chew bags... IT DOES WORK!!! Bren

I am having this EXACT same problem since the moment I woke from surgery. I have had little to no pain elsewhere. I am 2 weeks out from surgery and it is a TERRIBLE problem. It stops when I am in an upright position, but since the surgery, after only a few minutes of laying down I am in agony. This horrible stabbing pain under my left ribcage as if I've run a marathon that radiates around to my back and burns like hell. I've tried every possible position to make it stop. Not working. The hotpad worked the first week, but now it's not doing anything. I still have pain meds and they do nothing at all for it. I mentioned it to my doctor on my 10 day checkup and he passed it off and told me to use a hotpad. Of course he passed off the horrible pop I had at the port site as well, and the hernia I believe I have. But also my port site is a huge lump as big as a goose egg, he said was some water pocket. I told him the hernia was next to it and he dismissed me. Anyway, I am absolutely miserable and can't sleep and scared shitless. What the hell is going on???? Anyone know what is causing this? Bren

Then that makes MUCH more sense. But possibly the following replies infiltrated some context that should not have been implied. I retract my irritation. And I say... just let them ask.... and then... be sharp, be tactful, and educate them if you must. It's sort of like the mountain of women who have comlpetely crossed the line about how my husband looks. I'm uncertain how I'm even suppose to respond to these women, let alone how appropriate or inappropriate it is for them to be vocally slobbering over him. And we had to think... what do you say, how do you give these people an eduation with your reply or lack thereof? I always say it's better to keep your head held high, but you can also quite effectively give people a spanking for the inappropriate rudeness. I mean, I'm not asking women... So how's that boob job working out for ya? What doctor did you go to??? Did you have a face lift??? You look SOOO MUCH YOUNGER!! Oh MY GOD BILL, Did you quit drinking, you've lost your beer belly. June says that enzyte is really helping your errectile dysfunction. If you've come up with some smooth ways to deal with the near strangers who rudely ask questions... let us all know.

Agreed, in real life it can be uncomfortable. On here... it makes sense.