brbm6

Lapband sched May 19. And, I have a few questions: 1) In general, how difficult is it to take pills? I have a few things I have to take that do not come in liquid/chewable form. How do you handle swallowing meds during recovery and after? I can take my pills but only one at a time. 2) After the healing process, how does the band feel? Or can you feel it? No, can not feel it at all! 3) How long before you got your first fill? Thanks in advance!!! 5 weeks 4) After surgery, how long before you felt well enough to start exercising moderately? Day 3 I began walking. 7 weeks out and I am in the gym on treadmill and lifting light weights for my arms. 5) Has anyone had mild-to moderate acid reflux that is controlled with meds before the band? And, how is the acid reflux after the band? Is it better or worse? I have a friend who also has the band and she said immediately after surgery her acid reflux was gone. 6)I have seen on a lot of posts that after the band, there is less hunger. I actually am never hungry because I typically eat before I get hungry. So, after the band, are you not thinking about food or does the lasting feeling of fullness really diminish the hunger? Are you chomping at the bit for the next meal, or do you kind of forget about eating until all of a sudden you realize you need to eat? Less hunger yes, but I still get hungry. I really like having 50 lbs. gone and I no longer want the "bad" food. I like veggies and lean meat now. 7Because eating is so tied to my emotions, and once I am no longer living to eat, I just wonder if I will pic up other compulsive behavior? Have any of you started doing other destructive things to replace the emotional salve of eating.) You will enjoy the weight loss. You will have so much more energy. I haven't started any destruction behaviors. I can say I am no longer depressed and feeling hopeless. The band has given me control over my food not the food in control of me!

I had my first fill last week and that is exactly how I felt. I had to take tiny sips of liquids for about 48 hours. This week I am feeling much better but I definately have to take small bites and chew very well or things seem to stick. You'll feel better soon!

Buy vanilla. You can add a spoonfull of sugar free jello in a tropical flavor or sugar free pudding in any flavor to your liking.

I think that is true about when you are really heavy that people do not comment on your weight loss. I had my first compliment today from a friend who hasn't seen me in a month. I think people get used to our roller coaster weight loss...I know I have lost 40 lb. before and gained it all back! They do not know that the band is different. That this time it is going to work. Maybe they are just scared to say anything and get our hopes up.

That happened to me 2 weeks ago. Luckily I was in bed and found it. So sorry. Mine is in my jewelry box now until I reach goal. It is nice of you to tell people. It is not something we remember to do!

I had the chest pain. It was the worst! The only thing that helped was tons of water and a heating pad. Poor you!

I am so glad that everyone is averaging about 1200-1400 calories per day. That is what I do and it seems that I eat enough and eat healthy that way. I read all the time about people who eat 800 calories per day and wonder why they aren't loosing. As Elfie said above, this isn't a race!

Oh my goodness! I could have written this post. Before being banded I was not much of a sweet tooth. But, I have found I can get almost any sweet down! At least it was a mini cupcake! That in itself it self control! Oh, someone on here posted to get rid of any beverages like Crystal Light as they have some sweetener that makes you crave sweets. Since giving that up and drinking only water, I have kept cravings to a minimum. Also, I log EVERYTHING I eat on myfitnesspal.com even if it is a bite so I will hold myself accountable.

I just started eating pickles after I read that people eat them on here to satisfy the chip craving. I have to say they are wonderful! But, I guess after more restriction I will see if I can still eat them. I agree with the others, just make sure to chew them well!

I went to a birthday party for a friends daughter this weekend and drank about 5 cups of water before! But, I did take a very small bite of my daughters cake. I think moderation is key, so no food is off limits. I just have to make sure to have ONE bite! I keep reminding myself the weight lost is so much better than any food I can eat!

Yep, been there! I thought I could eat a horse! Hang in there...mashed potatoes during mushies will taste like heaven!

Just remember your doctor does not want you to throw up either. That being said, mine gave me a lot of anti-nauseous medicine in the hospital and then sent me home with a prescription. Tell them your fears and if you get sick easily let them know. They will do everything they can to keep you from throwing up.

Before my insurance was approved, I looked into Mexico also. It seemed like a great option with state of the art facilities. I do know that here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area there are several weight loss clinics that charge 9,000 for cash pay patients. I think they are TrueResults but I can not think of the others!

I have no problem with fish but chicken...ugh!

I couldn't agree more! Yes, we are banded and for the most part eat healthy but if you factor in the calories and make sure to compensate then why not an ocassional piece? I think the most successful people are the ones who eat everything but in MODERATION. It is all about portion control.

My nutrionist recommended Flinstones chewables for my multi vitamin. For calcium she recommended Tums.

I am with all the others in that I question your 300 calorie a day diet. Your bodys metabolism will not work if your calories are that low.

Oh you are not alone! Yesterday, I could eat (normal 1/2 cup portions). Today...I feel like something is sitting on the band! But, I wouldn't get rid of it either!

Do not go camping! You will be sore and miserable. Think about it this way...do you want your son to remember your being in pain or having a good time? I have 3 kids and would hate for them to see me irratable during camping. Think of it this way.....you will get much needed rest away from the camping chaos. When they come home you will feel a little better!

make sure to have chewable gas-x or the gas-x strips on hand at home along with lots of water and a heating pad...if you even feel the slightest big of gas discomfort...take a gax-x. That is what I did and only had a few bad gas pains. You will be fine. Anyone who can handle multiple C-sections is a champ!

I have had 3 c-sections. This is much easier than a c-section. I never felt the abdominal pain that I did with the c-section. The pain is much, much less. This was just my surgery though, I am sure everyone has different pain levels.

I should say that right now I am just using a notebook. I want something with the columns for fat, protein, carb counts.

Is there an online website that I can print a food/excersise journal off? Preferably a free site. I want to keep track of food, water and excersise. Thanks.

Just remember that 40 lb. weight loss is really good! It may not be as much as you would like but the weight didn't come on within 6 months and it may take awhile to loose it. I think a lot of people do not have realistic expectations...they just want it to fall off! It takes lots of work! Hang in there.

Drink tons of water...and just remember this is the hardest part of the whole thing. Once you get through this, you will be fine! It is definately worth it!