NJGirl32

Also, keep in mind that people who tend to post are those that are struggling or feeling discouraged because they are seeking help. So it might seem that a lot of people "hate their band" or have problems but keep a perspective. I would say the first 6 weeks you are pretty much just dieting on your own (that's my experience so far). You don't have a fill yet and haven't reached that 'sweet spot" and that may take several fills. Good luck!

Hi Jonathan! I think what you are experiencing is 100% normal. I haven't lost as much as I thought I would and have been at a standstill for about a week. My surgeon said not to worry because this is normal. Your body is still healing (even if you feel great). Also, you don't have a fill yet. I was banded on May 25th and my hunger is back 100% - I know I could eat anything without a problem and it's REALLY tempting! But I keep sayingto myself I can do this for 4 more weeks. I also think -I didn't go through all this surgery just to go back to my old eating habits. You can get through this Bandsters-hell period! Throwing up was your body's message to you saying "Hey, slow down here and don't push it" I don't think lots of breads are the best choices. Plan your meals for the entire day and stick to that plan. Make sure you are getting your protein in first - because that will fill you. Als get the water in and take some walks with the kiddies for exercise. You'll do great!!! Thinkof your body as a GPS - when you go the wrong way it wants you to find the next available u-turn (even if that means puking).

I would make an initial consultation with your doctor. They have tons of experience and can let yyou know what your type of insurance requires. You might want to get the ball rolling because it can take a while to get everything done. Good luck to you!

I think the day of surgery you are still on major pain meds-but the day after you start to feel really sore. My throat also hurt for a couple of days. Remember to only drink/eat very small abouts every hour and to get those protein shakes (4oz) in - protein aids in healing. I am over a wekk post-surgery and I feel great-hang in there!!

I am so sorry that you felt so aweful!! I had food poisoning twice and it was the worst pain ever. The one time I felt as if I were in labor-that's how bad the pains were. I couldn't move off the floor! If you don't feel any different I am sure the band is fine. Definitely get those fluids back in your system!! Hope you feel better soon!

Awesome post!!

My stomach is swollen too! I lost 14 pounds but my pants are snug-I even had to unzip some. I still have some soreness-I think the stiches are skrinking. Have you tried ice packs on the area? Pain killers?

PS- I am reading the book "Bandwagon" which really tells you everything you need to know about Lapband suregery and it's written by someone who had the surgery. I ordered it on Amazon for $19.99-I wish I had it before I got my surgery!

You won't be able to lift anything over 5 pounds-at least that's what my doctor told me. I would REALLY advise you to have your husband take off! He might be able to get the Family Leave Act which secures his job while he cares for you (it's worth looking into). Good luck with everything!!

Congrats on making one of the best decisions of your life-one that will actually help you have a healthier, longer life too! This site is terrific and we are all here to help and support one another! Welcome Aboard!!!

Congrats on your date!!!! That was a good idea boxing clothes and putting a date on the box! I was banded on May 25th and when I buy clothes now I buy them snug-hoping soon they will fit!

My reading said to think of it as a ballon that has been stretched over and over-it never really goes back to normal-But we have fills to help!

LOL! I know excatly what you mean! Good luck with going back to work!

Good Luck!! You will do great!!

Food breaks down with stomache acids and I don't think gum would. I also think I read that gum causes unnecesary air to be swallowed. Just be careful...post surgery I am required to break up all my pills and I can't even take a capsule without breaking it apart.

Awesome!!! I know it must feel so great to be in the 1's!! I haven't been there myself in 7 years and it's my goal to get there-I know I will be as happy as you are! Thanks for sharing the terrific news -it giives us all hope! Congrats!

So I went in for my 1 week visit. They tookoff the bandages and Imust say that I was very impressed! The scars are so thin and look like they will be barely visible soon enought! I do have 2 vertical incisions about 1-2 inches but they aren't bad at all. And her I thought I was going to look like Frankenstein! lol

Stole this from another post ! My Dr. gave me a great little book that has some great information that I thought would be helpful and thought I would share some of them. Don'ts to Drinking * Don't Drink Carbonated beverages (my dr says never, but ask your Dr.) * Don't Drink Alcohol. (First year, ask your Dr.) * Don't Drink coffee. (First Year ask your Dr.) * Don't Drink Caffeninated Beerages (first Year) * If on Iron Suppliment don't take with milk. * Don't Drink with meals (wait 30 mins before and after meals) * Don't Drink your Calories * Don't Drink Protein shakes like Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast unless your Dr. Tells you to do so. * Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink Water. by that time you have already lost two or more cups of your total body water. Do's * Do drink a minimum of 64 oz of water a day or more. * Do drink water as your beverage of choice * Do drink herbal teas * Do Sip frequently * Do drink diluted drinks such as crystal light on limited basis * Do drink chicken, beef and veggie broth * Do use splenda instead of other sweetners to sweeten beverages * Do increase your water intake on hot days and when exercising * Do increase your water intake if constipated

Awesome!!!!!

Gum is a no-no. I remember a few days post op I bought some and I got so worried that I would accidently swallow it and it would cover the opening to my stomach!!! If you never swallow your gum I guess it shouldn't be a problem-but I am not taking the chance.

Wow Girl, you are kicking butt in losing the weight!! Congrats!!

Did you have your 1 week appointment with your surgeon? I am 1 week out and I am still sore-I think the incision are tighening up and that's a good thing. I also have a couple of stiched that didn't 'fall out'" so he said if they don't he will take them out in 2 weeks. Pain relivers should help with the soreness and an ice pack. I also find that if I sit upright too long it hurts. Now if those are gas pains you're having you'll have to plan to go outside and take a short walk a few times a day. You'll feel better soon-really, you will!

Yes, what's a body bugg? lol

Great I am glad you found it interesting! She writes in a funny way and it's a "go to" book when you have questions about something.

Okay, I don't feel so bad! I asked the doc what the larger one near my belly button was and he said that's where they inserted a camera. I have a sad looking belly button-it actually looks like a sad face-I can't wait until it looks like it's whistling a tune!! Dave-you really made me feel better!! Weesie, did your book come yet?