Rachel412

Hey, welcome!

Yeah, I agree that 3 lbs. a week is very attainable in the beginning, but the smaller you get, the harder it is to get pounds off. Don't set yourself up for disappointment

I think the outfit you're planning on taking is perfect. I stayed overnight so I also brought PJ pants to wear under my johnny. I had to be completely naked for my surgery except for the socks the hospital gave me. My port is kinda high up on my chest, like under my rib cage, so it's best I didn't have a bra on, but I put it on once I was settled in my room post surgery.

I didn't have a pre-op diet but the surgeon's staff warned me not to eat a "last supper" and stuff my face. They said "trust me, when he gets you open, he'll know". And I guess it makes sense, all that food would still be in your system somewhere... so don't do it. ESPECIALLY if you're been on a liquid diet, it'll be so obvious. We ordered chinese food on the night before my surgery and it was disgusting. I barely ate any of it

Well, it might be... it depends on every school. How much do you weigh? At 250 in college I was able to fit in the chairs with the desks attached.

Oh that stinks!

Have you tried cutting your food into smaller bites and putting down your fork and knife while you chew? I've been known to count chews, too.

Most people don't hit their best level of restriction until they've had at least 3 fills. It's a slow process in the beginning, so yes, you're normal. Now's the time to train your brain to dish out and eat smaller portions, even if you're still hungry afterwards. You'll be glad you did once you get to a good fill level.

Uhhhh no We're on a tight grocery budget and honestly, it hasn't shrunk any, because I'm still buying the same amount of meats and fruits & veggies- the stuff I avoid now is all the cheap stuff! And anyway, the cost of my fiber and vitamin C and chewable multivitamins sure eats up whatever "savings" I might have

My understanding is that your surgeon will choose what size band to use based on the size of your actual stomach. As for fill levels, I know it's one of those things you hear a lot, but everyone's different. I have an 11cc Realize band. When I went for my first fill I got 4ccs, and I was told they usually put in 4-5ccs for the first fill. But I've seen people get less, or get more, and hitting a good fill level is a lot of trial and error. I don't think I'm at my sweet spot yet, but I do think I'm close, which is nice. Most people don't get to their "sweet spot" until they've had 3-5 fills.

Ha! You'll be just fine. it'll move on through your system by tomorrow.

I'm so sorry Do you belong to a church? If so I'd talk to your minister or pastor to find out what kind of help he can recommend. If not, I wonder if your area has a line you can call?

I was allowed to do cardio at 2 weeks and no weights until 6 weeks just to make sure everything was fully healed.

Yeah, I check that one out every now and again, but there are no posts so I just stay here

You'll also want to remember that alcohol might hit you harder/faster than before, so don't expect to have your normal amount. Just drink and pay attention to how you're feeling.

I third that-go see your doctor.

My nutritionist says I need to aim for 60-90g a day, and that sure isn't half my weight Is this the recommendation of your doctor?

Yep! One more reason why the adjustability of the band is a huge plus- as your stomach changes, it can also be changed. And why it's important to trust and like your doctor's practice, you will be seeing a lot of them!

Wow Dave, that's incredible! I'm sending you lots of good vibes for tomorrow- you'll do great I'm looking forward to welcoming you to the banded side!

Here it is! I don't know if you can find it in regular stores... http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/unjury-protein/protein-containers/unflavored-protein-container.html

Wow, I don't know why I didn't see this post sooner. I'm SO SORRY you had to go through that. It sounds like the first doctor you had was a total and utter quack. He sold you a miracle cure and you fell for it-- of course you did, HE'S the doctor! If I was you I'd be hurt, and furious, and of course I'd hate the band and think it was a total waste of time. If you'd been properly educated about the band in the first place, you might feel differently about it now- but gosh, I can't imagine how you'll get to that spot when you were sold a package full of lies and the truth just isn't the easy way out you were told about. I feel for all the other patients at that clinic

That's a big first fill, but sounds like it's working well for you!

If you can't handle the milky shakes, there are other ones that are more like a fruit drink. You can even get "unflavored" unjury which you can add to Crystal Light. If you're just looking for a different brand that still is a normal flavor, I like Gold Standard 100% whey in Double chocolate. My husband and I think it just takes like chocolate milk, no after taste. http://www.supplementwarehouse.com/viewitem.asp?idproduct=143368

There is a Gas-X called Gas-X prevention that you take right before you eat a meal you think will cause gas. It seems to work really well. If I were you I'd just take it before every meal for a few days and then see if it's getting any better. http://www.gas-x.com/products-prevention.shtml

What size ball? Is your skin red, swollen, or hot? Are you running a fever?