Rachel412

Honestly though, for those of you who gained... eating normally I'd probably gain a lot more than 5 pounds in a month, so even if you gained 5, that's still a success!!

Awww, thank you! I haven't told most people IRL about my band (just my immediate family and one friend) so I like hanging out here- I get to talk about the band and learn, learn, learn.

The hiccups are from irritation to your diaphragm, and they should go away when the swelling goes down. I'd definitely call my surgeon and ask for a stronger anti-nausea med, you really need to give your stomach a chance to heal! I'd lay on a heating pad for your back, or try sleeping in a recliner or on a lot of pillows so you're upright. And just a tip... my surgeon told me that patients who sleep a lot after surgery often become dehydrated because you're not awake to drink as much, so MAKE SURE you're getting all of your liquids in. I hope you feel better soon!

How did you order the samples? They sound great!

I think people who tend to have a lot of stuck episodes, PBing, vomiting are people who prefer to keep their bands very tight-- too tight. Of course there are also people who have problems from day one with the band- you just never know how your body will handle it until you get it.

Funny, I haven't seen that one at CVS... must be looking on the wrong shelf!

Great job Brenda!!

Avoid any food advertised on TV? I think that one's a little harsh... I eat greek yogurt, cheeses, beef, pork, chicken... they're all advertised on tv.

It's normal Don't beat yourself up. I did the same, sort of a panic, but when I had to follow the per-op diet, I did it.

From your stomach... are you feeling the pain around your breastbone, or in your abdomen? In general no, it doesn't make sense to have no pain and then suddenly have it come on a week after surgery.

Mine was less strict than that. I'm surprised you're not supposed to have your protein drinks right now. I'd call the doctor and say you're having a hard time with the clear liquids and see if they're willing to let you add something chewable. I don't know how your body could function for 2 weeks on less than 100 calories per day- you must feel so sluggish.

Congratulations, that's great!

I don't feel full right away, but if I wait 10 minutes after I'm finished eating my 4 oz. protein and up to a cup of veggies, I do feel satisfied. I think of "full" as that overstuffed feeling, so no, I don't feel that- but I'm not hungry or interested in eating anymore.

That's incredible, thanks so much for sharing!

Maybe this is a bad road for us all to go down... but is there one thing that you just can't have a bite of because you can't stop yourself once you start? Or one food you've been restricting that you miss? For me, it's Cereal. I love it. A giant bowl of Crispix with nice cold milk... HEAVEN!

well THAT went over like a lead balloon

... your port is in your cleavage?!?

I was weak and slow and tired for the first two weeks following surgery. I'd say around days 10 and 11 were my worst- I just felt like crap, even though my pain was much better. I definitely took a turn for the better at 2 weeks and it's been all uphill from there

Ugh, I'm sorry, that really sucks

Know that I'm saying this from a kind place even if it sounds mean, because I don't know if you need to hear it: knock it off! Don't eat seconds, don't snack, don't graze, just DON'T. Yes I know how hard that is because I am almost 5 weeks post op, no fill yet, hungry a lot. BUT. You need to train your brain to accept a smaller portion as "enough". You need to eat small portions and stop when you're done, and when you've done it for a while your brain will start to see a small plate of food as normal and a large plate of food as excess, a gross amount of food even. You're not doing yourself any favors by still eating larger portions and snacking a lot. Remember, the band will help you feel satisfied sooner, but it WON'T stop you from overeating. If you don't get used to the smaller portions now, you'll regret it once you get to a good fill spot because you still won't be getting the results you want.

I think Eggface has some really good recipes. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/p/links.html

Always, even when you're not eating or drinking? You just always feel something in there? Did you try going back to liquids for a few days? I was banded when you were so I'm just guessing... I hope your doctor can figure it out!

In the beginning you need to sip because your swelling makes the stoma really narrow. As the swelling subsides, you can take larger sips and swallows. I drink normally now-- well, except for first thing in the morning.

Yes, try stock instead of broth. Also, I bough some College Inn white wine & herb broth- it's REALLY savory and yummy.

Do you have any specific questions you'd like answered?