Rachel412

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!

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?

Mexican food is one of the easiest things for me to eat. I don't use chips- I get burrito fillings, minus the rice, in a salad bowl or just plain. The meat is usually very well marinated so it's easy to chew and swallow. And the Beans, salsa, avocado- all good for you! Italian... it's much harder to stay away from the carbs.

I bought the book Bandwagon and read it this weekend- it was the first time I'd heard of the Estrogen link too, but the stuff she talks about all seems well researched and makes a lot of sense.

My understanding is that when you burn fat, it releases estrogen into your system. As a fellow PCOSer I know that losing weight can help regulate your cycle and make your ovaries work more "normally"- I wonder if, along with that, you're now getting a "normal" break out pre-AF?

I suggest reading other posts on the board. What you're feeling is very normal. Many people need multiple fills to get to a point where they feel satisfied after eating a smaller meal. Those of us in your situation just need to tough it out until we get to a good fill level. ETA: some people lose well right after surgery, some don't lose at all, some even gain weight in the weeks after surgery. Normal weight loss for people with the band is 1-2 pounds a week.

Yes, it's normal to feel that way. While some people are lucky and bounce right back after surgery, it's still major surgery, and most people are still plenty sore at day 4.

Tell them you're having a hernia repaired.

I'd definitely call them to check.

My surgeon always does bands as an overnight stay, bypass as a 2 night stay.

Why would that be horrible? Lots of people end up with more than that in order to get good restriction. Don't freak yourself out! .5 fills only is ridiculous, especially if you're paying per fill.

Yes, chew gum! And brush your teeth as soon as you should be "done" eating for the night, the mintiness and squeaky teeth will keep you from wanting to get your mouth dirty again.