rockonhan

Congrats!! The preop diet isn't fun, but I think strict adherence really helps your recovery, so you just have to white knuckle through it. I did pure protien shakes from Walmart. For clear liquids it was broth and Jello. I was able to have pudding, which tasted like heaven!! The first 3-4 days were rough for me, but after that, it was fine. My cravings went away and I felt fine. Good luck!!!

Just curious---do you measure your food in ounces or cups?

Sounds like you've done a fantastic job!!!!

I was self-pay and had to meet with a therapist. I also see a therapist regularly on my own. I find that most therapists dont help with the food aspect (groundbreaking suggestions like eating carrots instead of junk food), but it can help a lot with the underlying emotional issues and also learning how to find a new way to cope. My surgeons office has monthly support group meetings which I think are great. I think if you're saying to yourself "I might want to talk to someone," then I think you should. Therapy is usually covered by most insurances, so you might be covered. Congrats on those size 12s!!!!!

Sounds like a great attitude!!! Good luck and keep us posted!

Glad it didn't hurt!!

I learned something new!

I think I had some wine about 2 weeks after and was fine. I am drinking a lot less because I'm just overall more moderate and cautious with everything that goes in my body. Be careful with beer. If its in a can, pour it in a mug. That carbonation hurts!!

I think you should feel the restriction right away. I know it's pricey to get fills, but it's worth it. Getting a band without fills is like getting a car without tires--it's not going to do you much good. I think most people need between 3-6 fills to hit their green zone. Hang in there!

Remember that it's a process to get to the green zone. After my first fill, I felt restriction for a couple days and then it went away. I've had my second fill and can definitely tell I have restriction, but I think I can handle more. Some people are done in 1 fill, others in 10.

You were probably just really swollen from surgery and that decreased your hunger. Once that swelling went away, you were hungry again. I think that's pretty normal!

Well, I have no advice on the belly button thing, but it wasn't really that painful. Just a needle prick. And some people get to their green zone on their first fill, but I certainly did not. It was like not having any fill at all. Good luck!

My advice would be to be absolutely honest with him/her. It does you no favors to lie/say what they want to hear. Their job is to make sure you're mentally prepared and if you're not, then it's not the right time/decision for you. Don't be afraid! Good luck!

mushy phase, not mushy face. LOL!