RobinGirl

I have a Tanita digital scale that measures body fat as well as weight. It is the same brand as the one in my doctor's office and it always matches theirs. I've had it for 10 years and it still works perfectly. BTW- Its the inexpensive one, nothing fancy besides the fat body fat measurement.

I get that sometimes and it usually means I need to burp a little. Once I release the gas it goes ago.

My surgeons office offers B-12 injections. Does anyone else get them? If so, do they help you?

Energy shots that you drink or like B-12 injections?

I had my monthly post op visit with my surgeon today and she gave me a fill! I was hoping for one, but wasn't expecting her to agree. The best part is that it DID NOT hurt at all. Before she did it I asked her if she used lidocaine and she said only if I wanted to get two shots (she's a funny one.) Anyways, she had me hold my stomach in while she felt around then she put the needle in. I didn't even feel it! Awesome! By the way- she put in 3 cc's of fluid. I love my doctor!

At your age (depending on how long you have carried the weight) you most likely won't have a lot of excess skin over time. Key term is "over time" -because your skin is still elastic and will shrink back within a few years. I've yoyo'd myself a ton of times through my 20's and early 30's and didn't really have much excess skin. This time seems a bit different as I kept the weight on longer and I'm older. Bah! Should have done this years ago!

I had mine repaired during the lap band surgery. I didn't notice any issues, but I wouldn't know the difference. I'm super happy now, with no more reflux!!!

I actually had bad stomach gas (yes some of it made its way out) from all the protein drinks I had to drink. 80 grams of whey protein with no other real food can do a number on your digestive track. Gas- X was my friend during the first two weeks.

I had major acid reflux for over 14 years. I was on multiple medications for it and still had break through reflux. It was horrible. My doctor used it as one of my co-morbidities as it was a result of my weight. Once inside to place the lap band they found a bad hiatal hernia which was causing the reflux. It was repaired during the surgery. Since the day before surgery, I haven't taken one pill for the reflux with not even a hint at reflux. I am so happy to be free of the reflux, oh and the 25+ pounds I've lost so far.

Has anyone switched their insurance to Kaiser after being banded? I just changed jobs and they only offer Kaiser for medical insurance. Will Kaiser administer fills or provide care for any lap band issues that hopefully will never occur?

I had lingering gas pain in my shoulder for about 10 days after. I think we are a bit susceptible to digestive gas right after surgery since everything is swollen and a little gas feels like a lot. I also think that high protein foods (protein drinks) can cause added gas. I chewed a lot of gas -x, walked, and used a therapeutic shoulder shrug (you can put it in the microwave or the freezer). I also wear a CPAP at night and I think that helped too.

I had the same issue, that is once I started "going" again (about 3 days post op). I called the Dr about it and she said "when you only put liquid in, you only get liquid out." I was told not to worry about as long as I was keeping my fluids up. Once I moved on to thicker soups, it got better.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and for being so honest with us. I am so happy for you that you are back in the "band family." Hang in there and keep us posted!

I'm still confused about lettuce. Once it's chewed up well it gets really small. That's why I thought if I weighed it it would be more realistic. In a salad bowl I can only fit maybe an ounce and a half of lettuce but it looks like a cup in size. One bag of lettuce only has 5 ounces so a little goes a long way. It has little or no calories and it provides fiber and vitamins (the dark green stuff) and it makes my chicken easier to palate. My dr told me to eat it I just don't want to over stuff my stoma.

Does the one cup meal rule refer to the weight or the size of a 1 cup measurement? Specifically with lettuce.

Good luck tomorrow and I am hoping you have a speedy recovery. I was able to get around on my own by day 3. I wasn't running any races but I think I even went to Wal Mart and walked for about an hour on day 4. You will be fine, just don't try and lift your boys up for a bit. Good Luck Tomorrow!!!!

Hang in there. It really does get better. The first week and into the next I would take a nap because I was so hungry. Once you can eat some pureed and mushy food you will do better. It gets much easier.

I am 5 weeks post op and I've slowly inched my way up to 950 calories per day with 75- 90 protein grams per day. I've lost around 22 pounds so far and I don't feel like I'm starving so its working for me.

I loved my microwavable heating pad the week after to. It really helped to relax the muscle craps in my neck and shoulder.

Thanks everyone, I think it is a bit of low blood sugar and blood pressure. My blood pressure is generally low and I bet its even lower now that I'm not stuffing my face with salty foods . I'm going to up my calories by 150 and see if it helps.

I have been getting light headed when I stand up after sitting. Anyone else have this? I'm hitting my daily protein (80g) and calorie (850 - 900 c) goals. Could it be the rapid weight loss? (21#'s in 4 weeks)

I'm also going out to eat with my Mom this Monday. In preparation I looked up the menu and created a cheat sheet. It looks something like this: I know I won't be able to eat the entire salad, but by having the percentage of protein calories I can make a better choice. Looks like I'm going with the Cilantro Lime Chicken salad. BTW- this chart doesn't include the dressing, which I rarely use anyway. CALORIES % Fat % Carb PROTEIN % Protein Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad 351 33% 25% 37 42% Chicken Caesar Salad 500 48% 12% 49 39% Cobb Salad 600 58% 7% 54 36% Mixed Berry & Chicken Salad 485 52% 16% 40 33% Chicken Artichoke & Goat Cheese 347 49% 18% 26 30% Pistachio Chicken Salad 490 31% 42% 35 29% Chicken Apple & Goat Cheese Salad 550 44% 29% 39 28% Citrus Salmon Caesar Salad 740 65% 10% 45 24% Raspberry Waldorf Chicken Salad 570 42% 35% 34 24% Niçoise Salad with Salmon 587 55% 21% 34 23% Blackened Salmon Caesar 800 68% 9% 46 23% Chopped Greek Salad with Chicken 440 64% 15% 25 23% Shrimp Louis Salad 440 68% 10% 25 23% Chinese Chicken Salad 540 54% 27% 28 21% Blue Cheese & Pear Salad 560 61% 30% 16 11% Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad 370 59% 35% 9 10%

Its been relatively easy for me. Of course there has been a little head hunger and as I get further from the surgery date my hunger is slowly returning. I'm learning to eat "sticky food" like bean soup that doesn't run right through the band to stay full longer.

Today is my one month bandiversary!!!!! I am doing great and moving into regular foods. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I have an appointment with my doctor on Friday and I am hoping for a fill as my will power is about to run out. I'm down 20 pounds and I am so happy with my progress so far. Here's to another 75 to go!

Are you allowed to eat solid food already? I was on clear liquids for the first week.