Chrissy-Chris

I was banded on the 23rd and will get my first fill on Feb. 15th. I am excited and also nervous about it. The whole idea of getting "stuck" freaks me out big time. It is the fear of the unknown. I feel like I have been doing pretty good. I try to keep to correct portion sizes. I am trying to eat 4-5 times a day. A couple of times I have had to have a Protein Shake at about 8 pm because I am not sure I won't wake up ravenous. Is there anyway you guys who are really struggling could add in an extra Protein shake? I am so thankful for this site and to know that we are all in this together gives me great comfort.

I use Jay Robb Whey Protein Isolate. You can buy them at Kroger, Central Market, and I have heard costco sometimes carries this brand, and online. It comes in chocolate, strawberry, Vanilla, and Orange. The chocolate and orange are my favorite. I use Almond Milk to blend them. The orange honestly tastes like a Dreamsicle. They have 120 calories and 28 grams of protein.

Click on your user name in the upper right hand side of the page and choose "My Tickers"

Thanks Terry! I figured it out!

Are you referring to the ticker at the bottom of some of our posts?

Yes, Terry.

Chrissy, try doing breathing exercises. I haven't taken any more MOM and I'm still feeling okay. I still have the pressure, but deep breathing helps with that. Sip on hot liquids and breath in deeply, hold it for a few secs then release slowly. That's what's helping me with the pressure and "spasms" and walking, lots of walking.

Feel better!

I almost hate asking this outloud because I know the answer is going to be easy, but, I see that many people are using a weight tracker and I don't know where to find it. I would like to use it. Help!

I am in the same boat as most of you, having surgery the same day as Mimi. I used the MOM and had diarhea afterwards, but still a lot of gas pains 5 days out. I am walking quite a bit and taking the gas x, but still feel pressure around my chest and left shoulder. I didn't take any pain meds yesterday until I went to bed. the pressure on my chest is the most annoying and wish it would go away. When I walk it sometimes makes me feel a little out of breath. Should I take some more MOM?

I am only 2 days post-op and am interested to learn more about "slime" and "PB". Can somebody explain it a little more extensively. Is it because you didn't chew enough or is it just something that happens?

I am only 2 days post-op and am interested to learn more about "slime" and "PB". Can somebody explain it a little more extensively. Is it because you didn't chew enough or is it just something that happens?

I am only 2 days out but I am surprised by the amount of pain around my port. If I move incorrectly the pain is incredibly sharp. It bites! I was also wondering how long this would last.

I am still in a lot of pain, especially around my belly button. Sometimes it is pretty sharp pain if I move to fast or twist or bend. It is hard getting up and down that is for sure. I have been sleeping in a recliner so that it is easier to get in and out of. The only thing I have had since Wednesday is some broth (which I can hardly stand) a couple of pospsicles and Water. However when I got on the scale this morning I have gained 2 pounds. I also haven't had a bm but my dr. wants me to use Milk of Magnesia today to help aid that process along.

Mimi, by your wording it sounds like you have had more than one stroke. That made me sad. Sorry you have had to go through that. 18 sticks with a needle sounds brutal. I was crying by the 6th time, not on purpose but I couldn't stop. The nurse said with being nervous and tired it just happens sometimes.

I think tomorrow I can have some other types of food, including cream of wheat which I love. I am pretty nervous about getting "stuck" though.

I hope today is a better day for everybody!

Melidawn, I am in Texas - Fort Worth

Good morning Anali and Mimi. Analie, you are right, I feel like my stomach has been hit with a bat. It is getting better and the walking does help. Mimi, you and I sound alike in recovery. I was so nautious and felt so faint after recovery it was crazy. I was in recovery for about 4 hours because of it. They also couldn't get the IV in my arm pre-op and ended up trying 10 times, no lie. They finally got a vein in my foot. I was supposed to be in surgery by 8 and ended up not going back until 11. It sucked big time. They had to keep giving my breaks inbetween sticking me because I was getting so upset and because it was hurting bad. Now, having said all of that, today I feel better, just sore and am so glad we all are on the other side and on our way to feeling better. I hope LadyBabie is doing good. I think she was scheduled yesterday as well. I will send another message later and see how everybody is doing. Woohoo - we made it!

I think I can. I think I can. I know I can. I know I can.

Anali, Ladybabie, and Mimi, we have almost arrived! Can you believe it? Time has passed quickly on our pre-op diets. I am down 12. I was hoping for 15, but it is what it is. I have to be at the surgery center at 6:30. So I am glad I will be able to get it done and over with and not have to wait until noon or something. I am feeling good and not to nervous yet but I am sure tonight will be another story. I am more nervous about what I have been trying to take care of so that my husband doen't have to do much: laundry, groceries, bills, etc. This is going to be good. We can make it through today and tomorrow brings hope!

I have also heard of Lap Band over Gastric Bypass. As a matter of fact I think my surgeon is the one who told me that he is seeing more and more of those.

Good morning everybody! I can't believe my surgery is tomorrow! I have to be at the surgery center at 6:30am! I have a tech question I hope somebody can answer. When I respond to the messages from my computer at work I get right onto the site without logging in, but at home I can't do that and it won't let me sign in. Any suggestions? I don't want to be off for a week and half and not be able to talk to everybody. I would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks.

Mimi, glad you are able to take the time off that your Dr.'s recommended. Babykins, I am also taking off that amount of time. Surgery next Wednesday and will return to work a week and 1/2 later. I had a weak moment last night and ate 5 tater tots. I baked them for my son and a friend who was spending the night and before I knew it I ate 5. I was so disappointed in myself and they didn't even taste that good. I was so hungry and I should of made my Soup before I made anything for the kids. Today is a new day and I am back on track - still hungry though. Two protien shakes and a bowl of soup a day is not cutting it for me. I just keep telling myself that I only have 5 more days til surgery, I can do this!

Mimi, I understand the stomach growling. I also have been hungry for 2 days. I don't know what it is. I am worried about the 3 day weekend coming up. That is a lot of time being at home. Anali, I hope your presurgery testing is going well. What did you have to do for that? I am waiting for a call from the surgery center to find out what time my surgery is next week. It can't get here soon enough if you ask me. By the way, how much time are you guys taking off from work?

Great job on the 10 lbs Anali! I am down 9. Can you believe we only have a week to go? I am craving the spaghetti everybody is eating at the office right now!! We can do this.

Welcome aboard! Congratulations on your weight loss. I am being banded next week and hopefully will share the same successes you hae had. Good luck on this journey!

Karanicole - I feel the same way. I have thought about it much and have been doing a lot of praying trying to quell my nerves. Just know that your medical team is going to take care of you. My surgery is next week, when is yours?

I am hungry today!!! It doesn't help that the lunch order today taken at work was for Italian food. The smell of spaghetti and garlic bread is penetrating the halls! Calgon - take me away!!!!

Girls, we can't let failure be part of our vocabulary when we discuss our future with the band. We have to be strong and go into this with only positive images of our future in minds. My mantra the last couple of weeks has been -

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

I don't know if your believers but find something to remind yourself of why you are doing this in the first place. I keep thinking about my sore knees and I am only 44. I don't want to be 66 and not able to do things with my future grandchildren.

Hold tight and know we are in this together - wherever we are located in the world. Chrissy

PS - I am in Fort Worth, Texas

All right ladies - we have almost made it one week on our pre-op diet! One week and one day to go and some of us will have already been banded, banded on the 23rd, or a day or two away! It's going quickly! I hope everybody is doing well today!