dezzyntx

I never told myself what I could or could not eat.I gave myself permission for McDonalds Hamburgers or anything else I wanted. I soon figured out what I could not eat, and the desire for it went away. I may still take a little bite of a hamburger, or eat a fry from one of my kids, but the want for certain foods just left me. I have now found that I like some foods that I never ate before being banded and hate other foods that I loved. I don't know when you were banded, but it just takes time. Now the chewing, that also takes time, you will figure out which foods you have to chew more than others and you may begin avoiding the foods you have to chew alot. Hope this helps some.

Thanks for everyones reply. Alexandra, I am 35. Pati-o, I have been drinking a whole lot of coffee lately. I drink coffee instead of snacking. I think I will slack off on the caffeine and see if it helps. THANKS!

I'm not really having other symptoms. Menstrual cycle has always been abnormal, but I have had one since this started. I have been dizzy (lightheaded) a couple of times. I have also lost some hair that was on my belly (below my navel). I take Lexapro. I can't think of anything else that is going on with me. Thanks for the replies and I hope your pondering comes up with something.

not pregnant...tubes are tied.

Hey everyone, I know I haven't posted in a long time, but I am having a bit of a problem now with my breasts hurting. I don't know what the problem is. I thought maybe it has to do with weightloss or hormonal changes. I figured I would ask if this has happened to any of you before I go to the doctor. All replies are greatly appreciated.

I was able to go full liquids post-op. Anything that would go through a straw. Pre-op for clear liquids I sipped on 7-UP, used chicken boullion cubes to make broth, drank Water, apple juice and tea (hot or cold). For something you can actually bite into the only thingss I know are Jello and popsicles, but you can have basically anything you can see through. Good luck on your journey!

Thank-you Quakergirl.

Hey Deb, Glad to hear your doing ok. I hated the liquid stage too, but it passes pretty quick. I live close to Beaumont. Welcome to the board, and good luck on your journey.

A couple of months ago there was a post with a recipe for beef Jerky. One of the members makes it. I have looked everywhere and can not find it. If anyone remembers the post or who wrote it would you please let me know. Thanks in advance!

Dear Joanne, I was on the carbohydrate diet prior to being banded, and lost about 25 lbs in 1 1/2 months. Good Luck, and hang in there.

Hi Shana, Welcome to the board. Good Luck and hope to keep hearing from you.

Quote from INAMED booklet:

You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules or break big tablets in half or dissolve them in Water so they do not get stuck in the stoma and make you sick. You should always ask the doctor who prescribes the drugs about this. Your surgeon may tell you to avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. That's because it may irritate the stomach, causing the band to be removed.

This basically said the same thing Alexandria said, but I thought I would add it.

She may have the vertical banded gastroplasty (VGB). It staples off part of your stomach and places a band, but the band is more like a rubber band (not adjustable). I don't know about the reattaching of the intestines with that surgery, but I suppose it is possible. You can do a search, most obesity sites like obesityhelp.com or spotlighthealth.com give examples of the different surgeries.

Dear Sheryl, Are you sure it is Clear Liquids for two weeks? I was able to have anything through a straw from day 1. I would have just died if they would have told me clear liquids for 2 weeks. good luck!

Welcome Dawn!

Sorry everyone...I pushed the wrong button and made a new thread instead of a reply..I'll have to watch that!

Welcome Dawn, I live in Bridge City...we're almost neighbors! If you have any questions feel free to email me. I am 33, and recently banded by Dr. Spiegel.

I didn't have a blood transfusion, but with any surgery there is the chance of having one. I didn't even think of giving my own blood until the morning I got to the hospital and had to sign papers in case I had to have blood and received a disease. If I ever have another surgery, I will save my own blood first.

Lots of good luck Cheryl. Now the journey begins! Keep us updated.

Tosha, I was scared to eat or drink too. It will get better. You are just not sure what to expect with your band. When the swelling goes down in your stomach you will be able to tell the difference. You will begin to get hungry, and want to experiment with foods. Good luck!

Kiera, I haven't had a PB yet, but I am going to put a bowl in the rest room too. I hate putting my face in the loo. It makes me toss too. I would lose ALL my dinner! Thanks for the idea!

Hey Mary, I can tell a difference. You look great. I think people that see us all the time can't tell a difference, but when you see someone you haven't seen for awhile they will notice. Woohoo 40lbs! That is wonderful! Good luck on you journey!

I would definately guess you are allergic to the steri strips. I would call the doc. When they took my staples out, they put tape across my incisions and I was allergic to that. Then when I had my fill they put a band aid across the the insertion site and it made a red mark that stayed for two days. I am not usually allergic to anything like that. I just figure the skin on my tummy is sensitive. And on your other feelings, I felt bloated for several days after surgery. I'm sure it was the gas. Are you taking GasX? I doubt the mashed potatoes hurt anything. I began eating potatoe Soup (liquidy)about four or five days out. I just took it very easy and didn't have much. I am not a doctor though, just giving from my experiences. Keep us updated. Good luck!

Woohoo everyone! I went to the doc to schedule a fill. I can eat anything and way too much. I have only lost 9 lbs. since surgery. I know, that is a bonus. Well anyway, I get there and he says "I can do it right here." He gave me a fill in his office! I got 1.5 cc (4cc band). It did hurt a little. It took him two tries to hit my port, but overall wasn't too bad. I was just sooooo excited. Then, to top it off I didn't even have to pay for it! I can definately tell the difference when I drink. I hope this helps jump start the weight loss.

I have always slept on my stomach. I can't sleep on my back at

all. I have been able to sleep on both of my sides since surgery, but I haven't attempted my stomach yet. I also use a pillow, and have to readjust sometimes, but it is getting better everyday. I hope to be back on my tummy before long! Banded three weeks!

Jennifer, I believe I had the same pain feeling you are having. I think it was from the gas still being in there. It mainly did it when I would stand up. I don't have that feeling any more, It went away after about five days, but I sure do still have all the crazy noises. I am now 19 days post op and am doing alot better. I feel more normal, and can't wait to get a fill. Good Luck, hang in there and it will get better.

Michelle, I do have the weird deep burps, but they are silent and kinda act more like a deep hiccup. This only happens after I eat. It doesn't really bother me, I actually feel better after one.