armymom2012

I had alot of issue with my bowels not working right after surgery. I ended up after two weeks, using Milk of Magnesia to get some relief. I also have to take a daily stool softner even two months later to try and stay regular or I bloat up and have abdominal pain really bad. Good Luck to ya.

amica813, My doctors Bariatric nurse group took all the measurements when I started the process. I have weekly weigh in's and they log everything for me. I also took before pics, so that in a year I can look back at the progress that way. It's not too late to start measuring and keeping track yourself. Good Luck to you.

I get around 50grams of protein on a good day maybe 60. I was told I should be getting around 70, but that rarely happens, because I haven't found a protein shake or bar I really like since the surgery. Otherwise I get mine from Fish, Chicken, eggs and beans.Regardless, I am still losing weight at a good rate. I try to write down what I eat, so I don't lose control and have started to walk atleast 4 days a week. Watch out for those smooties. Most have lots of calories and sugar.

I asked the same question the other day when I got my fill. They were having a bit of trouble finding it and needed to use an ultrasound to locate the port. I told them I thought that it seemed to have rolled or something the week before, but they said it seemed to be fine. Mine hurts a little bit after they move it around to put a fill in, otherwise it's usually fine unless I over exert myself while working out and then I feel a tinge of pain sometimes. Other than that, it beats the 30+ pound I used to carry around.lol

It's been 2 months since I had surgery and have lost 33 pounds. For the past month it seemed kinda slow going, but when she measured me today and said I lost 27'', that really made me realize it's not just pounds that make the difference. I would have never gussed I had 27 overall inches lost so far, but my clothes do seem to be really lose these daysand thats good:) I'm excited. I treated myself to 3- Spicey, Naked tenders at Popeyes:)

I was just given it at the hospital, nothing when I left. Thank goodness, I hate needles, could not imagine giving myself a shot

I would tell your doctor, but I had the same issues as well up till about 2 weeks after surgery. I think with all the diet shock that we have to do to our bodies prior and after surgery, leaves us sometimes low on energy and I could feel every stitch during that time when I moved, nearly taking my breath away at times. Plus I was told that I had swelling that was contributing to that problem as well. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks LBT for the info. I was starting to wonder if with all their poking to find the port, they had put a hole in it and it just leaks out. I think right now i am at 5cc, because they put 4cc in it when I had surgery. Lets hope next fill your right. Not that i want to be uncomfortable, but I am starting to think that i may fall back into bad habits, especially since i am still pretty new to this.

I just went through the regular scanner at O'Hare and Dallas Fort Worth, with no problems at all. they were more worried about the half bottle of water I had.lol

I had my band put in in January and have lost 30# so far, but like you, I really don't feel any restrictions either. I have had 2 fills, the most recent was 2 days ago. Although for the most part I have done as I should with my portions, last week I was on vacation, which made it very difficult to measure and find places that had good food choices, even then I did not gain weight, I know I over ate a few times and was always in a hurry, so I know I didn't take the proper time to chew and eat, luckily for me, not one stuck episode. Seems kinda strange after hearing all the horror stories on here. Makes me wonder if my fills are just not enough to make a difference. Good luck to you.

Summer is near and although I rarely go to the tanning bed anymore, I do go sometimes a week or two at the begining of summer to get a start on my tan so I don't burn. Has anyone had any problems using the beds after having lap band?

Since surgery, I look like I have a bulge near the port area. I asked about this before having surgery and they told me I may see a slight bulge after loosing alot of weight, but that it shouldn't be that noticable. So far I have only lost 30#, but it looks like the side where my port is, is much larger than the other side and now since I just a a really small fill, I notice it even more so. Has this happened to anyone? And does it go away somewhat after you lose most of the weight? Just curious.

I have had that problem with some types of gold my entire life. I was told that it's the acid in your skin that causes it. Not sure how much truth is behind that, but I have no problem with silver jewelry. My mom has a similar issue with watches. She can buy a really good watch and it will stop working in no time at all. The same thing was told to her about that once.

Just got back from the doctors office, had my second fill. So far so good. I still don't feel the tightness and trouble drinking water like many do and thats good I guess. I just hope this time I start getting the full sensation that I had right after surgery. Last fill, didn't notice any change at all. Other than the doctor having to do an ultrasound to find the right spot in the port, all is good and I am finally at 198-1/2. Can't tell you how long it's been since I have been under 200. Think I will have a cup of Miso soup later to celebrate.lol Not that I have a choice for the next few days

It's really hard to stop obcessing over the scales sometimes, but I try not to weigh in everyday or so, because it can change from hour to our for no particular reason. I came home from vacation and I know I didn't do as well on meals as I should have, but the scale told me I lost 3#'s. Now when I was really measuring everything before that, I may have lost a pound. I think alot has to do with the amount of excercise you get to. I walked my tail off while on vacation, so I guess the extra calories I took in was lost do to all the hiking and walking we did. Hopefully next week, now that I am back on track, it doesn't come back to bite me.lol Good Luck, give it some time and keep a food and excercise log if you can. It helps to keep me honest. Most of the time, if I don't do that well, it shows me in the writing what I might have done wrong.

I can relate to feeling mentally and physically drained. Before I was banded in February, my knees and back always hurts. I had 3 surgeries to fix heel spurs caused by weight bain and I couldn't walk up my stairs without being out of breath and my relationship with my husband was going down hill fast. Plus, I was not as heavy as most that get banded, but the extra weight I had been carrying around for years took it's toll on my over all health and at 43, I felt much older inside and out. Now that I have the band, in almost 2 months I have lost 30#, most of that in the first month. If thats not motivation I don't know what is. It also helps that I have a terrific Bariatric group that I go in weekly for weigh-ins, which helps hold me accountable for my actions each week, especially right now that I am kinda new to this new phase of my life. But I think the key to your sucess depends alot on you. I really wanted this more than anything. I wasn't always big and I loved my life and who I was before the extra weight. That all changed when I put on weight. I love to travel, hike and swim as well as shop for new clothes, which I haven't been able or willing to do in years, because it was depressing trying things on that would not fit right. Last week, I was finally able to get out of plus size, what an amazing feeling. I also, while on vacation, bought some shirts that were too small right now, but motivates me to get into them by summer. I still have a ways to go, but each new success, no matter how small is something to be proud of. I just got back from San Diego on vacation, I really hadn't excercised much up till then, but was amazed that with the weight I had lost, I was able to climb some of the cliffs on their trails. I walked all week and with very little problem, something before surgery I could not have done. So you ask if this can change your life for the better. It has for me. Plus my husband and I have grown close again. Honestly it's the best decission I have made in a long time, now if you had asked me a week or two after I had it done, well lets just say, I was in pain and had a few issues, but I worked through them and with the help of my doctor and this forum it has made it so much easier to move through this process much smoother. Good Luck to you

My husband was really supportive. I took a year to think about my options before going ahead and doing it, but honestly it was the best choice for me. Like you, I was gradually gaining by the month and it was affecting my health. The rest of my family was mixed and other than that I only told my son and his wife and my best friend, which she is in the process of getting it done herself. It always helps to have someone who knows what your dealing with. To this day those are really the only people who know and when others ask if I have lost weight, I just smile and know it's working. Good luck to you.

Vacation in San Diego was cold, but nice and Catalina Island was georgeous. We spent the week walking everywhere, hiking trails and(crawling) up cliff sides.lol to get to secluded beaches. I realized how out of shape I really am, but it was all good and it gave me a jumpstart for when I got back home. I just wish that the first fill would have given me a little help when it came to cravings:) Although I didn't gain anything, probably due to the constant exercise, I ate more than should have. O well, it's a new week and a week away does a mind and body good. Back to work and school.

It is 6 am in California:( Yes I am already awake. Yesterday we flew in and walked around the hotel looking for a place to eat dinner. Seems like we walked forever,found this wonderful seafood place. The salmon was to die for. Although I was really starving, I did follow the rules and boxed up what I couldn't eat. So I guess it is salmon with a salad for lunch today:) After dinner we walked back to the hotel, passing by the bay along the water. Wow I could live like this everyday. I told my husband, I would have no problem walking everyday if I had scenery like this. It was a bit chilly, other than that the hot tub helped break the chill. So day 1 has been a good day. Today we are doing a city trolley tour, more walking. YAY:)

I was wondering if anyone else has issues with drinking protein shakes since they had the lap band? I drank the Unjury shakes just fine prior to surgery, even the Slim fast, but since the surgery and my first fill, I can't seem to drink them very well. It's like my gag refux goes into over drive. Why is that? Although I don't drink the shakes, I do get my daily protein just fine through Salmon, chicken, turkey, eggs, hummus or Tuna each day. As well as a lean cuisine or smart one for lunch. Yes I will actually eat fish or Chicken salad made with mustard, egg, dill relish and low fat mayo, no bread for breakfast. lol I seem to loose weight each week when I go to the clinic, but they really want me to push the shakes for some reason. Whats the difference as long as I am loosing and getting enough protein? Just curious. Also, she suggested a protein bar. Anyone know of any good ones that don't taste like mushed up chalk? I tried the special K and it was ok, a little sticky though like a marshmellow crispy treat. But I'd like to try others to get a variety. Any suggestions?

Luv Luv Luv the video. Good job. I know how you feel. I had to wait til 4 pm. Spent all day at work at a desk thinking about food that I couldn't have and for some reason the guys here had to order pizza of all days. That is one of my personal deamons and I can't have it:(

Have a good one My husband turns 50 Sunday. We are going to California for vacation to celebrate. You go Hot Grandma, you can do it.

Thanks, you guys. Can't wait to go sight seeing. Maybe this time I won't be so out of breath like before:)

Today I finally went shopping to buy a few new outfits for my vacation. I used to hate shopping for clothes, but since the surgery, I have lost 26 pounds and my clothes were getting baggy. Obviously I am in the in between stage, but to be able to fit into an XL shirt and shop on the regular ladies size in Catos. Awesome feeling. i just hope my trip to California this weekend on vacation doesn't blow the diet. I just had my first fill and to be honest i don't notice a change, kinda scary. Oh well, todays a good day

I was given a Depot Shot before Uterine Ablation Surgery. I was told that it would stop my period, so that I could have the surgery.