armymom2012

I was bloated for almost 2-1/2 weeks, plus no BM for almost two of them. It wasn't until the 3rd week my body caught up with all the chaos it had been through. Just stick to the plan and you should start losing soon. Just keep in mind to, that all weight scales vary to a degree. I can walk into my doctors office and I am 2#'s heavier than I was at the Bariatric clinic, just minutes before.

That is pure negligence on the doctor and the hospital. I wonder sometimes if they actually listen to a word we say to them or read our charts thouroughly before giving us a diagnoses. Heck you could probably look at her and see that she was not well. My mother inlaw just had a heart attack Saturday and a stint put in. She was relesed 24 hours later from the hospital. She is in her 70's and was quite weak when we talked to her. Seems to me, hospitals are run more like a drive- thru service now, but charge their patients like a 5 star resort. Sad!

I had the same problem for almost 2 weeks. I was told that the pain meds can cause it, so if you can do without them. Do so, plus if you take some fiber suppliments without enough daily water intake it can basically dry like cement in your system and make it worse. Try using Milk of Magnesia to see if it helps, if not you may have to buy an over the counter enama or a daily stool softner to help get you moving again. May sound extreme, but I was amazed how badly I felt being backed up that long. Once you start eating normal foods it will help get you back to normal as well. Hope this helps.

B52, I have no trouble swallowing water or soup, but for over a week I feel like everything I eat just sits in my chest for a long time, even when it is just yogurt that I eat. The doctor was not sure why that is, especially since nothing feels or comes up. I have stuck by the rules pretty well and obviously I am not over eating because I loose weight every week. Just this past week I lost 3#. Oh well, it's a learning process.

I had my first fill yesterday and they said that there was a little over 4cc's in there from the day of surgery. They added another 1.6cc yesterday. Before I had the fill, I was starving constantly around week 4 and after about 2 hours, I was hungry again. That is when they told me you know your ready for a fill. Now I know it is only a day after my fill and I am just now aloud to go from clear liquids to creamy soups, but honestly I don't feel any tighter. I had no issues with getting liquids down yesterday after the fill and today the cream soups are fine as well. How do I know if I got enough fill or if it needs adjusting. This process has me going more by measurements and 3 meals a day than by feel it seems. Do you think I might start feeling a tightness once I am aloud to start eating normal food again or should I already be able to tell even though I am doing liquids and soups? I hear all the time, people saying they are done after a half cup. I was able to eat a cup of broth yesterday and a cup of creamy soup today with no problem, but my stomach is constantly rumbling throughout the day. It's almost like having a baby again and not sure why it's crying.lol

I was banded on 1/25/12. Had my first fill today and have lost 25# so far. I hate needles so I was kinda nervous about this, but it wasn't so bad. I had my Bariatric nurse with me as well as the doctor and with all the talking going on, I pretty much didn't notice what he was doing till it was done. Feeling good, may go for a walk in a bit.

I made sure I had plenty of creamed soup, because after all that water and ice intake and no food, you are gonna want something that comforts you a bit. Tomato soup was my comfort food. Cream of Chicken, broths, popcicles. Use a blender on anything after the first week if it needs pureed. Try out samples of protein shakes before you invest in them. I like the Chocolate Splendor from Unjury. My doctor gave me samples forst. You can order online for the rest. Plus don't be suprised if what you were able to eat before surgery doesn't settle well with you at first. Thats when I just grabbed a popcicle or broth. Also, try getting your meds in liquid and try not to take the pain meds mor than a few days if you can tolerate it. I didn't have a bowl movement because of them and the new diet for almost 2 weeks. Worst bloating and pain I think I have ever felt. Good Luck to ya.

I had mine on a Wednesday and went back part time on Monday for a week. Although I work in an office I had some complications that were unexpected, like painful stomach spasms and neck pain from the gases they blow you up with. About a week later I was fine, but it just depends on each situation I think. Good Luck to you.

I have my first fill this afternoon. I am so ready to do this. This past week I could have eaten just about anything, although I didn't:) I stuck to the plan, but I will feel much better when I know I have a bit of a deterent facing my cravings. Last night at my class, one of the students I barely know walked up to me and asked me if I had lost weight recently. It felt really good. Honestly my clothes feel looser, but I guess my mind has not adjusted to the change yet, because I still don't see it in the mirror myself. I think it is a bit of my teenage years with Bulimia looking at me again in the mirror:( But anyway, it was nice to hear the words regardless. I haven't really told many people that I had the Lap Band surgery done, other than family and close friends. Maybe one day I will be able to open up more about it, but for now most people I just say yea, I'm losing weight because of health issues I want to clear up. Is that bad? I'm not so sure why I am afraid to open up about it to strangers, maybe just a bit of insecurity I guess. Who knows. But looking forward to a much bigger change by September when my son comes home from Aphganistan to get married. Hopefully I can where a dress and feel comfortable by then.

No NC2012, I did not go to the doctor for 6 months prior to deciding to get the band. Only when I was sick. But she had done Blood tests and other testing earlier that year to out rule other issues causing my problems. She also noted in her letter to Tricare that I had been her patient for over 5 years, that in itself may have shown consistent proof that she clearly knew my situation over a period of time. I had mentioned the lap band once to her earlier that year after I went to the LB meeting, because I was still having joint issues and swelling in my legs, but other than that no. I came back maybe 3 months later and discussed to my Primary Care Doctor that I had decided to start the process and at that time she agreed that it would be a good solution to my situation, because I have Degenerate Joint Disorder, Glucose Intolerant, High Blood Preesure, Cholesterol and reaccurent surgeries for Cronic Heel spurs, which could help by losing the weight that I had not been able to do on my own. I was not the min. 100 over weight requirement, but the other issues over rode that decission for Tricare to approve me. Now even though Tricare approved me, towards the end of the process when I finally met with the surgeon, he also had to make his conclusion and approve me. Hope this helps you.

I am actually taking the Gummy Vitamins with no problem, but I chew them till it's almost liquid, but like ev1988 said, it doesn't have the proper vitamins in it, so I have to take B12 and Calcium in a different form. Plus my doctor says that it could possibly stick to your band, not good. So when I finish what I have I am going to take Viactin that they have suggested. The less pills the better:)

I'm leaving in less than two weeks for a vacation in San Diego. Whoo Hooo Just hope the airport doesn't have to poke my port too much. Looking for some well needed time away. Can't weight to take some awesome pics.

It all depends on your new insurance. That is a question you would have to ask them directly. All insurance companies are different.

I had my surgery January 25. I am also on Tricare Prime (North). I did not have to show 6 months proof of anything where I had attempted to lose weight prior to surgery . The only requirement they have is a weight requirement or atleast 2 co-morbilities that would cause health concerns due to you weight, which is why I ended up getting approved in the first place. Although, I did have to fill out the application that the Bariatric Office gave me, asking all kinds of questions about what I had done to lose weight prior to seeking surgery options, pills etc. I was not asked to show receipts for Weight Watchers or Gym memberships etc. My Primary Care doctor was asked to send Tricare a referal letter, explaining my health issues caused by my weight and she happened to mention how long I have been a patient of hers. That was it. Other than that, I was asked to get special blood work done and an EKG prior to the surgery, because of health concerns, but after all of that was done, I was approved for surgery and was put on a diet a few weeks prior to the surgery date. The other thing that I was told was, that you would have to also get is a Psychological Evaluation prior to approval. Make sure that you contact Tricare and get a name of the person you talk to if they say yes to that question and follow their instructions clearly, because I am still arguing for that bill to get paid now. Honestly I think it was the doctors office making a filing mistake. But other than that, the whole process starting from the 1st meeting with Lap Band seminar to the surgery took about 6 months total. Alot of that has to due to how long it takes your primary to send a referal for all the tests and the Surgeon to set up your appts with them to acept you and then to do the surgery. Good Luck to you:)

I didn't realize that you had to drink the Barium stuff for a fill. I was just told that most of the time they will go by feel, which seemed odd to me, but even the videos showed it that way. Hopefully I don't have to drink that stuff tomorrow, I have such a bad gag reflex to start with Hope you start feeling better soon.

I am 1 month into my lap band surgery and feeling really good. But on occasions I still get this irritating neck pain like I had right after surgery. I was told that it was gas build up from the surgery back then, but what would cause it now! I had 2 scrambeled eggs this morning for breakfast and a Turkey and sweet potato Lean Cuisine for lunch, which was very lean and very small portion and a bottled water throughout the morning and afternoon. I don't feel like anything is stuck, just pain in the back of the neck and shoulders. Anyone get that kind of pain still? What causes it for you?

I am in week 2 of eating regular foods. My husband and I go out with friends a couple times a month if we can. Now that I have the Lap Band, I feel so self concious around everyone when we eat. My husband tries to pick places that should have a few things on the menu that I can eat, but this weekend we went to a Cajun place. I love Cajun food, problem is it can have lots of gravy and huge portions. While everyone ordered the good stuff, I had to order a cup of Gumbo. All though it was good, I could only eat part of it and left the bread alone. Somehow I just didn't feel the same enjoyment from it as I used to. Oh well. We are going on vacation in 2 weeks to California. I rarely drink, but I was really looking forward to going to a couple local wineries, but now I am not so sure thats a good idea:( If I drink a little I can't eat. If I don't eat a little, it goes straight to my head.lol Other than eating out that causes problems sometimes, I am glad I have the band and hopefully in a year I am close to my goal weight.

I lost 20 pounds in the first couple weeks, after that it has been 1 pound per week. This week I don't think I lost any and I started walking 4 days a week on the treadmill. My calorie count is around 750-900. I asked my doctor how many calories should I be taking in and she said anywhere from where I am at to around a 1000. If I go to 1200 I would be maintaining what I have. So it all depends on where you are at and how many calories you need to be taking in to lose, plus womens bodies are strange. We can look at food and gain sometimes.lol Honestly I can't wait for my fill this week. I feel the rumbles way to often now. Good luck to ya.

I have the same problem. I was banden on 1/25/12 and up until last week I felt so bloated. The doctor says it was due to the pain meds and the fact that I hadn't really eaten much up to that point as far as solid food. I started Milk of magnesia and a daily stool softer, now I am much better. If that doesn't work, take an enema and atleast it will give you instant relief if it's really backed up like mine was. Also,be careful taking Fiber supliments if you are not getting enough water intake per day. Suppliments like metamucil will harden like cement in your system if not washed down with enough water.

Actually my husband is really good with this new meal planning. He has supported me from day 1 and understands that at times this can be really hard on me, so we cook just enough for that meal. I know what I am capable of eating and I just make a little more for him. so far it has worked out pretty good. If there is a day he wants something that he knows i can't have, we make separate meals that day. so far so good. It's easy when you have your love ones onboard with you.

Being an military wife is a tough job, I know I used to be one. Now I am an Army Mom With all the stress involved and the moving, yes it can wreck havick on your emotions and your health. I have had my band for almost a month and I have seen such a huge difference in the way I see food now. It is almost like having a baby again, where you are constantly aware that you have to take care of it. But this time it is you that you are taking care of. Something alot of people tend to forget at times. Before my surgery, I admit I did partake in my favorite meals, thinking I will miss this so much. Now, I catch myself paying attention to everything I eat and the portions and looking for recipe ideas on this site and others. In a way thats good because, I am now taking the time to plan my meals, where before I took the easy Drive thru route alot. As you will find out, their isn't a whole lot you can eat at a fast food drive through anymore, except maybe refried beans, which is good at the soft mushie stage. Great source of Protein to. After loosing 22# in a month, that in itself is reason to enjoy this new life. I'm looking forward to my next shopping trip to.lol I am due for my first fill next week, honestly I know I am due for one to. At first I was hardly ever hungry and had to force myself to eat, but now I know it's time for a fill, because the growling in my stomach is back. I think by writing everything I eat down and go to my weekly weigh in's keeps me honest and holds me accountable. Just find something that works for you and good luck to you.

Just got back from the bariatric clinic weigh in. This was my first week with eating real food and even though I was eating around 700-850 cal a day, I still only lost a pound this week. Guess my system is not used to eating real food after so long on watery stuff and mush:( Hopefully next week starts to pick it up. Other than that, I'm feeling really good. Already started to pack up a couple outfits I can't wear anymore to give a friend of mine that is getting lap band soon. Time to start shopping again

I had mine on Jan. 25 and until this week, I was not able to sleep on my side without it being uncomfortable, but now most of the time it's not an issue now. It's also nice to kinda not feel the sensation all the time that it is in there to. I was always worried that it would feel like a foreign object, but unless I touch it, I really don't notice it's there most of the time.

Happy Valentines to everyone. Today I went for my weekly weigh in. 1-1/2 pounds lost since last week. Not huge, but a loss none the least. I also was able to start real foods today. Thank goodness, I was starving with all the liquids and mush. I made Orange Roughy with Broccoli, MMMM . Even though I was only able to eat a small piece of the fish and 1/2 cup of the broccoli. Wow what a difference a day can make. I think I can get used to the small portions now. Then if the day couldn't have been better already, my husband gave me these beautiful diamond earrings and a vase full of flowers for Valentines Day. This is going to be a good year after all. Take Care

I have the same problem. When I was on liquids, I thought I was going to float away, just with the soup and broth alone, but to expect me to drink 64oz of water to was not possible for me. Now that I am on a mushy diet, I still have trouble drinking all my water, even when I add Crystal Lite to it. the biggest problem so far I have encountered is that because of the diminished diet allowances, I also do not have normal bowl movements which have been a huge problem since surgery. Does anyone else have this problem?