daisychains7

Hi Karen! It sounds like this has been a long, emotional road for you. Congrats on making a positive change for yourself. This place is a blessing! I got banded 5/8 and am feeling good.

I'm sorry Lymarie. I am not judging... But It sounds like snacking and emotional/guilt eating play a big role in this and that is something the band itself cannot control. If you are eating to the point of vomiting then continuing to eat, that's dangerous. Have you told your Dr? Have you considered seeing someone like a counselor to help you understand the underlying reasons for this?

I don't think water would do any damage. Sounds like you are doing ok. I'm 5 days post op, trying my hardest to get fluids down too. If anything, I may be having too little, because I can't quickly down a water bottle anymore. The nurse told me 64oz a day is good amount. I'm aiming for 6-8oz in a sitting.

Congrats to you! How exciting. I was banded on Tuesday and feeling pretty good. The post op diet has so far been much easier than pre op. Wish you a quick recovery.

I know everyone recovers differently but i am 6 days post op too and there is no way I could handle that. The first few days after surgery were hell and the last thing I wanted to do was be up and about. Too much motion makes you queasy. Even a seatbelt is a little painful. It's important to be in a quiet place and keep your stress down. Why don't you stay at a nice hotel with a view, close to a hospital for a couple days? You may find that more relaxing.

Some of us were just banded and others are about to be... Post some of the things you are most looking forward to doing after you lose weight! This may help us get to know each other, stay motivated on tough days or erase doubts. Don't be shy and feel free to keep adding to your list. Here are my goals: Being healthy Avoiding diabetes Being able to ride a roller coaster Horseback riding Taking my dog for a walk every day Wearing a swimsuit in public without hiding Having more energy Wearing a one shoulder dress No back pain Run a 5k Waterskiing Sitting comfortably in an airline seat Not getting winded walking up stairs Being able to shop at a regular store Riding a bike Wearing shorts Being seen for who I am, not my size Crossing my legs Surfing Parasailing Shopping at Victorias Secret Keeping up at an exercise class No more WW shoes White Water rafting Taking a jazz dance and hip hop class My thighs not rubbing together in skirts Waterpark To be continued...

Yes, keep us posted Tammy

Thank you so much for the suggestions everyone! I love going on cruises and this has put my mind at ease. And yes, my surgeon said it is fine for me to go on the cruise four weeks out, as long as I don't try to overdo it, and chew well.

I had and still have all the same fears. I think thats normal. But it comforted me to see people here say they can still eat those foods they love, just less of it. I didn't want to put off another year of my life saying I would lose the weight eventually, like I told myself every other year.

That's amazing! Congrats ladies.

I was banded on Tuesday and I'm going on a 5 day cruise 30 days after my surgery. Really not ideal but I had planned this trip a year ago. My band is unfilled. My surgeon and nutritionist said I will be on soft foods/normal foods by then. My concern is, i saw no healthy food on my last cruise. I've already decided I will not be drinking any alcohol on the cruise, and no grazing at the buffet. What foods will keep me full but are "safe" for a very new bandster? For the formal sit down dinners, is it ok to have Soup as an appetizer or will that leave no room for meat and veggies? Any tips are much appreciated.

Congrats! You made it! I was banded on Tuesday. My nausea was really bad the first couple days whenever I would to walk or push myself. I hope it eases up for you. Meds are a lifesaver.

Anyone have surgery day story to share? Here is mine: 5/8 - I went into Methodist Hospital at 8:05am, surgery scheduled for 10:00am. My mom was with me. I checked in and they gave me a blood test at the lab. Next I went upstairs to prep. It started to become real so i prayed and took lots of deep breaths. They made me take all clothes and undies off, put on gown, socks, hat. I peed in a cup (pregnancy test), answered lots of questions, finger prick, got an IV put in and got a heparin short in tummy. I am very afraid of needles but the lady giving IV got it first time and was quick. The heparin shot hurt a lot because it burns for 20 seconds. My mom was allowed to come up after that. We prayed together. Met with surgeon, anesthesiologist for last min questions and signed consent form. My mom took a picture of me with the surgeon. Lol. They then rolled me down the hallway into the OR. Once I got in they stuck silver sticky things to me. I don't even remember them having me countdown. Next thing I remember i was waking up in recovery. This is when the pain was the worst. I was too tired to open my eyes, but kept saying "it hurts, it hurts. Oh god it hurts". Lol. It was deep and sharp. The stretcher rolling over bumps on the floor was awful. I was taken into my hospital room. My pain level was an 8. They quickly got pain meds in my IV which brought it to probably a 5 or 6. The IV meds only last 1-2hrs so I kept waking up w/ pain at a 7 or 8.. However, once I was able to swallow i could take liquid pain meds which lasted 4-5 hours. Felt good! My throat and mouth was dry. My voice was raspy and dry, but that got better after more Water. They had me practice getting out of bed, walking around a little to get gas moving. I also sat upright in a chair. My parents, sister and minister visited. I sipped some water but had no desire for juice or broth. I stayed overnight. I felt very intense nausea the day after, whenever i moved. So getting the GI scan sucked. You have to stand upright and then the x ray table leans backwards til you are laying flat. I had to stop halfway because I felt I was going to vomit, but after couple tries got it done. I rested for a few hours, then they gave me the Ok to go home. I feel so much better every day! The nurses and doctors were so caring and attentive. I really appreciated the quality of care I got. If anyone has questions feel free to ask.

How did it go Tammy?! I am very emotional today for some reason. Cried a lot last night and I am crying this morning. Physically feeling better and better every day. Have to go to bathroom a lot. Some pain is there at night/early am but otherwise not much of an issue. Yay. Hope everyone else is good!

Yes, that happened when I did liquid pre op diet. Many people say that being on an "eating" schedule helps to keep your blood sugar level. It's going to be a shock to your system for a few days, day 2 and 3 were worst for me but it does get easier! I am on post op liquids and it's so much easier.

Hi Wanda! It's so nice to meet you. I was only banded on 5/8 but the people here have been a great support. We can all do this together.

I know the feeling. I got banded on Tuesday and my belly feels really bloated. I feel gassy. Walking and drinking lots of Water is helping move things along. How much water are you having? It's weird because on the pre op diet my BMs were incredibly painful and hard. Now they are very loose. Sorry if TMI. Lol. I can't wait til we are on regular foods and things normalize in our bodies again.

Thank you. Feeling a little better every day.

Manda, it has been tough but gets a bit easier every day. I can give some of you guys on the pre op diet hope - I did a 10 day. NO cheating and my surgeon was so pleased. Surgery done in under an hour. The post op liquids have been waaaay easier than pre op liquids so far, because I have had no hunger or even interest in food. You can all do this!

Hi Manda., Feeling a little better today. The pain isnt as severe. I am able to get up out of bed and chairs a lot easier. I walked a couple blocks outside though that wiped me out. I am having trouble getting deep breaths in so working on practicing my breathing. Sipping on my liquids all day. The thing is I am SO gassy. Feels like I need to let the air out if you catch my drift.. But nothing comes out. Overall better than yesterday!

Thank you ladies. I can have more med in 2 hours thank goodness. I am scared to overdo it today. After getting home and laying in bed, the pain was extreme to the point that it hurt to breathe. I think i need a wedge bc my angle is bad. I also hurt the port site when trying to roll out of bed. So it's been a rough day but hope it is better day 3

Just wanted to thank you all for the emotional support. My surgery is done. Most of the dizziness, and nausea has passed but still in a lot of pain. I am so grateful I could stay here overnight. If I can do this, anyone can. Will post my surgery day story when I feel better. Thanks.

Thanks ladies, and same to you. That's great, Ryan. Congrats!