daisychains7

I am so excited for you to be banded and experience life on the other side of this. This is a wonderful new beginning! I know with your strength and positive attitude you will succeed. I was a complete mess the week leading up to my surgery. The night before I barely slept... I was in shock and still could not believe I was going to do it. It didn't hit me until I was in the prep area of the hospital, undressing and putting on my hospital gown and socks. I immediately prayed and an inner calm came over me. I saw a good quote the other day: "Let your faith be bigger than your fears." There will be challenges but its nothing you can't endure with God's help.

Omg, I was about to make the exact same post. I am two weeks post op and am starting to feel hungry all the time. I started soft foods a few days ago. I am having 3 meals (about 3/4 cup per meal) and 2-3 glasses of milk a day and still hungry. My meals are Protein rich but literally within 2 hours, starving again.. I think I am going to need to start having yogurt or a couple pieces of deli meat in addition, but I don't know if that's ok? It's driving me crazy! My first fill isn't for another few weeks.

Congrats!! Can't wait to get there.

I would take a week off if possible.

Ok I'm so glad it's not just me. I was starting to worry. Driving and sitting down to eat are pretty uncomfortable. :/ called the Dr last night so I'm just waiting to hear back.

Lose_It, sounds like you are doing great. Are you having regular Gatorade or low cal? I have been really craving a glass of pineapple juice. I don't know if it's ok to treat myself to that yet or not. Well I went to a restaurant tonight. The server kept bugging me to have Water, and asked if I didn't like my food because I barely ate it. I had probably 10 spoonfuls of Soup (just the broth) and 2 pieces of shrimp. Honestly I was a little depressed I couldn't get what I wanted to, because I'm still on soft foods and trying to follow things strictly. its 11pm and I feel like I didn't eat enough at dinner time. My port area was hurtin me like crazy tonight.. Was sitting for two hours at a movie then dinner and it was like my tummy was being rubber with sandpaper inside. A burning feeling I've had every time I sit in my car. Is this normal? I am calling nurse tomorrow just to be sure. I haven't had any trouble getting food down so I don't think it's a flipped port, but I'm scared. I thought by two weeks post op there should be no pain?

So I'm two weeks post op and have had no issues except my port area is really bugging me. I sat for two hours at a movie and could barely focus because the tshirt over my tummy felt like sandpaper. When I sit it hurts.. Like a burning feeling.. Not the big incision but the skin around it. Has anyone else gone through this?? I am gonna call in tomorrow. Also my saliva is still very thick even though I am not overrating. Wth?

As a new bandster, this was just what I needed to hear. What a balanced and realistic approach. You're an inspiration!

From my first appointment to my surgery day was about 7 1/2 months, because my insurance required the 6 month diet.

Congrats! Its a relief to have it over. The fluids will get easier in a couple days. Christine, your feelings are normal. I was an emotional wreck about a week leading up to my surgery. One minute I was excited, the next minute I wanted to just sabotage the whole thing. My moods were everywhere. You have nothing to worry about. This is an extremely safe surgery with a quick recovery time. I will be honest, the first few days sucked but as long as you can have pain meds and remember to REST you will be fine. You can do this.

YAY! The more the merrier. Debbie, how did you prepare the beef? I want to try beef and chicken but I'm scared. lol. May have chicken for dinner tonight but I am stumped as to how to keep it moist, especially since my nutritionist wants me to be able to mash all my food up before I eat it. A month or two from now I would say you should have pushed it, but right now... no! Listen to your body and stop when it feels uncomfortable. I had the same experience yesterday.. my port area started burning.. almost like sandpaper was being rubbed on it. Now is the time to go easy on yourself so that there are no issues later Very proud of you for joining a gym. I was always too embarrassed to do that because of my size, but bit the bullet 6 months ago. Here is what I did yesterday: Breakfast - 1/2 cup strawberry greek yogurt, 1/4 cup smashed banana snack - 8oz Milk lunch - 2oz garlic fish (mashed up), 1/4 cup diced peaches Dinner - 1/4 cup ground turkey with tomato sauce, 1/4 cup sliced strawberries Snack - 8oz Milk For exercise I did leg stretches then 20 mins on my elliptical machine at the lowest setting. I was sore for a few hours after that. Took my 2 weeks post op pictures. I want to take pictures at the beginning of every month to see my progress. Tonight I am going to Applebees with my family. Normally I would get boneless wings, juice AND a quesadilla. I think I will go with Soup and fruit salad if they have it.

I have BCBS as well and was approved in 2 weeks. My BMI at the start of my 6 month required diet was 48, BMI by the time I got approval was 44. I was banded on 5/8 and am in the healing process. Even though this has been a huge adjustment so far (mentally more than anything), I am happy I did this.

I've only been banded a couple of weeks so haven't eaten at any parties yet, but I do have family coming in town and I know we will be eating at restaurants at least twice next week. Then I am going on vacation a week after that. Yikes. I know at the restaurants I will be sticking to Soup, fruit, fish and veggies. Just sucks how everything revolves around food. When I am at home I feel like I have more control. What are you doing for exercise? I think an occasional treat is ok as long as you have planned for it -- getting your regular exercise and sticking to your meal plan the rest of the week.

WOW! Congrats! I have a long way to go but can't wait to get there too.

Yes, finally feels like I'm getting into a bit of a groove. first fill is June 14. I'm nervous. Oh no... Make sure to get plenty of rest and listen to your body. You don't want to push it too hard the first month.

Hey Sara. I was banded 5/8.

For dinner I had 1/4 cup ground turkey in tomato sauce, and 1/4 diced strawberries. I had no problems getting it down. I will probably have 8 oz of milk in an hour, and another 8oz an hour or so after that. My doctor says I should be having 3 glasses a day. Lactaid free milk has been a lifesaver. I know I need to work on upping my Protein intake but the Protein shakes literally make me sick. I am going to have to try deli meats, and more milk and yogurt. I normally don't eat cheese but may try that. Measuring cups, a self timer, and actually eating at my dining table have helped me with the transition to soft foods so far. Anyone have good recipe suggestions?

I think we've all been through that vicious cycle. Losing weight, then gaining it all back, and then some. 13 days post op and I feel really good. I am measuring my food, getting myself on more of a schedule and taking it slow. I am so happy to hear your insurance covers the band. Feel free to message me any time with questions.

I'm 13 days post op. I still get pain and sensitivity at my port and incisions, especially if I overdo it. Otherwise, I feel pretty good. I did 20 minutes on the elliptical VERY slow today and did a few stretches. I am measuring my food and drinking my milk (yuck... But necessary for protein). Today I had a friend take pictures of me for an album I am putting together of my journey. I want to do this monthly. I went through the same thing. I live alone but had family staying over for the first few days for support. Once they left, I felt very depressed and alone. It's hard when you're on pain meds so can't drive, and don't feel well enough to keep busy. I really had to pray a lot and listen to uplifting music. Is it possible for you to invite people over for brief visits? Can you read a book in your backyard or go on a balcony? Sit by an open window?

Oh no. How are you feeling today? I didn't drink very much the first few days either. Everything made me gassy and it felt like work. Lol. Keep trying. If you're on full liquids try some peppermint tea. I've found that warm/lukewarm liquids sit better with me than ice cold liquids.

Had 1/4 cup garlic tilapia (smashed up) and 1/4 cup diced peaches for dinner. Yummy. I had a few small teeny sips of warm water with it and took 40 minutes to get through it. Everything went down well. Yay! Those of you with upcoming surgeries are in my prayers.

Ok I was starting to question myself, but it seems like a lot of people progressed to soft foods around the same time, if not quicker than me, lol. Such a variety. I was just thinking the same thing. The conflicting info can be confusing. The best thing is to follow our individual doctors instructions of course. I'm glad it wasn't just me that had an issue w/ beans. I don't think I'll try them again for a while. How do you know you're full? I always used to eat to the point of being stuffed, lol, so this is new to me! But when I feel some pressure in my chest or side I stop. I got an example meal plan from my Dr and I actually can't even eat that much yet. For Breakfast it said 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/4 cup smashed banana.. I couldn't even finish the yogurt before I felt stuffed.

Lol' date=' thank you! Walking really helped. I also ready pineapple juice helps breaks food up and it worked like a charm. Hi Honk. Every doctor seems to have a different timeline. But yes my doctor recommended those foods and gave me a specific timeline which I've been following to a tee. It says on my instructions I can have eggs, chili, moist meats with sauces such as ground turkey, fish, crab, canned chicken, lean deli meat, lite canned fruit or veggies without skin. I just have to mash everything with my fork for about a week and have it 1/4 cup at a time.

My Dr said I could start exercising as soon as I felt up to it, but nothing super intense or abs until about a month post op. I will have to take it slow.. Maybe a recumbent bike, treadmill, or elliptical for 15 minutes. Actually I have an elliptical at home so may exercise here instead. I don't want to overdo it.

It's crazy how every doctor differs. I wasn't allowed shredded meats, fruits or veggies at the puréed stage. I can start having that as of tomorrow. I bought strawberry yogurt, turkey patties, garlic tilapia, deli meat, sweet potato, canned green beans, oatmeal, diced peaches (lite syrup) and some berries. I may try chili too. The binder my nutritionist gave me says I can have up to 1 cup in a sitting, once on soft foods. I also verified that w/ her in person. But considering i had a miserable evening after doing close to 3/4 cup of beans, im gonna take it 1/4 cup at a time. I REALLY do not want to overeat and hurt myself. Lala - With puréed, everything has to be applesauce consistency in a blender. Soft foods are things that are moist, or mashed, and easy to chew down.