alicia

I was leary of going on an extreme diet or adding vitamins or supplements to my diet pre-surgery beacuse I wanted to ensure my blood work was in check. If I was on Atkin's when they drew blood and then stopped it a week or so before surgery, my chemistry was going to be different. I don't know if it would make a difference in a life threatening situation but I didn't want to take a chance.

My port is supposedly just under the left rib cage, at least that's where my largest scar is and that's where they put the port in, says the docs assistant. The doc says I can't feel the port until I get smaller or lay on my back and press really hard... after the pain I had today? no thanks!! (Thanks again for ya'lls concern!)

no problem, bunkie68, I wondered the same thing. Thank you Alexandra and bunkie68 for your well wishes.... I guess I overracted, but when you hurt for no reason, there is a tendency to overreact. I just got a call from the doctor's assistant who said that sometimes people get a pain like mine; it is a normal occurence. It has something to do with the muscle. She wasn't exact but did apologize for telling me earlier that the pain wasn't normal (that's what made me think it was a worst case scenario!). She said that I could continue with my activities and said if I still wanted to come in this afternoon I could but there really wasn't a reason. Since my fill is with on Monday, I'll wait. Thanks again for your thoughts! I was scared! :cry

I am 6 weeks post op and this morning I am experiencing sharp pain (almost like a pinch) in my port area. It occurs when I move a certain way and when I touch it. Any thoughts or similar experieince? I see my doctor this afternoon, but I am so worried. I am imaging the worst case scenario.... I need some support....

Hi, Megan, You have some really good questions. I'm anxiuos to hear what others will write. Here are my answers: 1. Yes, I'd do it over again. It's the safest technique on the market with adequate results. 2. The hardest part for me includes the 5 week liquid diet; knowing who to tell and who not to tell and when to tell; determining food portions. The easiest? Hearing the anestheisiologist say "Sweet Dreams!" just before surgery! :sleep 3. My family has helped me be successsful. Though I haven't lost as much weight as I thought I would in the first 6 weeks, my family continues to encourage me. (Math and physiology just don't mix well! Who knew!) At your seminar ask someone if you can feel their port. I'm glad I had an opportunity to do that because I was weirded out about the idea at first. You can hardly tell it's there. Good luck! PM if you want!

Hi, Bright, I had a sweet tooth before the surgery. But after all the Protein chocolate drinks, I don't crave sweets anymore. In fact, I prefer sour and tart things. I thought I couldn't wait to have a chocolate milk shake, one of my weekly favs, but I haven't had one since the surgery. Same with Coca-Cola, I don't miss it at all. I think you'll do fine! And if you do crave the sweet stuff, you can't eat as much as you use to!

Awesome, Bobby! Doesn't it feel good to see the pounds go! Speaking of scars, I am using a silicone gel and it seems to reapir the scars. (Started using it about 3 weeks after the bandages came off.) I was using Vitamin E but because of varying theories I checked out the silicone. What about everyone else? What are you using on your scars if anything?

I started walking 3/4 of a mile the first week, and now I am up to 1 mile in about 20 minutes. I was told not to lift anything over 15 pounds for 6 weeks weeks, so when I get filled next week I'll ask when I can start working out with the weights.

When i was ont he liquid phase, I put my soup in a blender and then put it all in one container. Then for the meals, I scooped out 1/4 of a cup for the first two weeks and then 1/2 a cup. One day I tried to eat 1 cup and I got too full. Everyone is different, as we all know. One of my favorite soup combos: Campbell's Soutwest chicken soup blended with Campbell's Fiesta cheese soup (Haven't tried the regular cheese soup yet). It's not bland and the cheese soup gives it a good flavor.

Thanks, mezazea! Good luck to you, too. You are almost to the solid food phase (my liquid phase was 35 days post-op - 5 weeks). I have to warn you though, the hardest part about going to solid foods for me is figuring out how much is enough. I have twice now ate too much, enough to have chest pain. I think I have to slow down my eating. My husband said he will help with portion control. Regarding the scales. I think I am going to start weighing once a month. I'm one of those that let's the scale dictate my mood. And I completely forgot to get a tape measure and measure myself. Good idea because I feel I have lost some inches. Have a great day!

Guys, you have no idea how much this information about pre-fill weight loss and how much the pouch holds and pb's has really helped me. My doctor doesn't offer after-surgery care and I didn't find out from my doctor until 2 weeks after surgery that some people don't lose anyway weight until their first fill. I should be happy with my 16 in 5 weeks. Thanks!!

Michelle, I am having this problem, big time. In fact, our office just had a party with lots of Snacks and though I didn't eat as much as I would have 6 weeks ago, I did eat some and now I am feeling chest pressure. It all just tastes so good! how do you stop? My first fill is on the 8th...

Hi all! I am excited yet nervous about what to expect from the lap band. Dr. Cribbins (Plano, Texas) preformed my surgery on 7/24/03 and so far everything has been text book. (My only concern: I thought the first month I'd lose about 20 pounds; at week 5, I've only lost 16. Good but not what I expected.) I am so glad I found this forum, hopefully some much needed support will be found. And if you have any questions about Dr. Cribbins or my lap band experience, just PM me!

Hi all! My surgery was 7/24/03 with Dr. Cribbins in Plano. If anyone would like any info on him or his office!, just PM me! Have a good day