Julissita

Of course we miss food- that is what got us here and whether most of us admit it or not we still look for ways around the band, and are frustrated when it diesnt work. Example: I can not have solids before 4pm- unless I have absolutely NOOO stress, which is rare and if I do I will suffer and PB which takes me a good hour to get the bad food out. It is ridiculous, but it takes time to learn what to avoid. I have a hard time with soft lettece, bread is really a no no, pasta is a mess and nacho chips/tortilla chips really plug me up- so I have learned to eat what is on top of the nachos, to eat spagetti meat sauce, and the topping of a salad. I have also learned to drink advantage or unjury for breakfast every day and to drink hot tea before dinner if I really want to eat something without restriction. Lastly, I truly have missed beer and had a few sips last week. It made me feel very bloatted, but I got it out of mysystem. I have not had soda and really dont miss it. i do miss sandwiches, quiznos, etc. but I have to step back and think that is what got me to over 300lbs. i dont miss feeling huge and unhappy about my body. i dont miss watching every single thing that goes into my mouth. Would I do it over? Even knowing about the sliming which I hate- yes I would do it again! It is coming off slow, but I didnt gain it in one year! I am barely preparing for my first fill and I had this done in June of 06. i have lost 52 lbs and need to add exercise to get this going, but lazy me hates exercise. so I have to change something to see another drop! I have rhematoid arthritis and this has helped with my pain- do it, just make sure you have a good doctor and that all your attending doctors know how to help you if you need it!! ALso make your family understand your reasons as they will be your biggest supporters and understand when you get up to run to the restroom!lol Just do it! (like Nike says)

Not to cause more inflammation (no pun intended) to the story, I too had my surgery in mexico, and had complications 4 days out. Yes I vomitted blood/coffee grounds and could not even get water down. The good thing was I chose a doctor close enough to return to, which I did without even talking to him. I just showed up at the hospital and they took me immediately. I was hospitalized for two full days and had the best care. I was happy with my doctor and was not charged an extra fee. Since i have had the band I have not returned as I have not needed the fill. Like everyone has said it is very important to check out as much info as possible. I met patients he had operated on and really questioned everyone I could find who he had worked on. I stand behind my doctor (thought I was frustrated at first) and would go to him again. I can see how the second lady was trying to make sure we all saw the whole picutre, but there has been a lot of slamming of mexican doctors. Living in Houston I have also heard a lot of negative about the famed Dr. Spiegal- the moral of this story is we all must do our homework and have a plan for post op care -this is a BIG -Huge- deal! Good luck and enjoy your pregnancy as mucha s you can- this isnt something you can "do over"- Put your fate in Gods hands and know you and your baby will be fine! If God gave you this blessing amist all the other drama, there is a reason for your child and think of this as a blessing- everything will get better!! I will be praying for you both!!! Good luck!

Ok so did they recommend you take the shake out? I too eat/drink a shake every a.m., then another for lunch and then real food for dinner-= protein first and so forth. No real weight loss on the scale, but things are fitting and that is nice and I can tell with other things as well. So I am wondering should I cut out the shakes? I am using atkins and I make shakes out of unjury with a banana and FF milk- no other sugar. What do you think???:rolleyes

I know exactly what you all mean! My husband doesnt say a word- I can see it on his face! I REALLY miss beer. Have you all had that??? I am so scared. I also saw some sugar free Diet Dr pepper popsicles and was tempted! Tell me how you all are doing with these items!:paranoid

I too had mine done in Acuna, Mexico by Dr Rodriguez.-joseband.com, My band cost 7000 and went well. I did have complications and I went back and he put me back in the hospital and took care of me (included in the cost) for 2 days. What I liked was that he was within a 5 hr car ride if need be and not so expensive. He also has a lot of experience and a good reputation. I knew numerous people who he had banded and I also saw them looking good. It is worth it if you are ready to change your life! Check him out.

Hi all, No i was not banded by Spivak, but I live in Houston and too have wanted to find a support group here. I live near IAH/59 N and beltway. I was banded in june and have lost a little over 50lbs. You all are very lucky to be able to eat- I have not been able to eat "real" food before 4pm on most days. Due to stress my stomach tightens up and I really have to listen to my body and eat when I can. Ex: today is the first time I have been able to eat the meat of a $1 cheeseburger from Mc d's. Do ireally need that, no, but do I miss it- yes. Junk food does go down easier than what you need so you really have to be careful. Also check out unjury.com for protein- really good and I drink it daily! If I can help with anything please let me know. Good luck and you wont regret it. I was also a self pay and it hurt the pocket book, but I was sick of being fat. I still have 70lbs to go, but I didnt gain it in one year and need to take my time. This is not a cakewalk and this takes major adjusting. You learn how much of obesity is mental and you learn quickly that when stress is around you can't eat and it is hard!!! Good luck!:nervous

Oh yes I know the feeling. I too have been muching on the wrong stuff and this is a hard habit to get out of. I usually drink a warm liquid drink while I wait for my food or let it cool- 1 to 2 cups. This loosens me up. Then I take a small bite a chew a ton. If it is a protein I know I have problems with I moisten it with salad dressing or somethig tomake it slip through. Try this!

Reading your post made me feel good as well as I was banded inJune 06 and have had a time with my band as well. I have not been able to eat much of anything- I really can't eat anything solid before 5pm. I agree with what people are telling you of drinking warm things to loosen you up. I can rarely have cold thing- bad stomach ache! I live by Unjury and make a shake daily taht consists of milk, honey(calmingon the stomach), cinnamon (helps metabolize sugar), 1 banana( great for reflux, calming on stomach, etc) and splenda and a scoop of unjury vanilla. This is a staple daily. ALso an advantage shake for lunch, lots of water and everything at room temp. Sometimes broth- but even certain mushies will not go down if they are thick or heavy (like cream). I have learned the hard way. I have also learned that certain foods just wont stay down and need to be "wet" to be digested- chicken and meat- I can not do pork and that is something I don't seem to understand. It has been a true lifestyle change and something I realize I will have to live with. After an upper GI and other tests wew came to the conclusion that stress has caused my stomach to tighten- this is where I take my stress- and i need to find a new way to deal. This has been the hardest thing for me to deal with. Stress could be your culprit as well. Good luck to you and take advantage of this. You can always chew and spit out stuff if you really need to taste things. I missed chewing things and would go to sonic to buy ice to chew on! Good luck and if you have any other questions feel free to ask me!