A New New Dawn

Oh my goodness! Hang in there Linda!!! Make sure you get to the dr. or ER today!!! Unfortunately, we have to learn some things the hard way and this is one of those moments. May you get relief soon.

As long as you have done the research and understand what you are signing up for, your age shouldn't matter. Yes, you are young... which means A) you will recover quickly you won't be like many of us wishing we did this sooner. Good luck on your journey!!!

I applaud you for following your own path and not letting her influence your decision. I, too, have to agree she is no sort of best friend. It really does sound like she is jealous of you and you may be more her equal (in her eyes) by losing the weight. She sounds very controlling and demeaning in her comments. You need support, not lashing out at you. You are a grown woman who can make her own decisions and do not need to justify it to anyone! The "friendship" (if you can call it that) is very toxic. I do agree with one of the other ladies above that if this friendship is something you feel is that important to you, that you could have a talk with her (very blunt and direct) that this topic is off limits and you are not seeking her approval or opinions. However, I would really question having this person in your life at all. By the way, how is improving your quality and quantity of life (by having the band) not thinking of your family??? This journey is challenging enough. You do not need to subject yourself to a toxic relationship. You have taken control of your physical health, now it's time to take control of your emotional health. Best of luck to you! Be strong!!! No friend or best friend should act that way or say those hurtful things and still be in the "friend zone" in my opinion. My best friend was a little apprehensive about me having the surgery (she doesn't have weight struggles) but she worked with someone who had the band and gained back the weight. When I made my decision, she said I love you no matter what size you are and will support you in anything you do. She then congratulated me when it was approved and offered to come with me for the surgery. I hope you are able to either rid yourself of this toxicity or turn it around. Big hugs!!!

Definitely nip this in the butt before weight creeps back up on you. If you are able to get other foods down, it does sound like you are either too tight or you are not eating small enough pieces and chewing the heck out of them (as you eluded to). My dietician and doctor say to chew everything 25 times. By eating softer foods you are not getting the proper Protein and not utilizing the band as it was intended. Soft foods will not keep you satiated for the 3-4 hours as solid protein will. My dietician told me no more soft foods or I will be hungry all the time. Really try to chew, chew, chew, chew ... oh and CHEW your food. They also recommended using an olive fork or pickle fork as I shouldn't be eating more than what would fit on one of those little things in one bite. Good luck to you and to getting back on track.

Your positive attitude will get you and your family everywhere. So sorry about your challenges and struggles. I can imagine it is a very difficult time. I applaud your courage and strength! You go girl!!

Good luck to you Linda for relief to come soon.

Ok, silly (but not) question.... I know when you are in the infamous "green zone" that you should be able to go 4-5 hours between meals. However, what I am not really clear on is how it feels during a meal when you reach your green zone? Did you notice a difference as you ate or during mealtime that felt "different" than when you weren't in that zone? I had my 2nd fill on Tuesday (up to 4 cc in a 10cc band). I have noticed a major difference after this fill as I can get liquids down but have to eat V-E-R-Y slow and carefully or agony strikes. I am not sure if I may still be swollen since it was only 2 days ago or if this is what the green zone is like or if I may be too tight..... I can get liquids down fine but almost afraid to eat anything of substance or density. Your insight would be most appreciated.

Congrats to you! Every victory helps motivate!! Keep up the great work.

Congrats to you! You look amazing!!! You must feel great too. Since you seem to be working out too, have you been able to stay toned or do you have any issues with loose skin? Thanks for sharing. It is inspirational.

Soup Enjoy your outing.

My sister-in-law (a non-banded person) was having similar issues and her doctor thought it may be celiacs but now is having her go dairy free to see if that helps things. Perhaps logging your food every day and notice what you have the day of or day before these bouts (if you haven't already). Also, as Mis 73 said, have you been checked for Crohns? That can have similar symptoms. Good luck.

Good luck to you and best wishes. Even though you feel "knocked down", you are such a fighter and will get past this hurdle. I hope the 2nd opinion brings positive news. Hugs to you!

For me, corn tortillas (50 cal ea) or if I toast the bread that seems to work. I am actually glad that bread doesn't go down well as it is a huge weakness for me.

I had a lot of discomfort on my port side and it was very uncomfortable for me to sit. It actually took me about 4 weeks for it to subside. In my case, sitting made it worse as it felt like my organs were jabbing into my ribs. My doctor told me it was because I was still swollen. It has since gone away.

Is it on your port side?

I will second that.. I had my 2nd fill today and honest to goodness, I did not even feel the needle or the fill. My doctor gave me a shot to numb it (I didn't feel that) and I didn't feel the fill at all! I actually looked at my belly later to make sure there was a needle mark, lol. Your band is there to help you on this journey. Don't be afraid to ask for more help from it (ie. fills) and to maximize its benefit to you. Good luck and great job so far!!!

I wholeheartedly agree. Some people can be very judgemental when they don't have any firsthand knowledge of what really is involved. Is it really any different than a smoker trying to quit and using the patch, or someone working out and using a personal trainer, or someone who suffers from anxiety or depression that takes medication for it? We all have our vices or challenges and need help in someway to overcome or manage them. Kudos to all of us for doing something about ours and trying to improve our quality and quantity of life!! ... back off my soapbox

I had it too and still have the custom orthotics. Losing 44 lbs has done wonders. I used to hold the railing going down the stairs as I gently walked down them in the morning when I got up. I have had NO pain whatsoever in the past few weeks. It really has been a God send!

Kime-lou, I can relate to what you are feeling. However, as much as we want that reassurance, I think there are a couple things that may hinder it. First, sometimes whilst we are in transition we are wearing the same clothes (that are just baggier). Until I bought a few new more fitted items, no one said much. Another thing is that some people are afraid of drawing attention to it as they may feel it is very personal and trying to respect your privacy. The people I work with everyday have said a few things and said it is very noticeable (I have lost 44lbs); however, my former day-to-day coworkers didn't say anything when I saw them recently. I was a little bummed but also know in my own mind and heart that I am doing well and only I can make myself feel good about it. Keep up the good work and reward yourself from time to time with a new top or outfit to embrace your new size as able. The confidence you exude will draw attention as well.

I have a great recipe with black beans, cilantro, vegetable broth that I enjoy. It is similar to rice but lots of protein and vitamins.

As Missy stated, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you can cut or crush your pill. As for me, my blood pressure pill is rather large. Post surgery, I cut it into 4 pieces and had no issues, as time went on I cut it in half only. I take it whole now with no issue. Most likely you will be able to cut your pill.

Your body is still healing so definitely follow the diet plan your doctor gave you. You can cause issues (such as band slippage) but pushing your body. Right now, it is about healing, not about losing weight so focus on following your respective doctor's orders.

I would trust what your doctor says for the overall stats; however, know that everyone reacts differently. I think you may notice a lot of posts about people having discomfort or issues afterwards because those that don't are less likely to post something. People are naturally more likely to speak up about a negative experience or ask for suggestions, etc in that instance. I had mine on 7/25 and it was pretty uneventful. I knew from a past surgery that anesthesia is not my friend (made me extremely nauseaous). I told my surgeon prior to surgery so they gave me meds before the surgery and I had NO issues with it this time. I had none of the gas pain that others have mentioned either. It was uncomfortable getting up and down from a chair and getting out of bed but that was to be expected. I am a single mother and my kids are in their teens. They doted over me getting me Water, etc... but I was able to shower, dress, etc. on my own and able to drive by day 2. Just take it easy and listen to your body. Congrats on your pending surgery!!! Try not to fret about what may or may not happen and take each day as it comes. You will do great.

Kelly, It really depends on your doctor and insurance as to how long this will take to get approved. I do know that it seems to be a much quicker process for most than it used to be as many insurers and employers have really come around. However, in order to be the most prepared, I would contact your insurance to see what their coverage and requirements are for weight loss surgery. That is a good starting point to know what you need to get going. As for what to bring with, they will likely want to know your prior dieting history. Also, they will want to know that you have done research on the surgery and understand what it's about. My surgeon required me to go to their orientation meeting so the more of those things (contacting insurance, going to orientation, etc) that you can do will help move things along. After doing your research, you may want to bring a list of questions you have with as well so you can get the most out of your visit. Good luck on your journey.

Try finding healthier variations of those foods that you love. For example, I make a healthy version of mac and cheese. It is made with whole grain pasta, light laughing cow wedges and frozen broccoli and cheese. It is low in calories, fat, etc and high in nutrition. Perhaps, you won't feel like you are missing out on those favorite things and will be eating healthier. Also, are you getting in any exercise?