A New New Dawn

that's awesome and also how supportive your husband is!!! hooray and happy anniversary.

Did your doctor tell you only to have 3 ounces of the drink? I was allowed 1 cup of it when I was on liquids for each serving.

Congrats on your first fill. I am 6 weeks post op and had my first fill today. I was talking to my surgeon about this forum and telling him it was interesting seeing how every doctor and patient is different. He said well, it is a great forum for support; however, for the medical aspect people need to trust in the team they are working with. I wholeheartedly agree. Your doctor knows you, your circumstances, etc. the best and is the best person to let you know if you are on track or not, etc. Did you notice any difference with the fill?

good luck to you!

You remind me of all the emotions whirling around when I began this journey. It can be a bit overwhelming thinking of all of it. Admittedly, part of me also felt almost "ashamed" through part of it and even right after surgery that I had to resort to this extreme because I couldn't manage my own eating habits. I have gotten past that but it did weigh on me a bit. As for your daughter, personally, I don't think it is a mixed message regarding her loving her body at any size. We should love our bodies at any size; however, I stressed with my kids this is for my health first and foremost not just appearance. As you mentioned you have back issues (if I recall correctly from above) and that alone could be improved by losing weight. My daughters have been very supportive and proud of their mom. Even in their late teens they were worried a bit about me having surgery so I tried to make light of the situation that I wasn't worried and would be fine, etc. One thing that I have struggled with my younger daughter is she wants me to try things, like when we are out or for her birthday or when I made her cupcakes and she was a bit bothered that I wasn't having one. For her it is "just one bite" and I have explained to her that that theory doesn't work for me and I am better avoiding all together. She is becoming more understanding of that. We told my fiances kids (who are 11, 13 and 15) and they were very understanding as well. It is definitely a learning experience for us and for those around us as we adjust to our new lives. I, too, have been selective in who I have told. I wasn't looking to be interrogated and, to some it is too extreme so I anticipated they wouldn't understand or wouldn't be supportive. In some instances, I just didn't feel people needed to know. My father has been very supportive, but my stepmother feels she needs to monitor everything I eat or don't eat now when I see her. They are both very excited though to see the results as I am only 6 weeks post-op and down 36 lbs. already. My dad's side is very thin and fit and my mom's side is mostly overweight. One side understands my struggles the other cannot understand why I don't just have better eating/exercising habits. As for your friend that is using the hormone drops, I have seen many people use that and drop the weight. The problem is as soon as they stop the weight comes back and then some. I don't believe it teaches you how to eat and most of the weight loss is because you are only consuming 800 calories. The band is a permanent tool that helps us change our eating habits for a lifetime. Also, you mention about having to eat alone. I can see how you may feel that way initially. From people I have talked to though, it is actually quite the opposite. Because they are full so quickly they still finish their meal well before the non-banded company they are with. One person told me, he has resorted to more of a "host" role when having guests over and offering people more food, cleaning up, etc. so it isn't so obvious that he is done and has nothing left to do at the table and is keeping himself busy. I think your gift to gab could work in your favor so you are finishing your meal in the same timing (give or take). I don't know if the chew chew chew aspect ever becomes 2nd nature. I have noticed several people saying they have to really pay attention while they are eating so they don't eat too fast, etc. My dietician said you should chew each bite 25 times (and she admitted she tried and it was exhausting). Nonetheless, the behavior modification, with the aid of the lap band is worth all the rewards! Before the band, I hadn't tried to diet in years. I wasn't interested as food tasted better than the concept of dieting felt. I had 0 willpower and almost 0 motivation. I have been pleasantly surprised how "easy" this journey has been so far. I don't want to eat junk or overeat. I smell things (like the birthday cupcakes I made, pizza at the ballpark, etc) and have a brief lapse of how much I would love some, yet, my body and my conscience won't let me-phew. When I was craving a piece of chocolate, I grabbed 1 Hershey's kiss and was satisfied. I am walking faster and farther than I have in years, and just a renewed excitement about life. Physically, I already feel much better too. I wish you the best on your journey ahead and I am very happy to hear you have supportive parents cheering you on! There are hard days ahead but not insurmountable and when you start reaping the rewards it will be the greatest journey (outside of motherhood). Best wishes to you!

My surgeon told me to work up to getting the 6-8 glasses of water and 60 grams of protein. You are still very swollen after surgery so you have to build up to it. Do as much as you can and gradually build it up each day. Congratulations!!

Try not to be discouraged, it WILL happen!! Definitely get more protein in. You would be surprised where it can be hiding. I add powdered non-fat milk powder to my morning "shake" or to creme soups to add more protein (I couldn't stomach protein powder). The first couple weeks when I moved onto mushies, even spaghettios snuck some protein in my diet. When I was having trouble getting shakes or anything down, my dietician said even drinking just some skim milk was better than nothing so I did that too. Be creative. I also found that my weight loss got stagnate when I was eating too few calories. I felt less was more (even though I knew better) and my weight loss stopped. I was told to stay around 1000-1200 calories and that has helped. Stay strong - YOU GOT THiS!

I have only had the (mis)fortune of being "stuck" one time. At that time, it was completely my fault as I was "testing" my band in a way I shouldn't have by eating meat that was too dry. After excruciating pain and panicking when I felt like I couldn't breathe, after several minutes, and a visit to the ladies room - it passed. Phew. I have noticed many people have had their own experiences with being "stuck" and wondered how they handled it or if anyone has suggestions. Certainly, chewing slowly, small bites, avoiding foods that are likely to cause it are first and foremost; however, (in case it does happen) what did you do and what worked for you? After reading several blogs and articles, I wondered if my trip to the ladies room was the wrong thing to do. I have read that you should lie down, drink liquids, etc. and avoid vomiting (which may cause a band slippage). Thanks everyone!

I go to my surgeon Tuesday for my 6 week follow up. I have lost 25 lbs since surgery so I am afraid he may say I am doing well and don't need one. I notice I am really struggling the past week or so wanting to snack as I can feel my hunger increasing. I have been able to keep it in check but it's been a challenge recently. I found some Special K baked crackers that I have a few here and there (only 110 calories if I have whole bag and I make it last for a few days). It is helping w/ my "I want a salty snack" craving. I hope I get a fill. Please "fill fairy" let my dr. give me my first fill. Good luck to you!

So sorry to hear that. Also, don't worry about the weight gain. That is normal from all the fluids they pumped in you and trauma from surgery.

Did they send you home with pain meds and have you taken them? Good luck and feel better.

So glad you are staying strong and not giving into the junk food.

In western suburbs...

LOL, too funny. I am sure many of us can relate. Post op, while on the liquid phase still, I was dying for the tomatoes that were ripening on my vines. I actually cut a few open and drank the juice out of them ~ man they were GOOD!

I agree w/ all the posters - call your surgeon asap please.

Since the surgery, I have noticed my left side (port side) is very uncomfortable. It isn't pain, it feels like my insides are pushing into my ribs. I am not sure if it could be the tube or what it could be but I find myself pushing in on my side as it takes the pressure away from my ribs or I find myself trying to stretch/lean over to my right side or have to stand up to make the unfortableness go away as it helps "unsquish" my insides. Part of me thinks maybe once I lose more weight it will go away but not sure what this is. I am 5 weeks post-op and see my surgeon next Tuesday. Anyone else have a similar sensation/issue? Thanks!!

Friday will be here before you know it. Can you afford to get a few things (just for you)? Some protein items?

I agree with everyone. Perhaps, rather than waiting for the OMG I am starving signal at 4 hours, you could have a small, healthy snack in between (yogurt, cottage cheese or something) to help "top you off" so you don't all of a sudden get the urge to snarf (sorry, couldn't think of a better word) something down? Do you think that may help you? Enjoy your trip.

LOL.

By the way, if you are one that does get sick from anesthesia (if you have had it before and know this), tell your dr. They can give you meds to counteract it. I had an appendectomy some years back and was MISERABLE after surgery w/ nausea. I told them this time so they put some meds in my iv during surgery and a patch behind my ear to counteract it and I had no issue with it this time.

Wow - that is awesome! Your before and after pictures look great!! I cannot wait to get there myself.

You want to get moving around (as tolerated) to help move some of that gas out and help your recovery along. Also, take the pain meds they gave you too if it is that bothersome. Glad you are doing your breathing exercise, that is important! Best of luck (this will pass soon)

The squeaky wheel gets the grease - stay on top of them (respectfully, of course). I know my surgeon's office took a bit to submit everything (I think just due to the volume) and finally I got a call it was submitted and a few days later the call to schedule the procedure. Patience is hard sometimes but it will come!

That is awesome! Great job. I cannot wait until I get back in the onederland myself (50 lbs to go). I, too, will be celebrating. You look great!

Congrats on your surgery! Part of the reason there are so many different responses on here is that everyone is different. We all have different beginning circumstances, different level of pain tolerance, etc. The one thing we can all say is we got through it. For me, the surgery was uneventful (good thing) and my recovery went well. Make sure you have items at home that you will need afterwards (protein drinks, Soup broth, cream Soups, etc). I spent one night in the hospital due to my sleep apnea. By day 2, I took one dose of the pain meds and didn't need them anymore. It was a beautiful thing! Best of luck to you!!!