I can't believe how amazing you look! I am also 5'4" and staring weight was 215. I was banded on May 6th, 2013. I had a serious complication called Ileus. it is gas caught in the intestines and you feel like a balloon inside that is going to burst! So I was admitted the very next day (May 7th) and had A NG tube inserted thru my nose down into my stomach for 2 days! Not fun. I am home now and do not feel well and have had regret over doing this to myself. Not to mention all the pain my family and friends are going through watching me suffer. So my question is, does it get better? does the nausea go away? Does the bloat and gas go away? I am actually eating normal solid foods like, cream of wheat, cottage cheese, and soups. Could this be why I am so bloated? The dr ordered a normal diet for me in the hospital when the tube came out and they brought up pancakes, sausage and oatmeal. Of which I could not eat any of it! I just attempted to go out to dinner with my daughter and I ordered French onion soup and just sipped on the broth, now I feel like I am so full that I am going to explode! Any help will be appreciated. I am from Davie, Florida along way from you!