Sharpie

your surgeon and staff should have given you complete post op instructions. you will need to ask them for the rules.. I had to be on liquids for a few days then graduated to creamy foods /purees then regular food.. the point is you have to heal.. I was not really hungry and did fine.

mine said no straws, no gum, no soda, no bread unless toasted... no drinking for 45 min after eating and 5 minutes before eating.oh and probably no pasta.. but I have eaten a small amount of pasta with no problem... but yes they are all different.. he also does not do a fill during surgery, and has so far only given me one fill 1.8 cc..

I was truly worried about telling my best friend.. she does not have a weight issue but she can be very critical at times.. I thought oh boy she is gonna give me a lecture.. suprisingly she was 100% supportive.. came from Alabama to stay with me during surgery.. even spent the night in the hospital with me so my husband could go home.. However , I had made up my mind that even if she or anyone else didn't approve I was doing this for me and my health. friends are wonderful but if they don't understand or don't want to support you , you don't need them. She may come back around and realize that it is her problem, not yours.. take care and concentrate on you....

I sure hope it's nothing serious... I did not know we could eat bagels.. I am afraid to eat bread at all...make sure you let us know how you are doing..

as far as the statement regarding 30 lbs loss.. I can tell you that with 32 lbs of weight off I have been able to stop taking my diabetes meds and my blood pressure has improved dramatically.. I was on the verge of some major problems if not a stroke.. I researched the band and felt it was the best option for me and I have not had any issues however I am fairly new.. I also researched my surgeon and he has a sterling record ..the folks in my support group who have had a bypass all look unhealthy .. not sure why...I will take the band and if I have a problem I would get it re-done in a heart beat..

yep the longer one is where your port is.. did your surgeon explain to you what he did? mine came in after surgery and explained the procedure and where my incisions were.. he also told me before the procedure ... some Dr's don't do a good job of letting you know what they are doing.. my port is on my left side down below my rib cage...

Happy Birthday. the best part of your decision is that you will be around to raise your boy.. obesity is a terrible burden.. I am so happy that you have the band to help you on your journey to a better you... keep your eye on the prize..

You would be surprised at the people who actually fall for the scams.... it's amazing that anyone would actually send them their money.. sad for the elderly folks who get scammed...

I love Ann Taylor too. but haven't been able to shop in there before.. I am hoping to be small enough this Summer to cruise around there and possibly find something.. my problem is I am also short so I have to look for petite sizes..

I would call my Dr. the type of pain you are describing doesn't sound normal.. I had pain from gas the first week after my surgery.. I took liquid tylenol and used a heating pad but yours sounds like something other than gas. It's better to call and find out then sit around and perhaps get worse.

the glue will wear off.. it's just annoying.. I wouldn't do any scrubbing of those areas much. in a few weeks or so you won't be able to see it..

I like muscle milk,, it's a good taste.. GNC also sells some shakes that are pretty good... I haven't ventured into the whey protein powder yet .. I don't use protein drinks much anymore.. only when I get a fill or if I am on the go... I heard the premier or premium brand is good also but our walmart doesn't carry them.

My daughter is a radiation therapist and treats many skin cancer and melanoma patients.. tanning beds should be outlawed... We also lost a daughter to melanoma .. she spent her teenage years tanning.. if you want to look tan, just use the cream or spray.. I doubt the tanning bed would effect the band but it is very dangerous to your health in the future. looking good for now can't be worth the risk to me...

good luck to all... I was nervous as well but once I came out of recovery, other than some nausea I did well... the main thing I learned was to get up and move.. drink or sip liquids, take your pain meds before the pain gets bad, use a heating pad on your shoulder for gas.. you won't be hungry, but go slow, and do what your dr. says... after a week you will feel great I hope.. keep focused on the end game.. I have lost 30 lbs since surgery and I feel like a new me... I will keep all of you in my prayers...

I had been diabetic for many years... nothing I did made a difference,, they put me on metformin,, the most evil medication ever .. it made me so sick and I had so much diahrea all the time I quit taking it... I was gaining weight and could not lose no matter what I did. After trying every "diet" known to man I finally decided I was sick and tired of being fat and was ready to take control of my health... I had my lapbad done on Jan 15th and have not looked back.. I have lost 30 lbs so far and I have another 45 to go.. My diabetes is under control, I take no medication.. my blood pressure is much better also. so, you have done the best thing you can do... keep us posted..

I live in McAlpin, between Live Oak and Lake City... I had my surgery in Gainesville? where do you live?

Happy Easter to all my banded brothers and sisters.. It is a beautiful, sunny and warm day here in North Florida.. I am so lucky to be able to report that I rode my horse today.. It has been over a year since I rode.. I got to the point that I was too heavy to get in the saddle.. then I worried about my poor horse lugging me around.. after losing 30 lbs since my surgery on January 15, 2013 I have the energy and confidence to start riding again... I had about lost all hope of ever being able to pursue my favorite pastime again.. Today we will have a family dinner to celebrate Easter and I plan to stick to my plan, 3 oz protein (including a deviled egg) and no fattening breads or potatoes.. I am making Strawberry "Shortcake".. I use splenda in the berries and angel food cake . I will have some strawberries and maybe a little whipped cream ... I am so looking forward to losing the remainder of my weight and getting back to doing things I love... I hope all of you have a blessed Easter Day..

while your friend may lose faster she may not be healthier. I have people in my support group who have had bypass and sleeves.. they have problems and to me look sickly... I am convinced that losing slowly is the best way.. but complications can happen with anything.. I know for me the band was my answer. so far I am happy... I can eat most anything I want to, but don't want to eat like I did before banding... I have lost the urge to pig out and my energy level is better than it has been for years.. you will be happy especially at your age that you chose the band... keep up the good work .

maybe the Australians do things differently.. my Surgeon explained that the food in your pouch is what signals your brain that you are satisfied.. if you wash it down quickly not sure you would get the benefit of the band.. also I can only assume that washing it down would leave more room for more food.. I will do whatever my surgeon tells me at this point . I am not suffering by not drinking while I eat.. but my theory is, if it works for you that is great... As in all cases, if you are in doubt please consult with your surgeon....

I only use Truvia .. it's made from Stevia and it does not contain aspertame or nutrasweet or any chemicals.. when I used to use Equal my memory was shot.. I am not sure about the calorie thing, it says it has zero but I don't use a lot of it.. only in my coffee in the morning.. sometimes in tea...

same for me,,, If we go out, I order water, sip until I get my meal, once I eat, I usually have a to go container anyway and I ask for a to go cup.. so once my time is up I can drink...sometimes we run errands while in town (we live 25 miles from town) so by the time we do that it's okay for me to drink my water...I had to re-train my brain about the drinking while eating ..but it's okay now I'm used to it.

I would not let my husband take out my stiches... make the trip to your doc.. I did not have any stiches but I went back for my post op check and they removed the steri strips.. how are you going to get your fills if you live so far away from your Doc>?

B52- I love your posts and frankness... really I need positive feedback.. I am fairly new at the banded life.. I don't want to read about people puking, people who are eating pizza's and wondering why they are not losing, people who continually attack anyone who tells it like it is.. I am a optimist and went into this adventure hoping that I will get to the point of not worrying about counting calories, fat grams, etc. and just eat smaller portions and be healthy. so whatever anyone else thinks about what the heck "normal" means , I don't care, please continue posting.. You are to be commended for your success....

okay I have never perceived tmf as being rude.. I think he was direct, but not rude.. I too wondered if there was a mistake during surgery like leaving the old port.. but I truly do not think he is repeatedly rude... everyone needs to lighten up and if you need help give as many details as you can so advice can be given ... I have found everyone to be very helpful...jmo

I have cast iron skillets that I have had for 40 years... you do not use soap on them, clean them with water, then oil them ... nothing cooks like iron skillets... lamb sounds good.. I made a boston butt roast on Sunday, it was really good and tender.. I have not tried pork chops...