blondegal_

How do you measure your food? Is it 3 oz before or after cooking for meat? What about veggies? Like peas are more densely packed than broccoli. For rice and Pasta I've figured it was an after being cooked measurement as those often swell when cooked. Thanks!

Banded on 19th and my port incision still hurts at times.

Wasn't the best choice of foods but just log the calories and move on. We're only allowed so many calories a day so it's best to use them on healthy foods. Remember this isn't a diet, it's a new way of life. We're working on forming new habits.

I was prescribed antibiotic to take after surgery. It caused diarrhea. Stopped once I finished the antibiotics.

Me! I'm free on weekends or after seven on week days. Anyone else??

Would anyone like to formalize this and maybe meet for coffee? I live in Arlington and work in downtown Dallas. From the forums there looks like there was a DFW group but no one has answered my request of whether or not it was still active. Any thoughts or comments??

My doctor recommended ice for port area also. Even sent ice pack with me for the car ride home. It helped much more than heating pad. Heating pad was great for shoulder pain from gas. I was laughing at myself for having ice on my spit and heat on another.

Most experience chest pain or back pain on the upper right side. If you don't have full blockage the pain will come and go often getting worse after eating as eating triggers your gallbladder to start working. Also might have a general yet almost constant feeling of just not feeling well. A feeling of nausea. For some it bothers them to sit up but not be bothered by standing. If you think you have an issue there's a scan they can do. Inject you and then measure your gallbladder function. I believe if you have less than 30% function they recommend having it removed. It's not like your appendix. Rarely a MUST have it removed immediately.

It's not 100% true about liquid in liquid out. Think about babies only on formula. You shouldn't be running to the bathroom. Perhaps call your doctor and discuss.

Some variation to try - French onion soup, mushroom broth, the liquid from ramen noodles. With all of these I just added 1/4 cup to 3/4 cup of chicken broth. They don't have enough protein on their own but did change up the taste of the chicken broth.

This would be about 2.7 tablespoons so not even 1/3 of a cup if I've done the math right. Seems like you should double check what you were told to do.

I just had surgery on 12/19 and got both at recommendation of my doctor. I can't offer as much information as the others but my doctor mentioned a study by Duke University that I read up on. It seems to help people lose more in the beginning. It does add a possible extra complication - for a few the stomach part that is folded over (so to speak) gets inadequate blood flow and causes issues which I think are only resolved by more surgery. So just do your research and weigh the risks.

I too only got in 200-300 calories those first few days. My doctor allows solid food after day ten and even eating as directed I'm at 700-800 only. I feel ok so I'm not going to worry. I know I'll be maxing out my 1200 calories soon.

Not to diminish what you're going through but isn't that just the fancy word for bruise? Doesn't the blood just need to dissolve back in or can there be complications? Maybe I have the word confused....

Having trouble replying using my phone but I did get it. Thanks!

Ok gonna whine. The bloat is driving me crazy cuz it's all above my belly button. My clothes look funny on me. Ugh. Any suggestions on getting it to diminish?

Me too please Blondegal_@excite.com Thanks in advance!

Time for a very honest discussion with your husband. And not about the band. It makes no sense that he doesn't want you to go to the gym. If you don't exercise how else will you lose weight? Then once he understands exercise is necessary for you then have discussions about the band and how it's supposed to work. But overall your husband shouldn't dictate what actions you take to get healthy. And I say healthy not thin. Hope I don't sound harsh just wanted to be short and to the point. Best of luck!

Banded on 19th also. Only complaint is swelling/bloat. Down 20 lbs but pants still fit same at waist cuz of bloat. More room in the thighs though. Doctor appt next Monday. Have no idea when I might expect to get a fill. Wishing you all the best!

What about plication? I no experience with your situation but thought I'd give you another option to ask about. Good luck!

Have a pillow close for the coughing. I sneezed once unprepared and I wanted to die. I'm more than 10 days out now and no longer scared to sneeze.

Well no DH or SO currently but my 18yr old son who's still living at home is supportive though I don't think he fully understands. He's excited that I'll be cooking more as he likes my cooking "even when it's healthy" (his words). But all my family and friends are supportive so only time will tell how this will all turn out.

Hmm... Asks me for password. Maybe cuz I'm using my phone.

Does that group require a password?