can_do

Plenty of people have lost 100 pounds and more with the band. Just go for it! I've shared my banding with very few people, just to keep out the negative comments. You really don't have to say anything else to this negative person. Your continued success will say it all!

Congrats on your date. It's great that the date is sooner, rather than later. Gets you on your journey sooner.

I had no interest in food for the first 3 weeks or so. I was on liquids for 2 weeks post-op and then 2 weeks of soft foods like applesauce. Don't jump the gun. Your stomach needs time to heal and for the swelling to go down.

I also had my first fill on Friday. There was a minor skin prick from the needle, a tiny bit of pressure when the port was pierced and it was all over in 15 seconds. Don't sweat it. I also was on liquids for 24 hrs, then on to mushies and today back to my regular food.

I take fiber gummies every day.

Even shakes and soft foods need to consumed slowly. You will feel uncomfortable drinking too fast, especially when you are still recovering from surgery. It takes weeks for the swelling in and around your stomach to go down. Just take it slowly. I'm 6 weeks post-op and still am learning to do that. Congrats on your surgery.

Sounds just like mine. You'll do great.

Welcome! You'll find lots of support here and many friends. No matter what you go through, someone here has been there.

I am 4 1/2 weeks post op and just beginning to feel rare hunger. I really have little desire for food. I hope I stay this way. I'm scheduled for my first fill on the 23rd, but may not need it. Down 13 pounds since surgery and 23 overall. Feel great!

Good job, ladies!

I'm pretty new at this, but if you can eat a quarter piece of chicken plus a half of a baked potato, it doesn't sound like you are too tight. That seems like a good amount of food for someone whose banded. I was instructed to have no more than 1/2 cup of food at any meal. And "big, fried mozarella sticks" ??????? It does sound like this may be more of an emotional eating thing, rather than a band problem. My opinion, for what it's worth.

I live out near the Delaware Water Gap, but had my surgery at Englewood Hospital. They have regular support groups. Check the hospital's website.

Heating pad and moving. My shoulder pain hung on for more than a week, though it did lessen each day.

What a great achievement! Congratulations.

Welcome, Rosie. I hope time passes quickly leading up to your surgery.

I will lift you up in prayer today. God is indeed with you.

I'm 4 weeks post op and the shoulder, back and collar bone pain were the worst and lasted many days. It got better each day though,and took a good 2 weeks before it was gone completely. A heating pad gave me some relief. The pain is from the phrenic nerve being irritated during the procedure. It's not gas in the stomach or intestines. That nerve that runs along the diaphragm gets irritated and stretched when the abdominal cavity is pumped full of CO2 for the procedure. Hang in there. It will pass.

I am also 1 month post-op. I feel great. I start soft food tomorrow and also get my first fill in 2 weeks. I actually do feel some restriction even with an empty band. I get a little of the old shoulder pain if I eat more than a half a cup of pureed food, or eat it too quickly. I'm happy about this, since I'm leaving shortly on vacation and need that bit of restriction to stay on track. I'm down 21 pounds since about 2 1/2 weeks pre-op.

I plan on marking my 4 week bandiversary on Monday with a glass of Merlot. I miss my wine. I too, will count it in my calories Congrats on your 28 pounds.

I also use fiber gummies.

Welcome Marci. Glad to have you in the group.

The first few days post-op, I had to be sipping constantly to get in enough fluids. Even 1 ounce every half hour should get you at least a quart a day. It has to be your main focus every mniute you are awake You can do this.

I know I'm a senior, but what's with no punctuation? I really can't make sense of this.

That's more like it! I'm sure your liver will be fine.

I am 18 days post-op and have been feeling great up until about 4 or 5 days ago. I'm having new sharp, burning pain in my belly. It is not near any incisions. There is no heat or redness. The spot is just to the left of my navel. I'm having no problems eating, drinking etc. Has anyone had this experience? I'm wondering if this is related to my port. Can someone tell me where the port is located in relation to the port incision. BTW I'm calling the doc this morning.