JARS517

The first thing I did was stop my many diet Mt. Dew drinks a day. I had a pretty bad habit with the diet drinks. I am pretty sure I drank the equivalent of a 2-liter every day if not more. I quick cold turkey. That was 9 months ago. I haven't missed them and I don't miss lugging the 2-liters and 12 packs in from the grocery store! We drink a lot of Crystal Light lemonade now, though.

I have some PB2 in my pantry that I have never opened. I need to add it to my chocolate Protein Shake this week. Thanks for the idea!

For the last 3 or so weeks, I can pull out lots of hair. My brush and drains are filled with it. I hate it but I realize that surgery and rapid weight loss can cause this. It should be temporary.

I am 38 and have been overweight since I was 5 or 6. I wish I would have done this sooner! I was banded in January of this year. I also have 150+ to lost total. For me, the recovery was not bad. My procedure was outpatient and I was home in my bed by 2:30 in the afternoon. I slept a lot the first day and it hurt in my abdominal region as expected especially twisting and turning. Some like to sleep in a recliner. I chose to use several pillows to prop up on in my bed. My husband helped me get up the first day. I hated the liquid prescription pain killer and only took it once. I then took just regular tylenol (liquid form) for a few days. By Day 3, I went thrift store shopping and by Day 4 I went to a workshop with friends for a few hours. I was back at work on day 8 (I am a teacher.) I also have a lot of anxiety and hated the thought of being put to sleep. They do give you some calming medicine before you "go under." The fear of the unknown is worse than the actual procedure. I'd do it again! I have to tell you that the heating pad and sugar free popsicles were my best friends those first few days because your throat will be sore from the breathing tube they insert during surgery. The heading pad just felt good for the trapped air. Best of luck and ask us on the forum lots of questions.

I can tolerate the Pure Protein shakes RTD from Wal-Mart of Target. They have 23 grams of protein. They are in an aluminum "bottle" can. I twist off the cap then replace and then I shake them up. This prevents a mess if you shake and then open. Some say there is a can taste but they are pretty good and convenient. It's only 120 calories. I like the Frosty Chocolate. They are about $6 or $7 for 4 cans.

I am cold a lot now, too. I have a fleece blanket that I use as a cocoon at night and sleep with my comforter on top of that. I am not tolerating cold well! It looks like next week's temps will be great here in NC!

The third time is the charm! (side note: I live about 45 minutes away from my surgeon so these were long round trips to get a fill!) On March 21, I tried to get a fill but the flouroscope was broke. I went this past Monday and the PA could not access my port. I have a huge bruise to show from the experience. Fortunately, she had given me an injection of lidocaine so I did not feel the 15-20 minutes of probing with the needle! I went again this morning (and waited an hour!) but my surgeon was able to access my port in one try. He was great. He put 4cc in my band (14 cc band.) I'm on liquids for 2 days and then purees for 2 days. I am hoping to get another jump start on my stalled weight loss. I have only lost about half a pound in the last two weeks. I know any loss is good but I'm hoping to get to the "green zone" sooner rather than later. Have a great weekend!

I was supposed to have my first fill this morning. The PA put me under the fluoroscope. Fortunately, she had numbed me with lidocaine (sp?) because she spent a good 15- 20 minutes trying to get the needle in my port. She was unsuccessful and feels my port is flipped. I got back this Friday morning to have my surgeon try. Just looking for others who may have had experience with this...

I had lap band w/plication on a Monday morning at 9am. I was home by 2:30 in the afternoon of the same day. I took the prescribed meds once and then moved to liquid tylenol. I slept a lot the first day but was up and about walking several times. On day 2 I was up walking around. I think on Day 3, I went to a thrift store shopping with my mom to "walk out" some of the trapped gas in my shoulders. On day 4, I went to a 3 hour workshop with friends. I was back to work on Day 8. I have had 2 c-sections and this was an easy recovery. The worst part of my surgery was that my largest incision got an infection about 2 weeks out. I still have a small scab on that incision site. My surgery date was January 21. I go for my first fill on Monday. Best of luck with your surgery!

I have a 4 year old (41 pounds) and a 7 year old (52 pounds). I ofter compare my weight loss to my children. Or I'll pick up weights equaling what I have lost. That really makes me feel better! Congrats on your loss!

That is awesome that you have reached a goal in your journey! Congratulations and thanks for sharing what is making you successful.