New Hope

Lauren, Congratulations on officially becoming a Bandster! Please get plenty of rest, walk as much as possible, keep drinking (even if it's just little sips as often as possible), and follow your dr's rules. Hope your recovery is uneventful.

Becky, "quicklinks" is at the top next to "search" or you can go to the bottom and scroll through "forum jump". So now we can ALL be super-spys!

Ryan, so glad that everything is going better than you expected. I know you're exhausted, but hopefully having Patty home, and her feeling more relief, will help lessen your load there.

Kathy, too funny! The profiles are really helpful. I read the profiles to learn about someone before I post to them. It just was weird that Google was reading us, but wasn't listed as a member. I didn't understand how it worked until Alexandra explained it.

I've asked Mr. Alex (board owner), but haven't gotten an answer back yet.

Best of luck to you! The psych. evaluation is no big deal.

I've pb'd a few times, usually from eating too fast or too big a bite. Usually the pain and then like baby spit-up (undigested, chewed food). I've only "slimed" once, from eating a too dry chicken strip. (Think Ghost Busters. Yuk!) That chicken looked like it had been through a food processor, the pieces were so small. I know now to use a dipping sauce if something's dry. Hopefully someone can give a more professional description. If I understand correctly, "sliming" is our body producing mucus to help lubricate foods and help them work their way down the esophagus to the digestive system. But being banded, the mucus just sits there and builds up until it (and anything else) comes back up. A personal observation, if you think you're having a problem - don't just sit there like an idiot (this is not going away). Get up and go to the bathroom ASAP! Just glad I wasn't trying to impress DH on a first date!

Kathy, what an excellent intro! Best of luck to you on your banding! I lived in that "Decade of Discouragement". Glad you're beating it. Please research as much as you can so you'll be as prepared as possible for life w/your band. Do you have your after-care (fills, event of problems) lined up?

Unfortunately, Tammy, erosions are not a myth. We have Bandsters that had to have their bands removed due to erosion. Please do as much research as you possibly can before you decide to get a band.

Mom, you should be able to eat hard proteins (meats) and vegetables without pain. This is not normal! You must chew them very, very well, make sure they are moist and lean, and take your time eating (without drinking). Quit after 20 minutes and get away from the food. Your band is designed to work w/hard proteins/vegetables. Eating mush is defeating it's purpose and you are eating around the band. Several drs. will advise you to stick w/liquids 2-3 days after each fill. Then you should be able to handle real foods. 1.8cc is a pretty aggressive fill. A slight unfill should allow you to eat the foods you are supposed to and ensure your weight loss. Being too tight puts you at risk to lose your band. Best of luck to you!

Elli, have you tried logging your foods on www.fitday.com ? It is a great way to make you conscientous of what you're eating, how much of it, calories, etc.. It breaks foods down by groups - protein, carbs, fats, etc. Also, are you getting a lot of water in every single day (but wait an hour after a meal)? It's surprising how important a role that water plays in the whole weight loss picture. Are you getting some form of consistent, enjoyable exercise - walking, biking, treadmill, exercise classes, etc.? I would see if you can schedule a "conference" with your dr. It takes more than just giving an individual a band and fill to help them be successful. He is being paid for his services and can be courteous enough to answer your ?? when you've taken time out of your busy day to come to his office. Have them written down so you don't get flustered by him when he comes in the room. Contrary to what they may think, they are NOT God, and they put their pants on - one leg at a time, just like everyone else does. Hang in there girl and get some answers. You'll get the nack of this!

Pat, after 5 years, why change a good thing? You might have been a Martha Stewart in the making and didn't even know it!

You're very swollen right now. Don't worry about trying to eat a certain amount at set times. Just a little here and there as you can tolerate it. Do try to get as much water in as possible so you don't get dehydrated. When the swelling goes down, you'll probably be hungry again. Congratulations on getting your band!

Hi, Kate! Your banding is right around the corner! Several band drs. have their patients on specific diets -before and after banding. The important thing is to follow your band surgeon's instructions. He/she has those rules for a reason. How much weight are you wanting to lose?

Emmy, you're too cute! After the water comes to a full boil, give the egg 3 minutes. You really can't overboil it. Be sure you chew it well. Refried beans w/some melted grated cheese on top is good. Have you tried a search for soft foods or mushy foods? This stage is so good after getting off of liquids!

Wasn't this combined with the Bandstock planned for June 25, 2005 in Sterling Heights, Michigan? There's a thread w/more info. about it on here.

Angela, I'd ask my band surgeon to be sure about the anesthesia and pregnancy relationship. But I do know you can have a successful pregnancy while being banded. Really, your dr. should be able to answer your ?? accurately. Please take care of yourself.

Becky, I don't think you were blushing. I think Wiley was squishing you! That's a lot of dog!

Julie, are you banded? Please stick w/your surgeon's post-op rules so you'll heal properly. We have enough padding to keep us from starving. Try to keep busy w/non-food related things to do....read a good book, take a warm shower, get a pedicure, read some support posts, take a nice nap, walk, drink lots of water. This is an important temporary stage preparing you for the next one. You can do it!

Beautiful to look at as long as you're on the inside w/a hot cup of sugar-free cocoa or tea! Brrrrrr!

Congratulations, G on getting a banding date! How much weight are you wanting to lose? Best of luck!

Becky, that is too cute!! Looks like you and Wiley are both sleeker versions of the former yous.

Leatha AND Nancy, WOW! Congratulations on the hard work! You've done a fantastic job! How low can you go?:cheeky :Bunny :banana

This thread is a sticky now. I did add "Suggestions" to the title because it's an excellent list - especially since there seem to be several Bandsters that aren't given a guideline to go by. But if your band surgeon has given you specific rules, please follow them carefully.

Paula, excellent information. GERD is not something to take lightly.