koolkel

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..

Benefiber comes in single serving packets at costco, dissolves completely in coffee, tea or just water...2-3 per day adds about 10gr fiber. Getting your Water in also helps with either problem.

My doc is pretty conservative. 2 weeks Optifast only pre-op, 2 weeks Clear Liquids post-op then 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks pureed, 2 weeks soft, then regular food as tolerated. "As tolerated?!" By then I'm going to ****** up roadkill and BBQ it!

I had to have a nicotine blood test done about a month and a half before my surgery. If I failed, no surgery! My surgeon gave me all of the reasons people outlined above but the most important was that I was electing to undergo surgery to be healthy and smoking was in direct opposition to that.

I'm pretty new to band( 2/19) but my proud moment came two days ago. I had been "stuck" at 236lbs and was waiting anxiously to see 235--- that number just became really important to me. So I got on the scale in the morning HOPING to see 235----- and it said 233!!!!( well, 233.8 but STILL!! Lol)
It went back up to 235 today but I don't care because it once said 233!!! That means I can do this!

I had my band placed on 2/19/13. For the first three weeks I was on liquid only. I struggled the first three days with food obsession, but then things were just great! Not hungry, loved my shakes.< /p>
Now I'm on a regular diet. I am exercising. And I am HUNGRY! Almost all of the time.
I don't get my first fill until 4/11 and I am aware that it may make no difference.
I'm happy that I did the surgery and I know that this hard work will pay off BUT I really had no idea just how difficult it would be.
To anyone who is considering the band or newly banded: it is NOT magic and it takes 100% focus. Use a calorie counting app and buy smaller plates and utensils. Get up from the table immediately after eating your portion and LEAVE the kitchen for a while.
Ugh! I'm SO looking forward to feeling full longer!!

I think ones body goes into a sort of shock after anesthesia. Add to that the limited calories you are taking in. I tried to return to work after one week but I was too tired and foggy. Two weeks was better. I'm six weeks or so out now and I'm gaining energy every day! Also, once you are cleared to resume exercise-- do it!! It helps boost spirits and energy!

Being on high Protein in its self will constipate you. Prune juice works great without laxatives if you can stand it but I always laughed at my mother when I was young when I saw it in the fridge and now I have it in mine lol. Miralax is okay too but sometimes takes too long for me. I use peri colace (the generic version) its rarely that I don't need something to go.

I swear by it!!

Ooooohhh! I was hooked on black Beans for a few days until I realized they make my stomach literally blow up!! Lol I keep forgetting to buy Beano, so I'm avoiding the beans at the moment!
I have some Metamucil, maybe ill sneak it into my coffee in the morning and see if it helps. The Constipation is increasing my port pain so I have to fix it. Thanks for all of your help!

Adding the fiber (Metamucil) will also help the "runs" if you have been getting that too. For me..it was all trial and error. It's a nuisance but I seem to have "leveled out" now. I find that adding some Beans to your diet helps as well.

This is normal in the beginning as we are all eating WAY cleaner than we did before. Pain killers and surgey "alone" can make it worse. I had to add some Fiber (Metamucil) in my diet pretty much everyday for a few weeks. I also used Miralax once a week as it is less aggressive than other laxatives. Once I started eating solids, drinking my Water, and moving more (walking, etc.), it rectified (no pun intended) itself.
Feel better soon!

Wow, 12 pounds, that's great! My proud moment was sitting in an airplane seat and not having to ask for the extender belt. My husband was like, wow, you must feel great! Keep up the great work!

We must have been in OR's at the same time, in different hospitals, on 2/19 as that is the day I got banded. My doctor put about 2 cc's in at surgery and after 3 weeks of liquid and 3 weeks of mushie foods I had my first fill. My PA sprays a cold substance on the area around the port and then you don't really feel the needle. There is some pressure when the plunger is pushed to send the Fluid up the line to the band but it only takes a minute or so. No pain afterward either.

Good Luck! I've lost almost 30lbs ( and I couldn't lose a thing on my own!) The band is the best thing I ever did, but I realize now that I was slightly delusional about what "it" would do and what "I had to do."
Anyone who thinks this is a cop out or taking the easy way has NO CLUE!! We are health warriors!

I had my band placed on 2/19/13. For the first three weeks I was on liquid only. I struggled the first three days with food obsession, but then things were just great! Not hungry, loved my shakes.< /p>
Now I'm on a regular diet. I am exercising. And I am HUNGRY! Almost all of the time.
I don't get my first fill until 4/11 and I am aware that it may make no difference.
I'm happy that I did the surgery and I know that this hard work will pay off BUT I really had no idea just how difficult it would be.
To anyone who is considering the band or newly banded: it is NOT magic and it takes 100% focus. Use a calorie counting app and buy smaller plates and utensils. Get up from the table immediately after eating your portion and LEAVE the kitchen for a while.
Ugh! I'm SO looking forward to feeling full longer!!

I wad banded on March 19, & I am so glad I read this post because I went from having no appetitie and having to force myself to eat...to wanting to eat all the time. Now I know what I may be expierencing. I loved the fact I had no appetitie. I didnt want to snack and had no cravings now I feel like I am in the same boat as I was before I was banded...

My Dr requires no eating 3 hrs before a fill.

My dr says no food for 2 hrs prior. But I go on an empty stomach, scientifically it makes more sense. They can tighten the band tighter around an empty stomach (IMHO)
Marci

You all are so amazing, thank you!!!!!!

I wasn't allowed any liquids or food the day of my fill...the doc wouldn't even allow a mint...my second fill is Monday...the last fill there was some tenderness but no bruising...hope all goes well.

I get my fills in the morning since they like my stomach pretty empty. I've heard of other's not eating 3 hours before so every doctor is different. I'd ask your doctor.

I don't go for my pre-op appt until May 2 I'm not sure if I will get a fill or not I'm hoping as I have nothing now but what is the rule on drinking or eating before? I know after but wasn't sure on before.

Mine is on my left side, about 6" lower than my breast. It's very pronounced now that I've lost a bunch of weight. My husband says it's my littler "alien"!
Marci

My port was much the same. A lil bit sore for about a month post op but I never feel it now unless I bend down and my jean top pushes it or I lean over something. As far as the fills...if the person administrating it knows what they are doing, then it will be fine. My port never hurts after. I expected it too, but it didn't. The needle is just a tiny pinch. Just relax it helps!