Sony369

I had my surgery on the 16th. I feel exactly the same way. I'm supposed to go back to work tomorrow. The tired and weak feelings are awful. I didn't think it'd be this bad. With each day it does seem to get better. But it's quite a process. I hope we heal quickly and feel better soon. I'm sure this is the hardest part. Hang in there.
~Sonya

By the way, congratulations on the 16.6 lb loss! My first post op appt is this Friday.

hey girl-
Just back from seeing my doc. My incisions look well and she took off the steri-strips. I havent looked at the incision where my port is but one of the smaller ones kinda freaks me out. Its wierd seeing a hole in your abdomen even if it is small.
She game me an rx for diflucan for the yeast infection. YAY! She also said with the diarrhea that I can take immodium to help with that. Either the liquid or a tablet is fine. That is one of those things that I wish they would have told me I could do post-op. GRRRR. If I had known that then maybe I wouldnt be dealing with a sore backside.
Definitely told me to start my anti-depressants back up. She said I shouldnt have any problem swallowing them right now since I have no restriction in my band.
Ive been given the green light to go to the next stage of foods. YAY! Im going to try some applesauce right now and maybe a little later will try some thinned mashed potatoes. This really excites me!

I hope its ok that I started this thread over on the post-op side! Just wanted to check in to see how those who have been banded are doing?
Im 5 days post op and Im HUNGRY. This all liquid business is really getting annoying. I think Im dehydrated too but Im going in to see my doctor today just to make sure everything is ok. I was feeling nauseous and still running a low grade fever. I talked with the doc last night and she said she didn't seem too worried about it but wanted me to come in today just to followup. Im going to ask her about starting some applesauce, pudding or thinned out cream of wheat. I need something more solid in my stomach.
To top everything else off- Im having female issues and bathroom issues. I started my period a week early 3 days before surgery even though Im on the pill and technically not supposed to start until this week. And I have a yeast infection from the antibiotics I got in the hospital. And then with nothing but liquids coming out I have a hemorrhoid. SHOOT ME NOW.
And the worst was last night when I was taking care of some lady business and was trying to be real gentle with my insicions so I didnt stretch too much and hurt them- well I got the MOTHER of all cramps in my lower abdomen (down below my belly button) that would not go away. I was in EXCRUCIATING pain and it hurt so bad that I really thought I was going to black out from the pain. After what seemed like 10 years (but really only 30 secs) things started getting better. But I called my husband upstairs and had him lay down iwth me just to make sure I wasnt going to pass out.
Anyways, after last night Im glad Im going in to see the doctor. I think I need to get some gatorade to drink because im probably dehydrated but just want to check with her to make sure its ok. And hopeing she will clear me to eat a little something. Im tired of feeling so weak and tired all the time.

I'm hungry too!! I'm so ready to eat something real. I got up starving this morning.
I've had 2 glasses of Water, a can of Tomato Soup and an 8oz Protein shake and I'm still hungry.
I don't see my doc again until next week.

Since I'm constantly scouring this site for before and after photos to keep me motivated, I figured I'd post a few of my own. As of today, I am down 75 lbs since banded 10/11/12 which I think is fantastic. I have to admit, though, some days I feel and see the difference and other days I see the old me in the mirror.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm so new to this and so scared to do something wrong. You guys are so so awesome. I don't know how anyone can go through this new journey without this site.,

Missy answered your questions quite well, so I just came on to say, Welcome to the banded side. Stick around for great support, inspiration and knowledge regarding LBS.
We're all friends here.

It is hard at first and to get through it, you have to crank up your WANTPOWER. I too, have a hub that can eat anything, but I decided I wanted to live and live well, way more than I wanted to eat junk.
The post op diet doesn't last forever. When you're hungry, drink Water, Diet hot chocolate, Decaf tea and keep yourself so busy, you don't have any time to sit around and think of food. Clean closets, drawers, the yard, anything....
You need to tell yourself, "you are not going to die", " I can do anything I put my mind to".
I never heard anyone say here, that it was easy. In the beginning we call it "bandsters hell", but it will get better and dropping size after size of clothing feels soooooo good.
You can do it! Find your want!
Best Wishes

I have been busy living life, working, playing, as almost to goal weight. I hit 155 pounds this morning when I woke up. Has it been a success? Yes. Has it been easy? Not always. The best advice I can give to fellow bandsters;
Follow the rules that are given to you but also live your life and enjoy foods you can. Be intentional in how you will live each day in your improved health and body...enjoy it! It's a slow journey at times so don't give up on the band. If your body doesn't feel well then it means you just might be too restricted. Is that a way to live? No! I'm now 2 years and 5 months out. The rules really play into your daily life as you get closer to goal. I doubt my band will be tighter than 6cc for me. It's ok because I'm very close to goal and I feel good. I exercise regularly. Some days harder than others. Drink, drink, drink. Thx u Alec I intend to continue to stay with the forums. Good luck bandsters as you go through your process. I do not regret my surgery, and it was the best thing I could do for me!

Everyone can see the weight loss. I can only see it in my clothes but the scale is going down.

Remember ladies, we love you, our partners, and no matter what, we want YOU. No matter how you feel you look. Overweight, underweight, sick, healthy. We WANT you! We DESIRE you!
If we could give you anything in the world, it would be the gift of seeing you through our eyes just for one day, so you could see how special you are to us.
Overweight or not, make love (sex) to your partner. He needs it.
After all, whats 2-3 minutes out of your evening anyway?

What mushies are you eating?
Some ideas are:
Refried Beans with shredded cheese-melted and a little sour cream and salsa or taco sauce
Cottage cheese
pizza Cup- pizza sauce with melted shredded mozzarella cheese
Lasagna cup- cottage cheese, Pasta sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese
Pinto Beans
Soft/flaky meat- tuna, other fish, chicken
Steamed or blended/puréed veggies
Applesauce
Soft fruit-no skin
Bananas
Mashed potatoes
Thin oatmeal or cream of wheat
Scrambled eggs-make sure they aren't too dry and chew really well.
Hope this helps!

I just got home from my two week post-op appointment (surgery was 5/6 so just shy of two weeks). First they were shocked at how much weight that I have lost since they last saw me in the office (less than a month ago, 30 pounds!). They were all ecstatic for me and one of the nurses (who is banded), remarked how jealous she was
Then, they took my blood pressure. It was low. They cut my dose in half!!! I have another appointment in two weeks, she said depending on how my BP is she might take me completely off of it! I can't even explain how happy I would be to get off of this medicine. I have been on it a few years. I'm only 28, it sucks to be on it this young. I went through 8 rounds of intense chemo 11 years ago. The most common long term problems deal with heart problems. I need to do my part to minimize the likelihood of heart problems. Cutting my dose in half is a GREAT start!!!
Coming home I got stuck on the highway (office is an hour away), in a lightning storm. Even when I was driving 9 miles an hour on the highway I had a huge smile on my face!! I use to dread going to the doctor. I usually gained weight, my BP was high, some type of problem came up.., But, after today I can't wait to go back in two weeks! I KNOW I'll weigh less than I did today and I HOPE that I can go off of BP medicine. Even if I can't, I know eventually I will!
Thanks for reading!

I was banded this morning, so this is my fist post in post op baby!!! The surgery went really well, only three incisions and they repaired a small hernia. So surreal to be on the "other side"!

I am so excited and nervous...but ready! I have to be at the hospital at 6:30 am and it's 2 hours away from where I live...I hope I can sleep at least a little. I look forward to starting my new lifestyle. All the the success stories, advice and pictures that I've seen on here really inspire me! I can't wait to be my own success story! Wish me luck!

Ok this is huge for me to post a pic, but here goes. Not really a big difference yet at 20ish pounds down. Getting there one day at a time!!!
Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I feel a lot better today! I had a nice night of full sleep and I had breakfast!!! And egg semi cooked and a little cup of coffee with fat free Creamer. It feels so good! I'm really happy

I too have no desire to eat or drink anything. I am almost two weeks post op and have been taking in only around 300-400 calories a day. I was drinking the iso pure or muscle milk but I didnt want all the calories. I went and got Whey-Protein powder. Two scoops with Water is 52 grams of Protein with around 180 cals. So drink two a day and your good. I just deal with the taste, not to bad but not the best. So far I have had not problems. Went back to work the day after surgery and have not been hungry. I have been staying on the thin liquids (water/broth etc...) in effort to maximise my weight loss. I have been getting advice not to rush it and follow the diet plan. Not sure what I am going to do. Lost 7 lbs first week. Kinda was hoping for more. I will see what happens this week. But happy I am making the change Good Luck!

Well here I am, on the other side.... Was banded this morning and am doing great. The worst part was my throat hurt terrible from the breathing tube, but SF Popsicles and cold water/juice helped... Been keeping the heating pad on my shoulder as feels a little achy. But an also staying ahead of pain with meds and gas-x. Also been up a lot... I hoping the next few days are MILF as well!!! Thanks for all of you who went before me for sharing.... It really encouraged me and helped my fear of the unknown!!!

Yea the first week is really hard but the second is s breeze. I was working out a lot so I lost 18lbs on the pre op diet. Enjoy it while you can the week after surgery is rough and you need to be prepared for that. I think the pre op diet really gets you conditioned to listening to your body and your hunger.
It will all be worth it in the end!

Greetings from the otherside!!! I was banded this morning,,, biggest issue is sore throat from the breathing tube... But it's getting better already... FYI fro those who are not banded yet. I read on here that some have requested the nausea patch, but I forgot to.... But to my surprise, my doctor does it automatically!!! I have had no nausea what so ever yet... I definitely recommend asking for one!!!

I'm probably late in finding out about this amazing meal, but if you are in the mushy food stage the "lasagna bowl" is so yummy (and I'm a picky eater). Mix 1/4 c spaghetti sauce and 1/4 c cottage cheese and microwave for 20 seconds. Then sprinkle 1/4 c mozzarella cheese and a little Parmesan cheese. Microwave for another 20 seconds. I wish I would have known about this a week ago! Enjoy!

So...I had three doctor appointments today. A mammogram first, then a visit to the lapband surgeon for a follow up visit, and then the rheumatologist to discuss the knee and hip pain. Great NSVs at the breast imaging center. I fit fine in the narrow seats in the waiting room. Last time, I had to sit on the couch...the chairs were too tight. Then was able to wrap an XL gown around myself with no issues while the last time, I had to put on two 2XL gowns, front to back, back to front, so I could cover up.
Then...off to the surgeon. Lost 23 lbs in two months....59 total since pre-surgical diet. Doctor said I am doing exceptionally well especially as I've not had any fills. Now I'm literally floating on air and heading to my next appointment.
So, I get to the rheumatologist....and that's when I got a big old dose of reality. He put me on methotrexate and told me to take four pills a week even though based on my weight, I should really be on six pills but he wanted to start me off at a lower dose and go up if needed. That kinda burst my bubble. I knew going into this lapband thing, that I needed to lose at least 100 lbs. but I was feeling so good until he brought me back to Earth with that comment that I should be on more meds based on my size.
Not to worry...I'm not letting this get me down, it's just that while we may know in our world, how well we are doing, the rest of the world still sees us as fat. I can't wait to not be fat. I'm not interested in being skinny...I'm just soooo done with being fat.

Biotin DOES work, and it certainly won't hurt you if you try it. I took it regularly for a period of time (before surgery), and it really helps my hair and nails.
Another product I like is BioSil. It was recommended by the nutritionist at my surgeon's office. Here is a link to it at GNC.
http://www.gnc.com/p...oductId=4022428