merryKerry

Hi, I agree with B52 I'm almost a year in now and believe I have done well with my weight loss. I don't see my band as a diet but a tool that is there to help me make the right choices. I now eat what I want but everything is in moderation which I couldn't do before hence I ended up in the position I was in. But also beware the band isn't a magic fix. You do have to work with it still.

I go to the gym twice a week and have done for 6 months now ( god if you had told me 2 years ago I would be doing that I would of laughed in your face lol )If I choose to not eat cake ect I have no doubt I would of reached my goal already :-).

Think of the band as your new best friend that's there to help you and remind you to make the choices that you couldn't make before...I say forgive yourself for what you have done as we all make mistakes, life is about mistakes...that isn't the issue it's about what we learn from them :-)

Hi, although I have the band 28/08/13,

I read that your not supposed to drink carbonated drinks and I asked about this ( also about 'do you have to relax your band before flying - you don't) and I was advised that originally it was a big No No as it is thought that the bubbles could end up stretching your stomach pouch or become uncomfortable if the air gets stuck but the jury is now stuck on the stretching bit but yes the air can become trapped ( which can hurt lol).

I personally have never really been a fizzy drinker but have on a few occasions had b couple of mouth full off pop on a hot day and can honestly say I now don't bother to drink fizzy as it does get stuck lol so I suppose it's how you tolerate it. I don't drink alcohol anymore as it now gives me hart burn and I have now learnt it's much more fun when you don't have the hangover the morning after.

The question about your friend doesn't seem to be able to hold his drink so well now will be down to several factors, he isn't eating as much - think about when you go out with out eating = a cheap date.

Also, he would of been used to drinking a lot as his body with all the extra size would of been soaked up as well as a fatty and swollen liver that's used to the excesses in life would of been able to deal with braking the alcohol down better, now he has very little fat, his lives would of shrunk and not be able to process as quickly.

Im sorry if I have rambled, but hope I might of been able to help. Good luck with your decision, I have lost 61/2 stone or 31 kilo in under a year and now only have 2 more stone to go and you can do it too

I am 3 weeks post surgery and know that diet coke/ wine/ beer is out of the question for me forever. Funny thing is, I haven't missed it at all. My taste buds have been altered and the only thing that tastes ok is Water and un-sweet tea. Even I am surprised that I don't miss it. Since you asked, and this is only my opinion, dont sell your self short. You can have a great time enjoying the new you without alcohol. I frequently enjoyed wine in the evenings and certainly at outings and social events before my surgery. What I have read in several reports, is the incidence of alcoholism rises significantly after bariatric surgery. Obviously, I have eating issues; I have just undergone VSG. If I cant eat, I don't want to replace one issue with another. May I remind you, that you are a lot of fun and have many friends who want to hang out with you! They will see you looking better every month and will encourage you to let the part of your past go that led to your weight issues. You can do this! Good luck to you.

I know that's how it's supposed to be, but, again... I physically see my friend who has had the operation doing it, as well as reading a few other posts from other people saying they have an occasional beer or three as well. What dictates whether your able to handle it? Is it just pure luck? Or if you drank a lot in past, are you more likely to be able to handle it after sleeve? Again, I don't know, just asking.

I had my surgery 8/12/13 and I'm doing awesome I was scheduled for a fill yesterday but my surgeon said I was looking weight just fine without one! Keep up the good work! (:High 5..hugs:)

You go girl..you go..you go. You go, *virtual high five

It does hurt I won't lie. But remember to take your pain medication and keep sipping Water so not to get dehydrated... I made that mistake and it wasn't nice (dehydration that is)... I had a constant feeling like I needed to burp that at times was awful. But it does get better day after day (although at the moment it might not feel like it) I went through so many emotions such as 'what have I done ' and cried...but now ( a month later)... 3 stone down and a dress size down ... I don't regret it at all. For me it took about a week to feel human again...some on herewas lucky and felt better after days. I am sharing this with you not to scare you but for you too know this is all normal...as people shared this with me at the time...and once I knew it was normal it made it easier to bare x just remember to take it easy on your self at the moment and let time do what is best...and that is heal x hugs to you x x

Hey all...how's your weight loss going I was banded 21-08. I have been back on solid now for 2 weeks...have only lost 2lb since being back on solid...but the plus is its still a loss ...not got my fill till 12-10 but that's only cause I need a Sat. Appointment due to work.

How's everyone else doing though hugs x.

I had surgery today Nd my stomach hurts a lot ugh so very uncomfortable! How was your pain the same day?! When did it go away! Congrats on your band

You have just gone through major surgery...it is gonna hurt for a couple of days...remember to take you pain medication..SIP Water all the time ...and if your a side sleeper...maybe a pillow under your tummy for support for a few days ..welcome to the club :-)

I will be starting my liquid diet on the 2nd of October. Does this mean that I have to quit my coffee?!?!?!?!?!?

I had chicken oxo cubes whilst I was on my liquid diet....they taste lovely ...

I had to according to my dr. I followed my preop.. I was scared of having a fatty liver. I'm glad I did' date=' I lost 19 pounds during that time[/quote']

Woop woop to those 19lb....I lost about that too ...had my band 3 weeks ago and happy to say lost more still on the post op liquid diet to...waiting to go and have first fill ...looking to maintain my weight loss until I get back in there :-)

I will be starting my liquid diet on the 2nd of October. Does this mean that I have to quit my coffee?!?!?!?!?!?

No ! ..as you still need Calcium....so a skinny lattee is the way to go :-)

I get very mild heartburn every afternoon even if I haven't eaten anything ;-( I take Zantac daily.

Wow ..how long you been banded now ?

How long did it take for you to get your appetite back. I am only 3 days out but I am having to make myself eat. I know I can't just not eat but I don't want to eat to much. I also get a lot of pressure after eating/drinking. Is that normal?

I was like that for about a week (not hungry.) Now I'm waiting for my fill ...and hungry all the time :-(

I get heartburn from everything after the band. I have take a Prilosec daily.

I won't moan now lol...it only seems to be ham for me...although that does mean no more burnt bacon :-/

Has anyone else developed food that causes acid and hart burn that didn't before ? I can't eat ham or bacon now ..learnt the hard way on both :-(

Hehehehehe!! ^^^^

*gets on the plane to go and see butterfly*

I don't have an appetite either which is awesome. My mouth is super dry so I'm just sipping on crystal light! And it will get better! The c sections were tough but seriously prepared me for this! Give it two days...every day you will move a little easier and sleep better. Good luck and keep your eye on the prize!

Hi, and welcome to band land...some lessons you will learn quick...others more slowly :-) ...but in the mean time ask any questions no matter how big or small ...I only had my band 3 weeks ago ....but there are good people on here and a lot of experience to share :-)

I will call my surgeon this week as I didn't have a chance to do so today and see what he says

Hey ...how things going for you ?

congrats! that is wonderful!

Thank you x here's to that moment that you get into jeans I haven't been able to wear for 2 years....and now they are a good fit too (rather than a tight fit lol)

YES!! There are about 4 other places I can go closer to me in Brooklyn & Queens' date=' but I troop it to Frank.[/quote']

That's not fair.... I don't get to play with Frank ! Humph...

i'm set to have an appointment next week' date=' and likely my first fill at 6 weeks post op too....but i'm contemplating canceling the appointment.

If i'm losing the weight, should I still get a fill? Hearing positive outcomes of a fill is encouraging, but all the same, shouldn't I wait till i'm stagnant on the scale or until I need a boost to keep losing?

What's everyone else think?

~David.[/quote']

The fill is just a took to aide with not feeling hungry all the time, so if your eating 3 meals a day....and not feeling hungry in between ...don't fix what's not yet broken lol don't cancel your appointment though as you can discuss with you dietician and through effective question can help you decide whether you need a fill or not. Hope this helps .....I'm not due for my first fill till 22 this month, but I can only make Saturday appointments so have to wait till next month. At the moment I don't feel hungry between meal,...it takes me 40-50 mins to eat a very small meal (young child size) so I am happy to wait, but I do talk to my dietician on the phone or by email :-)

Took measurements 1 week ago...from today. .on the calender in kitchen ...1 inch down this week from all over :-) ..woop woop go me !

Wow' date=' I thought I had to wait as well. My last fill was August 5th and because I was traveling I was given a fill appointment of Sept. 19th. I'm 8 months post op and still have not hit the green zone. I usually go to my doctor every 4 weeks so I'm anxious to get my next fill. It's a 2 1/2 hour drive to my surgeon's office so I just can't drop everything and go for a same day appointment with my surgeon. I'm patiently waiting until the 19th for my fill but have to admit I do get hungry but I am keeping my calories under control and hopefully my next fill will be the one that will be my sweet spot.[/quote']

As far as I'm aware you have too wait two weeks between fills to allow time for any swelling (?) To go down and for you to get used to the last top up...maybe worth asking though although I'm sure each doc has their own thoughts :-)

Brooklyn here also. Very curious to know who everyone used in the NY area. And I also fight that eating demon everyday. My body isn't hungry but my head keeps saying it is

I know that feeling .....

-a big NO to waxing...ESP my valentine!-

Every time I have had my eyebrows waxed a few layers of skin were ripped off as well. All attempts were at different salons & different clinicians. Each time I looked like I had severe radiation burns!!!

That's it no more! So there is NO way I would even consider risking hot wax & ripped skin on my valentine (I don't care what size she is....hell NO!!!!!)

My husband trims my hedges' date=' he does a fantastic job & never complains. Nothing fancy, no landing strips and I give him creative & artistic freedom to do what he pleases; he's happy & I'm happy!

---but GOOD LUCK on your waxing adventure

[/quote']

Everyone's skin is different...I can have waxing done on all my body ...but as soon as they get near my um...uh...top lip my skin comes off :-( ...my treat for myself is for Lazer treatment...god my husband has seen it all and done it all...but to discuss my top lip issues. Hell no ! Pmsl...sorry bit of a tangent here rofl. Back to the subject...if to scared of waxing.. maybe iMac...as good a result as waxing...but would need to do every week (well I do or maybe I'm a hairy Mary lol) ..razor leave hair bumps as its the hair pushing back through the skin and then the pours can get infected and cause in growing hairs :-(

-a big NO to waxing...ESP my valentine!-

Every time I have had my eyebrows waxed a few layers of skin were ripped off as well. All attempts were at different salons & different clinicians. Each time I looked like I had severe radiation burns!!!

That's it no more! So there is NO way I would even consider risking hot wax & ripped skin on my valentine (I don't care what size she is....hell NO!!!!!)

My husband trims my hedges' date=' he does a fantastic job & never complains. Nothing fancy, no landing strips and I give him creative & artistic freedom to do what he pleases; he's happy & I'm happy!

---but GOOD LUCK on your waxing adventure

[/quote']

Everyone's skin is different...I can have waxing done on all my body ...but as soon as they get near my um...uh...top lip my skin comes off :-( ...my treat for myself is for Lazer treatment...god my husband has seen it all and done it all...but to discuss my top lip issues. Hell no ! Pmsl...sorry bit of a tangent here rofl. Back to the subject...if to scared of waxing.. maybe iMac...as good a result as waxing...but would need to do every week (well I do or maybe I'm a hairy Mary lol) ..razor leave hair bumps as its the hair pushing back through the skin and then the pours can get infected and cause in growing hairs :-(