Devera

Oh yes, not sure of the count, but there were chins! That was something I wondered about prior to surgery. I attended a couple of support groups and noticed several women around my age that had the surgery and lost over 100lbs and they looked great, no sagging. But, I have to tell you that I would take the sagging if I had to over how terrific I feel and the energy I have. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself! Good luck.

I just read this, so am hoping that you are home and doing well. Everyone is different post surgery, some have port area pain, others their shoulder. Just remember to walk, walk, walk, it really helps. And, don't think you are a whimp if you need pain meds, that is why they prescribe them. Good luck it is a terrific tool and you will be losing right along with the rest of us!

Great post, one of the best and meaningful I have ever read! Terrific weight loss also. My one year is coming up, and I too am ready for the journey into year 2. Let year 2 be the year of our "goal" reaching and maintaining. We CAN and WILL do it!

I have donated twice since being banded. The first time was fine (several weeks ago). I donated a week ago (I am 10 months out and have lost 70 lbs.)and had quite a bit of lightheadness all day. I happened to have an appointment with my cardiologist on Monday and he said no more donating. Maybe because we don't eat that much, it is harder for the body to recoup. Frankly, I was relieved he said that as I really did not like the effects this time. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. That is what my surgeon thought it was. I have been careful about eating slower and chewing well, and since then have not had it happen again. I am interested in the breathing exercises that were mentioned to help with that plus I have always had a fast heart rate, that I would like to lower. I really appreciate the link.

:thumbup:Good attitude! I haven't had mine a year yet, but, I too cannot think about life without it . . . . it has changed my life so much for the better, 70lbs gone and now the energy I have, and the confidence that I will get the rest off and keep it off. Good luck to you and a speedy recovery.

Several times I get the sensation that things go black when I have gotten stuck or even just gulped water. Last night however, I did black out and fell out of my chair eating dinner. It didn't last long. Has anyone had this sensation? I asked my surgeon about it a couple of months ago, and have an appointment next Tuesday where I will tell him it became more than a sensation. I am sure it is just something peculiar to my anatomy and is a wake up call that I need to eat slower and chew much more carefully! Just wanted to know if anyone else has ever had this happen.

I have wondered about this also. I have lost 60lbs so far and have thought that I was losing more below the waist than above, so I just did my measurements. It is almost the same as far as bust and hips in the loss. I was surprised because it my pant sizes seem to be smaller now than the tops, but, who cares - I am in the regular clothes sizes, it feels great! I figure that the when the rest of the weight is gone both ends will equalize.

I agree with the stool softeners and taking Benefiber with lots! of water.

Congrats! Way to go!!! I have not been very good, but, have started walking, AND enjoying it, which for me is a huge step. If it would just cool down here, it is 85 at 6AM still, that makes it hard. No excuses anymore. You are a terrific role model. I hope we extend this for next month and I hope more of us are as successful as you. Keep it up!

This is a good motivation for me also. I have been slow to get on the exercise "band wagon". Thanks for the incentive!

I was so relieved when I found this site after my surgery as I too had terrible port pain. I found out that some do and some don't. I had to take the strongest pain meds they sent me home with for nearly 10 days. I also have been told in the past that I have a high pain threshold, so I don't think I was being a whimp. I on the other hand did not get the shoulder pain. Take the pain meds, use a heating pad, try to walk around, it does help to get rid of the gas pain. Take comfort please, in knowing it does get better and you will not be sorry. This is a big step and it takes time. Good luck!

Good for you! I moved to Arizona after 50 years in the Seattle area, I miss it! Keep us posted on your progress. This site was a great help to me especially right after surgery for all of those little concerns. Don't be afraid to ask any question the people on here are so supportive. Take care!

I am 57 and was banded May 10, 2007. I was 226 at my highest and am now at 197. I am already feeling much better and off some of my pre drugs. My energy level is much improved already. You are so fortunate to not have any co-morbidities. Glad that your doctor mentioned it, that means she or he will be supportive. Good luck

I agree with Shrinking Violet, the port pain is the worst, but, it does gradually get better. My surgery was May 10th, and I needed pain meds for one week. Then everyday it got better. Not totally gone yet, but close. Hang in there, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, coming soon!

I should have specified that I was talking about the protein powders. Other than the Achieve's I have not found a liquid product that I like.

You will do fine! You should have on hand protein drinks. That is the best thing to have for at least the first two weeks. They are easy on the stomach and keep your strength up. If you have been on the two week liquid diet prior to surgery then by now you know which ones you like and don't like. I have found mixing some of mine with UNsweetened Silk Soy milk adds a richness, sometimes I add some water. I have the Unjury Chicken Protein Broth and mixed that way and heated up is the best for a soothing, filling meal. I am talking about the Silk in the dairy case. It has lower calories than skim milk and the same amount of protein. Good luck!

There are lots of good ideas given here to help, like walking and drinking water, and the kneeling (I had not heard of that, but it sounds like a good thing). Just know, that EVERY day gets better. I had my surgery May 10th, and was feeling very alone with my pains until I found this site. Lots of us seem to have variations of the same nasty problem, the stomach gas! Be patient, take the pain meds, and walk around. Concentrate on the water. Good luck!

I would try going to liquid protein, that should pass easily, if that doesn't then you should call the doctor, perhaps you are over filled.

My port is on the left side. The doctor asked me if I wanted it on the left or center. I told him to decide.

The diaphram idea sounds possible. Boy, is there a lot to learn, and everyone is so different. I have noticed a problem with being uncomfortable after drinking a protein shake that has been blenderized. Something about adding extra "air" to the stomach area. I will watch for the other indicators for being full. How is your pain?

I don't know how I missed reading this site yesterday when I was beating myself up thinking I was a baby because I had to call the doctor's office for more pain meds. I am still having lots of pain at the port area, which has been the most troubling for me from the beginning. It is a better today, but still lets me know I did something to myself! Otherwise, no complaints. I am glad I did it! AND, so glad not to have any nausea and so far no shoulder pain. I am sure that a week from now this will all be just a memory and we will be on our way to "wonderland"!:youcandothis:

If it is the same Dr Fox, he has been around for 100 years. He was doing what they used to call stomach stapling, before anyone had heard of it. He also used to be on one of the TV news stations in Seattle when a reporter needed to ask a medical question. I think he has a large weight loss surgery practice. When I first started seeking information and Googled weight loss surgery his was one of the first sites to come up. Hope this helps. Good luck.