jennigan

I had gallbladder problems within the first 2 months. I had sharp pains in my chest...I thought I was having a heart attack. At the time I didn't realize it was my gallbladder, because I didn't think that is where I would have symptoms, but apparently, that's what happens when you have a gallbladder attack. It turns out I don't have gallstones, but my gallbladder is not functioning as well as it should. Thankfully, I have not had an attack in a while, but if I have another one, I will have to have my gallbladder removed. I'm not sure if what you are experiencing is a gallbladder problem, but mine was sharp, excruciating pain that lasted for an hour or so. Good luck, and feel good!

I was banded in August, but have not had a fill yet...my doctor says that since I have been losing steadily, I don't need one, but I do have times when I really feel hungry. I am going for a visit on Tuesday. I am going to insist on a fill. It will be too hard to get through the holidays feeling hungry. I don't want to undo all that I have accomplished.

I am 5'6", weigh 215, and am moving into a size 16, or 1x. My 18's are getting too big! :clap2:

Redgirl, I hear what you are saying. I am surprised that you didn't get more of a fill...even though it was only a pound, you gained rather than lost. Maybe you should do what some of the others suggested and talk more assertively to your doctor about your need for more restriction. I know it is hard...I am not a very assertive person, but like Sipgel posted, we did not go through all of this to gain weight. We have to tough it out and advocate for ourselves.

Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement. I am going to call the doctor as suggested and hopefully convince him to reconsider giving me a fill. I know that I will really regret it if I don't stick to the diet, so I am going to try and keep at it either way. Hopefully, I will be filled and feeling some restriction soon!

I was looking forward to my first fill when I went to the doctor 6 weeks post-op, and he would not give me a fill! I had lost about 28 lbs. at that point, and he said that as long as I am losing well without a fill, he didn't plan on giving me one. The problem is that I am getting really hungry! I have been trying to be good and stick to the guidelines, but I am almost afraid that if I keep losing weight, I won't get a fill next time either. I don't want to sabatoge what I have already done and gain weight, but I really feel like a need a fill the next time I go (not until November 14th). Do I give in to my hunger and put on a few pounds in hopes that I will get a fill,or do I try to stick to the rules, and possibly be denied again when I go back? Help!!!

Hi Kagoscuba- I too, absolutely hated the Isopure for a while, but I tried to stick it out because I wanted to get all my protein in. I started with Grape, but then moved on to Icy Orange, and I have to say that I don't mind the taste of it anymore. I must have gotten used to it. With the exception of the occassional blob of something that looks like snot floating in it, I actually like it because I can kill two birds with one stone...liquids and protein. Good luck!

Hey all! I was banded on 8/27, and as many of you said, I lost a ton during the liquid phase...18 pounds in 2 weeks. My weight loss slowed down a lot after that, and I had about a week and a half where I lost absolutely nothing. It is discouraging, but I really think it is because our bodies are just taking time to adjust to all the changes they are going through. I was worried that I would gain when I started solids, but so far, so good...I have actually started losing again. Has anyone gotten the "golf ball" feeling yet? I did twice this week...once after eating whole wheat pasta, and once after chicken and rice. I'm not sure if it was because of what I ate, or how I ate (too fast, not chewing enough). I can tell you it was not fun! I go to the doctor on Thursday to discuss whether or not I will be getting a fill. I have mixed feelings...part of me wants one, and another part of me is scared. Well, you all seem to be doing great! Thanks for letting me rant! ~jen

My doctor also told me that I could pick up my 10 month old the day after surgery...it wouldn't mess anything up inside, but it would probably hurt. I was able to wait a few days thanks to family, but I picked my little guy up about 4 days after surgery, and was fine.

Thank you, Wendell. I love reading your posts. I always get excited when I see one of them because you are so informative and are often the voice of reason. I know that I have to stop weighing myself everyday...it's going to be hard but I am going to try!

I also seem to be stuck in a plateau...I was banded 2 weeks ago, and I lost 19 lbs. in the first two weeks I was on liquids (one week before and one week after surgery). This past week, I have only lost a pound, and that fluctuates from day to day. It is hard to understand how I could not be losing weight when I am sticking to my liquid diet...I am having sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast in the morning, a protein shake for lunch, and blended soup for dinner. I know that I should be happy with my weight loss so far, but it is discouraging to get on the scale after being on only liquids for 3 weeks, and it seems to be stuck. I start my mushies tomorrow, and I really hope I don't start gaining anything back...I have been so good about sticking to my prescribed diet!

Wow, Claramae! You have really been through the wringer lately! I am sorry to hear of all the troubles you are having! I was banded the same day as you, and have been super cranky today. I went back to my teaching job this week after being off most of last year on maternity leave. I was feeling sorry for myself and stressed about work, and leaving the baby with a sitter, and this liquid diet on top if it all. Your post made me feel better about my situation, and I guess it is a good reminder that there are always people who have it a lot worse than we do. We should just count our blessings, and remember that this feeling will pass soon enough. Hope you are feeling better soon! ~Jen

sbramell- I, like you, have had absolutely no problems at all with getting down food, and haven't even been very gassy. I was banded on 8/27, and see my doc for my follow-up tomorrow. I am hoping he tells me I can eat something more substantial...I find myself more and more hungry as I heal. I am also drinking Isopure. I initially got it at GNC for $3.99 per bottle, but Vitamin Shoppe also has it for about $35 for a case of 12, which is a bit better. Unfortunately, I can't help you out on the caesar salad thing...my boss at work bought everyone salad for lunch today...I never thought I would be so jealous of someone eating salad! Keep your chin up...we will get through this! ~Jen

Hi guys- I know that when we move to "real" foods, we can't drink anything for a while before and after we eat, but does that apply now? If I have soup for dinner, do I have to wait to drink before and after? Shelli- I am jealous of your asparagus soup...sounds yummy! ~Jen

I hear that lots of people have the same bathroom problem you are having...I am having the exact opposite problem. I am not uncomfortable or anything, but I have barely gone in the past 2 weeks. I figured that it was because I have not really been eating. Sorry for TMI! Back to work tomorrow!