want2beme

Thanks Lady Blue! I am 16 days post op and I don't really feel the port pain anymore. Thank the lord! I still am careful just in case. I have to go back to work on Sunday and I lift things all night long. I hope I'm OK. Glad to hear I'm not alonE!

Cindy ~ Yeah, the same goes for Lopez patients. Our phase 3 foods are eggs, tuna, cheese, cotto, etc. Soft foods I guess. I hear some people refer to this stage as the 'mushies', but my doctor didn't use that term. When I ate the tuna today I felt like it was going down without a problem. I got scared! I don't know if that's how it's suppose to be. I guess I am also hoping I am one of those patients who doesn't need a fill right away, ya know? Thanks a lot! Dana

Today I started phase 3 foods. I had about 2/3 cup of tuna. I don't feel like I have any restriction at all. I stopped before the last bite because I had a very small feeling of being full, but I don't know if that is restriction. Can somebody help me? Also, phase 3 foods are confusing to me. This is what I did: 1/2 can tuna in the food processor with 2 Tbsp pickles (no skin), mayo and mustard and S&P. Mixed that with the other 1/2 of the can of tuna for a better consistancy. Is this right? What am I suppose to do with an egg? Egg salad? Can I eat lettuce yet? I'm confused! Please help me with the restriction questions and maybe a few tips on food ideas... Thanks!

Hi there. Just checking to to see how you are doing... it gets better everyday. I'm 2 weeks post op now and I feel pretty good. I can even sleep on my port side. Once in a while I'll move the wrong way and it'll give a little pinch, but other than that, the protein drinks give me energy and I've lost 17 pounds... another thing to think about! When you lose weight, you automatically feel better. So, hope you are doing well now!

OH yeah, I forgot to ask.... Do you really have to blend the tuna? Can't I just chew it?

Thanks for the great idea! I'm ready for next week to come! I went to the store today and bought my tuna! haha... I hope I feel full soon.... Thanks again, Dana

Thanks so much! I'm calling first thing Monday!

I love hummus. I love salsas. I love avocado dip. ONE QUESTION: Are y'all eating these with anything? I know chips are out of the question, but can we eat it with lettuce? Sincerely, Almost to Mushies

My doctor told my group that there was no chance of hernia with a lapriscopic procedure. Did they say yours was from the procedure or from something else? Also, give it a week. I'm on day 11 and just started having energy today.

Wow. Today is day 11! I feel totally different than I did a week ago: 1) I have energy enough to wake up a 6am with the baby, get errands done around town and even play with the baby up 'till 6pm. 2) My tape is still on my wounds, except for one. The scar is covered with a this scab. I was told to put neosporn on it. I did. 3) I can't wait till day 15 when I get to expand my food options to cheese, tuna and eggs! 4) Right now my diet looks like this: a) oatmeal and coffee for Breakfast yogurt for lunch c) Soup for dinner d) also a Protein drink, popsicle and lots of Water. I DO HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YALL!!!! 1) What are you eating in your week 2 diet? I am bored. 2) Any idea for recipes for week 3? 3) When should I start feeling like I am getting 'full'? When I start more solid foods? I'm confused because the liquid goes down so easily... I guess I'm a little scared that I won't have any restriction when I get to week 3. I DO

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" width="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">The band is not a 100% guarantee for weight loss. There's still a lot of work that goes into it. Diet and exercise are a MUST if you want to lose all of your excess weight. I'm just planning on it! </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">New bandster here! I love hearing about everybody's success. It gives me hope. I've lost 12 pounds and it hasn't made too much difference yet, but I'm sure the upcoming months will change that. So far, I can see the weight loss in my face, I feel good when I wake up in the morning, I no longer have food coma after a large meal, I have saved money on groceries and restaurants, and I've met a lot of great people on LBT! </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I have the same doctor, but a different band. That flouro says it all! When they did mine, it showed a tiny tiny stream of fluid flowing through. Yours must have been bigger. Sounds normal to me... again, you have a different band. Email the doc with your concerns. Especially if you have any problems drinking your liquids!

Wow, this is scary! I was banded 8 days ago! I want a refund! Haha, just kidding... I too read a lot about the stats and understood and understand the risks of this surgery. It is not created to make you lose all you excess weight and then you look like Pam Anderson! Going into this, I knew that I had to diet and exercise along with the band to guarantee weighloss. In addition, I did a lot of research on erosion and slippage, etc. There are precautions you can take to decrease these risks. Like the doctor said, "You have to take care of your band." And that's true. I am not relying on the band to just suck all the fat out. I hope people feel the same way.

I am really excited to hear about your first fill. I am only 8 days post op, so I am still on liquids. I don't really know when I'm suppose to get my first fill. How did you know? It seems so fast. Please let me know the difference in how you feel... Dana

I was banded in TJ on Aug 27th. I stayed in the hospital for 3 nights. Most patients stayed 2 nights. I was up and walking 3 hours after surgery, but that's all I had energy for. The second day i was sore and it was still difficult to get around... my IV's were still in until the late afternoon. You'll want to stay somewhere where you can be close to the doctor in case you have any questions or concerns. By day 3 I did take a cab to downtown and shopped. But, I could only hang for about an hour. I was wiped! Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for the input. It mean a lot. This subject is very delicate, yet seriously serious! I'll take your advice... I will take it slow for both of our sanity. Thanks a lot!

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">They are absolutely right! Only go by your doctor's orders!!!!!!!!! I will tell you what my doc gave me, but PLEASE do not follow it unless it's exactly what your doc gave you! Week One: Clear Liquids... Water, juice, broth, Jello, tea, coffee Week Two: Add... Non-clear liquids... creamy Soups, popsicles, oatmeal, mild, yogurt, Protein suppliment Week Three: Add... sliced cheese, egg, tuna, canned 'soft' fruit and veg Week Four: check up with your doctor to move on to more solid foods. He also said get 50-70 grams of protein per day for energy and wound healing. Hope that helps! I had the same questions, even with the nutrition guide they gave me! Dana </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I was just banded a week ago. I am on stage 2 foods, non-clear liquids. I'm tolerating oatmeal, yogurt, creamy soups, fruit smoothies, you name it. I am only eating about 1/2 to 1 cup of these 4 times per day. I did add a SF popsicle to my diet today. I feel like I should have restriction, but I don't. Is it because these things are more liquid? I'm totally confused! I feel full after eating, but hungry again 2-3 hours later. Today I was able to have a can of Cream of Broccoli Soup, 3/4 yogurt, 1/2 cup Cream of Chicken Soup, Popsicle, water and coffee. This seems like a lot. How much should I be eating?

True that! I am going back to work here soon (after a very long maternity leave) and I am hoping to gain some more respect. Both by my weight loss and my changes in behavior.

Not being able to spend an hour in the grocery store shopping for food has led me to find something else to do! I actually have time now to spend 10 minutes in the magazine isle! I am addicted to the Tabloid Magazines all of the sudden! I was planning on taking up painting, but this is much more fun! J/K, I'll paint too! Wondering if you have found any new interests or hobbies?

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">I have these 1/2 hicup 1/2 burp things going on! I totally feel ya! I have no shame in burping at all now! And my family thinks I'm crazy. Haha... </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Thanks to everybody for all the responses! This helps me a lot and I don't feel so alone! I guess that port is placed securely on the front of the abdominal wall. Then sutured with 3-4 major, permenant sutures. It's a muscle that moves and is used so much that we will experience pain in the beginning because that darn port and ab wall aren't use to each other yet. (from what the nurse said) Everybody I talk to that has had the band for a while (6+ months), say they do not have any port pain anymore. But sounds like this can happen for a couple of months for some people. Other complications, well, none really. I did feel like the Soup I ate had a lot of sodium and my heart raced for a moment, but it went away. Definately tired for the first week so far, and weak, needed to sleep a lot. Today is day 7 and its getting better. A lot better. Good luck to all!!!!

Update on ME! Today is day 7. I feel better each and every day. I can tell the swelling inside the stoma is going down because its easy for me to put down soup, water, etc. Much easier.... if you can remember back to day one and that first sip of water you took, or even your first ice chip! How scary was that? I've lost 12 pounds so far and I can see it in my face. This makes me feel good. My skin has actually cleared up and I look refreshed. I've graduated in foods. I am eating similar foods to my 11 month old son! LOL ~~~~~~ I was able to tolerate oatmeal today. It really filled me up for about 4 hours. I noticed as soon as I drink some water I could feel more hunger. Oatmeal is the first real 'substance' I have had. In addition to oatmeal, I also stocked the kitchen with creamy soups, yogurt, SF popsicles/fudgesicles, V8. Creative: Mix cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese soup. Of course they are the 'light' kind. Really good. Stiches are a bit itchy, port is still a tad sore and I've only had two BMs in a week. (tmi) Next week we all get to eat eggs and cheese! Yummy! I'm makin' breakfast next Monday! Wish you all lived closer! Haha... Dana

I don't know where you live, but I have such a diverse group of friends, co-workers and family, that I find this topic odd. I'm white, and with a Mexican man. It doesn't make a difference what ethnicity you are. My friend Kim is black and also with a Mexican man. I have latino, white, and asian in my family. America is the melting pot baby! If you got stuck in one of those backwards towns, sorry for you! Sounds like you have a problem with Black Men taking YOUR White Woman! You know the one, the one that you DON'T NEED! haha... right!