Longhorn

I've been on antibiotics since Monday and I haven't had any trouble swallowing them. They are in regular-sized capsules.

I'm in my third week since surgery and still have not been hungry -- at least, not the way I used to be. If I go too long without eating, I feel a little weak but I haven't had the empty pit feeling in my stomach. When my hunger returns, however, I plan to eat until I'm not hungry, following all of my doctor's rules, of course. I'm not weighing myself and I don't really consider the weight I lost before surgery and in the week after actually gone. I fully expect to go back to the doctor next month and find that I am back to my presurgery weight. I don't expect to really start losing for good until I am restricted. If it is gone, then great! But I'm not getting on that scale roller coaster this time because this isn't some short-term diet -- it's the rest of my life!

I didn't actually have to get approval from my doctor but my surgeon suggested that I see him to have him order the labs and they did want a statement regarding my physical condition. I wasn't sure what my doctor would think so I was quite pleased when he was very supportive and told me that he has about half a dozen patients who have had the surgery, all of whom are doing great. Then his nurse also told me about a friend of hers who had it done who has lost more than 100 pounds. It was actually very uplifting and I felt even better about my decision. My doctor had all of my tests done in his office, which saved me a lot of money, too, compared to going to a hospital. Doctors are learning more about this surgery all the time and seeing the benefits. Good luck!

It's actually only four bottles of water or Propel or Diet Snapple, etc. And you can count broth, sugar-free Jell-O, sugar-free popcycles, etc., toward your liquid intake -- at least, my doctor said I could. So it's not as bad as it sounds. Good luck!

Welcome to the UNJURY Homepage

Yes, that's exactly how I looked! I believe it was gas and mine only lasted a couple of days.

I only got chicken flavored and unflavored. I like both just fine, especially the chicken. You can order samples from the site to try before you buy more.

That's great that y'all will be able to share this! I found a friend through this site who is months ahead of me but still someone who listens and understands. Eventually, I'll catch up with her. Good luck getting started!

Is there anyone around who can give you a back massage? It really helped me! You're doing the right thing to walk. Take your pain meds, too! I hope it's gone soon!

Great OP! I wasn't really in pain, either. Just a little sore. The anesthesiologist told me before surgery to let the nurses know if I felt the least bit of pain -- to be a big baby about it and they would give me medication. He said the same thing about nausea. I didn't have to ask for any pain meds but I did feel the least twinge of nausea and I told the nurse and that it was it -- I think she put something in my IV and I felt fine. I also took the prescription Tylenol like clockwork for the next few days to stay ahead of the pain and that helped a lot. I was able to get comfortable in my recliner with a pillow over my belly and feel no pain or discomfort at all until I got up. Even then, it was temporary and bearable. I slept in my bed with a body pillow helping to support my belly. It hurt a little to turn over but then I could get comfortable enough to sleep again. All in all, it was much less pain and discomfort than I expected and it passed more quickly, too. Here I am, two weeks and a day post surgery and it's easy to forget that I had it!

Sorry you're having trouble! I was able to drink the full 64 oz. and get in the Protein from the beginning. I had Low-Carb SlimFast (20 g. protein per can) and Propel. The cans are 12 oz each so three SlimFasts were 36 oz. of Fluid and usually two 16 oz. Propels added another 32 oz, getting me to 68 oz. of fluid and 60 grams of protein. Then I also had some sugar free Jello made with added powdered egg whites, which kicked in a little more protein. Sometimes the Propel tasted too sweet so I was fine with Water or Diet Snapple. I liked Sugar Free popcycles, too. I tried chicken broth with chicken-flavored

My daughter is having Thanksgiving at her house. I'll still be on full liquids/pureed foods. I'm planning to puree a little turkey with a little gravy and have that with some thinned mashed potatoes. Also some cranberry jelly, some dressing thinned with broth, some pumpkin bisque and pumpkin pie without the crust. I'm thinking just a bite of most of these things over the course of several hours, of course. And I might even have a sip or two of wine.

Wow, I'm surprised you could understand what I wrote, it's so full of typos! But thanks for your kind words. I think there's much value in this board or I wouldn't still be here. But I'm learning what to ignore and what to discount and what to value. My doctor, nutritionist, and psychologist all found me very knowledgeable at my various consultations and it was almost entirely due to this board. But at one point, after reading about one unpleasant episode after another, I even posted a question on another board asking if the way the band works was through aversion therapy?!! :biggrin1: Of course, now I know how it works. But I still haven't figured out why some folks are compelled to run to a message board to post, "I just threw up." If you haven't already, you might want to read Khaliah Ali's book, "Fighting Weight." She does a great job of describing her life growing up and eventually getting Lap Band surgery. She looks fantastic, too! Good luck as you prepare for the big day! :clap2:

Here's a site for the $1.50 one-minute timers: Buy One Minute Hourglass Sand Timer at UnclesGames.com

Congratulations! I was just looking at the list of November 15th bandsters and wondering how you were doing! Be sure to keep us updated!

1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW Hungryforchange wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 16th Laurieu 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) Mysie (Happy Birthday! :clap2:) 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance 26th kuchiegrl1 Tishbite2 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess 28th lukin puppy cagstorm 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty 30th WorththeWeight

My understanding is that the portion that you pay that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income is deductible. There are some things, such as special foods, etc., that are not deductible but the surgery, medications, doctor's visits, transportation, etc. related to the surgery are deductible. You're paying cash but I financed mine. What I'm wondering is if I can deduct the entire expenses incurred this year or only the portion that I pay toward the principal.

Thanks great, Vanessa! It sounds like you're going to give yourself a chance to learn and you deserve that! Today is my first day on mushies and I have to say I'm enjoying them. But in small quantities as I've noticed I feel satisfied more quickly.

My doctor told me to look for a spreading red band around the incision. I already had the beginnings of it when I saw him -- darker red at the incision and lighter red around it. He said if either spread, to call him. Well, the next day, I noticed that the lighter red had spread. He asked me if it was swollen (no) and if I had a fever (no.) But he called in the antibiotics anyway. I didn't get them until Monday evening and by then, it seemed more clear to me that it was infected, especially now that the soreness and redness has almost completely gone away. You might give the office a call, describe how it feels and what it looks like and see what he or she says. Good luck!

My port stayed sore longer than any of my other incisions and it turned out that it was infected so I'm now on antibiotics. Have you been in for your one-week post op visit yet?

Welcome! I think the different stages you're going through are normal. It's a big decision and one you truly want to be committed to. Remember that there's an over-representation of problems reported on this board, simply because people tend to turn to message boards for information but also for support. The psychologist I saw for my psych evaluation also said that there are people who crave attention due and get it by hyping or exaggerating medical problems. I'm certainly pointing fingers (I wouldn't know where to point!) and it's the nature of nearly all message boards. But you do have to take that in consideration. There are many threads I don't even open because I really don't want to read about problems. However, if I have that problem, I'll probably be glad it's there! Good luck!

Welcome, cagstorm, from another Cowboys fan! You must have had one of the quickest insurance approvals ever! Good luck!

1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW Hungryforchange wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 16th Laurieu 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance 26th kuchiegrl1 Tishbite2 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess 28th lukin puppy 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty 30th WorththeWeight

Ann: I've been wondering about you! The November 07 board has been much more active lately so come join us over there, if you haven't already! I hope you get to feeling better soon!

1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW Hungryforchange wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 16th Laurieu 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance 26th kuchiegrl1 Tishbite2 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess 28th lukin puppy 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty