StLouisGal

I had my gallbladder out a few years ago. It was a tough surgery but please learn from my mistakes, get up and walk as soon as you can, use the breathing thing as often as you can. I didn't do either and my lungs collapsed and I was really sick. This time I got up and walked and used the breathing machine and drank lots of Water and it was a walk in the park compared to the Gallbladder surgery. Good luck to you. The surgery is nothing compared to a gallbladder attack.

I had my first fill today. He put 2 cc's in and told me to come back in 6 to 7 weeks. I would have rather had another one sooner but I guess he knows what he is doing and I had better listen. The fill was nothing. I was on the table less than 2 minutes. He numbed it but before the numbing stuff had time to take effect he was done. It hurt a little but before my mind had time to register the pain it was over so I can't say it was too bad. I'm on liquids today and mushies tomorrow so I probably won't know until the weekend if I have restriction or not. Hope everyone is having a terrific day!

Thanks for the support! I stuck to liquids this aftenoon and feel much better. :huh2:

I had a PB at lunch today and threw up most of my lunch. I've never done that before, What do I do now. I called the doctor's office but no one was available. Do I just do liquids for the rest of the day or do I go on with the next regular meal?? I hate to be so dumb but it caught me totally be surprise. I was eating the same thing I always eat for lunch.

Congratulations on your band. Today will probably be your worst day, Tomorrow you will feel a little better and it will get better every day. In a couple of weeks you will feel like your old self. My best advice is keep walking when you can, use the spirometer as required, drink plenty of small sips of fluids. REST! You body has had a major trauma and needs to recover. Hang in there. We've all been though it and it does get better.:wink_smile:

I had to wait six weeks and 6 days for my first fill. It is tomorrow. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I have very little restriction now and not losing very fast at all. I've been gaining and losing the same pound for about a week. I'm still restricting what I eat but a littel help from the band would be nice.:wink_smile:

I have not had a fill. I can eat about a cup of food as long as I chew well. If I don't chew enough two bites will start hurting. I get my first fill tomorrow so I hope I have a little more restricition. I have been losing and gaining the same pound for about a week.:thumbup:

I haven't had my first fill so right now I am the one controlling my portions. You use a measuring cup and measure or weigh everything. It's hard at first but I feel like I am creating good habits for when my band is tighter. So far I have lost 29 pounds since banding (6 1/2 weeks) so I'm not complaining one bit. I lost weight while pregnant (morning sickness all day and all night) but packed it on while breast feeding.

I ate about 500 to 700 a day for the first four weeks post-op. I'm six weeks out now and eating between 1000 and 1200. It sounds like you are right on track. Just keep up with the Protein. Once you start eating regular food the calories will add up fast. Good luck!

I had to see the Pychologist before the doctor would even accept me as a patient. I never met one on one with a nutritionist. She talked to the group that had preop testing the same day I did.

Snowbird is exactly right. We all have to find our own way. I do eat light mayo and butter because it saves my calories for something I want more. I eat no sugar added fruits because I need the Vitamins and nutrition the fruit provides, not added sugar, but for the most part I eat whole foods, potatos, carrots, peas, Beans,beats, beef, chicken, turkey, ham, eggs, etc. I don't get hungry like I did before my band and I take time to enjoy the small portions of food I eat now. Everyone has to find what works for them. What you eat is your choice. Your body will tell you what it doesn't want. I have found that I have more energy and less time to think about food because I am out enjoying life. Food is no longer the focus of my life. I eat out, go to family dinners, and all the things I did before. The only difference is I have the power to decide what I will or will not eat. It is a great feeling.

I think the reason a lot of people talk about protein shakes and sugar free drinks is because for the first few weeks that is about all you get to eat. Different doctors have different rules but the first week or so for everyone is pretty much liquid. You have to let your stomach heal. After about six weeks you will be able to eat just about everything, just in smaller portions.

I was a huge coke addict. When I first started looking into the band I stopped the coke cold turkey. I knew this would be the hardest hurdle to cross when I made the decision to get my band. I drank a coke the day before my surgery (after four months off of them) and it didn't really taste all that good. Since I stopped drinking them, I have more energy, am sleeping better, wake up more alert, etc. Crystal light, iced decaf tea, and plain water taste great now.

I have found that since I have been banded I enjoy my food much more. I eat a wide variety of foods. I haven't tried breads yet, see no need to because I am enjoying fruits, veggies, deli sliced meats, meatloaf, eggs, chunky Soups, cheese, milk, cottage cheese, Peanut Butter, even an occasional piece of chocolate. I eat much smaller portions and track everything I eat on The Daily Plate so that I have an idea of what I am eating. Sweet potatos are my current favorite carb. Baked, with a little light butter, splenda and a sprinkle of cinnamon is delightful. I can make one potato last three meals and I feel like I've had a treat. I do drink one Protein shake a day. I have never been a Breakfast eater but now I find I have to have something in the morning so a shake fits the bill. I'm easily getting in 75 to 85 grams of protein a day and usually get 75-80 grams of carb. The only thing I usually have a bit of trouble getting in is Fiber. I haven't eaten many sweets since I got my band, I don't crave them and why start. I will eventually add a little ice cream, Cookies, etc back into my diet but not until I am securely at my goal. The band is a great tool but I have to do the work, it won't do it for me. You are the only one who can decide if you are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to reach your goal. It is a wonderful tool and I am thrilled with it but it took me many years to be mentally ready to take on the lifestyle changes required. I wish you the best of luck in whatever decision you make.

I stopped doing that stretch on the doctor's office's suggestion. I am six weeks out now and can do it with no problem. I haven't had a fill yet so I have no idea if I pulled anything but at this point I am losing weight and feel great so I am hoping for the best. I think if i had damaged anything I would have continued to have pain. I have my first fill on Thursday so I am anxious to see what it looks like under the flourescope. Good luck to you.

I haven't had a problem with chili and refried beans with taco sauce. I waited until I was four weeks post op before I tried to eat it but so far spicy foods haven't been a problem.

Congratulations Peabody! It's a great feeling isn't it? Keep up the good work!

It was a great decision for me. I have lost nearly 40 pounds since I began this journey. I weigh less now than I have in many years. Yes there are sacrifices you have to make but the rewards are much greater. I would give up Pasta for life (Haven't had to do that) to ride a roller coaster with my neices and nephew. At 289 that wasn't going to happen. Not eating sweets is nothing compared to being able to fly comfortably in an airplane without requesting a seatbelt extender. So far I have been able to eat just about anything I want (Haven't tried steak) The most important thing is I will be a happier, healthier person at a more normal weight. I can already RUN up a flight of steps without having to take multiple breaks to catch my breath. I haven't had an asthma attack since my surgery, and I feel great. It is all a matter of your personal goals and desires. I am willing to make the sacrifices to be healthy and that makes me happy. I want to live to see any future grandchildren I may be blessed with. Good luck with your decision.

My doctor tells all of his patients to take Prilosec OTC for six months after surgery. The best option is always to follow your specific doctor's guidelines. He/She has your history and knows what is best in your circumstances. I can't take the OTC variety so I take the generic capsules. I have taken them for years. I have not had any heartburn problems since surgery. I had a lot even with the prilosec before surgery. About the hair loss. I am six weeks out and haven't noticed any hair loss although I have noticed a few gray hairs that were not there two months ago. I wonder if that is related. Good luck. The band is a great tool. I kind of enjoyed having to go back to the closet to look for something else to wear a couple of times this morning. Everything is too big.

You shouldn't drink the diet coke because of the carbonation. It expands in your pouch and can be very uncomfortable. My doctor allows 2 cups of caffiene per day, coffee or tea. They do warn that caffeine can cause your appetite to increase. Fortunately I like de-caf. I am a big tea drinker.

Just remember to walk as much as you can after the surgery. Surgery does hurt but they will give you pain meds, take them before the pain gets bad or it will be harder to overcome it. The best advice I can give you is to follow your doctor's instructions to the letter and if you have questions ask! Every day it gets better. Don't push yourself and give your body time to adjust but do get up and walk as much as you can. Walking makes the gas go away faster. Drinking your Water makes you feel better too. Good luck. You can always come here for support and advice!

I've lost a two year old but I want to loose a newborn Giraffe.

Anthem Federal Blue Preferred HMO Missouri Husband's employer (we pay for the family plan) Banded almost 6 weeks

I am still relatively new to the band. I will be thrilled when I have lost 97 pounds. Obviously you haven't strayed far from your diet or you would not be where you are. I can't see how eating a few chocolates on Easter (as long as you can stop at a few) is going to hurt. That is why I got the band, so I wouldn't be forever banned from sweets or fatty foods but to be able to control my hunger and lose the weight sensibly. I follow a very strick diet right now and account for every morsel. I don't eat sweets because I am not at the point where I can stop at a couple of pieces. I want the whole box. When I am where you are I don't know how I will feel. As far as how much to lose. I think there is such a thing as being too thin. I admire people who are size 2, 3, 4 or what have you but I have found with my body I look and more importantly feel perfect at about 155 lbs or a size 12 - 14. Lower than that my face looks drawn and tired and I feel worn out all the time. You have to know your body and be comfortable in your skin. I know your husband is trying to help you but if you are anything like me, it just frustrates me more when he tries to play food police. :ohmy: I certainly don't want to get into the sneaking food and eating in secret mode. Better to eat the candy bar in front of him, go back to plan tomorrow and move on. Good luck to you. You are doing an amazing job of losing.:huh2:

Thank goodness you called the doctor and got it taken care of. I am amazed that they would send you home before you could pee. I had to go 400ccs before they would release me. I guess everyplace is different. Good luck and I hope you don't have to wear the bag too long.