CynthiaMcC

I think I noticed that it was gone after about 25 to 30 pounds ...

I had it as well ... no one could tell me what it was ... I am three months post band and it is pretty much gone.

I was banded about 10 weeks ago and have 2 fills, I've flown several times with no problem. I am extra careful about food choices in the air and immediately following, but that has been because I have always been traveling on business and going directly into meetings.

juice Plus is a nutritional supplement (Juice Plus+, Juice Plus Official Homepage ), made of fruits and veggies. They have chewable versions as well as capsules that can be dissolved in Water. And, Jack, I agree, but actually heard from a hair stylist that she has seen a marked hair growth and thickness from her clients on it. Makes no sense to me, but I have noticed I am losing a bit more hair than normal (I have lots of hair so it is not noticable) so figured it could not hurt!

I'm with all of you, this is a great thread. When I was considering banding, my biggest concern was the impact on entertaining. I am 10 weeks post op and had my first dinner party at 3 weeks post op ... granted it was for a small group of very close friends who knew that I had surgery. It was a "mushie" dinner party, but they were great sports. I had them over last week and one person was obviously relieved when I served food that did not have the consistency of mashed potatoes! I've also been focused on quality and making choices about what I really want to eat, versus making sure I am just filled. So far, I am doing okay eating out, entertaining, etc., but I struggle for simple dinners at home. I am single so what I would normally cook lasts for days and I get tired of the same thing several nights in a row. I find myself staring at the fridge, not wanting to cook or cooking and having way too much. Any thoughts on meals for the single banded person?

I'm from St. Louis ...

That happened to me with my first fill, although they were able to get me in the same day. I had a bruise the size of my fist from the digging. I go in for second fill in 2 weeks, am eager to see what happens...

Hi -- Just thought I would see if anyone has had experience with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO? I am located in Missouri. According to their requirements, I should qualify, but am just curious about any positive or negative experiences. Thanks. Cynthia

Sorry to hear you had a rough experience, every day will get better. Although, at 26 days post op, I am still belching ... in fact, I have startled my dog a few times and she looks at me with the strangest expression!

Hi there -- I was banded on 2/1, so we are just a day apart. I'm down about 25 pounds and feel good, actually eager to work out. I am on normal food now, with a few restrictions (red meat, bread, salad, etc.). So far, no issues with hunger, but I am anticipating it soon, my fill is not until mid-March. I went through the itchy incisions, Vitamin e helped alot! Regarding the feeling post op? I did not feel anything different, in fact, I kept trying to look at my incision to make sure something happened (until the drugs wore off). I noticed a feeling in my stomach the next day when I had broth and felt full after three spoonfuls.

My insurance required an overnight stay and I was not happy about it. Ultimately, it was fine. They did keep me on an IV and gave me pain meds that way, but only when I asked. The next morning they xrayed me with the contrast swallow to make sure everything was okay. Surgery was on Saturday so I was not discharged until early afternoon. I was literally pacing the floor waiting to be discharged ... I would been fine at home, but was okay in the hospital too.

What a small world ....

Actually, today is 3 weeks, so I am now moving on to regular food. But, boy do I remember the craving for tomato soup. Hang in there. And, yes, we should get together for coffee (or soup)!

Hi fellow South Citers ... I am also in the area, I live in Lafayette Square.

My first restaurant experience was at great New Orleans inspired restaurant in DC. I was traveling on business and on strict clear liquids ... sat there with a bowl of chicken broth while others drank wine, had appetizers, entrees, dessert. It was torture, but I knew when I made it through that evening that I was committed to this lifestyle change. Since then, I've eaten out a few days and done just fine, most recently a breakfast meeting the day I started mushie food ... I was so excited to order an omlet!

Becca..................................March 6th JaxBandster.........................March 11th Sadie .................................March 13th Marathinner..........................March 13th EnchantedRuby....................March 7th CynthiaMcc ........................March 12th

I am also 3 weeks post op and had some wine yesterday ... no problems, just sipped slowly and was fine.

I got to the hospital around 5:30, they checked me, weighed me, gave me a pregnancy test and started an IV. There was a blizzard that day so many people called and cancelled their surgeries, so I was the only one in the room. Several of the staff were running late and my own surgeon called to see if I had shown up, so there was lots of joking while I waited. They then gave me an injection of heparin in my stomach, and also gave me some anti-nausea medicine and antibiotics via the IV. They also put a patch behind my ear to help with nausea. I went through 2 bags of IV fluid, and actually had to go to the bathroom before surgery. The nurse-anthesiolgist came out and talked with me, the surgeon came and talked with me. I also had a friend there who kept me company. Finally around 7:30 they wheeled me into surgerical suite and gave me a shot ... after that, lights out. I woke up in the recovery room asking for my glasses. I was back in the hospital room and on the phone with my parents by 10:30. I was also very anxious about this part and it turned out to be pretty easy.

Hi -- I am about 18 days post op and started burping yesterday. They are not productive burps, just burps, probably one or two every half hour. I do not feel very gassy, I am not in any pain or discomfort, and, aside from one or two loud ones being embarassing, no major issues. But, it shows no signs of stopping. Any ideas? Thanks. Cynthia

I was banded on a Friday and worked a half day on Monday, then back full time on Tuesday. I have a short commute (5 minutes) and a desk job so that helped, but also a lot of work stress and client meetings so when I am at work, I am "on". I'd say follow your body. Good luck.

Welcome home! Sounds like you are off to a great start.

I understand where you are coming from ... I was banded 12 days ago. My insurance required an overnight stay, but I think I would have been fine at home. I did have someone take me to the hospital and pick me up, we stopped to fill a prescription on the way home, but I was fine to go into Walgreens, etc. My friend spent the first night with me, but only because it was Mardi Gras weekend and her house is the heart of the celebration and she did not want to be there. I've been alone since then and have been fine. My house is two stories and both bathrooms are on the second floor so I was doing steps, taking care of the dog, etc. Now, all that said, it was really nice to have someone around so I could be a bit lazy. This was my first time having surgery so I was not sure what to expect. I also, to the point of someone earlier, made sure to stock up on broth, etc., so that I could stay at home if needed (I ended up going back to work within 72 hours of surgery). I did hire someone to help with cleaning for a couple of weeks, but that was mainly to help make sure that I take it easy and not try to carry the vacuum up and downstairs, etc. Good luck!

Hi -- I am 8 days post op and just started on full liquids yesterday. This afternoon I had chicken and rice soup, blended, no more than 8 ounces in two meals, several hours apart. This is, by far, the most substantive food I have had in 3 weeks. About a 1/2 hour ago, I began having some pain in my lower right abdomen. While I have been active today, I have not done anything too extreme and do not recall doing anything that would have caused a muscle strain or problems with the port. I am wondering if this pain is gas, or just my lower intestine "processing." While it is unbearable pain, it is more than what I have felt for several days. I took some tylenol and gas x, but no relief yet. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Hang in there. I felt the same way. I was allowed sugar free candy, it helped to add some flavor to the day. I also found that the first 3 days were the worst, then you got into the hang of it. I did about 9 days pre op and 7 post op.

I am 8 days post op and have been taking my BCP since 2 days post op without a problem. (I skipped the day of and day after surgery because I was a little too hesitant to try). I figure if it is okay, now, it will be fine going forward.