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Thanks so much. Knowing the "ideal" weight is the trick, isn't it? I phoned the nutritionist at the surgeon's office and she told me I could eat a little less than the 77 originally given me, but not to go under 60. That's good, because there are days now and then when I just can't get it all in. But usually, there's no problem Thanks again,

When I went for my appt with the nutritionist, I was told based on my weight, etc. I needed to take in 77 grams of Protein a day while healing. No one has told me to have less and my surgery was 8 weeks ago. I know that SOMEWHERE I saw a formula for figuring out how much protein I should have now that I'm over 40 pounds thinner. Just can't find it of course. Does anyone know the formula to which I'm referring? It wasn't the .4% g/lb....it was a more complicated formula. If anyone knows it, or if anyone weighs about 270 and was given an amount, that's what I'd go by. Thanks very much.

When I went for my appt with the nutritionist, I was told based on my weight, etc. I needed to take in 77 grams of Protein a day while healing. No one has told me to have less and my surgery was 8 weeks ago. I know that SOMEWHERE I saw a formula for figuring out how much protein I should have now that I'm over 40 pounds thinner. Just can't find it of course. Does anyone know the formula to which I'm referring? It wasn't the .4% g/lb....it was a more complicated formula. If anyone knows it, or if anyone weighs about 270 and was given an amount, that's what I'd go by. Thanks very much.

I've suffered with edema which has worsened with age, but find that the best cures are: 1. High Protein diet - which doctors suggest after the band anyway 2. Drink over 8 glasses of Water a day- not sodium filled liquids- just H2O, tea, decaf etc. The more you drink, the more you will help the adema subside. And in hot weather, add a glass or two more.

Thanks Terri. Actually, they're website has psyllium as an ingredient but they've mastered it somehow. I'd been on metamucil for a couple of years for regularity, not really for constipation. I'm going to try this. I like this type of fiber because it also helps with heart, etc. Again, thanks. I'm going to order and try it.

So, even though it has pysllium in it, it doesn't clump up and you don't have to worry about it clogging the stoma, etc? You can drink it slowly as we're supposed to do?

I'm reading these and all I can say is when I was a young as you all are, I had the knees to be on top. Now my knees are shot to hell and top is difficult. Also, my port (8 weeks old) is painful when having sex, so it isn't always a quick road back to the good stuff. I'm not sure that being on top would help in the "long" position. Just waiting to heal more.

I haven't read the other answers but I think you need to start liking your body with or without surgery. There's nothing that can't be corrected if breasts fall, but what's most important is your reason to have the surgery. Good health is number one. Then how you feel about yourself. Last, how others see you.

I'm an f/g and shrinking more around than cup size but I am sure that will go down as well. I NEVER wear underwires anymore. Haven't in years. Tired of the hardness and the metal breaking through. You can get just as good fit and lift and as good or softer shape without the wire. I thought it wasn't true, but I really like them better. I don't think you should wait until babies to fix your breasts. First, you never know exactly when you'll have those babies, and two, don't wait for your life- you can always redo them if needed and you may not need it.

Okay Brandy.....how high is the side of your bed? I think mine is lower- but I made my husband read your answer and we figure we'll give it a go. Even if I have to add pillows. I tried again today and the pain was worse than the first time. It was like a bad gas stitch and it radiated out and down my sides (especially left side where the most incisions are). We couldn't even finish. I was a little sore for a hour or so after. I was upset and crying of course. I don't know why I was feeling guilty but I was. So, I called the surgeon and spoke to my favorite of the nurses. She told me that this is very common- she hears it all the time. Even though the surgeon gives his blessing- he really just means the port etc are safely in place and you can't hurt anything. It DOESN"T mean your tissues are all healed and there can still even be a little swelling. 8 weeks doesn't mean it'll be 8 for everyone. She said it could be another month or two to be really okay. If it's more than that....there's an issue to be addressed. She said not to forget that a lot of tissue were cut that's not a small thing. She made me feel much better. I'm going to take a week or so off and let it calm down a bit. Then I'm going to try sex in the AM with no food in my stomach. Maybe that will help. And I'll try the suggestions here and a few ideas of my own. I really feel bad for my husband. He's 60 and I'm 56 and we're still rocking several times a week, and I really do feel bad about this. But at least I know that one way or another it will resolve. She also said something else I'll pass along. She told me to start doing some "core" exercises because it will help healing and it will build muscle around the port and thus protect it. I'm going to get some exercises but even now, in the meantime, I'm going to just hold me stomach in and stand straight and do reps of it. That's core building for sure.

Thanks. It's not just the fiber for bowels for me....it's something to do with keeping my system working in coordination stomach and intestines. It's the only issue I have iwth the band and it was on the "con" list when I was deciding. Basically my only con. I'll try a teaspoon- I think you said use a lot of water with it, right? I'm best the AM, it's when I can get more water down easily. Many thanks.

Thank you all. you all made me feel much better. And Leslie2Lose, you gave me a real good laugh. I had a brief moment of thinking of all the positions that could make your shoulder port hurt and I cracked up. You don't even want to know what I could conjure up! LOL. Thanks again, everyone.

Thanks for answering. Did a teaspoon really do much good? I was taking 10 capsules every day, 5 morning and 5 at night. Did you ever hear anything about the wafers being any easier?

Hi All, I asked this question in the 50+ group and only had one response.....so I'll try it here. My surgeon okayed sex last week- and I made sure to ask- plain old ordinary on top of me sex. So, my very happy husband and I went for it. We were both nervous...I expect it's like that with any abdominal surgery. I found that I could feel a little pressure when he was on top of my stomach (I'm not getting on top- at least not for the moment). And as he moved, I thought I felt everything moving right along. It was not painful, but I was "aware" of the port, etc. I'm fine so I know I didn't do anything hurtful, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience.

So, my last question was about sex and now it's metamucil.....I have to laugh at myself! I have been using Benefiber, and I think it's what is giving me the awful gas pains because I've skipped it for 48 hours and no gas. However, I need Fiber so I'm curious if anyone has figured out a way to take Metamucil while banded. The possible clumping is of course the issue. Gosh, I wish they'd make a chewable! Anyone?

I know most people don't have this problem. That's why I posted. To see what I could find out. One thing I do know is that the rumbling in your stomach when you're hungry.....that's gas. It's air filling up and bouncing around the empty space.

Hi- I'm was banded the end of April, and I'm dealing with the problem of terrible gas pains that come and go all day. Sometimes it's just a little, but then it really hurts. It's depressing me as I would like to feel well. Losing the weight is great, but feeling well is important too!!!!!!!!!! I use anti-gas meds, I spread out my eating. But when I spread out the eating it makes it more difficult to get the Water in. So I get a bit dehydrated. I'm not eating "gassy" foods (I wouldn't dare right now), use lactaid, and don't eat fruit. Keeping my stomach lightly full helps, but not all the time. Is this something anyone else has had? Who wants pains and loud grumbling all the time? Thanks-Gwenn

I hope no one finds this offensive. If so, my apologies in advance. SO, the surgeon said at 6 weeks I was healed enough to return to normal SEX. I was very nervous because my port site is still a little tender now and then. My sweet husband was scared he'd hurt me. I did feel stuff that was surgical. And was aware of the port etc. Has anyone else had this happen? Is it normal to feel the band or port during SEX? This is the oddest post I've written. I feel fine today, but it's wasn't my most comfortable moment. Will it get more comfortable to have weight on top of the stomach? Anyone?

There's a very real reason for the increased depression. In fact, 2 reasons. One is similar to post-partum depression. Your life is changing, maybe even in ways you cannot forsee. And there are expectations that may or may not be met. You may not be focusing on these consciously, but they lurk beneath. The realization that nothing may change except that you're thinner, is hard to handle. And for some, this change is huge- marriages made better or ending, outside support, love, job....everything. Second reason is that you, like me and many,many,many of us, are letting go of the one thing that loved us best -food. Instant comfort and gratification gone. The place we go to "fill" ourselves when no one else fill us, gone. Good and gone, but you may actually be MOURNING the loss of the food as companion, friend and support. This is why support groups are vital and why sites like this exist. To help you through. I think there is a specific area for this- you'd need to look at the list of groups. Also, if you have the $ or the coverage.....get some professional counselling. Also plenty of exercise. That raises the endorphins and helps dispel depression. I'm in therapy for this and it does help. My husband tells me I'm yelling at him more, shorter with people, and overreacting in general. I actual can see it, but don't seem to want to stop the behavior. I know what's driving it. And I'll work it through. The great news is that you're noticing. Now, start working it. Good luck.

bama belle- here's the difference on these 12 pounds......this time, they're not coming back!!!!

when you start asking for separate check when going out with friends cause you're ordering a $5 appetiser for your meal and they're ordering $20 steaks.

when you realize that your meals may start out hot, but by time you've finished, they're gonna be ice cold.

When you take a second 60 calorie Jello diet pudding, and call it binging.

I like the concept of a "green zone". Makes me feel like I'm losing weight and saving the planet. Maybe we are. We're using less of the earth's food supply, reusing our resources (leftovers), and for the most part, we're off the junk food, which has got to be saving something for the world. I'm sitting here at almost 11:30PM Saturady having a little treat. Not Haagan Daz or Fritos.....I'm having a slice of a country whole wheat bread - small but thick- toasted, with a small slice of cheddar cheese melted on it. A nice little slice of heaven.

Hi- I was also thrilled to go back to work after losing a lot of weight. I was off for 5 weeks, which is the best thing I could have done for many reasons. I went back over 30 pounds lighter. I loved that everyone could see it.