sunshinenh

I think it really needs to be based on what it is you do for work. I am a nurse and have to do a lot of heavy lifting. I went back after 2 weeks, hurt myself (because it was too soon for me) and ended up being out another week.

DH and I went to Iceland last March. Wonderful place. I am not only banded but I had the flu. First night we went out (feeling a little better), I had a few bites of pasta when I felt things just were not going to work out. I looked around and had no idea what sign would lead me to a bathroom, ended up unloading on the side of our table and the floor. DH was amazing as were the staff at the restraunt. I was appauled. I now always carry a plastic bag in my purse.

35 min on eliptical, 5 min on treadmill (tried to run - ha ha), then 1 hour of weight lifting. Sore but happy. Then tennis with DH.

I HATE my weight and what I eat to be anyone else's business. I have had to battle with this my entire life and it is mine to handle. However, since banding I have come to the realization that where I have failed more times than I can count, this time my head is in the game. This time I am working to make changes for life. I have been committed to this since September. When have I ever lasted 10 months!!!! When people notice I say "thank you so much for noticing." If they ask what secret I have discovered I tell them there is no secret, "eat less, exercise more."

Welcome Tonya. Ask a lot of questions here and get as much info as you can - it is a BIG decision. You will find a lot of people here willing to help and support you in your journey. Good luck to you.

I use small utensils, even in public. I purchaed some very cool appetizer forks and spoons and carry them everywhere. I have had a few bad experiences where I have been distracted and not paying enough attention to eating. It all comes with awareness and time. Good luck on your journey.

For some unexplainable reason, it seems to take about a week for a fill to kick in for me - perhaps this is the way it is for you too. Whenever I lose it (throw up) what works best for me is to go back to liquid only for a day or two and let my band heal, then gradually advance. Good luck.

For me this is the strugle. I use a small plate and small utensils. I time myself between WELL chewed bites. I try to catch that first bit of satiety and stop (even if there is more on my small plate - and the food tastes really really good). This more band friendly form of eating is very new, as I have been fighting the band til now. I just know that eating to my old form of full is not good for me. Now I eat to not being hungry and try to avoid that full feeling.

I am a RN and always instruct my patients that unless there is drainage to leave things open to the air as possible.

My band was named "The Mighty One" by DH.

I am a RN and always tell my patients to shower, just do not scrub the area where the strips are. After shower, air dry and keep open to air as possible. Also, let them come off by themself. They will fall off over time. Heal soon!

Moon - I have spent the past few days thinking about what you said. I honestly think that I have had a serious case of rebellion. When you suggested this possibility it really struck a nerve. I seem to have been fighting the changes my band brings - even after all I have gone through to get my band. Have been on liquids for a week, timidly moving to mushies. I hope I can stop pushing the limits and make some real changes. Thank you for the eye opener. Sunshine

Hi there. I had my surgery at Portsmouth with Dr. Gens. It took 3 months from the first seminar to surgery. Good luck to you in your journey.

Hey Sarah, I went to first and second grade in Gardena. Is Dinker Elementary School still there?

Thank you so much guys. It helps knowing you are out there and understand. I haven't previoulsy been bulemic, found this change disturbing. I have been sticking to liquids, will try for a few more days. I really do not want to get an unfill, my doctor is willing to wait and see since I can keep liquids down. Haven't heard about the aloe vera, where do you get it? Thank you again everyone. Sunshine

I was banded in Dec. and have had 3 fills (2cc's ina 4cc band). Have lost nearly 50 lbs since journey began (25 since surgery).Not much restriction for 1st week after last fill, then it kicked in with a vengence. My concern is that I realized after about 5 days of PBing a lot that my eating hadn't changed at all. I kept eating moderate size portions, and not very slow - then just barfed it up after overfilling. My band finally roared and I have not been able to keep down any solids (or even mushies) since Sat. (can do liquids/protein drinks). I seem to keep getting in the way of my own success. If this sounds in any way familiar to anyone, I would so appreciated some insight into how to get past this. Help please. Sunshine

You will all do great. It is normal to get nervous, excited, everything. Take good care of yourself. This is a great wonderful change, and it is really worth it. We are all here for you.

It took me about a month for my port and surrounding area to feel normal again. I felt like I had half a brick in there, felt it when I bent - lay on my stomach - rough house, always sore and present. After the first month the feelings started fading and now (4 months post-op), I am seldon aware it is there.

You are amazing. You are inspirational. Thank you so much for your bravery and sharing!!!!!

43 years young at banding.

It is really normal to be nervous. Be good to yourself today. You are in for a lot of changes, but it is good stuff. Keep reading and posting here - I think it helps. Good luck to you.

Congratulations on your choice. I lost weight before surgery, mostly by practicing to be a bandster (eating slowly, chewing and chewing, separating eating from drinking). It is weight I kept off with the surgery and I continue to lose, slowly but surely.

I had the same thing, I think. I had this kind of spasm - just one or two at a time that really did not have anything at all to do with eating. My doctor told me that it was from my abdominal nerves being irritated from surgery. Went away after about a week or so. Good luck to you.

Yes. I would do it. I now know that this is really a lot harder than I had expected. My head still has a long way to go. However, my band is such a wonderful tool. It constantly reminds me that I have made a committment and am working toward my goal. Mostly good days, a few not so good. For me this was/is the best decision I have ever made.

My first week after surgery... Had surgery 12/9/05. Surgery went great, had pain and nausea so ended up staying overnight. Had a bit of pain during the first week (mostly at my port site), Meds the doc gave me helped a lot. I drank water then on to protien drinks and my favorite at the time (and I will never eat again) sugar free pudding. I did not have any of the gas pains some people get (THANK GOD). I did have to stay out of work for 3 weeks though. I mostly slept, rested, walked and worked on getting in enough fluids. Did have horrible diarrhea though (which resolved after about 1 1/2 weeks) and developed thrush. Overall though it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. Good support at home was what helped most.