shy_one

I'm horrified to say that I'm in the midst of bulimia myself. It started at Christmas 2008 and I'm terrified. I started therapy and told my surgery team, so hopefully I can get a handle on this terrible problem. I so don't want to damage my band (sobbing)

Omgosh Mae, I had a similar experience, but I was never told about the possibility. I couldn't go, had pain and cramps and sweat ROLLING down my body. I was in so much pain! Of course this was on a Friday when my doctor wasn't available and I didn't know what to do. I called a walk-in clinic to see if the doctor there could remove my impacted "steel" ball. I almost went to the emergency room, but didn't want to pay my co-pay. So, I kept at it and FINALLY was able to pass it. Luckily I didn't pass-out from the experience. So, I now take a daily stool softener product.

I can only eat ground turkey, chicken (boiled) or canned poultry. I throw up all other meat. I've also become an ice cream addict. I NEVER liked ice cream before the band, but now... I restrict myself on eating it thank goodness. I'm still losing because of my exercising, I just wish I could stop the head hunger. I can't eat Pasta (found that out the hard way PAIN!!), bread (haven't eaten since banding), or rice. Thankfully, I don't miss them. I can eat yogurt, salads (no spinach though), fruit, some veggies, and my Protein drinks. That's about all I eat.

I agree with Thomas about microwaving. Once you start solids, it's best to avoid "dry" foods like bread. They just end up getting stuck. When I first went on solids, I ate a lot of chunky Soups, canned meat, and of course my Protein shakes. If I wanted chicken, I boiled it with lots of spices - it comes out really moist. I definitely burp more than I did before the surgery. But I've found that the burping is a sign that I've overeaten or I ate too fast. Another sign for me is if I start to sneeze. Your burping might be because you ate the microwaved meal AND the bread together. Hopefully, your burping will subside soon - Brenda

Hi Polly - congrats on starting a new journey. I too live in Kansas, so your post caught my attention. I don't agree with your husband. I tell people about my surgery and if they can't accept that, then that is their problem. I know that I had the surgery to help me become healthier. I have found that some people who are against the surgery secretly wish they could do it or really don't want other people to succeed in "whatever". I'm sure, however, that there are some who truly believe that any weight loss surgery is dangerous. Well.....being "morbidly" obese can also be fatal. I'm proud of myself for taking the plunge and I am not ashamed to share my journey with others who might be interested. To me, doing something to get healthier and less dependent on food or medications is a reason to celebrate! Brenda

I too am a carboholic. I did follow the pre-op diet faithfully and somehow made it through that okay. Oblivious during that time, I now know that it was a way to rid my body of the bad carbs. Now, I never touch the stuff. I'm afraid that 1 little taste will send me down the tube. I know that I have an addictive personality. Right now I'm struggling with a cheese obsession. I was on a tic-tac cycle a while back, but have gotten that one under control. If you can stay off the bad carbs, you will be better off. Believe it, you won't feel tired, crabby (most of the time, lol), and you'll have much more energy. This is not to say, that you still wont go through the "mourning" food stage. I went through that after about a month post-op - was depressed, angry, moody, etc. Remember, your body and mind is addicted to food. It's the same as giving up liquor or drugs, you have to go through the withdrawal period. I wish you all the best. Hang in there, it does get better! Brenda

I also believe that I was led to this surgery. God opened up all the doors for me to walk right through. I was the best thing that I have done for myself in a long time, so no, I do not think that what's happened to you is weird.

If your g/f can't get to her doctor ASAP, she needs to go to the ER. If she keeps up with vomiting, etc., she will have her band slip. My doctor said that persistant vomiting can move the band OR have the inside of your stomach come up inside the band! Don't take no for an answer.

I also like this format. You can easily find the forum topics on the left and I like reading the current posts in 1 page. Before, you had to scroll down to find new posts and sometimes you missed them if they were embedded within a forum topic in the old format.

New underwear sounds like the plan :wink_smile:

Very well written! Thank you for sharing your story and letting others know they aren't alone. What courage it took for you to step outside your box and start questioning what was happening to you. I wish you continued success - Brenda

I'm not sure about what I should do to celebrate. Any suggestions?

Oh my gosh, I stepped on the scales this morning and it read 295.4 :cry_smile: I haven't weighed that in I don't know how long. I can't believe it! It feels awesome. I'm ready to jump out of my seat. I am soooooooooo glad that I got banded. It was the perfect tool for me to use, I love my band. Thank you God! Brenda

Oh dear, I'm really sorry about how miserable you must be right now. Are you able to drink any protein shakes? If so, do they come back up? I don't have much in advice, but I do think that you should have an x-ray to make sure that your band is okay. What does your doctor say about you still getting sick and all? Has she suggested an x-ray before? Good luck at your doctor's and I hope that you can get this resolved soon. Believe it or not, once you get over this hurdle, the band is awesome! - Brenda