pugmum

Hi, I was banded on 2/2 and I'm still a bit sore. That first week I was very sore and took life very easy. It is surgery after all! I do not think you will be regreting it in a couple of weeks. Have you ever awoke from a bad dream and been really really happy you are not still in the bad dream? Well, the first couple of weeks after surgery, I FELT THAT WAY. It was beginning to freak me out. Then, one day, I was grateful and very happy I had done this. It just happened. Kelli

I do not believe one can ever have too much information (especially regarding your health), but with that typed, the whole experience of being banded is not going to happen unless you are banded. So, if you're trying to create (by what you say is "over thinking) the band experience, you're right, it will not happen. Otherwise, by knowing as much as possible, you will be able to proceed on a green light. :confused: Kelli

Jenn, That is awesome!!! I went for a mile today, working back into things after surgery, but I love reading about others exercising, it is really encouraging to me because it's so easy not to do it! Kelli

Ray, That is so cool that you are running a 10K! I just got back from a long walk thinking I would like to run again. Nice to hear that another bander is doing the same thing. Good for you! Kelli

I guess I do not understand the frustration because I expected it. When I had my consult with my surgeon which was 2 hours long, he said having lap band surgery will result in exactly the same thing I face every day: Choices. Plain and simple. Whether I want to give up power or not (and I am a sober person for 5 years so I know the AA stuff) or simply want to admit to myself that I do not like to be uncomfortable (saying no to myself), the result is the same: I make choices and those choices have consequences. I'm not sure a zillion years of therapy would be worth it if it did not stress this enough. I actually expected the band to make my life less enjoyable for awhile because I do not WANT to say no to some of my food choices. That's it. It is not an enigma, I simply am comfortable stuffing myself. BUT, the band's effectiveness helps because I know that it restricts me in areas where I do not restrict me or, at least, makes it a bit easier. I have a family member who had lap band surgery last year. She completely eats around it and has lost about 30 pounds. She knows she is making poor choices. She is just not ready to change. Plain and simple. Kelli

I just had to mention that I am so pleased that Plushenko from Russia won the gold medal in figure skating. Not only is he amazing, but his story is truly inspiring...if you ever have time google him and check it out. It gives sacrifice and hard work a new meaning. :clap2: Kelli

Thank you, these soups sound cozy and wonderful!!! :hungry: Kelli

I was told to maintain an adequate supply of Protein postop, but not preop. It is my understanding that the less fatty the liver is, the easier to perform the procedure, thus, losing some fatty liver preop. I just had to do a liquid-only diet one day before surgery; every doctor seems to have different protocol. Kelli

Tina, I had the exact same question! :hungry: Kelli

Diva, I had the same exact fear! I just do not like the lack of control. I would not want to be awake, though, for something as big as abdominal surgery...I do not have children so I do not know about c-sections. My surgeon required that I walk into the operating room and wow I was scared when I got in there, but they had me sleeping so quickly I literally did not know what happened. I hope your fear of anesthesia does not interfere with your decision because it really is not that bad. Honest. Kelli

This is a great idea!! I am 37 years old, happily married with no human children. We have 4 pugs, 2 rottweilers, and 3 cats. We live in central California, but are relocating to Pennsylvania within the next year. I am a medical transcriptionist and work for a large company from home. I have a bachelor's degree in management and used to work for the railroad before MT'ing. I love to read, crochet, play with the dogs, work, laugh, and spend time with my husband who travels a lot. Kelli

This will sound really silly, but I honestly do not know if my fat-free yogurt is "good" or not. I tasted it and it tastes TART. Is that normal? The date on it is in March so I'm kinda thinking that is what fat-free yogurt tastes like, if that makes sense! Also, do many put this in smoothies in addition to your Protein drink? Thanks! Kelli

Thank you!! Kelli

Congratulations, Bubba!! I was recently banded and am just now getting excited about it. I learned a lot from this website also! Kelli

And here I was concerned that I come to this website too much. Thanks for making me feel better. You have waaaay more energy than I have! Kelli

I had this same fear for some odd reason...vomiting a lot. I was just banded 2 weeks ago and have not felt nausea at all. I'm not even sure why I thought I would, I have never read of anyone being sick like that. My sister has been banded for 1 year and she has only gotten sick once and that was due to indulgence on her part. I gave up diet coke, too, and really haven't thought much about it. Kelli

Wendiss, I'm right along with you, this is day 12, and my doctor said to not start mushies until week 4. I think, though, that it is pretty common to begin mushies in the third week. Of course, seeing that I did not attend medical school (!) I guess he knows what he is talking about. I did just eat a noodle from my chicken Soup. It's actually become much easier to stay on liquids to be honest. Kelli

Dee, I was recently banded on 2/2/06. Because I had read many posts here I knew that I would eventually be able to eat almost anything (albeit individuals vary with this). This is one reason I chose the lap band over gastric bypass. If I can offer you anything it is to know that most of the restrictions you will have in regard to food is temporary. I would not look at this procedure like you're not going to eat again, but I know what you're going through. :hungry: You might want to mentally prepare for the postoperative liquid phase, though, that has been more of a struggle for me (mentally). Best wishes, Kelli

Oh boy, I could never have that around the house because it would be GONE. The neat thing about life is that, we can begin each day again whenever we want! :nervous Kelli

I am 11 days out from surgery and my abdominal area is so crampy! Particularly, near my left rib, below by breast. If I take a deep breath it is a sharp-type pain. I have no clue if this is normal or not? I don't want to contact the doctor if this is something that all new bandsters experience. All advice is greatly appreciated! Kelli

Cool Beans, Tina! I have surprised myself by actually liking the Protein drinks! I thought I wouldn't because I do not like milk, but the one I have is mixed with Water. It does have more carbs than our doctor advises, but at least it's bearable! Kelli

Someone gave my husband one of these and he put it under his dad's chair during Thanksgiving dinner. It was SO FUNNY! At first no-one said anything, then, after a couple more fluffs people started looking nervously around, and then a long fluff, his sister is like: "Do you have to do that at the table, Dad?!" He had no idea what was going on. LOL Kelli

Don't we still have some restriction even w/o a fill? There is, after all, a band around our stomach. I am wondering if that in and of itself gives restriction?? Thanks, Kelli

Hi there, I'm on my 9th day from surgery also! I am still on liquids--Protein drinks, Soups, fudge bars, and I have noticed my appetite is increasing by the day!! I have only gotten on the scale once and have lost 6 pounds. I refuse to pay homage to the Almighty Scale Goddess because that is all I've done in my life and so I'm paying tribute to it only once a week. :cool: I'm hoping to graduate to mushies after 2 weeks which will be Thursday. That actually makes me a bit nervous because a lot of what are considered mushies (taters) are high in carbs, but some tuna about right now would be quite nice! :hungry: Kelli

Good for you!! Hope the rest of your recovery is uneventful!! Kelli