kei1170

Snapdragon...I could not have said it any better!!! I was banded in April 2008 and for a month or so, read every post, reply, etc. There isn't anything I can't eat as long as I chew it well first and I drink beer - just not as many as before (so don't feel like you'll never have one again) - all you can do it try - if you can, then great, but you need to watch. Your life can remain the same, just in smaller quantities - and still lose weight. Who you choose to tell is your business and your business only - I had great difficulty coming to terms with having the surgery done - felt I took the easy way out, but that feeling will pass - you must make peace with it or it may never. You'll be okay, Brad and will find your way with what works for you, etc. we've all been there, have gone thru this, and are better people because of it. Also remember, the band can be removed/reversed - is not permanent if you don't want it to be - that was a huge plus in my book! All the best!

Sue... who cares about inches when you've lost 138 pounds - that in itself if a HUGE accomplishment and motivation enough! You should be proud of yourself... besides, who wants to look back??? Moving forward is what matters and I'm confident it shows! Keep up the good work!!!

Seriously! I think your doctor is too strict and you should ignore his rules. Clearly we are the ones who have the experience of the band and not the experience of the surgery performed. Protein is so important during the beginning healing stages - it's what well, helps heal your body!!! I'm not telling you to eat chicken or solid foods, but Isopure like mentioned or high protein shakes, should be tollerable and allowed! Just take small sips and listen and see how your body reacts... Good luck ~ I wish you well!

Look for Isopure drinks at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe if you have one there. It has 40 grams of Protein per 12 ounces with 100 plus calories - it's great for the protein and Benefiber rules! Also eat a chewable fruit flavored Calcium supplement - also at Vitamin Shoppe, but am sure GNC will have all you need.

Yea, glad you're okay - how scary for you! Am glad you listened to more than just the post replies and went to see your doctor. God speed@

how funny... we were both banded the same day and my name is kris, too! i started at 218 and am down to 195, but i haven't done all that i can to be less - need to step it up a knotch, but am thankfull that after 2 fills, i'm still able to eat and tolerate everything - just need to make sure i chew the hell out of it first!

I was banded on 4/21/08 and thought I'd never vomit - I did for the very first time about a week or so ago - due to not chewing well. First it was "stuck" and it was the worst pain EVER! Thought it would never go away - I couldn't get the food to come up or down, it was just there. Then by the grace of God, it came up, but never do I want to experience that again. Solution ~ chew, chew, chew. I truly believe this is the only reason why vomiting occurs - well that, plus eating more than tolerated, which we shouldn't be doing in the first place! May you all never experience it!

Yes, your worries are not really accurate. You will be able to do everything you do now, just not as much. I was banded on April 21st and can say I can still eat everything I did pre op, just not as much, which is exactly what the band does - keeps your portions small. Call your doctor - at least find out more about the procedure, etc. You owe yourself that much. Good luck!

This is the very reason why I stated what I did about leaving such a negative post... Pennyllane - I was scared to death to have my surgery and went back and forth with such apprehension thinking I'll never be able to do this, never be able to do that and it's NOT TRUE! I am 8+ weeks post op and I can honestly say I am doing exactly what I was pre op - just in smaller moderation and the band has been a blessing - it's not the be all end all and it a tool, but a tool that helps you eat not nearly as much as we did, which is what we all need or none of us would be here! If you feel you can do this on your own - girl, more power to you BUT if you've tried and tried again to no avail, please reconsider and don't let one negative post dissuade you from being a healthier better you! Good luck!

Jodi ~ couldn't have said it any better! I'm 20 pounds down since my April 21st surgery and although I would love to say I'm lighter and this band is not working well - it is and it's things I'm not doing that I should be to move myself further along. If you've only lost 13 pounds in 19 months, there is CLEARLY something wrong and I wouldn't say it's the band. I also have a thyroid condition, which required medication daily and for the rest of my life, BUT if you watch what you eat, exercise, etc. there is NO WAY you wouldn't lose weight. I don't mean to be harsh, but perhaps you need some tough love. Posting a message like that, especially to others who may not have had the surgery yet isn't fair... it's a negative message that isn't deserved.

Thanks Wallygirl... I pretty much do everything I can to keep my hunger at bay and I exercise almost daily. My weight loss is at a stand still or so I think - I try not to step on the scale too often or it will rule my life so I go by my clothes, which seem to be the same more or less and I'm okay with it - from all the posts and threads throughout the site, it seems that once the restriction goes away before the first fill, weight loss kind of stops - but I hope when my fill is done, this will change. Overall I'm very pleased - just don't like the scars on my belly or the fact that my port sticks out a little - more like a bump than a stick ~ lol, but it's the price I was and am willing to take to be better... We bandsters rule! :thumbup:

Seriously??? This is how you comment on someone who is clearly hurting. Joking or not, we are all experiencing this "bandster hell". I am 6 and 1/2 weeks post op and I can eat whatever I want - I just chew the hell out of it first. Then I make it a point to not drink for 30 minutes following, but when you're hungry - you're hungry and eating 4 oz. of food on a non restricted stomach is a tease. Maybe you can see if you can get a fill sooner than you're originally scheduled for. Mine is scheduled for the 12th and I'm holding out as long as I can... yes it is a mind over matter also, but what a bitch of a matter! Good luck and hang in there! All of us will be fit and fabulous in no time!!!

You were just banded 2 days ago! This is clearly why you are feeling the effects of being full after a sip or two. You are so swollen inside that anything is going to seem extreme - know what I mean? Trust me - embrace the fullness because after a few weeks, the restriction goes away and the hunger and feeling that you can eat anything comes back before your first fill - which is where I'm at. I'd be much happier having restriction than none, but again - you're body just went thru major stuff and it takes time. With every passing day you will feel better. Good luck ~ you're gonna do great! :w00t: