gardengrl

solid food def. makes a big difference. I was allowed to start on them 10 days post op which meant yesterday was my first day. I did learn NOT to drink anything after eating since it def. caused the solid to go through - and all the way through. I got sick and I was not happy. I felt some fullness on liquids but I def feel it on the solids. I have a hard time taking so long to eat such a small qty. (I use a 2 oz cup to put my food in). Having two toddlers, I am used to rushing to eat and it's just not normal to me yet to take my time. Cathy - THANK YOU so much for telling me about those New whey Protein bullets. I finally found them at a different GNC and I love them. I got Grape, pour it over some yummy Sonic ice (they have the best ice), add some Water and then sip on that. I know I'm getting lots of liquids and 42 gm. of protein at once. Woo Hoo!!! The GNC guy was nice and sold me the box for $30 even though it was normally $38ish for the 12. Seems like a high price still, but when you don't want to keep drinking the other Protein shakes, it's well worth it! And I can take them on the road and not keep them cold. Yeah!!!

Long2BThin- Yep - that's exactly what I have. They probably gave you Nystatin? It's an oral that you can use to get rid of it. Thrush is REALLY hard to get rid of. I am only surprised I have it because I'm not really consuming anything with sugar. Did they say why you probably got it?

I think I have thrush like you did, Long2BThin. I'll have to call my pcp and ask for a prescription (had it back in Jan. so I'm at least aware of what I need to do). I def. have not been getting on a scale since I just don't want to know. My next follow up (and first fill I think) in July 10 so I'll wait until then. I am allowed to start food tomorrow. I went grocery shopping today and just bought a lot of high Protein foods - crab, smoked salmon, bacon bits to add to eggs, chicken, and then some more textured soups - lentil, manhattan clam chowder (I'll take the potato out). I was able to take my kids to McDonald's yesterday and not feel hungry or deprived. I just ordered a Water and was fine. I was surprised. I'm really shocked that I am not more mentally in withdrawal. I was able to walk past all the foods I shouldn't have today and feel ok about it. I did find that although I like Protein shakes (I feel rare), my favorite are the Atkins ones since the carb count is so low and they are thicker. Too bad they are so dang expensive. Oh well. I've also started walking everyday with my husband and kids after dinner which makes my stomach/gas feel a lot better. I walk pretty slowly (and I was a more "active" overweight person to begin with) but it's def. a good start. Congrats all you newly banded folks!!! For those of you with surgeries soon, it really isn't bad once you get a week out.

The weight of the world on your chest is exactly how I felt for the first 2-3 days. It subsided and then I woke up this am with it again and also feel like I pulled all my upper stomach muscles. It hurts when I take a deep breath. I think I just over exerted myself this weekend. Hopefully, you'll start to feel better soon. I think the pressure just moves itself around the body for a while. Make sure you are still walking as much as you can. I kept my compression stockings on for 2 days after so maybe that helped my legs not feel so numb. I hope you feel better soon!!!

Glad to have you here! I'm also from GA (just north of ATL) and had my band done June 9th (One Week today!!!). Please ask all the questions you have!

Many Good Thoughts and Prayers coming your way! Just stay relaxed and it will go well! I had that dread too (that they would re-schedule for some reason) and it was fine. Can't wait to see you on the other side!! Get some sleep and make sure you have all your post surgery items next to you. Good Luck!!!

Yeah, my husband thought I'd lost it when I went to see if it would work. I thought for sure that I'd still feel horrible the next morning. But, I felt so much better which is why I am risking embarrassment to share it as a tip! All the shoulder rubs didn't do a thing. Just make sure to do it in private (HA HA!!!).

I have 23 mo. old twins and I just (last week) had my band. I had my MIL here for the week, my husband is staying home this week and I also have a mother's helper I hired for the summer. I was told 2-3 weeks. The only things I REALLY need to pick them up for at this stage are for their cribs, changing tables, and emergencies (like a good hug). They def. are not happy that Mommy isn't picking them up when they want and I've never been able to be a "holding mom" since there were 2. I would at least plan for 3 weeks. If you feel ok, great, but remember, it's so not worth doing any damage. You should still be able to get down to do a diaper change if necessary. Luckily, my kids are champs at going up and down stairs and into their booster seats. I'd be SOL if they weren't. This surgery is a nice break from diapers alone!

Hey all! I am on day 6 post surgery and feeling SOOO much better than I did earlier this week. Like Cathy - my tummy wasn't so happy but I was allowed to take chewable immodium and it's been fine since. Thank God for chewables. I am so glad that there are so many chewable/liquid versions of things now!!! I am allowed to eat creamy Soups (I have been VERY satisfied having Campell's Fat Free Heart Healthy Cream of chicken with just Water added to it). I think I'm also allowed some thing others of you aren't yet - pudding, Jello, etc. I am feeling like there is def. more room for food now, but if I eat just a bit more than I think, I feel full for at least an hour or so. I actually bought Progresso fat free Clam Chowder yesterday that I'll cook and then hit with my stick blender to get rid of any real pieces. I've made sure to keep up with my Protein shakes and water so I "treat" myself when it comes to Soup. Still careful of carbs, though. For those of you still pending surgery - I highly recommend getting access to a recliner for those first few days. I had a horrible time sleeping in a bed at first and ended up in my recliner every night. It was definitely better. A heating pad also helped the gas pains in my shoulder and if you can get access to a "vibrator" (ok, not all of them are for "fun" :cursing:) that actually helped work out A LOT of the gas in my shoulder and neck. I'm still getting gas in my tummy but my dr. wants me to take 2 tums a day for the Calcium so it's helping a lot. The Gas X strips really didn't help anything that I noticed. It was more body position and once I was able to get onto my sides more, the pressure in my stomach was relieved. I already had a dr. appt. since my surgeon is out of town next week. He said everything looked good and I go back in 3 weeks for my first fill most likely. I start solids this Thurs. I'm also wondering why every commercial seems to be for Domino's pizza. I think I'm going to try to make my own version with possibly a matzo cracker, little sauce and some cheese. Has anyone seen something similar? I was also told to eat 5-6 meals a day since there will only be 1-2 oz. at a time and to keep up with protein above everything. Meals do include Protein Shakes, etc. I really want a scrambled egg. I did have a 15 lb. loss since my last visit there which just doesn't seem possible since I ate before my surgery except the day before. Is it most likely just water loss right now? Nothing seems particularly loose at all.... I've been able to watch food shows this week and not get upset or hungry. That was a nice change. I am limiting my access to Food Network but that's ok. :biggrin2: It was needed. Good luck to you all! Oh - does anyone have a good home scale that they use? Mine is SO old and I haven't personally used it for years so I wasn't sure if I should upgrade. Thanks!

Well, I'm all banded up and on the other side now! Hope all you other June 9thers are doing better, too! Had a rough 2nd day. Dumb me did not get enough fluids and got dehydrated. I ended up being nauseous and throwing up (nothing in me, though). I am doing fine since I was smart and held my hand tight to my stomach. Spent all yesterday drinking LOTS and LOTS so I had a good night and feel ok today. Only problem I'm having now is severe pain in my left shoulder (at the top?) and some "bathroom trips". I had a bit of buyer's remorse the first few days but each day feels so much better! Any suggestions for the pain? Tylenol is not relieving it and neither does the hard stuff the dr. gave me. I'm SO glad I had my MIL come to help me this week. I feel so bad when my kids want to be picked up and I can't. But, they are getting good at cuddling. :teeth_smile: How is everyone else doing?

You def need to be realistic about everything. That's how I knew there would be bad times and good times. But keeping positive and your goals in sight help!

I SOOOO Feel your pain, literally. My left shoulder and into my neck has stabbing pains. I am keeping a heating pad on it which really does help. I stopped the gas-x but it may be time to start again. I actually feel more pain as soon as I start moving/walking! I wish I had one of those shiatsu neck massage things to work on it. My surgery was Monday so I am at least not dealing with the stomach gas as much anymore. Good luck! Hope you feel better soon.

I'm here, too! I would write more, but the dang gas pain in my shoulder feels brutal and I just want to move around. Hope everyone is doing better!!

I'm heading out with this list in a bit. Thank you so much for posting it. I know I've done my research but I feel like all my knowledge has flown out the window since tomorrow is surgery. Same thing happened the day before my c-section. Thanks again!

Congrats, Cathy!!! You sound great. Where did you get your protein bullets?

Ok, all you June 9th Bandsters!!! Are we psyched yet?!!!! I am! Can't wait! I just keep daydreaming about being in a normal bathing suit (it's hot as Blazes here in Atlanta!). Next year - the normal pool! No more back yard kiddie pool for me! Good luck everyone! Hope all you new Jazzy June Bandsters are resting comfortably. Congratulations!

I am 9 days (YEAH:thumbup:) away from my surgery and I wanted to see if anyone else is having this issue. I am not having to do a pre-surgery diet (just liquids the day before). So, of course being the food addict I am, I just have been making lists of what I want to eat before the surgery. And here's where my questions comes in. I obviously could eat large portions at a time. Now, even though I am not going crazy with food, I get full REALLY quickly. Is my head starting to mentally prepare itself ahead of time? It's been happening for the past week now. And if I keep trying to eat, I feel so sick. Just wondering if anyone else is going through this?

Good for you, Carrie! And thank you, Little Debbie. That is a great explanation. I am now PRAYING I didn't mess anything up. But, I really have been a lot better than when I started the post. Last night was salmon, tomatoes and some fresh mozzarella. Today Slim Fast shakes, and then for dinner I made steak (since I don't know if I'll be able to tolerate it ever again and I do love Skirt Steak), fresh tomatoes and some salad. Knowing now what your dr. said makes me really realize all that "last yummy food" mentality is not worth it if my surgery doesn't go well. That's my #1 priority. Ok, I'm my #1 priority, but it's #2.

Congrats on getting your bands!!! I hope you all have speedy recoveries and feel good! I wish all those getting their bands this week good luck and safe surgeries! I can't believe I only have 6 days to go. I feel like a kid before Christmas and want it NOW!!! Hooray for Jazzy Junes!!!

That's a great way to look at it, Mom2Twins! My husband has actually had a bad cold this week so we've just been home and I've been making normal things. I've even started drinking Slim Fasts for meals. I went out and bought a bunch of Protein drink items for after surgery. Atkins shakes, Carnation sugar free protein mixes, and some chocolate shake mix at GNC that actually tastes just like a YooHoo. They had a sample of it which was great to try at the store before I bought it. I've also been thinking about post surgery items to eat when I'm out. I figured I could always order a cup of Soup or some type of salad plate (tuna, chicken, egg, etc.) for later on. I think I'm past the desire of eating everything I can to just wanting to get this done. I even got lunch at McDonald's today and ate a few fries and chucked the rest out. I should have picked something better as a side to begin with. So far, the only thing I can really think of eating pre-surgery are bagels. I have a feeling those will never go down so they'll be gone for ever. I'm ok with that! : )

Hi! I am also going to Dr. Daly. I am set for surgery next Monday June 9th. Have you been given a date or are you still in the "process". I liked him a lot from my meetings and can't wait. Good luck!

Oh, don't feel bad! It is a big step and you are just being normal! I haven't had the ups and downs yet emotionally, just want to eat like there's no tomorrow and luckily, my body isn't letting me. Last night as I was going to bed, the Lap Band commercial came on and I just got SO EXCITED!!!! I really wished my surgery had been today and not next Monday. I haven't been this anxious for something in so long. I think I am only scared/nervous because I have kids now. Surgery never bothered me before and all I think about is them. I'm sure when I get closer to the day, I'll be like you. I am getting snippy with my DH a lot more these past weeks. I don't think he realizes what a change it's going to be for the entire family. They need a "Lap Band Partner Bootcamp" like they had for when I was pregnant (Daddy Bootcamp). Just keep your eyes on the goal - Good Health and smaller clothes!

I am sending out lots of good wishes and prayers for all of you getting banded this week! How wonderful that we all get to start our "new" lives together this June!!! Please keep your spirits up! It's all going to be worth it!!!

I am totally with you on this mindset. I am 13 days(yeah!) from surgery, do not have any pre-diet requirements so I am looking at food like I need to get my fix before I check in for my life long "Rehab" visit. I keep thinking of the things I believe will be problems for me in the future (esp bagels and bread in general). I feel dumb thinking this way but also feel like I need to have my "last supper" and enjoy all the things I consider to be off limits in the future. Maybe this forbidden food mindset is what's making me so desperate to have them? You're not alone!!!