ValJean

Hi, I had my first fill last week, and I felt exactly the same way for the first day or two, then it got better. I have had a couple days since where I've been a bit nauseous in the morning, though.

I know some people love them, but the fruity Isopure drinks made me gag; I couldn't drink them (and still have $50 worth of them in my cupboard!). So I'd suggest trying one first, before you stock up. Imagine brand has really great creamy veggie soups that are low cal/low carb, and organic (I think)—they come in cartons, similar to chicken broth. I got them at whole foods, but just saw them on the shelf in my regular grocery store the other day (in the "natural foods" section). They are really delicious, and saved my life during the pre op liquid stage. Good luck! Valerie

How'd it go? I also had my first fill today. So far so good. Just got home and am drinking water easily.

Hi Kimmie, I was banded on Jan 28th and my 30th birthday was this past weekend too, the 22nd! I am struggling with little to no restriction also—I started tracking my calories on fitday.com, and that has been a huge help. Also, working out first thing in the morning seems to start me off on the right track for the day, and keeps my eating in check (as opposed to trying to force myself to do it after work when I am hungry and tired..I am the master of finding an excuse then!) I go for my first fill tomorrow—I'll let you know how it goes. And if you're looking for a fellow January bandster (and Pisces) friend, please send me a message or add me as a friend and we can keep in touch. Good luck and happy 30! Valerie

Hi everyone, I'm coming up on 4 weeks post op (as of Wednesday), and things are pretty much going great—weight is coming off, I'm feeling full on much less food, and seem to have a good handle on my "head hunger." I'm exercising 30 minutes a day, five days a week (stationary bike), and steadily getting 1000-1200 calories a day, 60+ grams of Protein (per my doctor's instruction). I'm drinking at least 64 oz of Water each day, getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night, taking a Multivitamin...in short, I'm doing everything I've been told to do! And yet— I am EXHAUSTED! Every day it seems I am nodding off at my desk (mornings and afternoons) and on the bus heading to and from work. I'm able to pretty much jump out of bed at 6am for my workouts feeling energized, but by the time I'm en route to work, I'm zonking out! Does anyone have thoughts on what may be the cause of this, or suggestions on how I can boost my energy? I should say too that I haven't been drinking any caffeine since the start of my pre op diet (with the exception of a cup of green tea here and there), but I wasn't really too caffeine dependent before anyway. I'm heading in for my first fill on Wednesday and will discuss it with my doctor, but any words of wisdom from you all would be much appreciated! Thanks, Valerie

I, too, come from a family with a long history of obesity. I got my band in January, am 29 years old (will be 30 in two days!) and am so happy I made the decision to do it now—like so many, I wish I had done it sooner! Good luck to you! Valerie

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! And on deciding to get the band! I'm only a month post op, so take my opinion with a grain of salt (others may have better advice), but I wouldn't recommend it. My recovery went pretty smoothly for the most part, but I was definitely run down for the first week or two, tired easily and was pretty emotional. I can't imagine dealing with another major life event at the same time; but that's just me. I'd be concerned that one thing would overshadow the other and cause you stress, and keep you from enjoying your wedding day to the fullest. I will tell you that now, a month out, I feel great! But it's just been in the past week or so that I've started to really feel "normal" again. (And I am the sort of person who recovers quickly and has a high pain tolerance, too.) Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best for your new married and banded life! Valerie

I had the exact same reaction post op--I was weepy, sentimental, crying at tv, crying for no reason! It will pass, don't worry. I think for me it was a combination of stress, fear (and release of the fear I'd built up in anticipation of the surgery, and pain meds! Do you have someone close to you that you can just lean on and have a good cry? That helped me tremendously, just talking it out with my sister or my boyfriend, and yes, sometimes just sobbing "irrationally." It was a huge relief! Hang in there and take care! Feel free to message me if you need someone to talk to. Valerie

I'm with ya! Name...........Start Lbs........Current..........Goal.....To Go ValJean........266..............266............254.........12

Linda--It gets better, trust me! I was pretty down and weepy myself right after surgery (and those Isopure drinks are NASTY, I know. They made me gag--I couldn't even get them down!) and wondering if I'd made the right decision. But you just have to hang in there! I'm now 3 weeks post op, and am starting to feel normal again finally, getting back to some regular foods (soft foods), and not feeling so exhausted--I think the lack of calories that first week really wiped me out. I also had those doubts creeping in, thinking I should have been strong enough to lose the weight myself--but I keep reminding myself of what's true--that I AM strong; I had the strength to make a difficult, life-changing decision for myself that will help me make the changes I need to lose the weight for good. I think it's normal to feel all these things--but trust in yourself and your decision. And you're NOT alone--there is amazing support on this forum, from people across the spectrum--pre-band and all stages of post op. Hang in there! Please send me a private note if you want to talk more. Take care, Valerie

Congratulations to you! And I agree 10000% with mrsebg--you should absolutely file a complaint. The way you were treated by your dr is completely inexcusable and just repulsive. People like that should NOT be practicing medicine, and certainly not working in the female health field--going to the GYN for many women is already an uncomfortable experience, the dr should go out of their way to be caring and sensitive to their patients' needs, and be able to discuss their health and wellness--WHATEVER their challenges might be--with tact and respect. ARRGHHH!!!!! Sorry for the rant....I'm just appalled. So sorry you had to go through that. Congrats again on your happy news, and good luck with your new doc. All best to you! Valerie

Thanks so much for sharing this info! I just set up my food log--it was so easy. This is great, thanks again! Val

My GP was completely against me getting banded, and would not accept the fact that I had done my research and knew what I was getting into. She argued with me, told me horror stories and then gave me a photocopied 1-page diet that looked like it was from the 1950s, telling me to eat a diet of oatmeal and salad if I wanted to lose weight. Needless to say, that was my last appt with that doctor. Not saying that every doctor who expresses doubt or hesitation about the surgery should be dropped, but if you feel like your doctor isn't able to see and respect your side of the issue, I'd recommend finding someone who can. Best of luck!

Hi Sarah, I was just banded Jan 28th at Day One in Chicago, by Dr. Galvani. I'd love to talk to you, or meet up sometime when you are in the city. Hope to hear from you! Valerie

Hi Tina, I would be so grateful to have you as a buddy/mentor. I am currently 2 weeks post op, and my first fill is scheduled for Feb 25 (3 days after my 30th birthday!). I work for a literary magazine in Chicago, and live with my very supportive boyfriend of 2 years. I've been overweight/obese for 20+ years...my first memories of being "fat" are from 4th grade. Most of the women in my family struggle with weight issues/obesity as well. Making the decision to get the band was not an easy one for me; I battled with feeling ashamed, like I was taking the "easy" way, like I should be able to just lose the weight on my own. But after a year of research and soul searching, I came to the decision that the band was the right choice for me, that it was a decision I could feel proud and strong about, that this was the tool that would give me the extra boost I need to lose the weight once and for all, after years of yo-yo-ing and feeling defeated and depressed every time the weight came back. If you have the time to take on a buddy/mentee that is 1000% determined to make this work, I'd love to talk to you. Your success is inspiring, and I would appreciate your support and insight. Hope to hear from you. Valerie

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.

I bought my bullet used on craigslist (it was practically new, only used twice) so I got it at a good price. So far, its holding up fine. The instructions say never to run it more than 60 sec at a time or the motor will burn out, so I try to be gentle with it...but stuff like that always seems to break alot sooner than they "promise" on the infomercials! I have to say, craigslist is an awesome place to find stuff like that--at least for me, living in Chicago. I've found so much great stuff on that site. Do you live in/around a major city? If so, I'd check it out if you haven't before.

Great plan! When you work out, do you do it on your own, or take any fitness classes? You might want to try a class--I find that a great motivator. Also, if it fits into your budget, you should splurge on a massage for yourself! It's an awesome way to reward yourself for your hard work and sticking on your plan. It's my new treat--instead of a food reward. Plus, it just makes your body feel so good, and keeps you focused on your goals. Good luck!

Hi there, That sounds awful--so sorry you're going through that. I'm 11 days post op, and while I have not had to deal with any throwing up, I can say that my shoulder pain the first week was terrible--almost unbearable! But it has lessened A LOT the past couple days, so hang in there, I'm sure it will ease up soon! Take care of yourself and stay strong!

Hi Rebecca, Thanks for your post--I am in the same boat! Have you ever tried or considered OA (Overeaters Anonymous)? I attended some meetings as part of my pre op psych requirement, and found it to be very helpful. I haven't been in awhile, but now that I'm banded and am struggling with 'head hunger' more than anything, I plan to get back to regular meetings. http://www.oa.org/ And I'm always looking for new friends here on LBT, so please feel free to message me anytime if you want to talk one on one. Take care, Val

Good luck and welcome! I'm one week post op, and think it's the best decision I ever made for myself!

I have the Magic Bullet countertop chopper/blender/juicer, and it is really great (you may have seen the infomercials, they are on all the time!). It makes it really quick and easy to eat good and healthy at home, just by making it super fast to chop up veggies and put a quick healthy meal together. Plus it comes with a nice little recipe book that has a lot of healthy options. Plus, it's easy to clean (can go right in the dishwasher).

I also HATE the chewable calcium tablets! Of course, I stocked up on them before surgery, so I have a HUGE bottle. I started crushing them up to powder, and then swallowing it with a small sip of water--that seems to work for me, and keeps it from coating my mouth and sticking in my teeth. Can't wait until I can just swallow a regular-sized pill again!

Thanks so much for posting, and to the rest of you for all the feedback. I am in this EXACT situation (in fact, I logged on just now because I have been really stressed out, worrying about eating too much--I'm one week post op). After days of having no appetite at all, I'm depressed to be feeling hunger again--I almost feel guilty about it.

Congratulations on a great milestone! What a smart and positive way to look at the journey--I'm inspired and will start setting milestone goals for myself now, too. Enjoy the feeling and be proud of yourself. You're doing great!