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My doc suggested adding Crystal light or sugar free Koolaid to Water if I don't like drinking plain water. I guess if you are drinking lots of it, it could be causing you to retain Fluid. Crystal light is low in sodium, but depending on how much you are consuming, it could cause you to appear you are not losing as fast. If you are exercising a lot too, it could be that your weight loss is slow because you are building a little muscle as well. Just a thought. Best wishes, Stephanie

I love the EAS drinks as well. My surgeon had put me on Optifast, but they really irritated my stomach. EAS drinks were one of the drinks on the list I could substitue for. Designer whey is also good, but that one you have to mix. They also have some Protein packets you mix with Water, as well as Kelloggs. Great choice!!!!! Best wishes to you on your journey. Stephanie

As long as I get my proteins in, my cravings stay down. I am so full, I can't even think of adding a bite of anything in my mouth. I made a chocolate cake yesterday for my family and my fiance offered me half of a bite. I took a taste with my tongue, and maybe it was all in my mind, but I just couldn't do it. It is not bad to indulge a little every now and then, as long as it doesn't turn in to a habit. And as with any diet, you have to include a regular exercise program. It is tough to lose weight and the band is only a tool to help cut your intake. Don't let another persons experience keep you from getting the band or help you decide to get it. You have to decide that you are truly ready. It took me three years to make my decision. I just had enough of yo-yo dieting and was finally ready to make a committment to become a healthier me. The success of this kind of weight loss is just as much mental as it is physical. You have to be ready for it. Best wishes, Stephanie

I have a similiar firmness near my port area and my surgeon said it was a normal part of healing. The band and port are stitched into the muscle tissue and take longer to heal, which can at times cause that sensation of a sharp, pulling, or tugging. He gave me what he referred to as a "low profile" port, which is stitched down deeper into the muscle so it doesn't show through the skin when I lose weight. He said that is what was more than likely causing the pull. He said it would go away in time, but to be careful with my diet and not to do activity that was too strenuous during the healing process. I hope your Doc gives you some good news and tells you, you have nothing to worry about. best wishes, Stephanie

I kept seeing an infomercial for Zumba DVD's and decided to order them. They look like a lot of fun. Kind of mixes salsa dancing steps to make it more fun. When I get them, I will let you know how they are. I used to work out with The Firm DVD's til I injured my knee. I think they are great videos. They mix strength training and aerobics. I just couldn't do them anymore because they have some exercises that were bad on my knees. I really need to start working out regularly myself. I was on my AirClimber yesterday for about 15 minutes and my thighs are killing me today. First time I exercised, besides walking, since surgery. Best wishes, Stephanie

Are you getting those Protein shakes in? Sometimes that will help keep that hunger away, or at least to a minimum. If you aren't, try drinking more of them and see if that helps. As far as the coughing, that is what the breathing exercise are designed to do. They make you cough, so that you can keep your lungs clear and not develop pneumonia or a collapsed lung due to decreased activity. Walk as much as you can without overdoing it. This will help with the gas and with your breathing. It will pass, but I know while your experiencing it, it doesn't seem to pass soon enough. Be sure to report to your doc if you have increased trouble breathing and/or develop fever. The cause of the fever is not always through incisional infection, sometimes it could be respiratory related. Best wishes, Stephanie

As sad as it is, I truly believe that in most cases. Instead of finding ways to help people be successful, the world is really trying to keep us fat. As long as we are struggling to lose weight and as long as there are Docs putting us on medication, after medication, after medication; all which are causing other problems, everyone is making money. You hear all these stories on the news about Obesity and healthcare costs rising. Yet for most, weight loss programs are not an option. Why? because they make it so hard to get help for Obese patients. Insurance companies don't pay for weightloss programs and for most, they don't help with weight loss prevention either. They only help once you started having problems related to being overweight, because then everyone's making money. I find myself not really knowing what to do sometimes. I am a nurse and supposed to push compliance with certain treatments, but it is so hard when you see your patients develop other problems due to their so called "healing" treatment plans. And the bad thing is, I am a pediatric nurse, so I see it at the beginning of a child's life, which will carry on to adulthood. The other things is, if you are poor and don't have insurance, they don't even try hard to help the parents understand the importance of a good diet for their children so they don't grow up with problems. I guess it is called job security. Again, I've rambled on too long. Sorry. Best wishes, Stephanie

When you go out to eat, order "a la cart" so you don't get too much, from the appitizer menu, or even the child's menu. Or perhaps Share a larger plate with someone. That can save on unwanted leftovers and money.

I haven't read the article, but I can see how that would be upsetting and offensive. I think you hear all this negative crap about WLS because all the medias that you'll hear all of it from get paid by advertisers. Pharmaceutical companies, Docs pushing their own plans designed to keep us sick and fail, fitness related items, so on and so on. Every year, especially at New Years, all those companies make large amounts of money on us fat people who are looking to reach our goals, "this time". If they keep pushing the "natural way/ harder way", they all win and we lose. Millions of dollars are spent all the time on weight loss products, fitness equipment, fitness attire, magazines, etc. They are designed to give us the idea that we can achieve something through buying their products, but we all know that isn't the case. Having the lap band surgery is the best gift I gave to myself. No more fad diets. No more false hopes. No more negativity about weight loss. This is our chosen way and it works. Plus it is hard and it is natural, just with a little help of the band :wub: I guess I vented my own anger long enough. Best wishes to you on your journey. sincerely, Stephanie

Hi there, Glad you decided to join and jump on the bandster wagon. I hope your appointment goes well. Best wishes, Stephanie

Welcome to LBT, Congrats on your decision to be banded. I was recently banded on June 30th and have really enjoyed my band so far. I look forward to reading your posts in the future and hearing about your success stories. Best wishes, Stephanie

I am fairly new to all this myself, as I was recently banded on June 30th. So I am not sure I have much advice to give you as of yet. But I would like to say that having the band is not about deprivation, just making better choices. I have enjoyed my band so far. Since I started in the mushy stage this week, I am at least able to have more than just liquids, which is nice, but I am enjoying eating with my family now. I am able to focus more on conversation and trying to come up with some creative meals for myself. I think now, I am enjoying everything much more, because now the focus isn't about food. Best wishes to you, Stephanie

Hi Daniel, Welcome to LBT. I enjoyed reading your post. I hope you find many friends here. We all could use some support and encouragement. You seem to be doing very well. Congrats on your weight loss. I have bad knees too. No surgery, but getting this weight off will sure help. When I injured my knees, I was unable to keep up with my exercise routine and the weight just piled on. Even something as simple as walking hurt, so I didn't do it more than I had to outside of work. I am a nurse and on my feet alot, so that was enough for me. Soon people will be staring at you because you look and feel good about yourself. Be proud you made the decision to take control of your life and really start living. Best wishes to you. Stephanie

Glad you found this site. I have enjoyed it very much. I had researched the band for several years and after yo-yo dieting most of those years, I finally got tired of all those failures and decided I needed to take control of my life. I was banded on June 30th and my only regret is not doing it sooner. You will go through many emotional and physical changes throughout your journey and we are all here to provide you with support and encouragement. Best wishes, Stephanie

CONGRATS on your upcoming surgery. I love this place. Everyone is so helpful and supportive for the most part. Please come back often. This site is for everyone in all stages and supporters as well. I was banded on the 30th of June and haven't regretted a thing, but not doing this sooner. I look forward to reading your posts in the future. Sincerely, Stephanie

thanks for that comment. I found it a little offensive myself, but was trying to be understanding, so i didn't comment in reference to that remark. There are many more good nurses than bad, in my opinion anyway. I always try to do my very best with my patients and their families, which is really important bc i care for pediatric pts. But most good nurses would have never stuck a patient that many times unsuccessfully and as a patient, i would have stuck up for myself long before being stuck that many times.

I agree with you. Most Docs are good at writing orders and telling you what needs to be done, but couldn't do some of the procedures themselves. I haven't had a fill yet, but reading all these posts makes me nervous to get one. My surgeon told me he gave me a "low profile" port placement, which would make it harder to access, but wouldn't be noticeable when I lost weight due to being placed deeper. At first I was happy, but now I don't know.

Congrats on your decision to take control of your life and welcome to LBT. There are many people at all stages of their journey and you will read good and bad things. Just remember that no matter what downfalls you have or exciting hurdles you overcome, we are all here to support you. Have fun learning and meeting new people and know that in the end, everything will be well worth it. I love this place and hope you will too. Sincerely, Stephanie:biggrin2:

Maybe you could plan your surgery for a Friday, so you would have a couple of days to rest over the weekend.

It is very important to do those deep breathing exercises for several days after surgery. It is usually recommended to do them every 1 - 2 hours. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

JennyLynn, We are all here to give you support and encouragement through this painful time and beyond. You are a beautiful person and will always be. Sincerely, Stephanie

I was banded on June 30th and currently in the mushy stage. Funny how all Doc are different. My surgeon, as far as meat protein goes, wants me to start off with fish; no beef or poultry til after two weeks, then add them slowly, but continue to puree foods. He said sometimes it is easier to get baby foods and spice them to your taste. I have tried fruits only, but I don't think I could stomach anything else. He also suggested using children's size plates, bowls, and utensils to keep from overeating.

flowers, I think people sometimes forget we are all here for support, encouragement and understanding. We all have our ups and downs and we could all, at some time or other during our journey have made better choices. If we all had the answers and did everything perfectly, we wouldn't have ever needed the band in the first place, right? Sf popsicles has how many calories? about 15? V8 doesn't sound too bad either. Just don't forget the Proteins too. Snacking on a sf popsicle sounds alot better than eating a chocolate bar or a slice of cheesecake. Heck, it is just frozen liquid anyway. Try freezing some Crystal light or maybe just eat ice, LOL!!!! Don't worry about pleasing everyone bc that will never happen. Sometimes the best way to help yourself is by helping others. It all comes full circle and we are better off in the end for being kind to others. You have always been kind and encouraging to me and I thank you for that. Keep up the great work. Sincerely, Stephanie:biggrin2:

Oddly enough, I was more comfortable sleeping on the side my port is on for several days after surgery. Now I sleep more comfortably on the opposite side or my stomach, which is what I prefer. Just do what feels comfortable to you. There is no right or wrong way to sleep. Hope you get some rest. Stephanie

Did you do your deep breathing exercises after you got home or did they give you something to work with? Pneumonia is common for post-op abdominal surgeries if you don't keep up with deep breathing and coughing exercises. They are designed to keep your lungs clear through the first few days post op when your activity is decreased. Are you having any fever? Are you walking alot? Sometimes walking helps with the drainage of liquid, but try doing some deep breathing exercises to see if that helps. If they didn't give you, what is called an incentive spirometer, to use post op, you can blow out through a straw, blow bubbles, or even a party horn. These exercises help increase your lung capacity and keep those lungs clear. Please check with your Doc to be sure everything is ok. I hope it gets better soon. Sincerely, Stephanie