Shontel

Welcome fellow banster, may the band be with you....(ok, corny, I know) LOL

My doc didn't require me to have any type of pre-op diet. (thank God) But I ate 'lite' a few days before the surgery.

This has been one of the hardest things for me also. I did the same thing the other day. I just swig'd away...and then go....'oh s***t!' b/c I know its going to hurt. Its really been amazing, I now notice my bad eating habits (I don't mean what I at I mean HOW I ate) since getting this band. Gulping, inhaling...I've really had to re-train (and its an ongiong training) my brain to think small, think slow. In our everyday hustle and bustle world, its hard to slow down and THINK while you are eating. I know I never did. I know how my old stomach got so stretched (my nutritionist told me that the human stomach can stretch and hold from 1 to 3 gallons of food from continual overeating..YIKES!!) ...from my mindless eating..so fast that by the time I was full the red 'full' light didn't have time to come on...lol I'm thankful that I have my little reminder band-friend to keep me in check

Your body is healing right now, there is a lot of internal stuff going on that doesn't normally happen. I had my surgery less than two weeks ago and felt the exact same way at first. Gas pains were bad, port pain was bad, my abdomen looked like someone stomped all over it. But belive us when we say each day gets better! I am less than 2 weeks post op and I feel 100 x's better each day. Almost no pain, mild soreness in the port area. This journey we are on will take us many directions, you are that bumpy road right now, just hang in there, soon you will see smooth roads ahead. There will be other obstacles, but remember this forum is always here, 24 hours a day! Its saved me many times so far!! Chin up!

Its amazing to me how docs and insurance companies dictate what hoops we have to jump through to get the things we need. I was a self pay and went to Mexico. I had no required weight loss, no required pre-op diet. I'm not saying these things can't be helpful, I guess my point is, the WHOLE reason we have this procedure is b/c we have been unable to sustain weight loss right? Seems to me that sometimes these docs don't realize that STRESS has caused some of us to gain as well! Hang in there girl, nothing good comes easy, it is SOOOOOO WORTH it once you get it! Good Luck!!! We're rootin for ya!!

Are you noticing differences in your clothes? Have you taken your measurements? That will help. Also if you are doing some serious walking you may be gaining muscle. Keep goin girl! Were rootin for ya!!

pugmum, your welcome! I still haven't had any luck finding it, but I haven't tried health food stores yet..can't wait to try it!

I was banded in Monterrey about a week ago by Dr. Sanchez, PM me if you would like some info. on my experience

I just had mine about a week ago by Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey, MX. Who is your doc? PM me if you want more info on my experience.

Girl what an inspiration you are! You have a strong spirit! Go for it!! Thanks for sharing your inspirational story!!

Keep goin girl...I know my first Mini goal is 220 then second is 199...these small victories are very meaningful and motivating....you go girl!!

I had mine in Monterrey, Mx w/ Dr. Sanchez $8500 w/out airfare. He has done over 5000 band procedures. Great Experience, PM me if you would like more info.

Lety, THANKS so much for the info! I may go back to Mx for my first fill, or I have found a doc in College Station to do them, but thanks for describing the process for those of us who haven't been through the process yet. Very valuable information!!! Thanks :eek:

So I'm one week post-band, and have lost 17 pounds!! I'm really pumped about that, even thought its probably all water. Feeling much better but still sore where port is. I went to the grocery store yesterday to look for some yogurt, and it was so weird. I kinda felt sad. Sorta like mourning over all the foods (bad ones, that I had no business eating to start with) that I wouldn't be able to eat. Sort of therapeutic I guess.

So I'm one week post-band, and have lost 17 pounds!! I'm really pumped about that, even thought its probably all water. Feeling much better but still sore where port is. I went to the grocery store yesterday to look for some yogurt, and it was so weird. I kinda felt sad. Sorta like mourning over all the foods (bad ones, that I had no business eating to start with) that I wouldn't be able to eat. Sort of therapeutic I guess.

Michelle, I had a similiar experience! Was banded on the 28th in Monterrey, but by Dr. Sanchez. We definitely got comprable care. I had a migrane when I woke up, and bad gas also. Dr. Sanchez gave me something to help me sleep along with the pain meds so it wasn't as bad. I agree with your take on Monerrey, was my first time out of the country also.

I can only do about 3 oz of any thick liquids...maybe 4 sometimes. And I wish I would have been told of 'how much' to expect to be able to sip b/c, I didn't have that info either. Good question.

Great Thread!! I think everyone here has a lot of the same fears. I know for myself, when I felt somewhat normal (what is 'normal' anyway?) I felt good about myself. Now I feel invisible, like an outcast at times. I am ready to be able to shop at ANY clothes stor and find something to fit me, I'm ready to be able to sit in a chair in a public place and not feel confined. I'm ready to be the me I was so long ago, the person I miss on the outside. I, too, am afraid of failure, but I don't think any of us would have enbarked on this journey of change unless we were willing to face fears and obstacles involved to get to that 'normal' place in our lives.

I am feeling good. On thick liquids now (thank goodness!) But am still using those Isopure drinks to help get my protien in. My one week Band-a-versary today! Have lost 17 pounds!!! yeeee haaaaa!!!!

Campbells Cream of Chicken. Blend w/ 1/2 can of milk (I like whole, but skim woud work also) then add the other 1/2 can of milk after blended. Stir and heat. DELICIOUS & CREAMY!!

I did 4 days clear liquids and it NEARLY KILLED ME! Wayy too hungry, waaay too tired. When I went on full liquids (adding creamy soups, protien drinks) which has been for the past 2 days, everything changed. more energy, more satiated. Definitely was the right thing for me. Everyone is different though.

I am in liquid phase, but had heard of these drinks through this board, I love grape frost. Definitely good but pricey. So worth it though.

Well, Wall Mart or Albertsons dont have em..any ideas?

Well I DID make it. Not without some quick thinking and shuffling, but I did it. I got to Mexico and was informed that I'd have to have the surgery that same day! I was a little nervous, had to mentally prepare myself (thought I'd at least get a good last meal in...) but I came to get banded so lets get on with it! The process was as good as I've ever been through in a US hospital. Very comforting nurses and procedures were identical to those in U.S. I was glad to get back home a couple of days later though, nothing like your own bed. I'm almost a week post-op and am starting thick liquids. This has been MUCH more satisfying to me. I'm not that hungry (mainly 'head' hunger) I am taking each day as a learning experience. I look forward to the day that my band and I will become good friends :confused: We are learning each other right now, and I am an open book, willing to learn and make new chapters in my life, with its help.

Well I DID make it. Not without some quick thinking and shuffling, but I did it. I got to Mexico and was informed that I'd have to have the surgery that same day! I was a little nervous, had to mentally prepare myself (thought I'd at least get a good last meal in...) but I came to get banded so lets get on with it! The process was as good as I've ever been through in a US hospital. Very comforting nurses and procedures were identical to those in U.S. I was glad to get back home a couple of days later though, nothing like your own bed. I'm almost a week post-op and am starting thick liquids. This has been MUCH more satisfying to me. I'm not that hungry (mainly 'head' hunger) I am taking each day as a learning experience. I look forward to the day that my band and I will become good friends :Banane59: We are learning each other right now, and I am an open book, willing to learn and make new chapters in my life, with its help.